24 Best Makeup Brushes of 2022, According to Celebrity Pros

Worried about bacteria hiding in your makeup brushes? Consider switching to synthetic fibers, which Ray says are easier to clean and often cost less. “For smoothing and blurring makeup, I love to use Pat McGrath’s Sublime Perfection Powder Brush,” says Ray. “It’s slightly tapered at the tip, which allows more precise placement of the product. This brush is also made of synthetic bristles, which are growing in popularity across the beauty industry. Typically, synthetic brushes are less expensive, hold less bacteria, and are easier to clean. And with advancements in technology, companies are now able to emulate natural bristles with their synthetic fibers.”

Speaking of cleaning your brushes, here are the artist’s tips: “I would recommend cleaning your personal brushes at least once per week. With a fragrance-free mild soap or baby shampoo, gently work the brush under water until it runs clear. Remember to dry your brushes with bristles pointing down. This step prevents water from seeping into the ferrule [the metal fastener] and damaging any adhesive that keeps the bristles in place. If you aren’t able to completely dry your brushes this way, you can also lay them on an angle pointing down. For good measure, I recommend saving the plastic protectors that come with new brushes. These will help your brushes maintain their original shapes over time.”