Longevity is a testament to the craftsmanship of a product, and Japanese Kumanofude brushes are made to last. With a few tips on how to take care of the brushes you've invested in, you can keep them in prime condition for years to come.
Ask the Artisans: Brush Care Q&A
WHAT IS THE BEST PRACTICE FOR KEEPING BRUSHES CLEAN?
(Chikuhodo) The less often you wash it, the better, but the timing of washing should depend on the condition of the tips rather than the quality of the hair. In order to reduce the number of times you have to wash, please take good care of your tips by using tissue removal.
(Koyudo) Goat roughly once a month, squirrel and silver fox once approximately every three months.
(Tanseido) Squirrel-type bristles are fine and soft, so if they get dirty, we recommend washing them with neutral detergent and rinsing.
CAN WIPING NATURAL BRISTLES ON A TOWEL DAMAGE THEM?
(Houkodou) Normally, remove cosmetics by gently dabbing the brush on a tissue. Towels have coarse fibers, so for brushes made of delicate materials, we recommend using a tissue. If the brush is heavily soiled, use a cleaning agent for brushes.
(Tanseido) We recommend using a Japanese towel. Please wipe off carefully. Wipe it lightly in the shape of a straight brush and stand it up on a cup or other holder. Please use a suitable shampoo to wash.
(Kyureido) Immediately after applying makeup, use a tissue instead of a towel to lightly brush off the brushes until no powder comes out. After washing brushes, wrap it with a dry towel and lightly press down to wipe off the moisture. It is not necessary to wash brushes every time after use.
WHERE AND HOW IS BEST TO STORE FUDE BRUSHES?
(Houkodou) When storing brushes as new, we recommend adding camphor or other insect repellent. When storing brushes after use, there is no possibility of insects eating the brushes since they are covered with cosmetics. However, if the brush is kept in an airtight container, it will accelerate the growth of bacteria, so please keep it in a well-ventilated place.
(Kyureido) It is best to store them in a cylinder like a pen holder or in a pouch or case designed for makeup brushes.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO REPLACE A FUDE BRUSH?
(Houkodou) The lifespan of a brush depends on its care, but it also depends on the stiffness of the bristles. Soft squirrel bristles can be used for a long time even if the bristles wear out. If you feel a stinging sensation when you put it on your skin, or if cosmetics do not adhere well to it, you can say that it has reached the end of its life.
(Kyureido) If the brush does not apply makeup well after washing, or if the bristles fall out easily, it is time to replace it.
Daily Care
LIP & EYE BRUSHES
Make sure that you remove any excess product from the bristles by gently sweeping the brush across a soft tissue. These types of small brushes do not need frequent washing if kept in clean condition, without product left on the bristles.
POWDER, CHEEK & FINISHING BRUSHES
Remove any excess product, by tapping powder left on the bristles or wiping your powder and liquid brushes gently on a soft tissue or cloth. Do not rub the bristle too hard during this process as it could damage the hairs and cause them to shed.
How to Wash Your Brushes
What you'll need
- Water (room temperature)
- Neutral detergent (such as Chikuhodo cleaning liquid) or Houkodou cleaning liquid)
- Towel or soft cloth (a type with microfiber is the best)
- Tissue
- Comb (optional)
1. Wipe all excess product off your brushes on a microfibre towel.
2. Dilute the neutral detergent in a bowl of water. For big powder brushes, soak the bristles using running water. Wash the bristles of your brushes up to the ferrule by swishing the brush in circular motions. This can also be done on the palm of your hand. Try not to get the handle or ferrule wet too much, as it is not good for some brush that’s made of wood.
3. Gently squeeze the brush with fingers towards the tip to remove any makeup left in the bristle. Rinse the brush with fresh water thoroughly to ensure there is no soap or shampoo left.
4. Gently squeeze the bristle with a towel and shake off any excess water.
5. Shape the bristle into the original shape, and leave it in the shade to dry naturally. Make sure that bristle is completely dry before use. Do not use a dryer and avoid leaving it under direct sunlight as this may cause damage to the hair.
Brush Storage
For your favorite brushes for daily use, place them in a glass or holder, keeping them bristle up.
If you plan to store the brushes for a long period of time (1+ months), make sure that it is clean and completely dry. Place it in a storage cover or the original case if you have it, to ensure the cleanest, driest environment possible to keep it in the best condition.
It's recommended that you use your Fude brushes at least once a month (which shouldn't be hard!), as the brushes may shed with prolonged storage.
