How to Clean Makeup Brushes

This is something I definitely do not do often enough. Which is fine when it comes to eye shadow brushes, 'cuz I put some foundation under my eye shadow, so who cares if my brush isn't clean.

BUT, when it comes to foundation, powder, or cover up brushes, they should really be cleaned every week. Two weeks at the latest.

After cleaning, you should notice your brushes feel softer, and look nicer. Most importantly, they're free of dust, grime, and germs. If you've never cleaned your brushes, beginning to wash them regularly may help your complexion, too!

I've read a bunch of ways to clean brushes; the way i clean them is a combination of a bunch of techniques i've read. Anyway I cleaned all these brushes 'the long way' (see below) and it took about half an hour.

The Long Way

1. Get a container that you can use as a wash bin. I use a red solo cup and dump out the water every couple brushes. 
2. Put a few drops of non-drying shampoo in your container (more if you're using something larger than a cup). I use hotel 'conditioning shampoo' because it's moisturizing (not drying) and because my dad has a whole drawer full. A lot of people recommend baby shampoo, too.
3. Add warm water to the container (it should get bubbly if you have enough shampoo). DO NOT use hot water, you can melt the glue that holds the bristles in place!
4. Take one brush at a time, and swirl it in the water. Squeeze water out against the side of the container. continue to swirl brush in soapy water until water squeezed out is clear. 
5. For really, REALLY dirty brushes, like foundation brushes, squeeze shampoo into the palm of your hand and swirl the brush in it till it lathers. Rinse and repeat till almost clean, then swirl some more in warm soapy water.
6. When brush is clean (water squeezed against the side of your container comes out completely clear) rinse with bristles facing downward under cold water to get rid of soap.
7. Reshape the brush as best you can. Don't worry if it isn't perfect, it should go back to its shape when dry.
8. Dry  on clean towel, with bristles facing down. Never dry standing up - you want water to run out of the bristles, not get caught where the bristles attach and slowly erode the glue that holds them in. To tip my brushes downward, i rolled up a shirt to lean them against. 
9. Repeat with each brush, getting new water when it gets dirty. ALWAYS wash foundation brushes in completely clean water.
10. Small brushes take an hour or two to dry. Leave big brushes overnight if possible. 

The Short Way

Obviously this technique wont get your brushes as clean as the other will, but if you're pressed for time and haven't cleaned your brushes recently, it will do.

1. Get a container, like the one mentioned above.
2. Add a few drops of non-drying shampoo and warm water.
3. Swirl brushes in the water one at a time.
4. Rinse in cold water.
5. Dry as mentioned above with bristles down.