Do new brushes ever have like powder on them?

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Sep 5, 2016

Kitty K.

I have never had powder come off. I would wash them and disinfect them if you cannot exchange them!
I would also look at reviews just to verify. If it's normal for them to come with powder, people will mention it.

Sep 5, 2016

Kitty K.

No problem and good luck!

Sep 5, 2016

Jamie D.

I would just wash them and call it a day! I've bought used makeup brushes before (weird I know, but they were beautiful) and if you deep clean them when you get them they should be fine! Just like how MUA's will sanitize their brushes between clients, if you wash them, it should clean out any bacteria if anyone else has used them.

Sep 6, 2016

Jamie D.

It depends! I used a brush shampoo that was alcohol free, because the brushes I bought were natural bristle and not synthetic, and alcohol can be damaging to natural bristles.

That being said, what you bought from TJ Maxx is most likely synthetic, so swirling your brushes in rubbing alcohol and then wiping off the excess on a towel one time probably won't hurt them. I'd actually take it a step further - sanitize with a little alcohol, and then deep clean. You can use a brush soap, baby shampoo, or any gentle cleanser to do the deep clean. Rinse under water, get a little soap on them, suds it up, rinse, and then set out to dry. Make sure to always keep the brush bristles pointing downward while your washing it, and don't get any water into the ferrule, or the metal (or plastic) area that separates the bristles from the rest of the handle (if that makes sense?). Basically, you don't want water to deep down into the bristles and loosen the glue that keeps them in place. I hope that makes sense lol.

Sep 6, 2016

Jamie D.

No problem! I know it's kinda gross, and there are definitely people who would rather just return them, but if you can clean them thoroughly and it's a big hassle, then you might as well keep them!

I just wanted to add that I would use around 70% rubbing alcohol if you can for the best clean.

Sep 6, 2016

Alma M.

Cala brushes don't have powder on them. :)

Sep 6, 2016

Breeze T.

One thing that I have seen is when you use aloe vera to "bunch together" the bristles and shape them, when you swirl it onto your hand to remove the crunch you'll see some powdery stuff come off. Was it a bit stiff on the outside?

Sep 12, 2016

Roz X.

Meg, TJ Maxx largely deals in a lot of overstock and so, in my own TJ Maxx, returns or previously opened packages are marked as such, which lets the consumer decide if that's something they are comfortable with. I've seen this vary from store to store and so it may fall upon the Manager. If you are buying what is being 'sold' as new, then you have every right to expect that. I'm glad that it all worked out for you in the end.

Jamie, I don't think it's gross to purchase previously-owned brushes in any way. People purchase vintage clothing, hair pins, jewelry, etc. all of the time, which is intensely personal since people perspire with even simple, one time wear. I think if prior to your purchase, the brushes were cleaned and if they are/were truly as beautiful as you say they are, then they were clearly carefully cared for in a professional manner prior to your purchase. I know how pricey Pro-grade, quality brushes can be.

Surgical instruments...our dentists...literally *every* barber and hairdresser.....these tools are used over and over and over without the expectation they are new with each use. The only important part, in my opinion, is that something is disinfected with each use in a manner in keeping with industry requirements and standards for that field. You aren't alone in using a brush previously used and then disinfected. Every respectable, educated make up artist using their brushes in kits disinfects between clients and then resets back to zero. It sounds like you were able to take advantage of acquiring some lovely tools and so you shouldn't feel as if they are somehow less wonderful than if they were 'store' new.

So glad it worked out for you.
I think there's something to be said for your repurposing tools in a world so quick to toss so much aside, to find a bargain and give wonderful goodies a new life. I hope you are enjoying your brushes and I hope you never feel the need to defend the purchase or their fabulousness.  :)

Sep 13, 2016

Jamie D.

Rozberry, I definitely agree! Admittedly I did somewhat feel a need to defend myself - some people take "sanitation" related things very seriously when it comes to repurposing any product. While I agree with everything you said, I didn't want to be called out or called gross. Thank you, though, because you're right I shouldn't have to justify myself! And I can assure you that despite my feeling that I needed to defend myself, I have never once thought of my brushes as anything but superior! They are an absolutely stunning Chikuhodo Passion Series set that I was able to acquire much cheaper thanks to an amazing, fabulous, knowledgable friend and I am extremely grateful and fortunate to have been able to do so :)