High quality makeup brushes last longer and work better than cheap ones. So they’re worth the investment, but you do need to take good care of them. Wash them regularly because the makeup can damage the bristles. Use shampoo, hair conditioner or a very gentle dish washing liquid. Rinse, squeeze out the excess liquid, then lay them flat on a towel. Drying them upside down can cause water to drip down into the base of the brush, loosening the glue or causing the handle to rot from inside.