Gentlemen:

I have applied soap or cream to my Hollywood face in tight circles for years and my brushes continue to function well and without noticeable damage.

In essence, then, swirling the brush in a mug to load it with soap causes damage as well. In which case we're at an impasse, since I know of no other way to load the brush.

Perhaps brush experts are correct when they promote the paint brush motion over swirling, but experience is my argument about such a claim.

Regards,

Obie