Growing up and dipping my toe into the infinite pool of make-up, I thought there was only a small collection of brushes available and that you had to use them til they disintegrated! I remember using a small dual-tip eyeshadow sponge brush for everything! In one particular case, I was given a "mermaids" make-up set when I was six years old which had some extremely vibrant cream eyeshadows (which also stained your skin), and using one side of the sponge brush for all colours. Safe to say the palette and my face looked like an explosion in a paint factory.
Learning as I got older, my world opened up when I visited the make-up section in a local beauty store realising you can buy as many brushes as you want (yes, I know that sounds stupid. I was a little girl!). Not only that, the number of types of brushes! I now own over 50 brushes, 32 of which belong in a sleek black set - only for special occasions.
This post is to provide a quick description of the most basic brushes available.
First things first. When choosing your "tools" for application, the quality of the brushes will determine the quality of your make-up application. Handles must be sturdy and the bristles securely fastened. There are two types of hair used: synthetic and natural. Synthetic bristles are suitable for plastic and creamy textures like foundations, concealers and lip colours. Natural hair is normally animal hair (camel, horse,...), often used for applying shadows. I personally only use synthetic brushes, being an animal lover.
Powder Brush: Large with soft rounded bristles which pick up the perfect amount of colour and easily distributed onto the skin. Shake away any excess before using on skin.
Bevelled/Blush Brush: Shorter on one side, used for applying blushes and highlighters. The shape provides easy application which can help achieve a natural definition of the face.
Foundation Brush: Synthetic bristles, round and relatively flat. Used to apply liquid and cream foundations for a smooth complexion. The long hairs allow an even spread.
Corrector/Concealer Brush: Synthetic bristles, flat, rigid and rounded. Used for liquid correctors and concealers to hide dark circles, redness and other blemishes. The rounded shape helps with delicate application, full coverage and minimal traces.
Lip Brush: Hair is small, compact and flattened. Used to outline or fill the lips. Its fine cut allows tracing the lip contour very precisely with the point of the brush and filling in the lips with the broad side of the brush.
Fan Brush: Long, soft bristles. Used to remove excess eye shadow powder or to gently sweep and highlight the cheeks.
Eyebrow Brush: Short, firm bristles to smooth the eyebrows. Sometimes with a 'smudger' for colour onto the eyebrows or doubled up with a comb (eyelash brush).
Eyeshadow Brush: Usually comes in three sizes (small, medium, large). Used for the eyelids to blend colour. Its slightly flared shape allows dusting to soften the make-up.
Eyeliner Brush: Very fine, thin but rigid bristles. Used for a single stroke application.
Eye-crease Brush: Usually made with natural hair. Used for applying medium to dark powdered eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eye and outer corner of the eyelid to create a gradual colouring. The tapered end allows a softer finish.
Skunk Brush: Can be made from natural or synthetic hairs and is multifunctional. Used for either liquid or powder foundation. As the hairs are not so compact, the application is quite light so I prefer to use it for powders.
It is very important that you keep your make-up brushes clean. This avoids make-up clogging up the bristles and ultimately damaging them but also it helps prevent infections/bacteria that can pass from skin to skin - nobody wants that!
Easy steps to cleaning your brushes.
1) Dampen the brush slightly with lukewarm water.
2) Use a mild shampoo/hand wash and place a small amount in the palm of your hand.
3) Slowly add warm water to create a lather and start to swirl your brush so that it becomes saturated.
4) Gently squeeze out excess lather and rinse with warm water.
5) Repeat if necessary (may apply to the bigger brushes).
6) Gently pat dry with a hand towel.
Its that easy.
That's all for now, have nice a day!
Love love xxx
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