Essential brushes that you actually need!
A flawless make up application starts with using the right tools, but the everyday make up bag actually only needs a few key tools to create a professional finish. You dont need to spend hundreds of pounds on a proffesional kit or anything like that, but I truly beleive that investing in and using the right makeup tools will not only help give you a flawless makeup look, but you'll actually save money in the long run.
Seriously, you'll use less product, it's more hygienic and as a result your makeup will last longer.
Seriously, you'll use less product, it's more hygienic and as a result your makeup will last longer.
But with so many different shapes and materials of brushes, it can be difficult to know where to start, even with the basics....which ones do you actually need? And what do they do?
Here I will explain which tools are totally necessary, how to use and care for them.
When choosing your makeup brushes, it's imporatant think about the material. The makeup you use will help you determine whether to choose natural, real hair (i.e. goat hair ) or synthetic, fake hair usually made of acrylic or plastic.
Natural brushes are better for dry products like blush and eyeshadow and synthetic brushes are best suited for cream or liquid products like concealer or foundation because they soak up less product than natural hair.
Natural brushes are better for dry products like blush and eyeshadow and synthetic brushes are best suited for cream or liquid products like concealer or foundation because they soak up less product than natural hair.
So where do you start?....
Face
Foundation Brush/Stipple Brush/Blending Brush
Why you need it: This type of brush is amazing for blending and buffing foundation on to the skin, yes it's fine to use fingers, sponge application etc but the shape of these brushes is perfect for a smooth application with just the right amount of product and itwill really work to cover pores for a flawless finish.
How to use it: It is best used by dipping the brush into foundation, or putting the foundation onto the back of your hand and buffing the foundation on to skin using a circular motion. Start on the cheeks in the centre of the face and blend back towards the hairline. It really is a fool proof way of applying your foundation.
Large Face Brush
Why you need it: This is a must-have brush for dusting powder on the face, and I mean dusting - there is no point in spending the time in a applying your foundation and then scrubing a brush over your face to apply a powder, your foundation will end up uneven and the powder, pointless. You really will be wasting your time. By using this to dust powder onto your face you will use less product than with a puff and it gives a more even, natural-looking finish. However by using a 'press and role' method with a powder puff you may use more product but you will achieve a flawless, matt look and really fill in those pores.
How to use it: Dip your brush in powder and tap off any excess, using a light sweeping motion, brush lightly over skin following the natural contours of the face.
Blush Brush
How to use it: Sweep shadow over the lids from the inside of the eye, outwards. Or use to pat the colour on to achieve a more intense, pigmented look.
Why you need it: The blending brush is the ultimate to acheive a proffesional, blended eye colour it can really get into the crease of your eye and define your lid with precision while softening any harsh edges to give your eyeshadow a really natural, shaded look.
How to use it: You can dip the tip of the brush into eyeshadow using a circular motion and then tap off the excess then just using the tip of the brush, start on the outer edge of the eye crease and blend backwards and forwards through the crease using a windshield wiper action. This will contour your eye and work to give you a smoky eye look. You can also use it to blend your eyeshadow which you have applied with your eyeshadow brush.
Eye Liner/Brow Brush
How to use it: It is best used by dipping the brush into foundation, or putting the foundation onto the back of your hand and buffing the foundation on to skin using a circular motion. Start on the cheeks in the centre of the face and blend back towards the hairline. It really is a fool proof way of applying your foundation.
Large Face Brush
How to use it: Dip your brush in powder and tap off any excess, using a light sweeping motion, brush lightly over skin following the natural contours of the face.
Blush Brush
Why you need it: A blush brush that is ultra soft and has long bristles, so as not to disturb foundation or irritate the skin is ideal for adding color to the cheeks.
How to use it: Use the brush to sweep blush and bronzer upwards onto the cheekbones, from the apple of the cheek up towards the ear.
Eyes
Eyeshadow Brush
Why you need it: This is the brush you need to apply color on lids, as it will give your lids a smooth finish and more intense pigment than a fluffier brush would.
How to use it: Sweep shadow over the lids from the inside of the eye, outwards. Or use to pat the colour on to achieve a more intense, pigmented look.
Blending Brush
How to use it: You can dip the tip of the brush into eyeshadow using a circular motion and then tap off the excess then just using the tip of the brush, start on the outer edge of the eye crease and blend backwards and forwards through the crease using a windshield wiper action. This will contour your eye and work to give you a smoky eye look. You can also use it to blend your eyeshadow which you have applied with your eyeshadow brush.
Eye Liner/Brow Brush
Why you need it: It's multi-purpose as it can be used on your lashline for eyeliner and your brow to fill it in. Plus it is the most user-friendly of the eyeliner brushes due to its easy-to-maneuver slanted angle.
How to use it: To apply liner place the brush on the inner corner of the eye and pressing into the lashline, "walking" the brush across to create a perfect line. To create "a winged edge," by simply pulling "out slightly past the edge of the eye." For the eyebrows, use it to "fill in sparse brows with powder," by using short strokes over your natural brow shape.
How to use it: To apply liner place the brush on the inner corner of the eye and pressing into the lashline, "walking" the brush across to create a perfect line. To create "a winged edge," by simply pulling "out slightly past the edge of the eye." For the eyebrows, use it to "fill in sparse brows with powder," by using short strokes over your natural brow shape.
Purchasing your brushes, like most things.... you get what you pay for. MAC, in my opinion are the holy grail of brushes, but they aren't cheap. You can get cheaper brushes that do a good enough job, try Boots No7, E.L.F or Real Techniques, they offer a really decent range and are good value.
When you've invested in your brushes, its important to look after them. You wouldn't think twice about using the same cotton pad to cleanse you face morning and night would you? The same kind of applies with your brushes, whilst you dont need to wash them after every application, it's important to clean them on a regular basis. Not only to prolong the life but to prevent the spread of germs too.
Cleaning your brushes is really easy (I suggest cleaning them once a week) I use a cheap shampoo for my personal kit, but you can buy specialist brush cleaner (which I use for my professional kit)
To wash them with shampoo simply add a drop of shampoo to the palm of your hand and swirl the brushes around and then thoroughly rinse, in luke warm water. Let them dry flat on a towel, if they dry upright, the water will drain into the metal casing and break down the glue causing bristle loss.
If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them, drop me a line below :)
x
