Selecting makeup brushes
The bristles should feel soft, not rough, or scratchy. To test the strength of the bristles, run the brush against your hand to see if any fibers fall out. If they do, don't buy it. If the bristles stay intact and feel soft, it's a keeper.
How many Brushes do you REALLY need?
It is not as many as you would think. You truly only need a 3-4 brushes if you are a beginner – a flat eyeshadow brush, a crease brush, eyeliner brush and a blush/powder bronzer brush. That's it!!!
How many makeup brushes do you want? What makeup brushes do I need in my kit?
So, without further ado, these are the seven makeup brushes everyone should have in their kit.
· Blender Brush
· Blush Brush
· Concealer Brush
· Powder Brush
· Eyeliner Brush
· Double-Ended Shadow Brush
· Brow Brush
1. Blender Brush
This tool is great for working with foundations and liquid-based products. For that airbrushed look, work this brush into your bag of tricks. Think smoky! your blending and building your abilities. To use, simply buff out and blend in the areas where added color correction is appropriate. You may want to look into the Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush ($58, sephora.com)
2. Blush Brush
For your blush brush you’re looking for a feathery feel with long bristles that are ideal for bringing life into your cheeks. A softer bristle will create a more subtle flush, and a more densely packed brush will deliver a more potent color payout. As well, many of these brushes are created with an angle to help you contour your cheekbones and define your structure with shading. To use simply smile to find the apples of your cheeks and sweep the product upwards towards the ears. You may want to look into the Julep Blush Brush ($24, julep.com)
3. Concealer Brush
These brushes are great for hiding any signs of a breakout with ease. The pointed part of the brush/tip will allow you to build color and create coverage where you’d like. On the other hand, a more rounded brush is used to contour your creases and conceal dark under eyes. You may want to look into Kevyn Aucoin The Concealer Brush ($38, sephora.com)
4. Powder Brush
Whether you prefer to lose or pressed powders, these bristles will distribute the product evenly through your complexion. This type of brush also happens to be the most used brush, making it a must-own if you don’t already. This tool is also great for your finishing touches such as setting powder. To use make sure you’re applying product with large sweeping motions across the face and buffing where necessary. You may want to look into the M.A.C Cosmetics 134 Large Powder Brush ($63, maccosmetics.com)
5. Eyeliner Brush
This is another brush that can work multiple jobs for the price of one. From winged liner to darkened waterlines and straight edges, this tool will be your right-hand man. When applying liquid liner, make sure you’re gripping the tool like you would hold a pencil, holding it closer to the base rather than the brush bristles. This technique will take practice, but it ensures a cleaner line. You may want to look into the Sephora Collection Precision Eyeliner Brush #92 ($15, sephora.com)
6. Double-Ended Shadow Brush
Finding the right eye shadow brush can be complicated, considering that there’s much to choose from. For the everyday application, though, one multi-purpose brush is more than enough. This double-duty tool is small enough for blending your shadows and flat enough to pick up the product. Just remember to avoid applying your shadow with a heavy hand, as it’s considerably easier to build color than it is to subtract. To use effectively, sweep the shadow over the lid, starting from the inner corner working outwards, blending, and buffing lightly. You may want to look into the Urban Decay Naked Basics Double Ended Brush.
Brow Brush
Brows are having a considerable beauty moment, and this brush will help you fill in those sparse and fine hairs to give you fuller brows. Just work the wand upwards to create a more feathered and natural arch. And by using shorter brush strokes, apply the product up and outwards in short, light strokes. You may want to look into the WAXON Waxbar Brow Brush ($15, waxon.ca)
What do I wash my makeup brushes with?
What should you use to clean your makeup brushes? The best and most thorough method for cleaning your tools requires water and either a gentle soap (regular soaps can dry out the bristles, especially if they are made of natural hair) or brush cleanser
Can makeup brushes cause wrinkles?
That's right — another bad habit that leads to wrinkles. "Dirty makeup brushes can expose the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals, which causes a breakdown of collagen and elastin and can result in premature aging". And, not using the brushes appropriately can cause some serious skin damage.