Bruhes don't have to be as complicated as they look.
I’ll be honest. Makeup brushes in bunches like the ones shown above used to intimidate me. I was a huge fan of getting my makeup done every weekend, sometimes more than once a week prior to becoming a professional makeup artist. In fact, that little hobby of mine started becoming expensive for me so I was determined to become a professional makeup artist, and learn everything about the industry and craft.
The brush rolls always sparked tons of questions like… How many do you have? How many do you need? Is there a special use for each one? How do you wash them? And the list goes on.
As I got became more knowledgeable about makeup I realized that each brush was special in its own way, and that a lot of them could be used for the same techniques.
I’m putting together this blog to help you understand what some brushes are for, how to clean them, how to store them, and other fun tools I think would be awesome in your makeup bags or kits.
I will separate the brushes you might think are useful to you into categories of three. Brushes for: Applying Makeup, Blending Makeup, and Setting Makeup.
I think one of the best tools I have in my kit that’s not a brush is Beauty Blender
The most awesome pink shaped sponge you'll ever get to know. Lol.
This amazing tool designed by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Rea Ann Silva.
Has been designed to be used moist. Spritz it with water or rose water to get it moist, and use it to blend out any makeup or blend in your moisturizers. This will leave the skin moisturized, keeping it from flaking while you blend out your makeup to ensure the sheerest application.
Makeup Brushes for Applying makeup:
Moisturizers and foundations are products you would be applying. If not working on a client I like to use my hands to applying moisturizers and foundations. The warmth of my hands really help the product adhere to my face.
For clients or special types of makeup I like to use the following brushes:
Basic brushes for applying product.
MUD Foundation brush #940
Essences of Beauty double sided flat foundation & Concealer brush
Mud flat small rounded tip #320 & #330
MAC #187 Duo Stippling brush
I’ve listed the type of brushes followed by links to sites where you can find more details on each brush.
1st, Very handy to have are flat foundation brushes, and smaller concealer flat brushes. These are great for applying foundations smoothly on the face, and darker foundations for contouring the face. I like the use the flatter concealer brushes to help get closest to my waterline for best under eye concealer applications, you can also use these to apply eye primers before eyeshadows. Another favorite use I have for the smaller flat brushes are to apply darker creams on the side the nose for natural looking nose contouring.
Finally the #187 stipple brush is great for applying moisturizers, and foundations on acne. The stipple brushes helps get smooth applications on textured skin.
After all applications, I always blend with a moist Beauty Blender.
Youtube blogger EnKoreMakeup demonstrates the difference in foundations paddle brushes, and the stippling brush.
Everyone is different, and not everyone likes to use these brushes for applying product. These are simply my favorite, and I’m sharing to help you find what works best for you.
Check out Part 2 of this blog for blending brushes.
For frequent updates stay connected with my Facebook Page.
You can also follow me on twitter. @Lobstaluvs