The 411 on Makeup Brushes!

Hey Everyone!!! I hope you had a BEAUTIFUL Christmas holiday!!!

I've been uber busy with holiday preparation and LIFE in general, but I'm back!!! =) One of my good friends asked me to provide some information about Makeup Brushes, so *drumroll please!* heeeeeerrrrrrre we gooooooo!!!!!

Your makeup brushes are your TOOLS...this is serious business! You will utilize them a countless amount of times to enhance your already gorgeous face, therefore you should protect them and guard them with your life. :-)

Using your makeup brushes in the way each one was designed to be used will substantially determine the difference between your makeup appearing as "sketchy", "just okay" OR quality and professional. They allow you to apply just the right amount of makeup to your face without using too little, or too much product. Get familiar with the different types of brushes and their functions, and include at least one of each in your collection:

 Brush Types:

*Blush Brush

*Concealer Brush

*Brow Brush

*Brow Grooming Brush

*Eye Blender Brush

*Eye Contour Brush

*Eye Shader Brush

*Eye Shadow Brush

*Eye Smudge Brush

*Eyelash Comb

*Eyeliner Brush (Angled)

*Eyeliner Brush (Flat)

*Face Blender Brush

*Kabuki Brush

*Foundation Brush

*Fan Brush

*Lip Brush

*Powder Brush

  A Few Other Must-Have Tools:

 

*Eyelash Curler

 

*Sponges

 

*Tweezers

 

First, you want to make sure that the brush texture is soft, and easy to clean. Whether the bristles are natural or synthetic, you want to be sure that your brushes are well bound. You can spend a TON of money on a professional brand, but if your brushes start leaving hairs on your face, shedding and falling apart....that's a bad deal!

According to Bobbi Brown, Natural bristles (such as squirrel, goat, pony, or sable) are very soft and offer a more blended, natural application. They're best for working with powder-based products-blush, powder, and eye shadow. Synthetic bristles are the best choice for brushes that will be used with creamy products, such as concealer, gel liners, and lip colors. They are generally stiffer than natural hair, so they give you greater control and a more precise application. I totally agree with her.

 My Favorite Brands: Japonesque (Ulta, Sephora, Beauty Brands); GloMinerals; Estee Lauder
 
More Affordable Brands: Iman; SoHo; Eco Tools (Walgreens, CVS)

Brush Cleaning: I love Glo Minerals or Japonesque brush cleaners for quick cleaning, however you should be deep cleaning your brushes once a week. For that task, a shampoo or simple liquid hand soap will do the job. With your brush bristles pointing downwards, hold under a soft stream of lukewarm water. Gently rub a bit of the soap onto the brushes, creating a light lather. Keeping the brush downwards, rinse out soap and repeat until no more color is left in the brush. Softly wring the water out of the brush, and lay flat on a paper towel. Let the bristles hang over the edge of your counter in order to protect their shape while they dry. Remember: You want your bristles to stay bound tightly together and connected to your handle, so definitely handle your brushes with special care while cleaning them!! Voila, you're done! =)

If you have any questions about the functions of a specific brush, or any other inquiries, let's discuss!

I also offer personal demonstrations, so if you're interested in learning a few tricks....speak up!!! =) 

XOXO,

 

~Carmen~