KNOW YOUR BRUSHES

Using the right brush is instrumental in achieving a flawless finish

As you stand by watching, in any department store, the glamorous make up counters and their theatrical displays of genius! The tools of their trade tucked neatly into a cute little makeup brush belt…the thing to replicate here is the brushes! The ones that can achieve a flawless movie star finish. There are just so many to choose from though & which one does what? Well…I’ve tried to demystify here.

Brushes

So do you go for masses and have loads? or just a few and utilise them for multiple purposes? That's sort of personal choice and there is no right or wrong...the only wrong with brushes is not cleaning them ...and not cleaning them regularly! it's officially a sin!! There are key ones that you specifically need ...even if you don't have a fancy schmancy makeup brush belt. Well my current favourite solution is a kit that simply has it all in one set!! Love, love. love! This little cutie is from Oscar Charles via Amazon here

Foundation Brush

The foundation application option here is a brush or a sponge ...hhhhmmmm ...some even advocate using your clean fingers. If you're using powder/mineral foundation then a foundation brush is your gal! Further choices now enter the beauty room ...synthetic bristles or natural. Personally, on his occasion I'm all about the fake! they're easier to maintain and therefore more hygenic and are so advanced now that it's a no-brainer for me.

Blending Sponge

The beauty (pardon the pun!) of using a sponge is that you can achieve a perfect airbrushed finish which is why they have acheived such star sttus on the circuit. They sheer out the makeup with their smooth shape & you don't get that irritating loose hairs thing you get with foundation brushes. They are great for blending a heavier foundation, cream blushers and concealers.

Talking of which concealer brushers are a must have too, for those under eye bags (sorry! but yes, we do all get them) and for those small areas that you need to conceal. Its more hygienic & you get a more even finish.

Powder Brush

So for those of you that use mineral powders then this is obviously a must have plus you can use it for the must have setting powder. It's like a dusting brush for your face and perfect for that light dusting movement required to apply.

Contour Brush

The easiest of this range (there are a lot of different options!) is the slanted one which blends the contour powder into your cheekbones, your jaw line and across the forehead.

Highlighter Brush

Fan brushes with long bristles help to achieve a lighter more diffused look or you may want to go for a brighter more opaque look which requires a short dense version.

Eyeshadow Brushes

So for eyeshadows we need a shader brush & a blending brush! Yes, I know ...sounds excessive but to apply the poweder you need a good quality shading brush (normally flat & with a rounded tip) and is used to apply the colour & pack the pigments in. The blender brush (typically tapered with fluffy bristles) just gently blends the shadow in.

Eyeliner Brushes

Always the tiniest of brushes but comes in various shape options (tapered/flattened/straight/slanted/angled) and can be used to apply gel or to diffuse powder eyeshadow into the eye lash curve.

Eyebrow Brush

The best one is a flat, blunt & angeld bristle to draw into the individual eyebrow hairs using a powder or gel.

Lip Brush

Similar to a concealer brush but smaller & more angled to achieve the perfect cupids bow pout. Normally it has a cap so it can be slipped into your bag for those essential little touch ups. It's main function is to blend in the lipstick to the lip liner to soften the whole effect.