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 Ever so often the importance of the right makeup brush
is underestimated. Flawless makeup application lies in using the
right tools to blend and give precise outlines.
Some women use their fingers, some sponge applicators, but when it
comes to great-looking makeup, most women want to use makeup brushes.
Makeup brushes, like artists' brushes, have different shapes for
different uses. Some are round and full, some pointed and thin.
Makeup brushes, again like artists' brushes, may be made of natural
or synthetic materials. Sable (horse hair) is always a popular choice
for makeup brushes, since it is soft and washable. However, good
synthetic brushes are also available.
Makeup brushes come in nearly endless variety, for every possible
kind of cosmetic application. A basic brush is the powder brush. This
will usually be the largest, fullest brush in a set. It is designed
to apply loose powder so it does not cake on the skin. A foundation
brush is also a large brush, but with flat bristles. This brush helps
apply liquid or crème base evenly. This brush can also be moistened
for a sheer finish.
Other makeup
brushes include those for blush, eye shadow, eyeliner
and lipstick. A lipstick brush is tapered and thin for precise
lipstick application, as is the eyeliner brush. The eye shadow brush
is short and flat, so the shadow can be applied smoothly. Makeup
artists also have a wide array of specialty makeup brushes, to create
a particular effect. These makeup brushes may have fan bristles, very
thick bristles or other specialty heads for fashion photography uses.
Makeup brushes may be available for purchase singly or in sets. Most
people will want to purchase an initial set, just to get some of the
basic brushes, and then may purchase others individually. A set
purchase may be somewhat cheaper than individual purchases, but it
depends on the person's preferences.
Makeup brushes can
usually be purchased anywhere cosmetics are sold. Price generally
equals quality with makeup brushes, so a person who can afford to
spend more money on them may want to do so.
Makeup brushes are an investment. Gentle and proper
care will ensure a lifetime of use.
Below, you can learn how to properly clean your makeup
brushes.
Makeup brushes are valuable tools and require proper care. Though
brushes are made with many different hairs and fibers, they generally
fall into one of two categories: natural hair makeup brushes
or synthetic
hair makeup brushes.
Natural hair makeup brushes are
made with many different animal hairs. The most common animal hair
types are squirrel, goat, sable, and pony. Almost all reputable
makeup brush companies harvest the hair in a safe and humane fashion,
and the hair is thoroughly treated and sanitized before
manufacturing.
Synthetic makeup brushes are
also made using a multitude of fiber types. Taklon and nylon are two
of the more popular fibers used in makeup brushes.
In caring for
makeup brushes, it is important to use a makeup brush cleaner. Makeup
brush cleansers not only effectively remove makeup and residue from
the makeup brushes, they disinfect and kill bacteria that can live in
the brushes.
Furthermore, most
makeup brush cleansers contain a lightweight conditioning additive to
keep both natural and synthetic makeup brushes soft. Brush cleansers
are widely available online and in stores.
When cleansing
synthetic hair brushes, you can substitute a mild face cleanser or
shampoo in place of the brush cleanser, if needed. Simply wet the
brush head, shampoo, rinse, and lay flat to dry as instructed below. Natural hair brushes
cannot withstand the astringent properties of a shampoo or face wash,
and over time, will dry out and become brittle.
Steps to Properly Cleaning Makeup Brushes
3. Paper
Towels or an Old, Clean Towel
1. Spray or
pour makeup brush cleaner onto the paper toweling or old towel.
2. Using back
and forth sweeping motions, wipe the brush head across the towel back
and forth until there is no more makeup residue being visibly removed
from the brush. Pour or spray more cleanser in clean areas of the
towel as needed.
3. Lay the
brush flat, with the brush head over an edge, to dry.
4. Repeat
with remaining brushes
1. Do not
grind or mash the brush head into the paper towel. Use gentle
pressure.
2. By laying
the brush flat to dry, moisture will not seep into the ferrule (the
metal part that attaches the hair to the brush handle). When moisture
is present in the ferrule, the glue loosens and brush hair begins to
fall out.
3. Clean
makeup brushes at least every two weeks, or when changing makeup
colours often.
4. Allow at
least four to eight hours for brushes to dry, depending on thickness
and fullness of the brush.
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