Make-up Brushes 101

Girls, Most of us wear make-up right? And we love to sit on the internet and gaga over all sorts of beautiful, sparkly tubes and brushes… Let’s get real though, how much do we really know about what we use to apply our make up?

I’m going to help you out here because there’s a plethora of brushes out there and sometimes it can be overwhelming… This is my guide for your next make-up haul. 

These are your essentials:

The Blush Brush

It pays to invest in a good blush brush, it does it all. It picks up and deposits blush to define, contour and shade your cheeks. It should be applied in a circular motion to the apples of your cheeks, all you have to do is look in the mirror and smile.

Blush Brush by M.A.C ©

Eyeliner Brush

It’s so very versatile. Apply precise line, to soften and blend for a smokey eye. It’s important to have a brush with a flat head and stiff bristles (It shouldn’t be wider than the tip of your finger) An angled brush is most universal and allows for control whether you are using liquid, gel or powder.

Eyeliner Brush by CALA ©

Foundation Brush

If you aren’t keen on using your fingers to apply your foundation then investing in a great foundation brush can only be a good idea. It will give you a great airbrushed look.

Foundation Brush by Chanel ©

Bronzer Brush

A fluffy brush is essential, it adds dimension to your face with a matte bronzer which is hard to achieve with your fingers.

Bronzer Brush by Bobbi Brown ©

Crease Brush

You can basically apply all of your eye shadow using this brush, use the flat side to add colour to the lid and the tip to add dimension and blend.

Crease Brush by NYX ©

These are nice to have:

Contour Brush

You probably won’t contour your face everyday but when you put in the time and effort to do it, this brush will help it be perfect.

Contour Brush by M.A.C ©

Highlighting Brush

With its small tapered tip to add highlights to the high points of your face, you can do it with your fingers but who doesn’t want to add another brush to their collection?

Highlighting Brush by Sephora ©

Shader Brush

This is practically like a crease brush, it just take your look to new heights.

Shading Brush by M.A.C ©

Blending Brush

More eye shadow awesomeness, you’re going to want this gem, it does exactly what the name says, blends, harsh and unwanted lines.

Blending Brush by M.A.C ©

Concealer Brush

Definitely nice to have when working with creamy cover ups but, it’s totally acceptable to use your fingers.

Concealer Brush by Make up Forever ©

Now that you have all these exciting brushes to play with, you have to keep them clean and here’s how:

1. Start by running your brushes under lukewarm water, rinsing out all the residual make-up. Try to avoid the part of the brush where the handle meets the head, it can loosen the glue over time. Focus on the bristles.
2. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and squirt a small amount of shampoo (Baby shampoo is good or shampoo specific for your brushes), gently swirl your brush tip in the water. If need be, gently swirl the brush in  the palm of your hand to work up a lather.
3. Rinse the brush tip under water again. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until the water runs clear from the brush.
4. Use a lint free cloth to wipe your brushes clean, shaping them as you go.
5. Lay them out on a clean cloth and leave to dry over night.

Simple as that, got a drawer full of brushes? Which is your favourite? Share your tips with me.

S

xoxo