I hereby bring you, “the Big Brush off,” as the saying goes. I’m talking about makeup brushes, that is. Makeup application depends on the right tools, if you want to look flawless and seamlessly blended. I’ve gotten questions left and right about brushes, what kind to use, what I recommend, etc. I thought it best to answer these questions on the blog, so that I can just direct people here! This is a 3 part series that will break down the must haves for your vanity table and beauty tool kit. Ready?
First: What’s the diff?
Natural makeup brushes
Natural hairs have a follicle that cling to powder pigments, allowing them to be evenly distributed. They are made of goat, pony, squirrel and sable (which is the most expensive). Made from animal hair, it can be a bit pricey but worth the investment as they last a lifetime if cared for properly. They are made to pick up powder pigments freely and can spread the product better giving it a more diffused blended look because they are usually fluffy. Best for powders, bronzers, blush and eye shadow.
Synthetic makeup brushes
These are most composed of nylon, taklon or synthetic man made materials designed to pick up creams, gel liners, concealers and liquid formulations better. They are usually flat and best used for a smooth, precise and streak free application also like lipsticks. Synthetic hair like brushes are also good for wet application because the bristles stick together and don’t absorb too much product.
Important! How to wash your brushes
Cleaning your tools at least once a week is good if you apply makeup everyday and once a a month if not as often. This removes buildup of oils, pigments and breakout inducing bacteria that can contribute to breakouts on your face.
1. Wash them regularly.
Swirl the bristles in warm soapy water ( I use a generic baby shampoo). For hard to remove pigments, try a mild dishwashing liquid.
2. Rinse them well.
Run the bristles under a steady stream of warm water until all soap and debris are gone. Blot the brush with a clean towel and shape the bristles with fingers.
3. Dry them out.
Don’t let your brushes stand upright. Water can weaken the glue around the metal band that secures the bristles to the handle which can loosen the bristles over time. Lay tools on a flat towel or hanging over the edge of your sink.
In the next article of this 3 part blog series, I will break down the essential Face brushes you need.
This is very informative. I don’t usually make up just a lipstick and eyeliner thing. I don’t even have make-up brush or make-up. But learning is knowledge so thank you for this information. Who knows , maybe in the near future, I will learn how to use make-up.
Hi Eleanore I look forwaRd to meeting you in my future workshops.
I’m not that much of a make-up person but I have seen those tips. Those tips are similar to the ones I do with my art brushes. I find it funny sometimes because some of the make-up brushes resemble those paint brushes I see in stores. And I was even wondering if there were make-up people who’d try to experiment and use those.
Hi Maria yes I have purchased art brushes that I mix with my makeup ones. I usually have a Taklon fiber brush for applying liquid or cream based products.
Hm , I am working on a ‘project’ and just an hour ago I wrote about how to clean your makeup brushes 🙂 ( girls will be girls) A good quality and clean brush is so important for a good result. For me no synthetic brushes, and as you said I wash them regularly with baby shampoo. A short rinse with vinegar and cold water after, makes the brushes extra fresh and soft.
wow, i know that these brushes come in different sizes but I never thought that they have different uses too haha but thanks to you because I learned something new today!
It’s good to be educated about makeup brushes especially since I work in the wedding industry. As a photographer, I’ve always wondered why makeup artists value their brushes so much. As ignorant as it sounds, I thought these brushes were just like ordinary brushes we use in our art class. Now I understand why these brushes are that expensive. It’s because some of these are made of hair from animals .