We highlighted the “Beauty Blender” sponge a couple of weeks back but let’s go back to the basic tools of makeup application: brushes. If art was not your forte back in school, applying makeup will need plenty of practice. Brushes are very versatile and can be used to apply every form of makeup from foundation to blushers, eyeliners, eyeshadow and lipstick regardless if it’s in powder or liquid form.
Brushes are much more hygienic compared to using your hands because your hands can contain bacteria if not washed properly. The same can be said for brushes as well but if you use different brushes for different purposes and clean them well after use, it is actually healthier for your skin.
Now that you’ve convinced yourself on using makeup brushes thanks to the many YouTube makeup gurus online, do you splurge on designer brushes or settle on the cheaper drugstore ones? Here are some tips on helping you decide what you really need!
Brush material
Natural brushes made from squirrel, mink, pony or goat fur are often the preferred choice of makeup artists because they’re softer and fluffier compared to synthetic ones. These type of brushes are best used to apply powder such as blusher, bronzer and eyeshadows. However there are many high quality synthetic brushes which are much cheaper and work just as great especially when it comes to cream or liquid application. Look out for Taklon brushes (the material, not brand).
One or many?
It’s always tempting to have a full set of brushes just like the pro but the truth is, you’d probably only end up using two or three brushes. So rather than spending on a full set, identify your needs and get brushes you will frequently use. We recommend a blending brush for your eyeshadow, an angled brush for gel eyeliner and a kabuki brush to set your loose powder or blush. Four good brushes will serve you better than 40 not so great brushes.
Brush shape
When looking for a brush, opt for a domed shaped brush because it rolls across your skin allowing for softer application. It also holds less pigment, remember to tap excess powder or eyeshadow of the brush before applying it to your face.
Brush quality
Many user rave about makeup brushes from Mac, Bobbi Brown, Sephora, Japonesque and Sonia Kashuk and they certainly don’t come cheap. At an average of RM70 per brush, are they really worth the price? The answer is yes.
Having used cheap makeup brushes for years, this writer has realized that the build quality of cheaper brushes are inferior, the bristles fall off frequently, application is streaky and the bristles feel rough on the face. Good brushes do the exact opposite and can last for decades (that’s what the store assistants tell us!) if you wash them regularly.
A good brand of affordable brushes are EcoTools. These earth friendly brushes are made with bamboo handles. They are highly durable, easy to wash and have extremely soft bristles. You can also get some pretty decent and affordable brushes from ELF (EyesLipsFace), a US budget brand.
If you’re not too sure which type of brush to get, always get the store assistant to help you out and ask them for tips on how to use them properly. You don’t have to purchase all the brushes at once, take time in adding them to your collection as your makeup needs may change from time to time.
