16/04/2014

MUST HAVE MAKE-UP BRUSHES

Brushes are a key tool in my kit – an extension of my fingertips in fact – and I can't even imagine working without them. They assist me in makeup application and ensure that the product glides on the skin and creates a soft, light and flawless finish. Choosing brushes isn't as simple as you might think – a lot of time and effort goes into selecting the appropriate brush especially since there are a myriad of options available. Natural or synthetic bristles, wooden or metal handles, large, small, round, flat....The one thing I want you to remeber is to invest in your brushes! A quality brush will help you get a fabulous look every time and because they last so long they will end up saving you money.

7 MUST HAVE BRUSHES FOR YOUR COLLECTION

Foundation brush - choose a wide synthetic brush with soft bristles and a flat top.

How to use this brush:

Pop some foundation on your hand (the size of a 10 cent coin). Your skin will warm the liquid up a little. Dip the brush in the product, mix it then apply starting with the middle of the face. Softly apply foundation from the center outwards, all the way to your hairline. The brush will help you achieve an even application. Try MAC 187.

Powder brush - this brush is perfect for pressed or loose powders. Choose a large, soft, round brush with natural bristles. Try Real Techniques Powder Brush or MAC 150.

How to use this brush:

Dip the brush into the product. Tap the brush with your finger to remove excess product. Apply ensuring you cover the entire face.

Blush / bronzer brush - choose a soft natural brush with a gently curved top (it follows the contours of the face). Try Real Techniques Blush brush or MAC 168.

How to use this brush:

Dip the brush into the blush and apply to the apples of the cheek, and drag all the way to the top of the ears.

Eyeshadow brush - this brush helps you apply eyeshadow to the mobile lid and achieves a concentrated payoff. Choose a small, tight, dense, flattened brush with natural fibers. Try Real Techniques Shading brush or MAC 239.

How to use this brush:

Dip the brush into the eyeshadow and apply to the mobile lid starting from the inside corner, and drag all the way to the outer corner.

Blending brush - choose a brush with soft, natural bristles and a slightly rounded top. This is perfect for defining the crease and blending eyeshadow. Try Real Techniques Deluxe crease brush or MAC 217.

How to use this brush:

Dip the top of the brush in the eyeshadow then sweep from the outside corner inwards over the crease.

Gel liner brush - this brush is perfect for crème and gel liner and for defining eyebrows. Choose a small, dense, angled brush with synthetic bristles. Try Ecootools Brow brush or MAC 208 or Charlotte Tilbury Gel Liner Brush.

How to use this brush:

Dip the brush into crème or gel liner then gently apply the liner to the lash line. Start at the inside corner of the eye and move outwards. Make sure you start with a thin line as you can always build the intensity of the line. For eyebrows just dip the brush into your desired product then fill in the missing parts of the brow and define the shape using short strokes.

Lipstick brush - choose a small, flat brush. This brush aids in the application of lipstick and extends the wear of the product. Try Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush or MAC 316 or Dior 31.

How to use this brush:

Line the lips with a pencil. Apply the lipstick onto the brush then starting at Cupid’s bow use short strokes to fill in the lips. To define lip edges use the very tip of the brush.

Here is my advice for choosing the perfect brush: Natural hair - perfect for dry products like blush, eyeshadow, pressed powder. Synthetic hair – use this for wet products like primer, concealer, liquid and crème foundations, crème blush etc. Synthetic hair absorbs less product which is why it’s ideal for this type of use.

How to take care of your brushes?

In order to look after your brushes you must properly wash them at least once a week. Washing, disinfecting and drying your brushes regularly will prolong their lifespan. In the meantime, and on a daily basis, use brush cleaner to keep them clean. Spray some brush cleaner on a tissue and using circular motions remove the makeup from the brush. When it’s time to wash them properly use shampoo, and wash in cold water so you don’t melt the glue that keeps the bristles in place. Once the brushes are washed, dry them flat on a towel or use a brush holder with the brush tips facing down.