I remember playing with my mom's makeup as a little girl. It was fun and it really didn't matter if my lipstick was outside of my lip line, or the blush made me look like a clown. I knew the more makeup I had on my face, the more beautiful I was and I walked "elegantly" around the house as if I were princess for a day.
As we mature, however, it is important to skillfully apply makeup so we don't look like a little girl any more. There are techniques that are discussed throughout Makeup and Beyond's website, but one ingredient to getting your best results are the makeup brushes you use.
So, if you are you frustrated at times when applying makeup and you just can't seem to get the results you want, the problem could be your applicators; not your technique. You wouldn't cut a turkey with a spoon, and you shouldn't put on makeup with a spongy spatula.
Powder Brush
Use to apply dry powders.
Sweeps powders evenly over your face and ears.
Use as a blending tool to feather makeup, thus, eliminating makeup lines.
(Read How to Load a Powder Brush at the bottom of this page).
Foundation Brush
Smoothly and evenly applies liquid foundation to the face and neck area. The brush aids in reaching hard to reach areas such as around the outer part of the nose.
Cheek or Blush Brush
Use to apply blush with control.
Sweeps color evenly over your cheeks while feathering it around the edges.
Select a brush larger than most brushes that are included with blush compacts. An ideal cheek brush is made of natural bristles, not synthetic, soft; not fluffy, compact; but not stiff, and the bristle top should be dome shaped. The bristles should move slightly when blown.
It can be difficult to achieve a natural smooth application with a tiny compact brush, sponge or pad, and if the brush is too fluffy, powder will go everywhere.
Eye Definer Brush
Use to line and define the eyes.
Smudge Brush
A smudge brush is not actually a "brush" at all. It is a sponge tipped applicator used to smooth and blend crayon-type eyeliners for a more polished look. They are also essential for the smokey eye look.
Eye Contour/Crease Brush
Use to apply eye color to the crease of the eye.
Eye Color (Eyeshadow) Brush
Eye Color Brushes aka eyeshadow brushes are used to apply eye color (eyeshadow) to the lid of the eye and below the brow. At least three eyeshadow brushes should be in your collection; one for each color.
Eye Lash and Eyebrow Brush and/or Comb
A dual-end tool with a brush on one side, a comb on the other.
Use the brush side to clean foundation from the brow's hair by sweeping the hair backward, then back into place; and then use the brush to apply powder or gel makeup to your brows.
Use the comb to remove mascara clumps, and to separate the lashes. It is also used to shape the brow.
Bronzer Brush
Bronzers are used to add a colorful and healthy glow to your skin. The secret behind bronzers is the brush. You don't want to apply color too heavily, you want it to be subtle and a bronzer brush will help you achieve that natural glow without looking made up.
Lip Brush
Allows you to carefully control where you want lip color applied without the need for additional layers of lipstick.
Applies color into the creases of your lips.
Applies color evenly.
Concealer Brush
Allows for more control of where you want the product applied and in the amount you want applied.
How to Load a Foundation and Powder Brush
To load the brush:
Dip brush lightly in powder, then tap the tip of the handle on the rim of the powder container to remove some of the excess powder.
Gently swirl brush around in the lid of the powder container pushing powder up into the bristles.
Gently tap the tip of the handle on a hard surface before applying to your face.
Begin application on the outside area of the face and move inward.
Why invest in makeup brushes?
If you purchase a nice set of natural-bristled makeup brushes you can:
Sweep makeup on easily.
Manipulate colors easier.
Your makeup will look even, not blotchy.
You'll save money on makeup because it will not be wasted on your fingers or sponge applicators.
Overall, you will have more control where and how your makeup is applied.
What is a good makeup brush starter set?
If you do not own a set of makeup brushes, you can invest in your first starte set of nice makeup brushes for around $50. A starter set should include the powder, cheek, eyeliner, eyebrow and eyeshadow brushes.
As you discover your favorite brushes, slowly replace those in your "starter kit" with brushes of higher quality.
I have given Mary Kay's makeup brush set many times as a gift with positive comments from all who have received it. The set is reasonable priced, cleans up well and even includes a makeup bag that has room to hold compacts, eyeliner, mascara, blush, lipstick, lip gloss, tweezers, eyeshadow and other every day use makeup essentials. The bag rolls up and is very convenient for both traveling and every day use. When it is time to put on my makeup, I grab the bag, unroll it, and everything I need is neatly out in front of me. Is this a plug for Mary Kay? Not really - I just like the set and use it everyday.
With a nice set of makeup brushes, you will be amazed at how much easier it is to apply makeup and get the results you've always wanted. They make playing with makeup fun again.
