When it comes to makeup, you need to brush up.
Seriously, one of the best ways to achieve a natural look is to use a good quality, but preferably the best available inexpensive makeup brushes. Different brushes are used for different areas of the face.
It can get fairly confusing, but it does not have to be as expensive as some try to make us believe. Using make up brushes gives you a more professional, more even and more natural look whether you use them on your eyes, cheeks, lips or for powdering all over your face.
Here are some examples of what to look for:
Foundation brushes have become popular as mineral based powders are replacing liquid foundations.
It is flat in shape with long bristles and when used, even with liquids, it can leave your skin looking flawlessly covered. Besides it is more sanitary than using your fingers as long as you keep the brush clean.
Two other brushes many women are using today is a concealer brush and a contour brush. They are smaller than the foundation brush. Usually made of soft furs like sable or squirrel, they can be applied to sensitive areas such as around the eyes. Contouring your cheeks, brows and chin with bronzers can give you a healthy glow while accenting your features.
A blender brush is a huge bushy brush that be also used with powders and bronzers as well as blushes.
The idea is to have that magazine “air brushed” look by blending subtle shades together. Just make sure when using a powder and blender blush that you tap the excess off back into the jar before you apply. Soft, quick stokes give the best effect.
Did you know that models brush their lips?
They use an old toothbrush with soft bristles to exfoliate their lips before applying their lipstick or gloss. For a more controlled lip color look, consider applying your lip glosses and colors with a lip brush instead of directly from the case. They are very small and angled to curve around the contours of your upper and lower lips. Small pointed lip brushes can be used to apply lip liner. You will use less product and there will be less of a chance of it breaking off in the case.
Two more tips when it comes to the best inexpensive makeup brushes:
The first is to wash them regularly in mild soapy water then allow them to air dry. That not only keeps the makeup products from building up, but bacteria and mold as well. You want to dry them at a downward angle, or hanging upside down if at all possible. This will keep the water from pooling near the seams and loosening the glue that holds the bristles in place. Never pat or rub them with a towel as that may also lessen their adhesiveness and ruin the bristle shape.
The other tip to keep them from shedding, is to buy quality brushes. Whether you choose to purchase animal hair brushes such as goat, sable or squirrel, or you prefer synthetic ones, spend the money on a well made one.
One more word about keeping your makeup brushes in good shape. Worthwhile, even if you use the best inexpensive makeup brushes you can find. They will keep their shapes longer if you do not dab or stab. Instead, roll or brush across the makeup with them. You will have more control of how they spread the makeup and less clumping and shedding.
