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How to Choose and Care for Makeup Brushes

By Tiffany Moore

While some women use their fingers to apply cosmetics, a set of good quality makeup brushes can make a world of difference. Certain women feel that makeup brushes are unnecessary but using the right cosmetic brushes will give you a natural and longer-lasting effects.

With hundreds of cosmetic brushes available today, how to choose makeup brushes so that you won't end up buying more than you need? And, how to care for makeup brushes so they last longer?

Good quality brushes with natural bristles such as sable can last for years but they are expensive.

Cheaper makeup brushes with hog and horse-hair bristles are also readily available, and synthetic ones are just as good except that they probably don’t feel as luxurious on the skin. My advice is to buy the best you can afford.

Your makeup brushes basic collection should include the following:

1. Foundation brush to spread liquid foundation easily. It should be soft but firm and have tapered tip for fine lines and creases.

2. Concealer brush to blend concealer into your foundation so you can create a flawless, natural-looking complexion.

3. Powder brush should be full and round in shape. Simply powder the brush and tap it lightly to remove excess powder (loose, bronzing and pressed), then gently dust over your T-zone to achieve a matt look.

4. Smudge brush to create the perfect smoky, eyes. Those short, rounded bristles are designed to control dark eye shadow and prevent smudging.

5. Eye brush should be super-soft with tapered bristles to apply and blend eyeshadow color evenly.

6. Brow brush is similar to a small toothbrush. Use your brow brush to groom thick and coarse eyebrows into shape before you fill them in with a pencil or a brush and some eye shadow.

7. Lash and Brow comb is great for smoothing brows as well as to separate each individual eyelashes and remove clumps of mascara.

8. Lip brush is designed with fine bristles for lining and coloring in lips with lipstick, gloss or lip liner. Since it's flat head, lip brush can also be used for concealer touch ups.

9. Blusher brush is soft and full. It's ideal for applying blush, bronzer or powder across your cheeks in swift motion.

10. Finishing brush to brush away loose powder for an air-brushed look with a flawless finish.

You should take good care of your makeup brushes so that the bristles will not get damaged. They should be cleaned regularly (once a week or at least every 2 weeks) to keep them bacteria-free and in best shape. If you wash them too often, they will lose their soft touch.

How Do You Clean Makeup Brushes?

Put a small amount of facial cleanser, mild liquid soap or shampoo on your palm with a little water.

Swirl the cosmetic brush around gently until you see the makeup comes out. Repeat and rinse well with warm water.

Squeeze excess water, gently reshape the head of the makeup brush, and then lie on a clean towel or tissue.

Re-fluff the brush while its still damp, and stand it up to dry. When it's completely dry, re-fluff the cosmetic brush once more, and they're ready to use.

One important thing to note, never leave your makeup brushes to soak in water. Water causes the wooden handles to warp and metal fittings to rust.

If you prefer, purchase a brush cleaner from your local beauty supply store. I like Japonesque Professional Brush Cleaner because it not only cleans all makeup – powder, liquid or wax based, it also disinfects and conditions the bristles.

Simply spray it on your makeup brush and wipe clean with a towel or paper towel. This product is great to use on days when you want your cosmetic brushes to dry fast. It also gives your makeup brushes a mild citrus scent.

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