Need to brush up on brushes?

Having the proper makeup brushes can make a huge difference in your makeup application.  Sometimes the brushes may actually be more important than the makeup you're using.  First step is to buy the best brushes you can.  Good, quality brushes are definitely worth the cost and if cared for properly, they can last years. 

Some excellent choices: 
Royal & Langnickel Brush http://www.royalbrush.com/ 
EnKore Makeup http://www.enkoremakeuponline.com/ 
Crown Brush http://crownbrush.com/
Sigma Makeup http://www.sigmabeauty.com/ 

Opt for quality over quantity. Brushes can be purchased separately or in sets. Only buy a full set if you intend to use all the included brushes. You can find both natural bristles and synthetic. It comes down to a personal preference. Some makeup artists prefer natural  hair (sable, badger, goat, pony, etc.) while others choose synthetic. Many of the newer synthetic bristles mimic natural hair brushes and provide similar quality application.

Be sure to keep your brushes clean.  There are many brush cleaners on the market to choose from.  I prefer to use "The Masters"® Brush Cleaner and Preserver.  It's available at most art stores.  Another excellent option is Ojon Full Detox™ Detoxifying Shampoo.  It's perfect for both natural and synthetic brushes. 

After you have cleaned your brushes and rinsed them well, blot dry with paper towels. Reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat to dry with the bristles hanging over the edge of the sink.  If you stand them up to dry, the bristles will start to fan out and lose shape and water will run down into the handle loosening the glue.  



Many of my brushes are upwards of $35 each, sometimes more. If you can't afford a complete set, just replace some of your worn out brushes with quality ones. However, price doesn't always dictate quality.

When looking for makeup brushes, pull on the bristles. A few hairs will come out, but if oodles of them fall, then move on. Be sure the brushes feel soft on your skin, whether natural or synthetic. Look at the ferrule (where the handle meets the bristles) The metal should be tight on the handle and should not be able to be bent if you squeeze it.

The handle should feel comfortable in your hand. Not heavy or awkward. Cute shaped brushes may be eye pleasers, but if they aren't easy to use, then they won't be worth the expense.

Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning them. Treating your brushes with care will extend their life before needing to be replaced. If you take excellent care of your brushes, they will last and be well worth the investment.

Stephanie Mazzeo

www.stephaniemazzeo.com