Base/foundation brushes
So as I said, I'm going to do a blog on brushes. I LOVE brushes! All types and lots of them!
I remember when I first started wearing make up years ago, I used my fingers and sponges for foundation and sponge applicators for eye shadow. That was it. I Can't even begin to imagine doing that now. Don't get me wrong, I know a lot of make up artists who still use their fingers to apply liquid foundation. That's grand, but I just feel like you don't get nearly enough coverage.
I find that people always want to know how to do make up like professionals but they really don't want to put in the effort needed in order to get it. The thing is, if you put into action the tips and tricks shown to you by a professional, you will eventually get quicker at applying your make up the more you practice. It won't always take you as long as the first time tried them.
I remember when I first started wearing make up years ago, I used my fingers and sponges for foundation and sponge applicators for eye shadow. That was it. I Can't even begin to imagine doing that now. Don't get me wrong, I know a lot of make up artists who still use their fingers to apply liquid foundation. That's grand, but I just feel like you don't get nearly enough coverage.
I find that people always want to know how to do make up like professionals but they really don't want to put in the effort needed in order to get it. The thing is, if you put into action the tips and tricks shown to you by a professional, you will eventually get quicker at applying your make up the more you practice. It won't always take you as long as the first time tried them.
FLAT FOUNDATION BRUSH
The first brush I want to show you is a flat foundation brush. If you want a fuller coverage and a flawless finish to your complexion, this brush is really good for layering up the product leaving you with a beautiful and even finish.
The only thing about this kind of brush is it tends to leave brush strokes on your skin. This is not gospel. I am just speaking from experience.
I find the best thing to do is buff it out with a buffer brush. Seems like a lot of effort and yes, it is, but its worth it if you want a professional finish.
You don't have to spend a lifetime doing it. Just a quick buff across the skin to take away any undesired textures left behind from the flat brush.
This is a liquid/cream product brush. Its not suitable for powder products.
It works best with liquid foundation, cream to powders or just regular cream foundations and also creamy concealers if you wish.
There is also a concealer brush but I'll be telling you more about that in a bit.
The only thing about this kind of brush is it tends to leave brush strokes on your skin. This is not gospel. I am just speaking from experience.
I find the best thing to do is buff it out with a buffer brush. Seems like a lot of effort and yes, it is, but its worth it if you want a professional finish.
You don't have to spend a lifetime doing it. Just a quick buff across the skin to take away any undesired textures left behind from the flat brush.
This is a liquid/cream product brush. Its not suitable for powder products.
It works best with liquid foundation, cream to powders or just regular cream foundations and also creamy concealers if you wish.
There is also a concealer brush but I'll be telling you more about that in a bit.
BUFFER BRUSH
I love this brush with all my heart! This one in particular. Its from a set called Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman of Pixiewoo. She does tutorials along side her sister, Nicola, on YouTube and they are amazing! I could watch their videos all day long. In fact, I have done.
For me, I like to cut out the middle man. I like to apply my foundation directly with this brush.
I've read a few different reviews and discussed this brush with a few different people. Some say its better for a lighter coverage as It literally buffs the product into your skin and others like it due to the fuller application it can give. I'm of the opinion that its a fuller application giver. Yep, application giver!
I find the best thing to do is NOT work the product too much into the bristles as it will just absorb the liquid and won't transfer onto your skin. It will also use up a lot of your foundation if you work it into the brush too much. Just keep it at the tips.
I just love the finish it gives. almost like an air brushed effect. yum yum!
For me, I like to cut out the middle man. I like to apply my foundation directly with this brush.
I've read a few different reviews and discussed this brush with a few different people. Some say its better for a lighter coverage as It literally buffs the product into your skin and others like it due to the fuller application it can give. I'm of the opinion that its a fuller application giver. Yep, application giver!
I find the best thing to do is NOT work the product too much into the bristles as it will just absorb the liquid and won't transfer onto your skin. It will also use up a lot of your foundation if you work it into the brush too much. Just keep it at the tips.
I just love the finish it gives. almost like an air brushed effect. yum yum!
STIPPLE/ DUO FIBER BRUSH
I used this exact Duo fiber brush for years! Its from MAC and I really love them.
To be perfectly honest, It's the same kind of story as the buffer brush above. It's the same idea. The main difference between the two is that the buffer brush bristles are a bit more compact and slightly shorter.
The most notable difference between the two is the price. MAC's duo is between 30-40 Euro (not 100%. I bought mine in New York) where as the buffer brush come in a set along with 3 other brushes for €25. No brainer!
POWDER/BLUSH BRUSH
Does exactly what it says on the tin! Powder brushes are for.......Powder!
If you have oily skin chances are you need powder to mattify the shine that the oils leave behind.
A good powder brush should be dense and soft. Density for maximising the amount of product it will pick up and the softness for a more enjoyable application. One of the first things a person will comment on about a brush is its softness. Its hugely important in regards to whether or not you are likely to buy one. If it feels rough, you won't want it. It's well worth investing in a good one. You can get a decent powder brush for around €25 but if you enjoy using it and it gives you the finish you desire, it is worth every cent. The one I use myself is an Inglot 15BJF. It's quite small and precise when you first buy it but once you break it in, it tends to get a bit fluffier and slightly bigger therefore covering more of your face. This, in turn, makes for a quicker application. Fantastic for blush too! A good tip...Keep your powder and blush brushes separate. Don't use the same brush for both products. Reason being; you can taint your powder with the colour of the blush and vice versa.
Another great powder brush is the 1SS from Inglot. A bit bigger than the 15BJF and good for bronzer too.
If you have oily skin chances are you need powder to mattify the shine that the oils leave behind.
A good powder brush should be dense and soft. Density for maximising the amount of product it will pick up and the softness for a more enjoyable application. One of the first things a person will comment on about a brush is its softness. Its hugely important in regards to whether or not you are likely to buy one. If it feels rough, you won't want it. It's well worth investing in a good one. You can get a decent powder brush for around €25 but if you enjoy using it and it gives you the finish you desire, it is worth every cent. The one I use myself is an Inglot 15BJF. It's quite small and precise when you first buy it but once you break it in, it tends to get a bit fluffier and slightly bigger therefore covering more of your face. This, in turn, makes for a quicker application. Fantastic for blush too! A good tip...Keep your powder and blush brushes separate. Don't use the same brush for both products. Reason being; you can taint your powder with the colour of the blush and vice versa.
Another great powder brush is the 1SS from Inglot. A bit bigger than the 15BJF and good for bronzer too.
CONCEALER BRUSH
I don't tend to use concealer brushes.....ever. I just don't like them. I think they are really unnecessary. You can easily use the tip of your flat foundation brush and get the same effect. If I'm totally honest, I find them a bit gimmicky.
For me, the absolute best way to apply concealer (especially under eye concealer) is with your ring finger or middle finger. I prefer middle finger. Because I'm vulgar.
I feel you can get better coverage using your finger that you just cant get with a little annoying brush.
Blotting it with the tip of your finger is the best way to do it. Using a small amount of product to begin with and then adding more if you feel you need it.
So long story short; Concealer brush = No.
CONTOURING BRUSH
This is my absolute favorite brush at the moment! It's a contouring brush that is tapered in an oval shape and makes it fool proof to contour cheek bones and the over all face. This is due to the shape of the brush. It sits into the natural contours of your face and allows the product to be blended gradually due to the graduation of the bristles. Amazing for applying bronzer also!
I can't say enough good things about this brush. This comes in the Real Techniques set along with the buffer brush (mentioned above) and between the two brushes alone, they are worth every single cent! there are 4 brushes in the set over all but those two are the main attractions! No question!
When I say it makes contouring fool proof, I mean it. You would need to be a special breed of silly to not be able to use it.
I never contoured till I got this brush and now I can't imagine not contouring!
Long story short, Contouring brush = absolutely, a million times, YES!
So these brushes are pretty much essential (Minus the concealer brush).
I always saw a good set of brushes as an investment. If you buy good quality brushes they will last so much longer and serve you well.
You can buy daily brush cleansers to help maintain the quality of your brushes. The reason brush cleansers are so good is because they give you a fresh, clean application of make up every time. They're handy for keeping your brushes healthy and clean in between washes. Yes, you should wash your brushes. I use baby shampoo because its very gentle and isn't too taxing on the brushes themselves.
I would clean my brushes every week or so depending on how much I've used them and how much I cleaned them with a daily cleanser.
The cleanser I use is the E.L.F daily cleaner. I love it! It leaves a very slight, fresh smell on the brushes and is very effective at removing product and sanitizing at the same time. You can order it from www.eyeslipsface.co.uk along side loads of other great, reasonably priced products!
I'll go a bit more into detail on ELF in a future blog.
My next blog will be about eye brushes.
Let me know what you think. Also, I'd love to know what brushes are your favorite and what you couldn't possibly live without! leave me a comment.
Back soon!
I always saw a good set of brushes as an investment. If you buy good quality brushes they will last so much longer and serve you well.
You can buy daily brush cleansers to help maintain the quality of your brushes. The reason brush cleansers are so good is because they give you a fresh, clean application of make up every time. They're handy for keeping your brushes healthy and clean in between washes. Yes, you should wash your brushes. I use baby shampoo because its very gentle and isn't too taxing on the brushes themselves.
I would clean my brushes every week or so depending on how much I've used them and how much I cleaned them with a daily cleanser.
The cleanser I use is the E.L.F daily cleaner. I love it! It leaves a very slight, fresh smell on the brushes and is very effective at removing product and sanitizing at the same time. You can order it from www.eyeslipsface.co.uk along side loads of other great, reasonably priced products!
I'll go a bit more into detail on ELF in a future blog.
My next blog will be about eye brushes.
Let me know what you think. Also, I'd love to know what brushes are your favorite and what you couldn't possibly live without! leave me a comment.
Back soon!