How to Choose the Right Makeup Brushes
It can be a little daunting to figure out what to use where, so let us help simplify things a bit for you
Makeup brushes set come in many different shapes and sizes and sometimes it can be a little daunting to figure out what to use where. So to help simplify it a bit Niamh always says “Use the brush that fits the area”. So take eye brushes, for example, if it’s a small flat brush it’ll usually be suitable for your eye lid or lower lash line.
If it’s tapered or fluffy it’s usually suitable for your socket line. With face brushes, smaller brushes are used for detailing areas with highlighter or contour. Whilst larger brushes are suitable for larger areas of coverage like foundation or setting powder. Some brushes are made more durable than others for stronger areas of coverage, so avoid using a dense foundation brush for blusher or you’ll end up like Aunt Sally! In the same respect, trying to apply a foundation with a soft fluffy brush could out strain on the brush and pull the hair right out from the ferrule.
So to an extent read the description of each brush and once you’ve grasped what each brush is generally used for you can then adapt it to your style and technique.
How to Care for
Like a cashmere sweater, good quality cosmetic brushes are an investment and something that should last you years…once you care for them in the correct way.
Like a cashmere sweater, good quality cosmetic brushes are an investment and something that should last you years. However, like a cashmere sweater they do take extra care and attention so storing them safely and washing them correctly applies massively to the longevity of your tools. When not in use they should be stored standing upright or in a protective case with their Nima nets on at all times. These Nets will keep the brush hair shapely and keep them free from germs. Brushes should be washed every 5 – 7 uses.
Brushes not washed regularly will eventually gain a build up of product. This excess product weighs down on the brush hairs which can eventually cause them to snap. This makes the brush unshapely and hard to use especially for precision work. A brush laden with product is also restricted when picking up new product so you may feel like your brush no longer works. Washing your brushes regularly is also good for your skin, dirty brushes are full of bacteria which then attaches to the skin causing breakouts. So, in short, a clean brush is a happy brush with a long happy life!
How to Wash
Using a brush that is still moist can result in the brush becoming misshapen and distorted and can leave residue on your skin
To wash, keep the brush tilted downwards to avoid getting water into the steel ferrule or on the wooden handle. Gently wet the brush hair and using a brush soap or shampoo, lightly run the brush hair into the soap, massage to break up excess product, and rinse under a running tap until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the brush using a towel, reshape the hair, slide your Nima net over the hair and leave flat on an absorbent surface over night in a warm dry location.
Large brushes may take up to 36 hours to completely dry through. Using a brush that is still moist can result in the brush becoming misshapen and distorted and can leave residue on your skin. Never use artificial heat or excess water when washing or drying your brushes.
How to Use
When using your tools try follow the original shape and density of the brush.
When using your tools try follow the original shape and density of the brush. If the brush has a round tip try to work in circular movements. If the brush is tapered sweep the brush in long strolls allowing the tapered tip to touch the skin first following with the bulk of the brush. A flat shader can be pressed down onto the skin in sweeping or stippling motions. The type of product your using will dictate the pressure you apply. For example foundation should be pressed and buffed into the skin to create coverage and longevity whereas a blush or highlighter should be lightly swept on to the skin and built up gradually.
Another element of brush design to consider, the longer the hair is on a particular brush the softer the application of product you’ll get. So if you want a medium to heavy coverage use a dense foundation brush ie. the flat head kabuki. If you desire a more sheer to medium coverage use a long softer foundation brush ie. The Jane Duo Fibre. The same goes for eye shadows, contour etc. the longer the hair the softer the application, the shorter and more dense the hair, the stronger the application.
Eye makeup brushes set