Just as you wouldn’t expect to paint a masterpiece with a box of crayons, you can’t achieve cosmetics perfection without the proper tools. This guide can help you make
all the right strokes.
Choosing the proper brush for the job can really give your makeup application that professional polish. Kristi Fuhrmann, Hollywood makeup artist and spokesperson for Sally Beauty Supply, gives some insider tips on selecting the right brush.
The brush you use is just as important as the cosmetics you choose. The shape and size of each brush is designed to help the makeup go on smoothly and make perfect makeup easier to achieve. Just as you wouldn’t use mousse instead of brow gel to tame unruly eyebrows, you wouldn’t use a shadow blender to apply foundation.
Makeup brushes should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacterial growth and to prevent product buildup, shortening brush’s life. Regularly wash your brushes in warm water with a mild detergent and let them air dry on a clean towel. Or, if you like, use a product such as Face Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner that will sanitize your brushes as well as provide conditioning for the bristles.
GIRL ON THE GO
TRAVEL BAG: There’s nothing like a purse-sized set of makeup brushes to keep you looking good-to-go while on the road.
The Face Secrets Makeup Artist’s Brush Set is the perfect accessory for travel. This professional-quality makeup brush set contains five essential travel-size brushes in a convenient travel portfolio with a magnetic closure. The selection includes the deluxe powder brush, angled blusher, eye contour brush, small shading brush, and a brow groomer. The brushes are a perfect selection for complete makeup application. The line’s brush-cleansing towelettes make it easy to keep these brushes in top shape.
HINTS FOR A FLAWLESS FACE
When applying makeup, you can end up with smudges where you don’t want them. The quick and easy way to fix these smudges without having to start over is to dip a cotton swab in makeup remover and gently wipe the area. Blot the area with translucent powder and, presto, the mistake vanishes.
Many cosmetic lines offer cream blushes and eye shadows. The best way to apply these is with a foundation brush or a wedge-shaped cosmetic sponge. For blush, dab a small amount on the cheekbone and then blend it well. For shadow, put a small amount on your brush and apply it in thin layers until you have reached the desired look.
Ernie McCraw is director of beauty education for Sally Beauty Company, the world’s largest distributor of professional beauty products. A licensed cosmetologist for more than 30 years, he is a frequent contributor to fashion and beauty publications nationwide.
Type of Brush
Description/Use
Usage Tip
Lip
A synthetic lip brush holds its shape for lining as well as filling in.
Line lips, then fill in, starting in the middle and blending outward.
Dual Brow
Synthetic bristles blend powder and groom brows. Lash comb separates lashes and removes excess residue.
When combing lashes, close eyes and gently comb lashes downward.
Smudge
Sable blended oval pointed brush is perfect for blending or smudging pencil or shadow liners.
Use for thicker application of dark shadow to lash line. For deeper color, apply wet.
Shadow Blender
Soft natural bristles for applying shadows and highlighting under the brow bone.
Apply base shadow on lid, then contour in the crease and blend.
Eye Contour
Soft natural-hair brush designed to contour and define eyes.
Can be used to “erase” makeup mistakes.
Liner
Pointed oval brush is perfect for precision lining.
Slightly extend eyeliner beyond corners to lengthen the eye.
Foundation
Synthetic-fiber brush ensures flawless liquid and cream makeup application.
For an even finish, start at the center of the face and work outward.
Angle Blush
Dense natural-hair brush contours and defines the cheekbone.
For a more natural look, use a one-stroke motion.
Deluxe Powder
Larger natural-hair brush is an oval shape for applying loose powder to set foundation.
Apply loose powder generously to face. Shake off excess powder and then brush face with long, gentle strokes.
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Just as you wouldn't expect to paint a masterpiece with a box of crayons, you can't achieve cosmetics perfection without the proper tools. This guide can help you make all the right strokes.
