Tips To Buy Brushes For Your Makeup Set

You've heard the saying - "A workman is only as good as his tools". The same applies for makeup application. Investing in a set of good quality makeup tools is of great importance. The right applicators not only ensure a flawless look but also the judicious use of cosmetics.

When it comes to makeup brushes, there is no "one-size-fits-all". There are dozens in varying sizes and shapes and made of a variety of materials. Selecting the most essential will be easier if you keep the following tips in mind.

Material

A very important consideration is the hair material. Brushes are made of natural hair (Squirrel, mink, weasel, sable, goat, pony and human hair) and synthetic fibers (plastic and acrylic).
The natural options are pricier especially the ones made with the squirrel, mink, weasel, sable hair fibers. However, they are the most suitable for powder products. Synthetic hair is a cheaper alternative. They are good to apply liquid and cream based cosmetics as they do not soak up excess product.

Shape and Size

Size matters a lot. Your makeup set should house a range of makeup applicators in different sizes - large, medium and small- and shape - flat, rounded and angled. The size and shape largely depend upon its use. Following are the 7 brushes your makeup set cannot do without.

• Foundation: It is a fluffy, flat tipped brush with long bristles. It allows smooth blending and buffing of foundation on the skin. (A tip: When applying foundation remember to blend along the hairline, jaw-line and near the ears.)


• Powder: These are large, soft and fluffy brushes used to loosely dust powder on your face. After dipping the applicator in the powder dish, dust to shake off the excess.


• Concealer: You will need to skillfully hide dark circles or an ugly zit. This is a medium sized, oval brush. It is not very firm.


• Blush: This is a medium sized, soft brush. It is flat with round edges (dome-shaped). In addition to applying blush, it can also be used to apply bronzer.


• Eye shadow: There are three types. The first is a small, flat stiff brush. It allows you to pack eye shadow color all over the eyelid. The second is a small, blunt fluffy brush to build the color across the eyelid. And third a soft bristled brush to blend the color and soften hard edges.


• Eyeliner/Eye shadow: This is a firm angled or pointed brush. It is used to fill in the eyebrow and line the eyes.


• Lip: It could be square, oval or round in shape. It is small and flat with fine bristles.

How to clean the brushes?

Cleaning is also important to keep them brushes germ free and increase their life. Use a cleaner or mild shampoo to wash makeup residues. Place them in an inverted position and allow them to dry thoroughly.