Overwhelmed by choice and don’t know where to start?
Let me help
Sometimes I forget that not everybody knows about makeup brushes. I've been a professional makeup artist for so many years- I assume everyone knows “the little things” that I know. Until someone said to me the other day, I didn't know that I was supposed to wash my brushes.
So, I've compiled a little course on makeup brushes just for you!
HANDLE - CRIMPING. - FERRULE - BELLY
NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSH
Traditionally the hairs in a brush were trimmed from animals like goats, badger, squirrel, mink, ponies. The hair is very soft and is hand placed into the ferrule, then crimped into place and glued to the handle. The natural texture from the cuticle of the hairs offer a diffused application of powder products. Thecraftmanship of these brushes are very much reflected in the price.
SYNTHETIC BRISTLES
These brushes are man made using nylon, taklon or polyester fibres. Similar to acrylic paint brushes. These fibres are more resilient and less expensive to make. The bristles are smooth and flat, which allow it be the best choice to apply liquid and cream products. The product is typically made my machine for quicker production.
In recent years, efforts to end animal cruelity in comsetics- many companies have shifted to selling all synthetic hair brushes. This can be good and bad. It makes it harder to tell which brushes are really good. Here are some things to look for in a good brush.
Red flag Unnaturally shiny hairsBlunt cunt ends in powder brushes The ferrule isn’t metal All hairs on all brushes look the same Look out for Powdered brush with tapered ends Mattified hairs, not too shiny Thick coating of paint or laquer on handles Variation of hairs in all the brushes set.
*Really good synthetic brushes have a “wavy/crimped” texture to emulate the pay off of natural hair brushes. Which is really nice for professionals looking for vegan makeup brushes
WHEN TO CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES
DAILY QUICK CLEANING
you will need a product that kills germs and breaks down makeup particles. spray your brush after each use and let it dry. here are a few options.
WEEKLY CLEANING
If you makeup by weeks end , you’ll need to do a deep wash. As a professional makeup artist I use my brushes often and I quick clean them multiple times during the day. And sometime times deep clean them daily. I always shampoo them at the week end.
❤️Treat your brushes well ❤️
-Do not get the handles too wet, if it too wet too often, glue can’t loosen and the ferrule May fall off.
-use a great cleaner that will break down dirt and/or disinfect check out my current fave brush cleaners.
-Always air dry on a flat surface like a paper towel and/or towel to absorb extra moisture
-Never rest your wet brushes back in their holder up right or air tight. Moisture can get trapped and cause molding and shedding of bristles.
some of my favourite brushes
Brushes are an investment, take great care of them and they’ll last you a long time. I’ve had some of my brushes for 20 years!
*this post does contain affiliate links. I do receive a small commission when you make a purchase using some of the links