Make-Up Brushes 101

Email to a friend Permalink

Friday, August 20, 2010

BEAUTY by Becky DiStefano, GoLocalProv Beauty Expert

Sponge applicators and mini brushes, move out of the way. According to professional makeup mavens Kirsten Brusse and Kristin Greene, investing in real, honest-to-goodness makeup brushes is the way to go to make your products work the way they are intended. 

Looking at the variety of brushes out there can be intimidating. “I love my makeup belt almost more than my own family,” Greene says jokingly, “and I have about 50 brushes.” But don’t worry, unless you’re a pro makeup artist working on brides, TV sets and commercials like Greene, you can start simply. 

Brusse, who primarily works with brides and does TV and print work, highly recommends having five main brushes: blush/powder brush, eyeshadow base brush, eyeshadow crease brush, eyeliner brush and concealer brush.  “One of my favorite starter sets is Sonia Kashuk basic brush set ($19.99, Target). I keep mine in my travel/gym bag and it contains brushes to cover your entire face.” 

Brusse and Greene also agree that MAC (at Nordstrom in Providence Place) has fabulous artistry brushes that last.  “I have my original brushes I bought in 1992 and they last by taking care of them,” says Greene.  

What is the best way to care for brushes? Clean, clean, clean! Both artists recommend using a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo to thoroughly cleanse brushes every 1-2 weeks, or more depending on frequency of use.  Add a drop or two of cleanser to warm water and swirl brushes gently to get color and product off. Do not soak for too long as it can damage handles. Place brushes with the heads hanging off the counter to let air circulate around the entire brush and let them air dry. 

If you do not clean your brushes regularly, bacteria and germs can build up, redistributing those bacteria every time you use your brushes. Bacteria contamination can lead to skin irritation, clogged pores, acne and redness. Using a brush spray like Smashbox Brush Cleaner ($15, Sephora at Providence Place) after every use also reduces bacteria and ensures a clean brush every time. 

For more makeup tricks, tips and advice, contact Kirsten Brusse at http://www.myjolivisage.com or Kristin Greene at http://www.kristingreene.net.

Related Articles

• Straight Talk on Keratin Hair Treatments
• Back to School Beauty
• Accessorizing 101
• Beauty BFF Heather Gersten Gets “Party Lashes”

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink