Thousand and one brushes: How do you choose the perfect makeup brush and use it happily ever after?

There are three ways to apply makeup – brushes, fingers and sponge. The third is far from always convenient and is not for everyone, for the second it is difficult to achieve a “clean” make-up, but the first simply occupies a leading position among makeup artists for a long time.

The assortment of brushes available can intimidate beginners, so we’re in a hurry to help with the instructions. This guide answered key questions like which pile is better, how to assemble a basic minimum, and why proper maintenance is most important.

Natural VS Synthetic

The pile on the brush, like the mascara brush, is the main part on which the final result totally depends. Therefore, it is important to approach its choice responsibly. It’s good that this isn’t a red lipstick shade and only has three feathered options – natural, synthetic and mixed.

natural brushes Ideal for applying dry textures. Because the stack is porous, it “takes” and mixes them perfectly. The main disadvantages of natural brushes are fragility and high price. Such a pile deteriorates from liquid cosmetics and washing, therefore it requires special care. And because the brushes are made of natural animal hair (mostly squirrel, goat, pony or sable hair), they are not suitable for vegans.

synthetic brushes used to apply liquid textures, they protect the product due to their lower absorbency. Now there is a material that is not inferior to the natural pile – taklon. It is soft yet flexible, so it picks up and transfers pigment as efficiently as natural hair. Used by most brands including quality but budget Real Techniques. The main plus of synthetics is its durability. With care, everything is easier – the brushes can be washed even with soap and the pile does not change their qualities.

double fiber – It is a make-up brush made of natural and synthetic bristles at the same time. It has collected the best properties of both, so it is suitable for products with different textures – crumbly, liquid or cream.

Brush types

One hundred. Use a small dense synthetic brush to apply foundation. For powder – fluffy round. It will provide a veil effect. For blush and contour, use a slightly smaller and thicker beveled brush than powder.

eyes and eyebrows. A flat brush is suitable for filling shadows on a moving eyelid. Synthetic beveled, suitable for drawing arrows and painting between eyelashes. And the muzzle brush is ideal for drawing details – the lower eyelid, the outer or inner corner of the eye. The angled synthetic brush is a versatile option for eyebrow makeup. Its pointed tip can pull fine hairs and get a natural result.

lips. The shape and length of the lip makeup brush are particularly important. Makeup artists often use a synthetic square brush with rounded corners.

How much do you really need?

The basis for makeup is a minimum of three brushes. So says Val Garland, makeup artist and makeup director at L’Oréal Paris. The ideal trio:

– fluffy for dry products;

– dense and wide for the foundation;

– beveled for eyebrows and arrows.

Many brands make “all-inclusive” brush sets. This is a good option for those who want to save time and have brushes for every occasion in their arsenal. Bonus – on a set of brushes, what the brush is designed for is usually written on the handles.

What to choose: shampoo, soap or wipes?

From the ability to properly care for the brushes depends entirely on their service life. Also, the care of natural and synthetic hairs should be different. First, it is better to use hair washing products. A pile of synthetics will be happy with ordinary soap.

You do not need to buy a silicone brush to wash the brushes, your own palm will be enough. Put the brush in it and swipe several times with massaging movements. Rinse the brush thoroughly with clean water and dry the bristles with a paper towel. The final stage is drying. To keep the brushes in their original shape for a long time, dry them upside down.

There are express cleaners that do not require drying: wipes and sprays. The spray is good because it contains oils and alcohol: the former cares for the pile and the latter disinfects. Alcohol-free wipes are equally suitable for artificial and natural hairs, saving you time.