This is my 100th post (yay!), so I definitely put more effort than usual into this one. It is also part of the
makeup series I talked about in the post before last, so enjoy!
Your face is a canvas, therefore you need the right tools to create the work of art that is your look. This is where good quality makeup tools come into play. However, you already posses the two greatest tools of all: your hands and your fingertips. The natural warmth of the skin often works well to blend colours and to apply (especially creamy) makeup. Like anything, you need time and practice to use your arsenal of brushes, pencils, sponges and other devices that make applying makeup fun and accurate (you may never become completely accurate 100% of the time, but hey, that's life).
When buying tools, select the best quality tools you can find--they may cost more, but trust me, you will have them for a very long time. I still have tools I bought in 1998 and they are still going strong. I like
MAC tools for this: I find that they are reasonably priced and they last a long time.
Makeup tools are used for a variety of purposes: application, blending, contouring, highlighting, lining, shading and separating. I know this can seem pretty complicated, but once you figure out what they're for and how to use them, it'll become simpler. Remember this: the more compact the fibers of a brush, the more concentrated the colour application.
Foundation Brush
A large, flat, oval brush that is used to apply liquid or cream foundation. Some people prefer to use sponges, but I prefer to use this brush for the simple fact that it doesn't soak up as much product in applying or blending foundation. This is one of the brushes I use most often.
Powder Brush
A fluffy, oversized brush used to dust on loose powder. It has a large head and soft bristles shaped into a round dome.
Blush Brush
Another one of my most-used brushes, it is a round, medium-sized brush that is usually a smaller version of the powder brush. Used mainly to apply blush or bronzer.
Eyeshadow Brush
Expect to use this one a lot if you intend to apply any eye colour. This brush is smaller and usually flatter than the powder or blush brush. It is used mainly to sweep colour across the eyelid and to highlight the browbone.
Blending Brush
The bristles of this brush is not as firm as that of the shadow brush, which allows for blending different colours and for softening harsh lines. I especially use this brush for blending colours from the eyelid to the crease, or if I have more than one colour on my eyelid that I want to blend. This brush also applies a finishing touch in that respect. It is usually tapered at the end. I also use it as a crease brush sometimes, depending on how mush colour I want in my crease.
Eyebrow Brush
A firm, flat, angled brush for applying colour onto the eyebrows. The bristles of this brush are compact and is used to apply powders, creams or waxes to brows.
Smudge Brush
I hesitated to include this one, as this is mainly used for a smokey eye and is not necessarily essential, but hey, better more info than less. This brush is compact and small and it's used for applying and smudging a dense application of colour.
Eyeliner Brush
This brush is pencil lead-thin with compact bristles and is used to trace accurate lines along the lashes or waterline. I mainly use this one when I apply gel liners. It can also double as a concealer brush--which I didn't include in this post, as I mostly use my fingers--to apply concealer onto blemishes or other spots you may want to hide.
Lip Brush
I admit that I don't use this much, but it is a small brush, much like the eyeliner brush, that is used to apply lipstick or gloss. It offers the precision of lip application that lipstick or gloss from a tube just can't provide, especially around the edges of the lip. This can also double as a concealer brush.
Cleaning Your Brushes
I admit that I'm not the best at cleaning brushes regularly, but it is important. It will ensure your brushes' longevity. Some makeup lines sell, and some makeup salespeople encourage you, to buy cleaning solution for your brushes. You don't need it. The important thing is to use a gentle cleanser such as shampoo. I often use chemical-free dishwashing liquid to clean mine. After rinsing it's best to shake out the excess water, gently reshape them and arrange them along the sink to dry.
Eyelash Curler
This tool mystifies many men. It is an eyelash curler. If you have eyelashes that are not curled, you may need this. It is only to be used on the upper lashes.
Wedge Sponge
I alluded to this instrument earlier as something I didn't favour much as an application tool, but I know that some women love them. They are mainly latex-based sponges shaped like a wedge to provide application of, mainly foundation, to various parts of the face. One advantage of the sponge is that it's blending capability is greater than that of a brush. Use a dry sponge for full coverage and a wet one for sheer coverage. You can also used a mild cleanser to clean these.
Powder Puff
These are usually included in pressed powder compacts and if you like them, it's best to buy a couple extra as they need to be replaced every so often (they can absorb bacteria, sweat and oils from the skin that can be reapplied every time you use them, potentially causing breakouts). They are designed to apply mostly pressed powder to the face, in lieu of a powder brush.
