Makeup Tools

Remember using those tiny sponge applicators with play makeup when you were a kid? It's
time to ditch those wee makeup brushes and wands that come packaged with compacts and
eyeshadow palettes. Sure, they'll work in a pinch, like when you're running late for work
or need a quick pre-date touch-up, but to get the most out of her makeup collection, a girl
really needs the right tools for the job.

Brushes

To create a work of art, whether on canvas or your eye crease, artists will often reach for
a brush. Specialized makeup brushes exist to help us apply and blend colors to create
different makeup looks. When it comes to makeup brushes, hoard them like pirate treasure!
Buy as many different brushes as you can comfortably afford. You'll use your brushes every
day, and you won't regret having a variety from which to choose.

Makeup brush design varies across brands and according to function. Brush heads may be made
from natural fibers like squirrel (yes, squirrel), goat, sable, or horse hair, while others
are made from synthetic fibers. Don't be afraid to experiment with a variety of brushes
made from different fibers. There's no better way to find your ideal brush, but be aware
that some people are allergic to certain animal hairs. Try to use just a single new brush
or beauty product at a time, and limit its use initially. That way, if your skin does
react, you'll know which product to blame.

Face Brushes

We use them to apply foundation, concealer, powders and blush.

Foundation Brush: Used to apply foundation to the face and typically made from synthetic
fibers. Most foundation brushes have a small, rounded brush head shaped like a tiny
spatula.

Concealer Brush: Concealer brushes look like mini foundation brushes. Being smaller than
foundation brushes makes them better suited for covering blemishes or for applying liquid
concealers in hard to reach places like the corners of the eyes.

Powder Brush: With a large, fluffy brush heads and soft bristles, powder brushes are ideal
for applying loose powder to the face.

Blush Brush: They resemble smallish powder brushes with either a sloped or rounded tip.
Great for applying blush or bronzer to cheeks.
Eye Brushes
There are lots of eye brushes to choose from, which is a blessing for brush hoarders like
me (I own over 30, yikes) but a curse for makeup newbies. Start your collection with the
essentials.

Eyebrow Brush: Eyebrow brushes have firm, angled brush heads like the tip of a marker. Use
them to apply powders, creams or waxes to brows.

Eyeshadow Brush: Not as stiff as an eyebrow brush, eyeshadow brushes have square heads used
to evenly apply both powder and cream shadows to eyelids. I reach for this brush so often
that I might as well have it permanently attached to my hand! Expect to use these a lot.

Blending Brush: Like the name implies, blending brushes are used to blend different colored
products and to wipe out harsh lines. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not as
firm as eyeshadow brush heads, the heads of blending brushes are usually tapered. This will
be your second staple brush (behind your eyeshadow brush).

Concealer Brush: Used to cover blemishes and imperfections on the face, concealer brushes
have a thin, pointed tip, much like a fine-tipped paintbrush.

Crease Brush: Fluffy and soft, crease brush heads come in several different shapes, from
thin and tapered to round and fluffy. The shape you choose will depend more on personal
preference than anything else. Look for a brush head that feels soft against your eyelid
and fits into the hollow of your eye.

Lip Brushes

At one time or another, most of us have applied lipstick straight from the tube. As much as
I love my brushes, I have to confess: I do this all the time! Let's face it, applying
lipstick straight from the tube is much easier than reaching for a lip brush, and sometimes
you just don't have the time. However, when you feel like rocking a deep, dark scarlet or a
bright matte fuschia, a lip brush is the only way to go. It provides more control and
precise lipstick application than a tube. Like concealer brushes, lip brushes have a firm,
thin tip. For on-the-go lipstick application, look for a covered lip brush, which comes
with a cover to protect the brush head while you're traveling.

Choosing the Right Brush

Makeup brushes are a must in any woman's makeup drawer. You can find a range of prices for
your brushes. Be prepared to spend upwards of $250 for the best brushes on the market.
Here, we give you the best options in the affordable and pricey categories.

Keep in mind you don't have to spend a ton of money on a makeup brush. Acrylic ones
actually are easier to clean than the brushes made from fancy animal (sable, pony,
squirrel, goat and badger) fibers. But the pricey ones will last you forever.

How to Clean Your Brushes

Regularly cleaning makeup brushes extends their useful life. Some makeup lines sell liquid
brush cleaning solutions, but baby shampoo and water also work well. Antibacterial wipes
provide a quick way to clean brush heads in the car or wherever water would make a mess.
After cleaning your brushes, reshape the brush heads with your fingers and line them up on
the edge of a shelf or sink to dry.
Short- Versus Long-Handled Brushes?
Brush handles come in different lengths and weights, and which one you choose depends on
your personal preference. Small hands might prefer short brush handles.

How to Store Your Brushes

For cheap, easy brush storage at home, stand them up in a glass (brush heads up). When
you're on the road, use a brush roll, which is a folding bag with slots for each brush. It
rolls up like a sleeping bag.