Photography by Peter Stigter
Despite what you may think, makeup brushes are not reserved for the pros and the Kardashians. While the trend du jour may be a quick, easy application using your fingers, some looks require a brush to get your makeup just right. These backbones of your beauty bag will allow you to create everything from a pared-down face to a red carpet contour. And while the makeup brush aisle can often feel overwhelming, we’re here to curb your confusion. A cardinal rule is that a selection of brushes should be at the ready on your bathroom counter (even for the wash and go type). Fingers need not apply here, because when it comes to looking polished and professional, investing time and money in a few obligatory tools is key.
So to make sense of this makeup brush kerfuffle, we spoke with CoverGirl’S Makeup Pro, Veronica Chu. “The better made brushes typically have a higher price tag, but they also last longer. Between application and washing, your brushes go through a lot of wear and tear. Cheaper brushes tend to fall apart and lose bristles much more easily, so you’ll end up buying more over time. Even for the 5-minute makeup woman, good brushes are a must! They’ll result in easier application, reducing the time spent on retouching the makeup once it’s applied.”
But before we let the brushes out of the bag, let’s just clarify what bristles you should be looking out for, and what Chu recognizes as beneficial to your beauty routine. “When applying dry products, use natural bristle brushes as they’re more porous and will apply and blend the product more evenly. When using liquid or crème products, opt for synthetic bristles, as they’ll absorb less. The best multipurpose brushes are a blend of natural and synthetic bristles—ideally synthetic on one side and natural on the other. These brushes will provide the best of both worlds so they can be used with any product.” For a flawless face, creating a kit of your fundamental makeup brushes will simplify your beauty routine.
And before you start exercising your purchasing power, Chu adds that she “always recommends people research what each brush does and how to properly hold it. The more you know about your tools, the better your end result will be. For example, I see a lot of women who hold their brushes right at the base of the bristles – moving your hand up the barrel will give you more control and allow you to see the makeup as you apply it.”
As well, recognize that the upkeep of your brushes is just as paramount as the purchase itself. “It’s important that you wash your brushes about once a week (more if you wear heavy makeup). Not only will clean brushes help you achieve your desired shade, but they’ll work the way they’re intended to. A lot of women feel like their brushes “wear out” after only a few weeks or months, but in reality, a good brush should last a long time; try cleaning it and you’ll see your results improve.” It’s time to start buying into the brushes, and regarding them as part of the permanent team and not the benched rotation. And if you’re looking to steer this undertaking into red carpet territory, Chu suggests adding an angled contour brush and a stiff crease brush to your repertoire. So without further adieu, these are the seven makeup brushes everyone should have in their kit.
