Essential Makeup Brushes for Your Makeup Routine

One element that is often overlooked when it comes to makeup, is choosing the right makeup brushes for the job--and the right quality makeup brushes. We all want our makeup to look both beautiful and natural. We learn little tips and techniques that help us blend colors, highlight our best features and camouflage our flaws. We try many different makeup products and often make changes to suit different looks, conditions or problems.With the right tools, you can achieve a polished look.

Natural Versus Synthetic Brushes
Makeup brushes can be made with synthetic bristles or natural hair bristles. Most professional makeup brushes are made of natural bristles, which are softer, pick up makeup easier and apply it more evenly. Natural bristles also release the makeup when you gently press the bristles against your skin.

These bristles are made from sable, goat, pony, squirrel, badger or weasel hair. Each animal's hair has different qualities, and you will often get the best result if you choose a makeup brush with bristles from a variety of sources. Squirrel hair has some of the softest bristles, while sable is the most durable. Good sable makeup brushes, taken care of properly, will last the longest.

Synthetic brushes are cheaper than makeup brushes made with natural hair. You can distinguish synthetic brushes by their shiny hairs and their slightly coarse feel. A downside to synthetic makeup brushes is that they get stiffer with use, which reduces their ability to pick up and release makeup evenly.

One type of synthetic brush that is popular and effective is a Taklon brush. Taklon brushes are excellent for applying creams or concealers. Because of their bristle strength, Taklon makeup brushes won't soak up your cosmetics, but they can move makeup around your face smoothly and evenly. Taklon brushes are also good to use for lip products that are heavier and creamier in texture.

Cuts of Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes have three basic cuts: straight, chiseled and tapered. Each cut delivers the makeup slightly differently.

• Straight brushes are even across the ends of the bristles, just like a bob haircut. These brushes are used for applying eyeliner, eyebrow color or eye shadow in a straight line.
• Chiseled brushes are slightly layered at the ends of the bristles. This gives them a rounded look and application effect. Chiseled brushes are excellent for blending makeup. They have a soft touch, so they are well suited for applying darker colors. Use a chiseled brush for applying blush, contouring colors and applying loose powder. You can also use a chiseled brush for applying eye shadows.
• Tapered brushes have bristles that are rounded out to a pointed end, yet the brush remains flat. They are used to draw a curved line and work best for lip brushes and concealer.

The Cost of Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes come in a range of prices. You can buy cheap synthetic makeup brushes for as little as a few dollars. Professional makeup brushes can run as high as $75 apiece or more, and they can be purchased in sets that run anywhere from about $120 to $250 and up. However, higher price does not guarantee better quality.

Once you have decided if you want synthetic or natural bristles, check the quality of the brush. Before you buy a new makeup brush, gently sweep the bristles over the inside of your wrist. They should feel soft and light. If the bristles feel stiff or prickly, don't buy the brush. The stiffness will only get worse with time, not better.

Flip the bristles back and forth, and gently tug on them. Do you see stray hairs flying or coming off in your hand? Stray hairs indicate that the glue is not very strong, and the brush will fall apart after just a few washings.

Make certain the handle and the ferrule are sturdy and solidly connected. The ferrule is the metal tube that holds the glued bristles and connects to the brush handle. It should be secure and double-crimped for stability. Choose a handle that fits comfortably in your hand.

Caring for Your Brushes
The best way to clean makeup brushes is to wash them with warm water and just a drop of shampoo. Work the shampoo gently into the bristles and lather them up to remove all makeup deposits, dust and bacteria. Rinse the brush thoroughly, until the water runs clear. Dry the brush flat on a paper towel, which will help the bristles retain their shape. You should clean your makeup brushes every two weeks to maintain hygiene and quality.