MAKEUP BRUSHES 101

I had a request from Kelly about brushes - which ones I use, their purposes, and how/when to clean them.  So, here goes!

These are the brushes I use regularly and what I use them for...  They are not expensive brushes - I opt for drugstore brands most of the time.  I just can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on a brush set when I can get virtually the same thing for so much less.

1. Real Techniques Blending Brush - for my foundation
2. Mark All-Over Powder Brush - for my loose powder
3. Elf Foundation Brush - for my concealer
4. Elf Powder Brush - for my blush
5. Mark Blush/Bronzer Brush - also for blush
6. Elf Fan Brush - for brushing off excess eyeshadow, or for powder highlighting
7. Angled Brow Brush (unsure of the brand) - for my eyebrows
8. Eco Tools Fluffy Brush - for base color eye shadows
9. Eyeshadow Brush (unsure of the brand) - for blending
10. Eyeshadow Brush (unsure of the brand) - for basic eyeshadow application
11. Blending Brush (unsure of the brand) - for applying shadow in the eye crease
12. Elf Eyeshadow Brush - for eye highlighting on the brow bone and also smudging
13. and 14 are both angled drugstore brushes that I use for applying/blending eyeshadow under my eyes (for the smokey eye look)

So as you can see, I don't always use my brushes for the purpose in which they were intended.  I think everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to their makeup looks and applying it, so I say experiment and see what works the best for you!

Now, I'll go ahead and admit that I commit a serious beauty crime by not regularly cleansing my brushes.  Up until recently, I mostly only used brushes for my cheeks and eyes, so I'd often just throw them out and buy new ones. But, now that I'm using brushes for my foundation and concealer, I thought I better get serious about ensuring they are bacteria-free!

Brushes, especially foundation brushes, should be cleaned weekly with a mild shampoo or liquid hand soap. You can also purchase cleansers that are specifically for makeup brushes.  I think Mac, Bare Escentuals, and elf all make their own cleansers.  Also, a neat tip... during the week, you can use a baby wipe for a quick daily brush cleaning!

Onto my weekly cleaning routine...

First I just run them under the water for a minute or so, rinsing away any loose makeup.

Then I add about a nickel-sized squirt of shampoo to my hand and start rubbing it into the brush.

I continue rubbing the brush onto my hand for a few minutes.  You'll be amazed at how much product comes out of foundation and concealer brushes!

Then, once more, I run the brush under the water to rinse. Do this until the water runs clear.  If your brushes are really dirty, you may want to repeat the shampoo/rinse process.

Once the brush is clean, use your fingers to gently squeeze out any excess water.  Also, re-shape the bristles (if they're looking a little wild!).

Next I just use a dry paper towel to kind of blot the brush and absorb any remaining water.

And finally, lay the brushes flat or pointing down and allow them to air dry for a few hours.  Don't store them standing up or the water will travel downward and weaken the glue that holds the bristles onto the brush.

That's it!  I know it can be a pain, but it really is important to keep your brushes as clean as possible.  You don't want bacteria and dead skin cells being re-applied to your skin and causing breakouts.  I hope this helped any of you who may be new to the brush maintenance world :)