When it comes to purchasing cosmetic products, especially makeup brushes, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Even while it might not seem like much, this requires a considerable amount of expertise. It might be difficult to choose what will work for your budget and beauty regimen from the plethora of foundation brushes at your favorite upscale cosmetic counter to the seemingly limitless supply of brush sets on the market. Is buying expensive brushes really required, or can you get by with buying ones that work just as well but cost less? With two Bollywood beauty professionals, we discussed all things makeup brushes in order to acquire their expert opinion. Consider this your go-to manual for finding the greatest brushes. Whether you want a budget-friendly starter kit or want to amp up your beauty bag with a splurge-worthy blending brush, we’ve got you covered.
How to Choose a Makeup Brush
So, now that you know the types of makeup brushes you need, it’s time to break down what sets a good brush apart from an average one.
1. CONSIDER THE FIBER DENSITY
Fiber density is a crucial determinant of how a brush will apply color to your face and refers to the quantity of bristles packed within the ferrule (the metal ring separating the bristles from the handle) of a brush. A brush with a higher fiber density will produce more color payoff, whilst a brush with a lower fiber density will produce a gentler application. In general, blending or blush brushes should be thinner than eyeshadow brushes. Seeing a brush in person is the most effective approach to assess its density before purchasing.
2. CHECK OUT THE MATERIAL
Either synthetic or natural fibers are used to form the hairs on makeup brushes. Natural hair typically comes from an animal, such as a goat, sable (a type of weasel), or squirrel, which has long generated concerns about the hairs’ ethical source. Natural brushes were once favored because they were thought to be softer and provide better color payoff, but this opinion has changed as synthetic tools have become of far higher caliber because to technical advancements. I believe that synthetic hair fibers are the best option, says Siard. They are remarkably identical to real hair in terms of texture and application, in addition to being cruelty-free.
3. PRIORITIZE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
If you’re putting together a brush kit, you’ll probably get what you pay for. Linter observes that inexpensive brushes “often don’t hold up when they are cleaned, and they can fan out.” Siard also thinks that quality brushes can improve makeup. According to her, a high-quality brush can compensate for a subpar product. Having only one excellent eye shadow brush is preferable to having three inferior ones.
4. KNOW WHEN TO SPLURGE
Is there anything more to consider? what kind of brush you require. Linter like to splurge on blush and shadow brushes, while celebrity makeup artist and groomer Brandy Allen advises investing in face brushes (think: foundation, powder, etc.), as they are “used on the major part of the makeup application.” It might be challenging to find a lip brush that is sufficiently full, according to Linter, so if you’re in the market for one, it might be another tool worth splurging a little more on. On the other hand, our experts concur that there are excellent, reasonably priced highlighter and eyeliner brushes that work just as well for a far lower cost.
How do I know if the material of the makeup brush is right?
According to Mumbai-based celebrity makeup artist Bianca Louzado, making a decision is made easy by adhering to a straightforward checklist. Use a synthetic brush for wet products like foundation or concealer and a genuine hair brush for dry products like powder, eyeshadow, and blush. Wet formulae are prone to absorb into real hair, resulting in product waste. Louzado continues, “A dual-fibre brush is fantastic since it can be used for a wet, cream, or dry product.” When purchasing your beginner set, keep in mind that natural haired brushes are typically more expensive than synthetic brushes.
Which basic makeup brushes should I buy first?
Rajput advises purchasing Real Techniques’ brush set and eye brush set, which both contain five different brushes, to start your brush collection. A foundation brush ought to be one of your very first brushes. The tops of the greatest foundation brushes are flat. It leaves the skin smooth and even and effectively integrates the lotion, he continues. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and BareMinerals Beautiful Finish Brush are his two preferred flat top foundation brushes. Rajput advises placing a sample of foundation to your skin to assess the quality and blending capabilities of the brush if you decide to use a different brand and brush.
Louzado adds that she prefers Real Techniques and ELF Cosmetics for their affordable brushes. She adores Sigma for a reasonably priced set. All of these are ideal for a beginner who wants high quality but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on their first brushes. She additionally advises purchasing a beauty blender as part of a beginning set. It is a versatile blending sponge that enlarges when moist. Despite being designed for wet use, it can be applied to a variety of items. While dry, use it to bake the area around the eyes, and when wet, use it to apply foundation, concealer, and any cream-based cosmetics.
How to Take Care of Your Makeup Brushes
The good news is that investing in high-quality brushes will ensure that they will hold up well over time. You can often count on your makeup brushes to last a number of years. Linter claims that she has two brushes in her equipment that date back to the 1990s. Your brushes must, however, be taken care of if you want them to last.
To prevent residue and bacteria from weakening the skin barrier and the brush fibers, you must regularly wash your brushes. While Allen chooses to wash his brushes every day, Siard cleans hers every four days. She advises using a brush cleaner every day and then going for a full cleansing every one to two weeks, depending on how frequently you use them, if you know that’s not going to happen for you.
When the bristles begin to fall out, fray, or stiffen, it’s time to replace the brush. It’s also time to throw away if you see a cracked handle or ferrule since bacteria could get inside. Possibly another sign that it’s time to replace your brushes? Your makeup is no longer being applied uniformly.