Caring for Your Makeup Brushes

Makeup tools are mostly over looked and underrated because most women balk at the idea of using separate tools to apply makeup. They see it as unnecessary expense. I cannot emphasize enough the value of good makeup tools; applying makeup is easier, smoother and faster, leaving you with a natural and long lasting makeup. The applicators included in most makeup products are simply not up to the job, blush brushes are usually too small and too coarse to enable you place colour where you want. Similarly, the sponge applicators that come with some eye shadow kits are difficult to hold and impossible to control. If the idea of makeup brushes is daunting to you, try buying only these essentials – shadow brushes (angle and blending), powder brush and blush brush. Other basic tools are powder puff, sponge (wedge shaped for applying concealer and foundation), brow brush, tweezers and sharpener. How do you know if a brush is good quality? Brushes should be soft, full and comfortable in your hands. Run your fingers through the bristles, it’s a bad sign if they come off easily, if they are hard or if the bristles scatter and won’t flap back unless you rearrange them. How to clean your makeup brush: To clean makeup brushes, mild household liquid soaps are better. Use your hand as a cup for warm soapy water and swirl brushes in your palm until they are clean. Rinse properly and gently squeeze out excess water and reshape bristles. Air dry over night by laying brush over edge of tables – it opens bristles to air on all sides. Do not soak brushes; extended immersion can loosen the glue holding bristles together. Also to avoid mildew, do not wrap brushes in or lay them on a towel to dry.  

About the Author Uche Amonye is from Awka in Anambra state. She is a graduate of Unilag, with a B.A. in English and a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy. Trained by Ada Nwankwo (an Estee Lauder-trained Beauty Consultant), she is the CEO of Visage makeovers (Est. 2005). As a beauty consultant, she caters for all occasions – bridal, parties, photo shoot, runway, gele, lash extension and brow waxing. She also teaches the art of professional make-up. Contact Uche: 08023364097, 01-8722246. Or visit the Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/visagemakeovers.