We get asked about brushes ALL THE TIME and yet we still LOVE talking about them!
On the other hand, it’s probably fair to say, not everyone else shares the same level of passion and enthusiasm as us (we’re not offended lol).
To save you from asking the question and subsequently listening to us ramble on for hours, we’ve gone ahead and compiled our most frequently asked questions. *You’re welcome*.
HOW DO I SANITIZE MAKEUP BRUSHES?
Whether your brushes are for personal use OR if you’re a Makeup Artist using it on clients, it’s equally important to sanitize and keep your brushes clean to ensure bacteria are kept at bay. Two sanitization methods are;
On the Job Sanitization
It’s an absolute MUST for brushes to be sanitized in between clients!
As a professional makeup artist, you have duty of care to ensure hygiene practices are followed for the healthy and safety of clients. The quickest way to sanitize brushes on the job is using Isopropyl Alcohol.
It is recommended to use 70% grade so it is not too harsh on skin. Spray some alcohol onto brush bristles and gently brush the bristles onto paper towel. You will very quickly see pigments rub off your brush.
You can find Isopropyl Alcohol here.
Deep Clean
Deep cleans are dependent on how often brushes are used.
As a Professional Makeup Artist, it is recommended to deep clean brushes at the end of every day as the method above of using alcohol is only a temporary method.
For a deep clean process, see our previous blog post here.
HOW DO I CLEAN MAKEUP BRUSHES WITH SHAMPOO?
See our previous blog post on how to clean using shampoo here.
WHAT MAKEUP BRUSHES TO BUY FOR BEGINNERS?
Those who are just entering the realm of makeup may be overwhelmed by the amount of brushes available! Seeing as there are so many variations of the ‘eyeshadow’ brush alone, as a starting point, a beginner should at least try one of each brush to complete a simple look.
Take our ‘The Minimalist’ brush set for example. This set contains 11 brushes, enough to complete the base, eyes, lips and brows. A set like this allows beginners to get a feel of the different types of brushes available.
Check it out, here.
WHICH MAKEUP BRUSH IS FOR FOUNDATION?
There are different types of foundation brushes on the market and which one to use is dependent on what you are trying to achieve. Sometimes it merely comes down to preference.
Here are our favourite foundation brushes;
Duo Fibre
Coverage Type: Lightweight
As the bristles are slightly sparse, the application of products are lightweight making it easier to achieve a softer, more airbrushed appearance.
This brush is particularly great for liquid or cream products such as primer, foundation, blush or even highlighter,
See it in action, here.
Find it on our store, here.
Foundation
Coverage Type: Medium Coverage
Flat bristles is great for controlling coverage and getting into smaller areas such as around nose and eyes.
This brush is useful for building layers and achieving the coverage you desire.
Find it on our store, here.
Contour
Coverage Type: Full Coverage
Super dense brush allows for a fuller application of cream or liquid products. The flat top ensures blending is smooth leaving coverage look seamless.
Find it on our store, here.
HOW LONG WILL MAKEUP BRUSHES LAST?
As with any tools of the trade, brushes are subject to wear and tear. Factors such as how often they’re used, how often they’re cleaned and how well they’re stored, all play an important role in its longevity. Generally speaking, quality makeup brushes can last well over a few years.
CAN MAKEUP BRUSHES CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTIONS?
Animal hair makeup brushes can cause a reaction if you’re allergic to animal hair. If this is the case, a great alternative is to use synthetic brushes.
CAN MAKEUP BRUSHES CAUSE BREAKOUTS?
Over time, makeup brushes can build up bacteria which is why we strongly recommend cleaning them well. Using dirty brushes can spread bacteria onto skin and cause it to break out.
WHY CLEAN MAKEUP BRUSHES?
The answer to this is super simple, you wouldn’t use a dirty gym towel to wipe your face, so don’t use a dirty makeup brush either.
ARE MAKEUP BRUSH SETS GOOD?
Okay, so this question is subjective. It really depends on what you need and/or want.
We created multiple brush sets ranging from smaller sets to our larger set, the Deluxe Artistry Set, which consist of ALL of our brushes. This is simply to cater to different needs.
It makes it easier for those looking to achieve certain outcomes ie. Glamourous eyes, cue ‘Eyes to Envy Brush Set’ or say perfecting skin, cue ‘The Perfect Base Brush Set’ to purchase according to their needs.
All in all, purchasing sets get you more bang for your buck!
So, the real question is not in cost, rather it’s in ‘what am I trying to achieve with the brushes?’.
Don’t see your question listed? Send us an email and we will answer if for you.