All About Brushes Part 3 | Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

So now that you have a basic understanding of brushes, you should know how to clean them. If you haven't read my first two posts about brushes, click HERE and HERE. I am going to be blunt.. your makeup brushes are disgusting. They are filled with old makeup, dirt, DEAD SKIN, and bacteria. Even when your brushes are not touching your face they are still collecting dust and dirt from microscopic particles flying in the air. If you don't wash your brushes, your face may break out, and you can get an infection in your eyes. Not to mention your application will be so much smoother when applying with clean brushes.

But I'm gonna be honest, cleaning my makeup brushes is more of a dreaded task for me than cleaning up cow manure...okay not really, but it's a close call! When I do a nice deep brush cleaning, I do this about once every 2 weeks, give or take. I, however, spot clean my brushes every few days... the brushes I use more frequently that is. 

Can you see why I hate washing all these babies?

All About Brushes Part 2 | Must Have Brushes

Choosing which brushes you should use can be overwhelming, but just in case you don't understand the importance of brushes in a makeup application, just comprehend they're as crucial as using a fork to eat a bowl of spaghetti... it's possible to do without it, but the result is a big ol mess! And having quality ones are just as relevant. Quality brushes can come with a hefty price tag once you start adding them up, but you will use them EVERY day so it is definitely worth the investment.

The more you experiment with brushes, the more understanding you will get with their functions and uses. Keep in mind, just because a brush has a 'labeled' function does not mean it has to be used solely for that purpose. For example, I use a "base shadow" brush with powder to set my foundation. Experiment with your brushes & see what works for you. 

Here are some staples in my collection:

1. Sigma F80- Flat kabuki $21//here
Use: Foundation Application
-- Dense synthetic bristles; guarantees a flawless finish
-- Ideal for medium to full coverage foundations
-- As mentioned before, the synthetic bristles in this brush release the product directly on your skin. Pressing the brush into the skin and moving this brush in circular motions will provide a perfect flawless application. Pointed foundation brushes can cause streaks & uneven application. 

All About Brushes Part 1 | The Basics

This is rather a complex subject so I am going to break down this issue in three separate posts. The first thing you should know is the bristles come in two different types- Synthetic and Natural... and you should have both! The main difference between synthetic hairs and natural hair is its capability to pick up and release the product.

Synthetic Hairs 

Synthetic are usually made with taklon or nylon, which is what most synthetic paint brushes are compromised of as well, or any other matter that imitates animal hair. As I raved in my Makeup Essentials (<<< Read Me) blog, I am obsessed with Sigma's F80 Flat Kabuki brush (made of synthetic hairs). Because it is not real hair, it does not essentially grab & hold the product within the hairs... it picks it up & releases it directly on the surface. Synthetic brushes are used best with liquids, creamy eyeshadow, or eyeliner. Traditionally, you should avoid powder based products with synthetic brushes. However, some companies are creating synthetic hairs that so closely resemble natural hairs you can hardly tell the difference. (Just know before you buy)

Recommended brushes: Sigma F80 - Flat Kabuki
Sigma  F88 - Flat Angled Kabuki
Sigma E05 - Eyeliner 
Sigma F70 - Concealer 

Natural Hairs

Natural brushes are a little more complex, as they are made from a variety of animals. The most common being goat, squirrel, sable, and pony. ((Don't worry, they are not harmed.. we all get hair cuts)). Adversly from synthetic brushes, natural hairs are best used on powder products. The reason being, the hair is REAL...it is going to absorb moisture as our own hair does. A powder product is just going to vacuum inside those cuticle scales (below), and when enough pressure is applied (it doesn't take much) the powder will fall off
 

resulting in a softer application than synthetics.  This comes in handy when blending products. Natural brushes tend to move more generously than synthetics, which is why they are so amazing with blending & buffing out. (<< Does all that make sense?) Avoid using liquids and creams, as they will cling to the hair's texture & will have a difficult time releasing.. resulting in uneven application & cakeyness (ewww).



Recommended brushes: Sigma E35 - Tapered Blending
Sigma E25 - Blending
Sigma F40 - Large Angled Contouring
Sigma F10 - Powder/Blush

(I believe Sigma's Natural brushes are hairs from the belly of a Goat)

Combination

And then there are combination brushes.. which consist of both natural & synthetic hairs. You will not come across these brushes as much... as there are few brushes I know of (or at least tried) that is compromised of both. My favorite is MAC's 242 Shader brush. This little puppy is awesome for packing on color and even works with creamy concealers. It's the best universal brush known to man-kind. If you do stumble upon a combination brush, I would choose a very reliable brand, such as MAC so you know you are getting the best quality.

Recommended Brush: Sigma F50 Duo FibreMAC 242 Shader 

** Please Note: I chose to link all Sigma Brushes not only because they are amazing, but it was easier for me to stay with one brand. I am no way affiliated or sponsored by Sigma.

Brushes Part 2 HERE
Brushes Part 3 HERE