Makeup Brushes

These days, not everyone uses makeup brushes. Eyeshadow can be smeared on the eye with a finger. Lipstick doesn't need a brush, and mascara, of course, comes with a brush of its own.

So why bother?

Well, makeup brushes actually are not just an optional extra. They help you apply your makeup with greater accuracy and precision, and they create a significant difference to the finished look. No makeup artist worth her lipgloss would be found without them. Therefore, if you take your beauty regime seriously, a set a good quality makeup brushes could be the best investment you'll make.

Unfortunately, when it comes to buying brushes, it is definitely not a case of "one size fits all". Different types are designed for different purposes, and for the best possible results, it is a good idea to buy a small selection.

Here are the main types of makeup brushes available:

• Foundation Brush

While most of us simply rub foundation in with our fingers or apply it with sponge, we are actually missing out on something. A foundation brush has a flat shape and long bristles, making sure that your foundation is absolutely applied and flawlessly blended.

• Concealer brush

Again, you can just use your fingers, but whether you're using your concealer to disguise a blemish or lighten under-eye shadows, a concealer brush is better. It will allow your concealer to be concentrated on the area you're trying to cover and that has to be a good thing!

• Powder brush

The momentous of all makeup brushes, your powder brush is used to dust loose powder over your face, setting your makeup and eliminating any shine.

• Eyeshadow brushes

Makeup Artists use three separate brushes on the eyes: a medium-sized one on the lid, a small one to line the socket of the eye, and a larger one to add highlighter to the area under the brow. You can also buy eyeliner brushes to apply liquid eye shadow or to blend eye shadow around the eyes for a smoky, sexy look!

• Blush brush

As the name suggests, a blush brush is used to add color to the cheeks. One of the larger of the brushes you'll use, it has soft bristles and is intended to blend color as well as apply it.

• Lip brush

While lipstick is designed to be applied directly from the case, using a lip brush will provide even more and accurate coverage, plus make your lipstick last longer too! For the longest-lasting application, use your foundation brush to cover your lips with a thin layer of foundation, dust with powder, apply lipstick, dust again, then blot.

You'll find a selection of cosmetics brushes for sale anywhere that sells makeup. Many people, however, like to buy a matching set, and this can be a good idea as a set will normally contain each of the brushes you'll need.

Sephora's Essential Brush Set contains five brushes in a handy carrying case, while cult brand Pout offer a set of mini-brushes which are just the right size to fit in your purse.

Makeup brushes never last forever. Frequent use that involves coating them in various types of makeup, it is important to make sure that you care for them appropiately. Your brushes should be stored out of harm's way after each use, and cleaned regularly with warm water.

You can also buy special brush cleaners, such as Estee Lauder's makeup brush cleaner

• Fall Makeup Ideas
• Animal Face Painting
• Bad Makeup Pictures
• What Is Your Makeup Style
• Sexy Eye Makeup Quiz

• Eye Makeup Pictures
• How to Apply Eye Makeup
• Eye Makeup Ideas
• Free Makeup Samples
• Eye Makeup Tips

• Kabuki Brush
• Lauren Hutton Makeup
• How to Use a Foundation Brush
• Professional Makeup Kits
• Category:Makeup Accessories