Makeup brushes were designed to assist your makeup application so that you could achieve precise placement as well as have it look well blended and flawless.  A lot of woman who don't like to wear a lot of make-up think that they don't need brushes.  But they are wrong.  Applying make-up with brushes also gives you a more natural look, so they are a great and necessary tool!

HAIR

There are many different types you can choose.

Whether you choose a brush that's made from synthetic man made materials or natural hairs like (like pony, squirrel and goat), it is super important that you test the brush out first before buying it.  And as long as you are happy with the way it feels, then that is all that matters.

SANDY TIP:  Do the shed test.

Every brush sheds - but a good quality brush will shed less then the rest.  So, if you spend more time picking little brush hairs off your face then you do actually applying your makeup - that's a problem.  This is a sign that the brush is not the best quality.

HANDLE

Make sure it feels comfortable in your hand!  Keep in mind that the firmer the fiber, the better the brush is for depositing and blending colour. Also note that makeup brushes have three parts to them: hair, handle and ferrule.

HERE IS YOUR MAKE-UP BRUSH STARTER KIT


1.The Powder Brush
(to set your makeup with powder or for bronzer)

As you will notice this is a LARGE brush, and it's like that for a very good reason. It covers the largest surface of your face!  This brush is used to set your make-up and it can also be used to apply bronzer on your chest...

SANDY TIP: Don't forget to TAP IT OFF before applying to your face!

2. The Blush Brush
(to add a pop of colour)

The brush blush is a great brush, notice it's size!  Now some women choose to use a powder brush to put on blush. BIG MISTAKE! Look at the size of the brush, it perfectly covers your cheeks.  Most brushes will tell you on the handle what they are for- so read them if you are not sure!

3. The Eyeshadow Brush
 (to add colour to the eyelid)

Next is the eyeshadow brush.  Now, ladies, please stop using the little applicators that come with eyeshadow, in a pinch or if traveling they work but once you see how great application is with a brush, I promise you won't want to go back!

Now there are many more make-up brushes out there these are just the common three  Now that I have told you why make-up brushes are so great, I am going to introduce you to a few others!

The Face

THE FOUNDATION BRUSH

Use:  Now, of course you can always apply foundation without a brush and just use your fingers.  But for those of you who don't like to get makeup on your hands, a foundation brush is perfect for applying foundation flawlessly all over the face.  And, for those of you still using a sponge to apply foundation - STOP!  Although they blend really well, they tend to soak up the makeup, causing you to waste a lot of product!

Application: Use large strokes from the middle of the face outwards for a nice even application.  To reach narrow areas, like around your nose, mouth and eyes - you can use the edge of the brush.

THE CONCEALER BRUSH

Use:  Great for spot treatment, concealing blemishes and for under eye dark circles.  The hair for this brush, and any brush that's main use is for liquids or creams, is almost always going to be synthetic.  Synthetic hair works the best with liquids or creams.

Application: Press and pat the product in layers to conceal dark circles and any redness on the face.

THE LIP BRUSH

Use:  A lip brush is great for adding definition and precision to your lip line.  But it's also great for reaching into the lipstick tube when it's almost run out.  It'll save you money and make your favourite lipstick last longer!  How great is that!

Application: Start from the bottom centre of your lips and work outwards.


THE FAN BRUSH

Use:  I love this brush!  It feels like a feather and it's main use is to gently lift away any excess eye shadow that may have fallen under the eye area, without ruining your makeup application.  You can also use this brush to apply a light sweep of highlighter to the cheekbones.

Application: Gently sweep away fallen makeup under the eye.


The Eyes

There are so many options when it comes to makeup brushes for the eyes.  It can be a bit overwhelming for women to decide which one's they need...


THE CREASE BRUSH

Use: The crease brush is great for adding definition to the eye and is perfectly designed to fit right into your crease!

Application: Place the brush right where the eyelid creases and gently sweep the brush from the outer corner to the inner corner.

**This brush can also be used as a blender brush to smooth away any harsh lines and clean up the look.**


EYELINER BRUSH

Use:  The Eyeliner brush helps to define your eyelid by adding a thin line of colour right at the base of the lash line.  The cool thing about this brush is that you can use it wet or dry and dip it into any colour of liquid, cream or powder eyeshadow.

Application:  Place the brush into the product, then on to the base of the lash line.


THE SMUDGE BRUSH

Use:  The Smudge brush is used to add depth close to the lash line and in the corners of the eye.

Application: After applying eyeliner, gently smudge the line so that it looks soft and natural.


THE EYEBROW BRUSH

Use:  Lastly, to help frame the frame - you gotta have nicely defined eyebrows. There is nothing worse than untamed eyebrow hairs going all over the place.  So an eyebrow brush is perfect for grooming eyebrows into place, blending in eyebrow colour and to help trim away long eyebrow hairs.

Application: Brush upwards and out for nicely combed eyebrows

To buy any brushes used in this segment, visit www.smashbox.com.

Visit Sandy's Blog at: www.happiface.com