My Brush Crush

By Jessica Sawicki

Creator of Bomber Betty Custom Cosmetics

            Throw away those sponge applicators that come with your eye shadow! If you want your makeup to look smooth and blended, you need to use a brush. I want to help you choose the right brush for the job.  

             When you want soft, blended color, you need to choose a brush with natural hair. Most natural brushes will be made of squirrel,sable, pony, goat, or beaver hair. Natural bristle brushes are best for powdered shadows and mineral foundations.  The more tapered the bristles are, the more the brush will help you blend as you apply the color.

            When you want to apply strong color,or are using a liquid or cream makeup, synthetic bristle brushes are the best.The most common synthetic used is called Taklon.  I use a synthetic brush for powdered eyeliner,concealer, and brow wax.  A good tip for using your mineral foundation to conceal, is to apply it with a synthetic concealer or foundation brush.  The product is more concentrated when it is applied to the skin, and will cover better.   

            Cleaning your brushes is important,but you have to do it the right way or you will ruin the brush. Since most of  them are natural hair, it is fine to use a gentle shampoo.  Take care not to hold the brush upright when it is very wet, because you don’t want the water to run under the metal ferrule and rust the brush.  Lay them flat to dry, and make sure you do it when you won’t need the brush again for several hours.  When you are washing the brush,try to keep the shape of the brush in tact. If you scrub too hard, the bristles will spread out and the brush won’t retain it’s shape.

            For a quicker clean and faster dry time, use a brush cleaning fluid with an alcohol base.  These products sanitize the brush very effectively, and dry in minutes. These products should have a conditioning ingredient so that they don’t dry out the brush hair.  Cleaning your brushes once every couple of weeks is fine for brushes that are used for powder.  You should clean them more regularly if you use the brush wet, or with cream products. 

            That was your crash course in brushes.  I have a wide range of brushes available in my on-line store. If you are having trouble finding the right brush for the job, or if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at jessica@bomberbetty.com.