Ola!

A few weeks ago I did a beauty segment on ABC 3340 in Birmingham called “Beauty Questions Answered”. The host asked me about buying and using good, quality makeup brushes. After the segment, I received several emails from people who watched and had no clue brushes were so important. Ladies, the little sponge tip applicators and brushes that come with your products just won’t cut it, you need real brushes to enhance your face with makeup. Since I feel brushes can make or break your look, I’m going to give you a few basic tips on how to choose quality brushes.

Brushes are made of three parts: Hair, Ferrule and Handle

1. Always look for natural bristled brushes.
Decent quality choices of powder, eyeshadow and blush brushes are cut from free range animals- goats, squirrels and ponies.
Don’t worry, the animals just get the tips of their furs sheared in a cruelty free method which gives you the softest hairs.
Synthetic brushes which are usually nylon and taklon should be used with liquids, creams and gels.
* Always remember, the softer the brush the least amount of product will be distributed.

2. Make sure the ferrule is double crimped.
The ferrule holds the hair and handle together. Being double crimped will keep you from having wobbly handles and hair loss.
Also the ferrule should be made of aluminum, copper or brass, which are more durable than plastic.

3. Make sure the brushes are handmade.
Machines can’t shape the brush hairs without trimming off the soft tips of the hairs.
The handles should be made of hardwood like Birch and the overall weight of it should feel good in your hand.

Please, please wash your brushes at least every two weeks with a good brush cleanser or a mild hair shampoo.
Take care of them and I promise you’ll have them for years to come.
Remember brushes are an investment.

Stay beautilicious!
Jestina