by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: July 20, 2008

The tools of Makeup Artistry are for the most part underestimated. The right tools can mean easier & more professional makeup application.

This does not need to burn a massive hole in your pocket, however. Equipment does not have to be expensive & there are plenty of retail outlets that sell reliable tools at a reasonable price.

Tools required vary person to person, depending on which makeup they use & how much. It is not necessary to purchase every item on the market, but buying a set of reliable brushes is definitely worth considering.

Brushes are preferred rather than sponge applicators that come with eyeshadow compacts, as brushes tend to sweep gently over the skin & sponge tips can drag. Brushes are widely available, varying greatly in price, depending on the hair type. Brushes made from synthetic hair can be purchased from many retail stores, usually in a pack and are very economical. For long term use, real hair brushes are preferred to synthetic ones, as they last much longer, are softer on the skin and tend to offer better blending properties. Real hair brushes are much more expensive, however. Your budget will often determine which ones you choose. If you prefer brushes with real hair, those found in art shops are a less expensive option with the same result (please be sure to purchase brushes that have been produced with no harm to the animal for example, goat hair is quite popular and has simply been shorn off the animal).

As for cleaning, you can wash real hair brushes with shampoo and follow with conditioner to keep them soft, at least once a week if they are only for personal use. How often you wash your brushes will be determined by how often you use them. Synthetic brushes can be washed with soapy water. If sharing brushes with anyone else, spraying them with rubbing alcohol will purify them from any bacteria or infection; removing makeup and sanitising the bristles. After washing, be sure to gently squeeze out excess water then dry them overnight, on a towel on a flat surface, turning them over once. Drying with heat is not recommended because the bristles will eventually dry out. It is not recommended to share any tools that have not been properly washed and/or sanitised, as this increases the possibility of spreading infection from one person to another.

Buying brushes need not be difficult. When looking to purchase your brushes, whether real hair or synthetic, check that the bristles will not shed by gently pulling them. If many bristles come

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