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 away, look for another brush!
Now, which brush for which purpose? One brush can be used for several things, so you need not buy a brush for every part of your makeup process. For example, one small tapered brush can be used to apply eyeliner, concealer and lip colour. Simply wipe off before using each product.
Powder/blush brush try a large, rounded and flexible brush with soft bristles. This allows plenty of movement for blending (you may prefer to use a powder puff, but be aware that this will apply more product).
Concealer brush small and fine with fairly stiff bristles for full control over movement. Can have a pointed tip for precision but is not absolutely necessary.
Shadow brushes small to medium sized, fairly flexible to allow easy blending and can be tapered at side to allow movement into eye socket. Rounded tips are a must for smooth blending.
Eyeliner brush small tapered and fine tipped for precision.
Lip brush thin and tapered with firm bristles for full control.
You can always use scissors to taper off and shape your brushes to suit your needs, especially if you cannot find what you want in the stores.
Cotton Tips are great for cleaning up excess eyeshadow/lipstick or fixing mistakes. Tips can also be used to blend liquid/cream foundations together in your hand or getting it out of the bottle when it is running low. Removing mistakes can be made easier by dipping the tip in some oil before use. They also make a great alternative to a lip brush for those suffering from cold sores, as they can be thrown away after use and prevent re-infection.
Tweezers can shape the brow to create different looks. Tweezing the brows can really open up the eyes and creates more space for shadow application. Tweezers also come in handy for holding false eyelashes, as fingers can be too bulky to place them accurately.
Tip: To help ease the pain of tweezing, numb the area with ice and hold the skin taut before tweezing in the direction of the hair growth.
Latex Sponges are used for administering foundations and/or blushes & are invaluable. Used damp, they produce a dewy, sheer finish. Dry, they provide a heavier, matte coverage. They allow you to apply as little or as much foundation and/or face powder as you prefer. These sponges can be purchased singularly or in a pack from the Beauty Section of many retail outlets. They come in various shapes and sizes and are rubbery in texture. They vary in price so it is best to shop around. If using only on your own skin, they can be washed in soapy water and reused maybe once or twice before requiring replacement. Soaking them in nappy soak sanitises and whitens them after washing for your personal use. The larger, thicker sponges available are hardier and can be re-used more often before becoming flaky and requiring replacement.
Eyelash Curlers are an invaluable tool for long, curly lashes. It can be quite intimidating though! Practice does make perfect, however!
Tip: To use an eyelash curler, begin at the lash base. Crimp & release repeatedly whilst moving upward until reaching the lash tip. Use before applying mascara.
If you desire more professional results to your makeup application, appropriate tools are an absolute must. The right equipment will save you time, effort and the results speak for themselves.