So you have made the choice to stream line your makeup bag and now have a sweet collection of beauty products that will take you from day to anywhere in a flash. But how are your beauty tools looking? Are you still holding on to those tired, old makeup brushes you bought in, like, high school? Time to let them all go and get yourself some new beauty tackle that will not only make the job of making up easier, but pamper your skin as well. I am of the mindset that everyone should give themselves a bit o’ TLC on a daily basis so invest in some time and skin saving quality brushes. The collection that ranks high on my beauty meter are made by Smash Box Cosmetics. Made for the pros, you can use these soft and supple brushes to create your own magic at home. Here are my must have’s:
First up: The foundation brush. It’s usually medium to wide in width and flat- tapered. I use one medium sized brush that I apply concealer, foundation or even loose powder with, as its shape makes getting into corners and smoothing areas lightening-quick and it covers a lot of ground ( I use this size as well for cream blush as it’s perfect for blending) and a smaller version for around the eyes, nose and any other smaller area. I sometimes use the smaller version as a eyeliner blending brush as its narrow taper helps to keep the liner close to the lash line but smudged soft.
Followed by: Powder brush. A dense yet soft dome-style works wonders for all powder types. It’s delicate enough to “glaze” the skin with a little powder or lay it on the really set any foundation. Good for larger areas of the face.
And then: Two bullet shaped short barrel brushes. Use one for powder (loose or pressed) on smaller areas of the face, and the other for eye color application. The bullet shape makes it easy to navigate the contours of the eye area, keeping the product where you want it.
The Domed Blush Brush: I love this shape as it allows blush to be applied in a multitude of ways. A must have for all powder blush.
The eyebrow brush: The tapered end of the brush is perfect for applying powder eyebrow color or blending pencil and the brow grooming brush helps to brush them into shape. A double win.
Finally: A lip brush. Medium in length, flat-tapered to a point. A must for this season’s deeper lip shades, and keeps your lip colors healthier…no fingers or lips on the tube make for a cleaner product!
For those beauty addicts who want to splurge?
Angled eyeliner brush. Is perfect for that cat eye look and the angled tip make precision application a snap.
For more info and to buy visit www.smashbox.com
Kelley Quan
