QuEstiOn.oF.tHe.Day.aNd.My Brush Collection

I find it funny sometimes, well maybe not funny, but interesting when I find myself in front of a customer who asks me if it is REALLY necessary to use brushes to apply makeup.
Of course, there is no 'Right' way to put on makeup, but I think that brushes make ALL the difference in application. 
Now of course this excludes those amazing artists who can apply beautiful makeup with just their fingers or a cotton swab. But, for myself I need brushes!
This post would not be complete if I did not have a picture of my brush collection.... well here is most of it.... I'm pretty sure I have more hiding somewhere. 
It's a lot, but really it's not a lot to me, as an artist. 
Looking at my brushes I thought to myself, first, I have a lot of the same brushes. And second, I tend to stick to the same few brands of brushes. I have brushes from Smashbox, Coverfx, Dior, Pur minerals, Bare Minerals, Quo and good old Dollar store brushes(mainly for special effects makeup). My favourite are the first three. 
So, the purpose of this post really is to show you my brush collection and to ask you a few questions:
1. Do you use makeup brushes? or use your fingers/cotton swabs?
2. Which brand(s) of brush are your favourite?

KAWAII: Sephora Collection Flower Kabuki Brush Set

Aren't these cute? Not too long ago Sephora launched these adorable kabuki brushes in the shape of flowers. 

I recently saw these and thought that they would be so cute to have. I, of course questioned their efficacy, yet online reviews of the pair say that they are actually quite worth the price($34USD).

The brushes are made of synthetic bristles varying in lengths and colours to make a flower. They can be used for any powdered products.

What do you think of these brushes? Worth the price?

?QuEstiOn.oF.tHe.Day?

What's your favourite brand of makeup brushes? What makes you like them so much? and are there any brands that you do not like?

A Collective Haul(VIDEO) and Swatches!

Hey darlings, how was your Halloween weekend? Mine was really awesome! 
I did a little haul before halloween and didn't have a chance to post it till now... so I hope you all enjoy it! 

I did some swatches of some of the products because my camera is not so great for seeing them!
First the Bourjois sweet kiss lipstick in 42 Rose Habille:

ProduCt.ReViEw. -BouRjoiS.MinEraL.MattE.Brush.

The product: Bourjois Mineral Matte Brush

Claim to fame: The make-up brush to be used with Mineral Mattefoundation for the blended perfect matte result. 

Pros: Applies foundation flawlessly. Gives great coverage and finish.

Cons: Not good for someone who wants sheer coverage. Not good for blush.

The bottom line: An excellent brush. Honestly quite surprised by it. It's great for powders or creams. I love it!

Made of: Natural hairs.

Price: $15 CDN

Rating: 5/5

iTs.aLL.iN.ThE.ToOLs.

You can ask any Makeup Artist or any artist for that matter about the importance of brushes and they will always tell you how important they are in the application. It does not matter what brand name you use in makeup or how expensive it is. Using a good quality brush will make all the difference. They will make you feel like a professional and will help to blend, cover and apply better. I suggest using brushes over a sponge because sponges soak up all your product, apply streaky and some people are allergic to them. I suggest using brushes over your fingers because it's less messy and you will get a better even coverage.

My all time favourite brand of brushes has to be Smashbox most definitely. I love these brushes because:

1.The hair comes from organically fed animals 

2.The animals are not killed, yet they are shaved twice a year

3.The hair on the brushes are not dyed, therefore reducing the chance of reaction to the brush to about none.

4.The wood used for the handles is recycled and recyclable 

5.The paint that is used for the brush handles is non-toxic, meaning that if somehow seems into the hairs, it is not harmful to you

6.The glue attaching the handle to the metal part is organic glue.

7.Just try them..they are AH-mazing!

Now that you have the right brushes what are each of them for? Well like I always tell my customers, there is no right brush for each job. Does a painter say "this brush is only for painting green leaves."? NO! so use whatever brush for whatever you like. What they are marked or labelled as are suggest uses. 

And how are you going to clean them? Yes, you have to clean them! I once had someone tell me that they never cleaned their brushes in 35 years because no one until me told her that she needed too! EW! So to clean your brushes I recommend not using anything containing alcohol as the hairs on the brushes are most likely natural hair. And you would never put alcohol on your hair would you? So treat them carefully. There are brush cleaners which are simply used by spraying on the brush and wiping with a paper towel or tissue. Or you could use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Or even a gentle dish soap. Just remember to not stand your brushes upright to dry. Yet lay them down over a counter to dry.  

So remember invest in brushes and take care of them and you won't have to spend loads on makeup to achieve professional results.

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