How to Use Makeup Brushes for Beginners

A flawless professional makeup application begins with your tools and good quality brushes are one of the best investments you can make.
Lots of people tend not to use makeup brushes but they make applying your makeup more accurate and precise and so much more hygienic.
If you aren't sure how to use makeup brushes and which one you'll need, we will narrow it down to 4 key-brushes that will help you create a complete makeup look.

The angled blusher and powder brush is a valuable investment because of its multiple use: perfect for shadowing, blending, contouring and highlighting face makeup. It's angled, so you can get into the hallow of the cheeks, apply highlighter to the top and also use it to blend blush to the apples of the cheeks.
Dip the brush in your favorite blush or contour and starting with the cheek contour.

Use back and forth movements from the hairline to about one inch from your nose - middle of the eye - as you move up the face to the cheekbone. You can also use it to dust loose powder over your face, setting your makeup and eliminating any shine. This brush gives a really light, even finish compared to a powder puff or sponge applicator when applying your face powder.

The eyeshadow brush can be used over the whole eyelid area. You can also use it to apply concealer before you start applying your eyeshadow. It gets easily into the corner and crease of the eye. The basic eyeshadow brush can also be used for blending your eyeshadow - when you're blending eyeshadow, always blend outwards. Get an eyeshadow brush with long bristles - that makes blending easier - and thick, so it can pick up lots of eyeshadow at a time;

and flat, to get easy access to the crease of the eye and to sweep eyeshadow to the lower lash line.

The lipstick/lip gloss brush
Get a lip brush with longer bristles, also wide and flat so you can get a nice, even coverage of lipstick. Start at outer lip corner and work toward the lip middle using fluid strokes that follow lip's natural shape and contour. Repeat for both top and bottom lips, then fill in.

The best eyeliner brush comes with long, tapered bristles and ends with a very fine point at the top which is great for getting to the base of the eyelashes, to create a very subtle and natural line. Wet the tip of the brush and press into a shadow. Then gently press a continuous connecting line close to the lash line both upper and lower. Use the shadow dry for the lower line for a softer look.
Press the tip into cream eyeliner to mark the lash line.

Place your middle finger just under the eyebrow at the outer corner and apply light pressure. Close your eye slightly to get a better view of the upper lid. Use short strokes to apply eyeliner from the inner corner to the outer edge of the upper lid. Start out with a thin line and let the line get a little thicker as you work your way across the lid.

If you want to use your makeup brushes for touch-ups at the gym, school or work with you, get a brush bag that can roll into a small enough travel size to fit easily into your tote while protecting your brushes.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Make sure to keep your makeup brushes clean to keep bacteria and dirt away from the sensitive eye area and face. Gently wash them with warm water and a little soap, cleanser or shampoo once a week or as needed.

Swish just the tops of your brushes (avoiding the handle) into a cup of gentle liquid dish cleanser or shampoo. You will see the soapy water turn color as the makeup is cleansed from the brushes.

Rinse the brushes either in another cup of water or under the faucet. Using your fingers squeeze any excess water off the brush as you reform the brush bristles. Lay on a towel overnight to dry. Allow the makeup brush to dry fully before applying makeup to your skin.
If you take care of your brushes, they will last for years.