It’s a $400-billion industry as woman cover, contour and color their faces all in the name of beauty. And makeup artists say using a good makeup brush can make all the difference.
However, with so many choices and price options, we went to the experts to find out how to get the best bang for your buck.
Lynnet Pals is a regional freelance artist for Lancôme and offers her advice on how to sift through the mountains of choices.
“Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s a quality brush,” said Pals.
She says a quality one can last more than a decade and should cost between $25 to $75. Her favorite brands are IT Cosmetics and Lancôme. She also says that store brands often have nice and affordable options and says for unbiased advice the employees at Ulta or Sephora are a good place to start.
“The girls are going to be honest because they are not linked to any one brand,” said Pals.
And don’t get hoodwinked by all of the options! Pals says four or five brushes should be plenty for most people.
“You want one really good shadow brush. You want a powder brush. You want a foundation brush. You want a blush brush."
Pals says the best deals on brushes are often around the holidays and from a beauty counter, where customers can buy a set, often with four or five brushes, for at least 50% off. But be warned, these tools carry a little bit of beast with their beauty as Houston’s own Jentry Kelley, owner of Jentry Kelley Cosmetics, explains.
“Dead skin particles land on them, your hairspray, poop particles! It is super important to, on a regular basis, wash your makeup brushes.”
Kelley recommends at least once a month with an alcohol free, conditioning cleanser.
“I like, of course, my brand, but Bobby Brown has a great one, Trish McAvoy has a great one.”
Then, with warm water, don’t soak but swish the brush gently on your hand. Squeeze the brush to get all of the excess water out then hang it over the sink to let it completely dry.
Kelley says she often hears of her clients using baby shampoo or dish soap, which will kill bacteria but can dry out the bristles causing them to break.
If someone has no other options besides regular soap, Kelley recommends using some olive oil to condition the bristles.
Kelley has several YouTube tutorials including how to properly use and clean those brushes.