The first thing most makeup artists do when they get a new eye-shadow palette or blusher is throw away the little brushes and applicators that come with them. Why? Because most are too small and narrow for proper makeup application.
Professional makeup artists tote around large brush kits, but the rest of us only need a few key tools to get the look we want. You needn’t spend a fortune, but it’s worthwhile investing in good quality brushes and taking care of them.
Natural bristles or synthetic?
Both work, but natural bristles tend to be better for powdered makeup, while synthetic bristles suit more creamy products such as lipstick and foundation. If you’re vegetarian or concerned about animal welfare, it makes sense to use synthetic ones.
What makes a good brush?
The bristles should feel soft rather than scratchy against your skin and they shouldn’t come out easily. Run your fingers through the bristles first to ensure they don’t shed.
What are the must-have brushes?
The basics are a foundation brush, an eye-shadow brush, a lip brush and a blusher/bronzer brush. You can then start adding things like smudge brushes, brow brush, softeners and blenders for different effects.
How do you clean them?
Brushes should be cleaned at least every two to three months. Just dip the head of the brush in lukewarm water, massage a small amount of soap through the bristles, swirl the brush tip in water to rinse, then pat with a towel and lay it over a counter edge to
dry completely.
MY BEAUTY SECRETS
Suzanne Paul (54) is an entertainer and businesswoman.
My beauty philosophy is… To look as good as I can for as long as I can. The skincare products I can’t live without are… I use any moisturiser as long as it has an SPF15 in it. I alternate between Nivea and L’oréal Paris.
I can’t be without Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, I always wear it under makeup. It seems to plump up the skin and make it appear fresher. I clean my face every day with L’oréal Paris Revitalift Rejuvenating Cleanser Smoothing Toner.
My hair-care secret is… I have very fine hair, so I use volumising shampoo and conditioner, then GHD Fat Hair Lotion afterwards.
The products i always have in my makeup bag are… Nothing beats Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-on Cream Makeup. It looks very natural and stays on until you take it off. And I always use Max Factor Masterpiece Max High Volume and Definition Mascara.
My favourite beauty treat is… I love fancy body lotions and potions. I use Nivea Firming Body Lotion Q10 Plus every day, but it’s a lovely treat to have something gorgeous smelling and creamy to pamper myself with.
My biggest beauty sin is… I always go to bed with a light layer of mascara on because I don’t like bare lashes. Having said that, I do have very thick, long eyelashes, so it hasn’t seemed to do any harm.
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… To moisturise every day. The smell of Nivea face cream in the blue pot still reminds me of her. I started using it when I was 14.
