How important is using make-up brushes?
March 9th, 2010 | 
Author: makeup brushes
Author: makeup brushes
For example, I use a liquid concealor by MAC, and they recommend a certain brush to use to apply it, but I just think they say stuff like that to sell more products. At the moment I just use my fingers. Does using brushes to apply concealor or any make-up actually make a difference? I use them for eyeshadow & stuff but never really face make-up.
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i use a bronzer daily. but i use a brush..but when is comes to eyeshadow i like to use my fingers…if you feel like you are being over charged for brushed go to your local drug and/or dollars store
They do help a lot…..If you use a brush it will give a professional make up artist finish, especially around the jaw line, as you will be able to blend in much easier. Try using Yves St Laurent Perfect touch…it actually comes with a brush attached. Best foundation I have found yet.
It can also be cleaner than using your fingers as dirt from your hands are being transfered onto your face….therefore affecting pores and causing spots. x x
its just what you prefer. if you havn’t tried a foundation brush (i recommend cliniques) you should at least try it to see if you like it better. i use to use my fingers and then i tried the brush and now i use it. but even after i use the brush i still blend with my finger tips. its just an overall preference. (and if you dont like the clinique brush, just simply keep the receipt and gently clean it with baby shampoo and return it!)
the make up brush helps keep the make up even all around your face when you put on your foundation.
i used to use my finger for foundation until i discovered the cheap triangle sponges, I’ve never heard of a brush for foundation!
Using a brush is actually much better. I know it may seem like they are just trying to sell you another product, but really it is the best thing. I personally never use my fingers to apply makeup for a few reasons. For one thing, fingers tend to pull at your face, which over time encourages wrinkles. Second, even clean fingers have bacteria and oils on them which you are putting both on your skin and into your makeup container. This encourages additional breakouts and infections. Finally, you get a much better application with a brush. Brushes apply product smoothly, and as long as you use the correct brush they don’t eat up your makeup. Applying concealer with a finger gives you a more blotchy application and you tend to need more because your finger will wipe away some of the makeup (which is counterproductive). I recommend that all women have a few brushes, at least the basics. You don’t have to buy a MAC brush, although they are great. Go to sephora or even Costco and get some brushes there. Just make sure you have the right brush for the right job. For applying liquids like concealer, foundation or even MAC paint, cream color base or lipstic, you need a brush with artificial nylon bristles. For applying powders, you want a natural bristle. For shadows, you can use natural, or a combination of natural and artificial.
I DO NOT recommend those cheap silicone sponges that so many women use for makeup aplication. They soak up more makeup than they apply and waste ALOT of your makeup. That is not what you want, especially when you are spending the extra money to get a good brand of makeup.
As long as you take care of them, wash them regularly and protect the bristles from getting mishapen a good brush can last a lifetime, so invest in a few and get your makeup just right.
Here is a list of my “must have” brushes:
Foundation Brush (MAC 190)
Concealer Brush (MAC 194)
Large fluffy powder brush (MAC 187 or 136)
Contour Blush Brush (MAC 169)
Blending Shadow Brush (MAC 224)
Fluffy Shadow Brush (MAC 213)
Shader Brush (MAC 239)
Angled Liner Brush (MAC 266)
Lipstick Brush (MAC 316)
This is just a list of brushes I think all women should have. I gave the MAC numbers simply as a reference so you can see what I am talking about. You can get brushes like this at Sephora, Costco, beauty supply depot and even an Art supply store.
To J.S. who commented below:
I am sorry, you are VERY wrong. Most makeup artists use brushes. It is actually frowned upon to use your fingers when working with a client and if you are going for state licensing this is something they look at!!! Know before you speak.
I like the brush, especially for anything with a powder base..
They just do it to sell more products!
As busymom recommended, try using the sponges. You can find them at any drug store or Walmart, Target. I think they blend make-up much better than a brush and they seem to be easier to apply your make-up. A brush works best for applying powder foundation. Apply powder after your liquid foundation to help it stay set.
Most make-up artists use their fingers or sponges to apply liquid foundation. The sponges are super cheap and you get a ton of them in a pack. When it gets crapped up, you can just throw it away and use a new one.
You can use whatever method you want. Even if you want to use a brush, you don’t have to buy MAC’s. You can get quality brush sets cheaper anywhere.
they help to evenly put the makeup on. but you can use your fingers for foundation and conclear. but i would recommend eye shadow brushes.
I Highly recommend using brushes. With the right tools you get the best results. I hate sponges, this is why…. Sponges make foundation look nice and even, but they eat up about 1/3 of your product! Makeup is expensive, why waste it!? Most women also use the same sponge more that once, this gives a chance for bacteria to grow in there. It is a cool moist place that they love to breed in and you insist on using the same sponge over and over again! Those of you that have acne prone skin, THAT could be why!
I understand foundation Brushes are expensive (usually about $30) but it is a 1 time investment and think about how much you spend a year in sponges and LOST foundation from them! I have had my brush for over 6 years and it still looks brand new!
Concealer brushes are great beacause you can tap product on a blemish instead of using fingers that pull skin and wipe too much product away. You can also use concealer brushes to apply cream eyeshadows.
The cheap brushes are a good way to start and try out brushes but they aren’t the best quality. If you want to try a cheaper brushline, invest in Japonesque or Sonia Kashuk (both at target) Sephora brand Black handle brushes are cheap and recently remade, they are great too.
My point is, if you are investing in good makeup, invest in the right tools to make your makeup last longer and look its best.