I am a huge proponent of makeup artists having a wide variety of professional makeup brushes. Whether you work on multiple people in one setting or work in various mediums of production and real life – good brushes are essential. As an individual, having a nice set of brushes is going to make application and finish so much better than traditional “at home” methods such as a finger or an old synthetic brush that has lost its shape and never been washed….. (I’m not trying to insult you here, I know what women’s makeup drawers look like. I’m often hired to clean them out!) (Besides, my makeup drawer isn’t exactly perfect…)
Good well-made brushes are very important. It is also important to buy a set that you can touch and feel. I see a lot of students come into class with these 18-20 piece brush sets they purchase online that are rough and machine cut, and made with plastic hairs. If a set looks like a “steal” then it is probably not worth your money. Invest in some good brushes. I think a good set can be found for between $150-250 and will last you a decade.
Think of your brushes as your tools. You wouldn’t go tackle a leaky faucet with a Q-tip or bare hands, would you? They are an investment, but also worth the investment if they create a better looking makeup application and wear. Right?
I recently filmed a short video introducing my new brush line which is manufactured in France by the same company that is doing my makeup line. The brushes are very light weight and soft. Each brush is made to do several jobs so hopefully you are never left with that trio of brushes that you don’t know what to do with and that end up in the trash. I also sell them all individually for those than need to build their set slowly.
The most important brushes to start with are: Foundation, Blush, Shadow, Concealer, and some kind of buffing/blending brush for the eyes.
What is your favorite makeup brush?
Until next time, Terri Tomlinson Dallas Makeup Artist.
