Brush Basics.

A while back I did a post about all of the cosmetics I use on a day to day basis (here). One thing I forgot to include was makeup brushes - a key component to successfully applying makeup. 

When I first started wearing makeup, I was entirely too young. I would put some eyeliner and eye shadow on in the girls bathroom at school, perhaps a bit of lipstick, and then wipe it all off before returning home. I thought I was so sly and I'm sure I looked like quite the fashionista at the age of twelve. Kids. 

Once I was given permission to wear makeup, things improved slightly. I actually applied my makeup at home, giving my mother the opportunity to correct any blunders before allowing me to step out in public. At this time, I used my finger to apply eye shadow and I'm pretty sure I sported some shade of silvery blue.

It wasn't until the end of high school, okay fine, maybe college - until I truly understood the necessity of makeup brushes, each with a specific job. I'm no pro, but I think I finally have the basics down. Here it goes.

bronzer: use a thick brush with stiff bristles to apply powder and bronzer. the stiff bristles will hold on to the powder and help avoid streaking. one, two*

concealer: use a small stiff brush to apply cream, liquid, or powder foundation in small areas that need coverage (under the eyes, on the nose, over blemishes) one, two*

blush: use a soft and relatively smaller brush to apply blush. the soft bristles will make sure you don't pick up too much color. the angled brush will help with blending,  control, and contouring. one, two* three (double sided)

base: use a basic shadow brush with soft bristles to apply shadow and blend colors. one, two*

smudge: use a smaller brush with stiffer bristles to fuse colors together with precision and control. The smaller tip fits perfectly into the crease of your eyelid to bring in darker colors. one, two*

smoke: use a small angled brush to line upper and lower lashes and draw out darker color for the perfect smokey eye look. one (double sided), two

line: use a super thin and stiff brush with a shorter handle to apply liquid liner. here

brush: use this brush to shape your brows and prevent clumps in your lashes here

* I've starred the brushes I actually own. Everything listed can be found at Sephora. 

I hope that you never had any of the above experiences as a teen - silver eye shadow is not a good everyday look. If you have any other go-to gadgets for makeup application, please fill me in!!