After: Creating this glamorous look takes the right tools.

Flawless make-up application depends on using the right tools. This solves half of your application problems.

Instead of the fingers, it is essential to use the correct tools for your make-up application. The brushes will apply make-up with greater accuracy and will enable you to create a more defined finish. Therefore, it is important to purchase a good set of make-up brushes. Make sure you choose brushes that are made from natural hair, like goat, sable, squirrel or horse; it's an investment you will not regret.

Foundation Brush

Used for applying and blending cream or liquid foundation. The advantage of the foundation brush is that it reduces or eliminates the purchase of make-up wedges/sponges and it does not absorb the foundation as a wedge or sponge does.

Large Powder Brush

A large, fluffy brush that is used to apply loose or pressed powder to set foundation, or to dust on bronzing powder.

Blush Brush

A smaller version of the powder brush, used to apply blush. It is also used to shade and highlight your cheeks.

Blending/Contour Brush

A long fluffy brush which is tapered at the end and used to blend contour colours in the crease/middle of the eye.

Shadow Brush

This comes in different sizes, the large and medium are the most popular. They are used to sweep eyeshadow colour over the eyelid and for highlighting the brow bone.

Brow Brush/Spoolie

A stiff, spiral, wiry brush used to groom the eyebrows and separate the lashes before applying mascara.

Lip brush

A round-tip brush used for smudging lipliner and providing accurate lip colour application. It gets into the creases of the lip that a lipstick may miss.

Before: Shadow brush is perfect for flawless application to the eyelid.

After: Brow brush/spoolie grooms eyebrows and separates eye-lashes to prevent clumps when mascara is applied.

Care

It is important that the tools you use on your face are always clean.

They should be cleaned at least once per week. They can be kept clean with a brush cleaner (available at pharmacies and beauty shops) to eliminate dirt, oil, build-up and bacteria. Let them air dry.

Washing

If you do not have a brush cleaner, you can wash them with hair shampoo.

1. Place bristles under running, warm water.

2. Squeeze a small amount of shampoo on the bristles, then lather.

3. Rinse the bristles thoroughly under (with) warm running water. You will see the old make-up running out from the brush(es). Continue rinsing until the water is clear.

4. Allow brush to air dry.

Remember, the right tools get make-up on to your face the right way, so no more Q-tips, finger smudging or cotton balls. Use your tools properly and take your look to the next level. It will make a significant difference in the way you look and feel.

Make-up and information by certified make-up artist Camille Stephenson.

Tel: 4185789

Photo shoot done at Hair Waves Beauty Salon, Shop #22, Little Premier Plaza.