Over the last decade or so, I’ve learned a lot of things that have changed my beauty regime for the better. I now know the importance of double cleansing, why a night cream is a must, that cat flicks are all in the hand movement and that a great brush is the secret to 99% of makeup dilemmas. It’s amazing the difference a small change can make to our routines, but the biggest for me has been the application techniques I’ve now perfected with the help of a few expert tools. Makeup brushes really are an essential, even if you rarely wear foundation and have only marginally more skill than your cat; they help to provide an even and professional application, a polished finish and a perfected look that’s incomparable to one created with only the use of your digits. Over the last few months I’ve been taking a closer look at makeup brushes with QVS Beauty (including how to create the perfect smokey eye, what all those makeup brushes actually do and secrets that will change the way you use them,) but one question always remains: do I need to spend a fortune to get a good quality brush? The quick answer is ‘no’.
As with many things in beauty, the branding and price point doesn’t always reflect the quality you’re getting – so it’s important to arm yourself with the tools (excuse the pun) you need to make informed and effective decisions. Here’s what you need to know in order to shop for your tools efficiently and without spending your monthly Starbucks allowance on one blending brush.
GOOD QUALITY & SYMMETRICAL COMPONENTS
It may look pretty, but that rose gold instagrammable brush you’re coveting may not be any good. Look beyond the aesthetics of your tools and opt for those with good quality components that are comfortable in the hand. According to the experts, you need to find a brush with symmetrical bristles (so no odd ones sticking out of the top) and a handle that’s not too heavy and not too light; always look at the ferrule too (the metal bit that joins the brush to the handle) and ensure it’s firmly in place. (A great example is this QVS Flat Top Powder Brush, £6.99, which is constructed perfectly for purpose.)
SYNTHETIC VS NATURAL HAIR
The type of hair used is important to note if you’re working with creamy textures and liquid foundations. Natural hairs tend to absorb the liquid and waste product unnecessarily, while simultaneously harvesting bacteria that like to live in these warm and cosy environments. Foundation brushes should be synthetic (often described as nylon bristles) to ensure they keep their shape, while powder brushes (used with eyeshadow or blusher) tend to perform better when made with natural hair. Wise up on what you should be buying, rather than spending on impulse. (This QVS Foundation Brush, £7.50, is made with synthetic nylon bristles to minimise wastage and maximise hygiene.)
WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED?
Although those fancy fan-looking brushes may make you look the part, if you don’t know how to use them or they’re just taking up valuable room on your dressing table because they look pretty, what’s the point? Always start your collection with the basics (such as a foundation, brow, eyeshadow and blending brush) and add to it as you get to grips with each in turn; you don’t want to be intimidated and avoid using them altogether. If you don’t need 18 types of eyeshadow brush, then don’t buy them; realistically it’s always better to have a capsule collection than investing in a pro kit that doesn’t get used. (I can pretty much guarantee everyone needs a QVS Angled Blusher Brush, £3.75, though.)
DON’T JUST BUY A SET: SHOP AROUND
It’s really easy to buy a whole set of brushes and think you’re done, but more often than not these sets are designed to look pretty rather than provide a really functional benefit. Like with an eyeshadow palette, you’ll never use every single one equally (if at all,) so save your money and shop wisely instead. Although some smaller sets can provide value and help boost your collection quickly, you want to avoid anything that’s offering more than five brushes in one go. (This QVS Professional Brush Set, £16.00, is a great place to start.)
As another year draws to a close, maybe the onset of a new one provides the perfect opportunity for us all to spring clean our makeup bags and routine – as well as investing in some tools that will really help us hone our skills. You’ve got the knowledge now, all you need are the tools to go with it!
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