Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro (4 page)

EYELINER BRUSH (ULTRA FINE)

The bristles on this small brush are synthetic, dense, and curve to a point. Perfect for the precise application of liquid or gel eyeliner.

FACE BLENDER BRUSH

A natural or synthetic brush used to deposit shimmer, bronzer, powder, or blush.

FACE BRUSH

A natural or synthetic fluffy, curved brush that can be used to apply bronzer, blush, or powder.

FOUNDATION BRUSH

Synthetic bristles in this full, flat-edged brush deposit just the right amount of foundation onto the skin.

LIP BRUSH

Firm, long bristles come to a slightly pointed tip. This brush allows for the precise placement of lip color. Bristles can be either synthetic or natural.

POWDER BRUSH

A natural-hair, large, fluffy brush with soft bristles that bevel to a slight point (for navigating around the nose and under the eyes). Designed for use with both loose and pressed powders.

Tip

Using Your Fingers

Nothing beats the warmth of the fingers to blend makeup into the skin. Lipstick can be blotted onto the lips to create a stain effect. Face cream, balm, or oil rubbed between both palms and then gently pressed onto cheeks adds moisture and a youthful glow to the face. I use my hands to warm concealers, blend foundation, and mix lip shades together. I also use my hands to work makeup into the face so that the makeup feels like a part of the skin and not like a mask.

POWDER PUFF

A velour puff that’s about the size of your palm. Designed to press powder onto the face to lock foundation in place. Can be hand washed or tossed in the dishwasher (at least once a week).

SPONGES

Disposable sponges are invaluable. Wedge-shaped ones are great for applying foundation around the nose and other hard-to-reach places, as well as for blending. Don’t bother washing them—toss dirty ones, and take a new one. Higher-quality sponges can be washed and reused many times.

TOUCH UP BRUSH

Short, firm, natural-bristled brush used with foundation for spot touch-ups and for hard-to-reach areas around the nose and mouth. This brush can also be used to touch up concealer and apply eye shadow.

TWEEZERS

It’s well worth investing in a good pair. Look at the Tweezerman or Rubis brands. Tweezers that are angled at the tip are easier to control than those that come to a sharp point. Always cover tweezers’ tips with the included rubber cap when they are not in use.

SHOPPING FOR SUPPLIES

Whether you are starting your first professional makeup kit, replacing a few personal items, or looking for something new, shopping is a time to experiment, test cosmetics, and research trends. One of the best and easiest ways to stay current is to test the latest products on the cosmetics floor of any large department store. The makeup artist at the counter will show you new items and techniques. You can try the cosmetics and get information, all without any cost. Magazines and the Internet are great for research and information, but when you are ready for a purchase, it is important to touch and feel the products so you know the quality you are getting.

Tip

Choose cruelty-free brushes! Most manufacturers note this information in the product description.