The Basics of Makeup Brushes
Preparing for a performance you want your dance makeup to be the best it can. Applying dance makeup with good quality makeup brushes makes all the difference in the world to beauty of your look. But there are so many different kinds of makeup brushes out there. How do you know what you really need? Well, I have narrowed it down to these eight “must have” makeup brushes that every dancer should own.
1. Large Powder Brush/Complexion Brush – This should be used only with loose or pressed translucent powder. Don’t mix! Never use this powder brush with your blush.
2. Blush Brush – It shouldn’t be too big or too small – a medium sized brush is best. Again it should never be mixed with your translucent powder.
3. Eye Shadow Brush – A medium sized brush is best, not too big. This size brush is great for both light and medium shadow colors.
4. Angled Eyeliner/Brow Brush – This brush does double duty for you. It will work for both eyebrows and eyeliner application.
5. Angled Shadow Brush – Choose a smaller brush for this. It should be angled. An angled brush is best for easy application of darker shadow colors.
6. Lip Brush – This brush is essential for dance makeup. You cannot do PERFECT red lips without a lipstick brush!
7. Eyebrow Brush/Lash Comb – These brushes will keep your brows and lashes looking natural and beautiful!
8. Foundation Brush – This brush gives skin an airbrushed look when you use it will liquid, cream or stick foundations.
Now that you have the perfect set of brushes to apply your dance makeup you need to care for them properly. Proper care will keep your brushes working their best and help them last longer. It is not necessary to buy fancy brush cleaners. Often brush cleaners contain alcohol and can dry out the bristles. Makeup brushes need to be cleaned often. How often do I clean my brushes? OFTEN! When makeup brushes are dirty, the cosmetics colors do not apply well. And it leads to the colors looking muddied.
Start by putting a dollop of shampoo/conditioner into the palm of your hand. Wet your makeup brush under running water or in a cup of water. Swirl your makeup brush in the palm of your hand creating suds. You should see the suds turn from white to brown. Rinse your hands and brush under running water until the water runs clear. Finally you’ll squeeze excess water out of the makeup brush with a towel.
When your makeup brush is clean you should lay it flat on towel overnight. Do not stand brushes up to dry. When brushes are left standing water can get down into the bristles and deteriorate the glue that holds bristles to brush handle. This will shorten the life of your brush and the quality of application for your dance makeup. In an ideal situation a brush sanitizing machine would be used.
Looking for the complete set of necessary makeup brushes? JAM cosmetics has the perfect little makeup brush kit that has every makeup brush you need and nothing that you don’t for $35.00…check it out!
Jessica Dupont is a former Professional NYC Dancer and Makeup Artist. She owns JAM cosmetics, which is a line of ULTIMATE makeup for dance and cheer. Find out 4 secrets the pro’s use AND 3 things you NEED TO KNOW to look gorgeous and stand out from the crowd, by getting Jessica’s free dance makeup e-Guide at www.JAMcosmetics.net.
