BRUSHES 101

Kristen von Riesen - Pure Anada Makeup Artist

As a makeup artist, I often take advantage of the fact that I understand the use for each brush and forget to advise my clients on the subject! It is true, you can use whatever brush works for you! But there are brushes that are better for some products/application than others. So let's go over Pure Anada's brushes, and their uses.

Blending Face Brush:

This is our finishing powder brush. It is used to set your makeup with powder. Other uses include an all-over light coverage of powder (loose or pressed) and to sweep away any unwanted "fall-out" of eye shadow under the eyes. I have even used it as a blush brush.

Flat Top Foundation Brush:

This brush is THE softest and most perfect brush to apply foundation. Powder foundation or liquid foundation, this brush is the one! Apply your foundation in downward strokes or swirling motions. This brush is used for a full coverage of foundation, so keep that in mind.

Deluxe Blush Brush:

As stated in the name of this brush, it is mainly used to apply blush to the apples of the cheeks. However, it works perfectly to apply contour powder under the cheekbones, or to apply bronzer or highlighter! It has the shape of a liquid foundation brush, but its bristles are too full to be used for that, so I wouldn't recommend applying foundation with this brush.

Mini Kabuki Brush:

This cutie is just a mini version of our Flat Top Foundation Brush. It is used for the same purposes, but can also be used for blush, contour and bronzer.

Duo Eye Brush:

A 2-in-1 brush is my favourite tool! I love multi-use tools and makeup products. The one end - the angled liner brush - is used to apply eyeliner (powder, gel, or to fix eyeliner flaws). Another use is to apply brow colour. I have seen people use it to apply their eye shadow, but it seems a little small for that, in my opinion. I have also used it to apply lip liner.

The other end - the flat eye shadow brush - is perfect for applying a colour to your eyelid, or use the tip of it to smudge eyeliner pencil or an eye shadow colour under the eyes (instead of eyeliner pencil). Another use is for concealer under the eyes (or on any small blemish).

Contour Crease Brush:

This bullet-shaped brush is perfect for detailed eye shadow work. Whether that means applying a highlight shade to the inner corners of the eyes, or right under the brow, or to apply a deep shade to the crease, this brush has you covered. I love using it to smudge eyeliner under my eyes. I have used it to apply lipstick, I have used it to apply concealer, and I have used it to smudge a thick line of eyeliner for smoky eyes. This brush is quite versatile.

Tapered Blending Eye Brush:

The Tapered Blending Eye Brush has got to be one of my favourite eye shadow brushes. Its primary use is for blending eye shadow (as you apply it). You can use it to apply a diffused shadow on your eyelids, or I have also used it to apply a very diffused shadow under the eyes. Don't be afraid of how big it might seem, as an eye shadow brush. Since its bristles are fluffy, it will diffuse any colour it is in contact with. It can be used to blend your blush, if it is being stubborn. I love using it to apply highlighter to my upper cheekbones.

Last, but most certainly not least, is WASH YOUR BRUSHES REGULARLY! You should wash all your brushes on a weekly basis. That may seem like overkill, but your skin will thank you. The makeup also applies better with freshly washed brushes. And if you don't wash your brushes, it can ruin them. All you need is a little shampoo and running warm water. Rinse the bristles under the warm water, swirl your brush in some shampoo in the palm of your hand. Continue swirling your brush in the palm of your hand under running water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze the water out of the brush bristles, lay the brushes flat to dry, and try your best not to get water into the shaft of the brush. WEEKLY, PEOPLE!