By Beauty Editor Katrina Hess
This month, I’m going to share with you my favorite makeup brushes and tools, and how I keep them clean.
It’s hard to find a GOOD, cruelty-free makeup brush set without breaking the bank.
I love Kevyn Aucoin’s brush sets – especially with the new double ended brushes! When you use a double-ended brush, you are able to blend more efficiently, and you save time and money because you’re getting two for one! These brushes have a good-looking shape and color and are made from high-quality synthetic bristles. They clean up well and always look new.
How Often Should We Wash Our Brushes?
It’s good to wash your brushes once a week, or every other week, depending on your usage. If you’re using creamy products, wash them once a week. If you’re using powder brushes it’s okay to wash them every other week. But, if you have oily skin that breaks out, wash all your brushes every week. This is especially important to keep eye liner and eye shadow brushes, and eyelash curlers clean.
Additional Tools to “Up” Your Look
Eyelash Curler – my fave is from Kevyn Aucoin. Use it to curl your lashes before you apply mascara. Grip the curler at the base of your lashes and count to two. Then go halfway up your lashes, grip the curler and count to 10. This way you’ll get a natural looking “C” curl.
For a bolder look, apply a thin coat of new mascara and curl your lashes while they are still damp – but DON’T squeeze too tight! You don’t want to break your lashes. Then, apply more mascara to the tips of your lashes. Don’t be afraid of the lash curler! It’s very easy to use with a little practice, and it really opens up your eyes. Keep your curler clean with spay cleaner (see my pick below) or with rubbing alcohol.
Metal Lash Comb – these are good to use while your mascara is still damp. Brush down and away from your eyes to separate your lashes.
Flat Tweezers – these are great to apply false lashes. (You can read my post on how to have fun with false lashes here!)
My Fave Cleaners
Quick Brush Cleaner Spray – I like IT Cosmetics “It’s Your Brush Love” to quickly clean my brushes in-between colors.
Cleaning Tip – I use Mrs Meyers dish detergent in lemon or lavender scents to clean my brushes. Add a few drops of detergent to a bowl of warm water and swish you brushes around until you see them releasing product. Rinse, repeat if needed, and rinse again. Then lay your brushes on a clean towel to dry.
To store brushes, many people use a cup or even a pretty vase. For double-ended brushes, I suggest laying them flat – maybe in a pretty, open box.
Happy Brushing!
Katrina Hess is a licensed Cosmetologist, which is rare among makeup artists. She’s a local beauty legend whose experience and expertise spans the globe. Katrina has been featured in top beauty and fashion magazines, newspapers, magazines, and TV programs. Katrina’s won Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston Makeup Artist” 5 times, and Allure Magazine’s “Best of Best Brow Shaping” twice. At her Newbury Street salon Katrina offers unique products that are organic to high-end. Katrina volunteered for 15+ years for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good…Feel Better” program. See how Katrina can help you maintain healthy skin and learn easy beauty routines, and much more, at www.katrinahess.com