BellaSugar

Definition: Ferrule

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:26 -0800

It wasn't until I purchased my first professional-quality makeup brush set that I first heard the word ferrule. "Make sure you take care of your ferrules," said the saleslady. Say what? That's when I got my lesson in the anatomy of a makeup brush. There are three parts to the brush: the hair; the handle; and the ferrule - aka the metal part that holds it all together.

To keep your brushes from falling apart, take great care to prevent water from settling into the ferrule, as water can cause the glue to loosen in the brush's internal structure, which can lead to a broken brush. To keep your brushes happy, hold the hairs of the brush downward toward the flow of water while washing, so that the H2O trickles away from the ferrule. Once you've finished cleansing your brushes, lightly squeeze off the water with your fingers and lay the brushes flat on a clean towel. Tip: Allow the ends of the brushes to overhang to allow for faster, more complete drying.

Reader Review of the Day: Estée Lauder Foundation Brush

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:55 -0800

Zoot alors! My favorite foundation brush recently bit the dust. After searching through the Product Reviews pages, I think I might just have to give Estée Lauder Foundation Brush 1F ($30) a try. Reader brandysbug had nothing but positive things to say about this makeup brush, and here's why:

When I purchased this brush, it was a huge splurge for me. I just don't usually drop $30 on something like a brush, but I was pregnant, having major acne problems, was totally into the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift makeup line, and the saleslady talked me right into it. For liquid foundation, this is absolutely a wonderful brush. It helps to get the most from your bottle as it provides better coverage with less makeup than possible with other methods (sponge/fingers). This brush definitely helped me out covering up some very bad acne. It provided the full coverage I needed without piling too much makeup on. The results of using this brush with liquid foundation were astounding. My face almost looked airbrushed. I would recommend this to anyone who is considering buying a new foundation brush. It's worth the $30.

What makeup brushes can you not live without? What brushes went straight to returns? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews pages. We love to hear your opinions - good, bad, and everywhere in between.

Dear Bella: Should You Wash New Makeup Brushes?

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:00:44 -0700

Bella reader Vsugar recently wrote in asking whether or not new makeup brushes need to be washed prior to their inaugural usage. "They seem clean, but I'm sure they aren't sterile," she wondered. If you're buying brushes that aren't shielded by packaging in some way, I highly recommend giving them a washing for obvious reasons. But, even if they are safely enclosed in packaging, I still give the old cleaning routine a nod. Here's why.

Washing brushes after purchasing them is a good idea for cleanliness reasons alone. But doing so also helps to remove any loose bristles and anything else that may have come into contact with them during the manufacturing process. An initial washing will help condition and soften your brushes, making them last longer and perform better. Here are some tips for cleaning these essential beauty tools thoroughly, along with some professional products, too.

Alicia Silverstone Is Launching Eco Bags and Brushes

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:25 -0700

Alicia Silverstone has long been an environmental activist, working to support PETA, and a vegan lifestyle. (Her new book, The Kind Diet, which focuses on veganism, hits stores in a couple of months.) Now, the actress is slated to launch an eco-friendly line of makeup brushes and bags for EcoTools this December. The collection features designs of lavender, thyme, rose, and chrysanthemum - all favorites of Alicia's. The bags are made with natural hemp and recycled linings. "I only wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before. This is a conscious product line that is good for the planet," she told WWD. "Unless you need it, it’s just stuff," she added. Along with a five-piece brush set and bag ($16), Alicia's beauty tools, which will be sold in drugstores, will also feature a cosmetic bag ($9); a cosmetics brush bag ($13); a train case ($15); and an overnight bag ($20).

Do Makeup Brushes Make a Difference? See For Yourself.

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:00:14 -0700

For the first few years that I was wearing makeup, I never used brushes. I thought they were for professionals only, and since I was generally using just one shade of eye shadow, buying a brush set seemed unnecessary.

How times have changed! Now I find that without brushes, applying makeup is much more difficult, with dodgier results. I know it seems like makeup artists are always going on and on about how it makes a difference - and if you're not convinced, I have some proof for you. Over the weekend, I did an experiment, applying eye shadow with and without brushes. Photo evidence is available when you read more.

With brushes: I used three shadows here, blending each together smoothly so there's no line of shadow demarcation. I also used a thin, stiff brush with wet shadow as eyeliner, which defines the eyes better. Yes, things are a little clumsy at the outer corner, but cut me some slack - I'm a doctor, not a makeup artist.

Without brushes: Disastrous results. Using only my fingers and Q-tips, I created a mishmash of powder that would have horrified even Jackson Pollock. The Q-tip was too wide to go along the lash line evenly, and the loose powder settling under my eye is a really classy touch.

So if this doesn't convince you of how helpful makeup brushes can be, I don't know what will. Even if you're working with a limited budget, this reader review proves that you can get a decent brush for less than the price of a latte. If you're totally lost and don't know where to start, my guide to makeup brushes should help you - or, of course, you can always ask questions in the comments!

How Well Do You Know Your Makeup Brushes?

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:00:37 -0800

Longtime readers will remember my guide to makeup brushes. But how well, exactly, do you remember what each type of brush is for? Take my quiz to see if you can separate your Kabuki brush from your powder brushes.

Take the quiz

How-To: Dry-Clean Your Makeup Brushes

BellaSugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:00:41 -0800

I've taught you how to create your own makeup brush cleaning solvent in the past and I've even suggested a few of my favorite gentle professional brush cleansers. But after speaking with someone from pro brush-making company Hakuhodo, I learned a little something I'd like to share with you. Did you know that the best way to remove oily liquid foundation or waxy lipstick from your makeup brushes is by using dry corn starch? Here's what you'll need and what to do:

Fill a plastic bag with corn starch (make sure it's the sugar and preservative-free kind).
Drop the brush inside (hair down) and hold the mouth of the bag closed.
Shake for one minute and then remove the brush. Dust off the corn starch and repeat two more times until all of the greasy residue is gone.

Source, Source and Source

How Many Makeup Brushes Do You Own?

BellaSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:00:31 -0800

There is a different makeup brush for every cosmetic genre on the market, and each season even more brushes are developed to show up those from year's past. They come in all hairs, shapes, qualities, and travel sizes, and if you're not careful you can wind up with a lot of the same thing.

I'm a beauty junkie and I'd say I've got an excessive amount: somewhere between 20 and 25 brushes. How many different makeup brushes do you own?

Source

Beauty Mark It Results! Makeup Brush Sets

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:00:38 -0800

I think this might be one of my favorite Beauty Mark It challenges. I'm always looking out for a good makeup brush set, especially as the holiday season moves forward. They make great gifts, and I like having one all wrapped up in case someone drops by with an unexpected gift. I just whip one out and give the gift-because really, who doesn't need a nice set?

Lots of readers had good suggestions, from fancy sets to budget buys. Steen found this Nars set, which rolls six brushes into a vampy leather carrying case. A more budget-friendly option comes courtesy of Rachi99, who says, "The Sonia Kashuk line of brushes is surprisingly good, and you can't beat the price." Check out the cool wavy handles and I think you'll be impressed.

Check out everyone's suggestions in this widget, and come back tomorrow for another challenge. (If you have a request, leave a comment - I'd love to incorporate your ideas!)

Cool New Kabuki Brushes

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:50 -0700

Kabuki brushes originated in Japanese rituals of geisha and kabuki theater, because makeup is an integral part of both. Kabuki brushes are great for blending, contouring and highlighting-and they're popular because they provide great coverage. In general, kabuki brushes are soft and strong, making them excellent tools for creating a buffed, glowy look.

The Nars Ita Brush ($38.50) is made from extremely soft black goat hair. It has a small, flat and angular design ideal for blending and contouring. Any intermediate or advanced level makeup junkie will know what to do with this brush once they see it, since it lies perfectly flat along your upper cheekbones.

For two more cool new kabuki brushes, read more

Adesign Flat Top Foundation Kabuki Brush ($26) is a new and innovative shaped brush designed for wet-to-dry foundation. It's ideal for buffing, and the texture of the brush stimulates your skin when applying makeup.

Aromaleigh Silky Smooth Taklon Kabuki ($17.50) is a baby sized version of the original kabuki. This soft, smooth, and adorable brush is great for a compact makeup bag. It's also great for touch-ups in the small areas around your eye and nose. It is made from synthetic taklon (which is cruelty-free) and won't shed.