Yesterday, while putting on some blush, my blush-brush died a natural death. It fell off the stem.

Knowing I had to buy a new one made me quite upset, since good makeup brushes can be costly. Then I realized I had been using the same brush for almost 10 years! Good makeup brushes, though quite pricey, do last very long, especially when taken care of.

Getting cheap brushes is really just a waste of money and time. Investing on good brushes is really the only way to go.

Taking care of makeup brushes will guarantee long life and prevent skin irritation and warts. Since I’m due, I probably will be in the hunt, too, for a new liquid brush cleaner. It’s a toss between MAC and Shu Uemura at the moment, but I’ll decide after I go to the counters.

At the moment I’ve been using my son’s Johnson’s baby shampoo dissolved in water. But I think it’s time to invest in a brush cleaner, too. Keeping makeup brushes clean and in shape is actually very easy. Here’s how:

1. If using a makeup cleaner, follow instructions. You may also opt to use a mild shampoo. If so, dissolve a little shampoo in a bowl of water, then stir the brush there. You will see the color change. It’s actually like cleaning a paintbrush. Then rinse the brush immediately.

2. Reshape brush to its correct position.

3. To dry, lay the brush flat on a towel or hang brush upside down using a clothespin. Leaving it in its upright position will eventually damage the base.

4. Remember, it takes at least eight hours for the brush to dry completely.

5. It is good to clean brushes at least once a week and more if you suffer from sensitive skin, to prevent build up of dirt.

Basic brushes

To get the best results from your makeup, make sure you have the right brush for the job. Here are some basic brushes you may need for your face:

1. Concealer brush. This brush is used mainly to apply liquid or cream-based concealers. Although most women prefer using their fingers, using a brush not only provides precision, but is less harsh on the skin. It also is better in blending and provides more coverage.

2. Foundation brush. This brush helps in the application of foundation stroke by stroke. Some people have good skin and need just a film of foundation and the brush helps distribute it evenly. If, however, heavier foundation is needed, you may just keep piling it on flawlessly with the use of a brush.

3. Kabuki brush. This is one of my favorite brushes. It is used for loose powder, illuminators, and helps set the foundation. It gives the skin flawless finish due to its even coverage.

4. Blush brush. This type of brush comes in many different shapes and sizes. I personally like the dome-shaped brush while I know some friends of mine prefer the angled and flat brush.

Shopping for brushes

When shopping for brushes, make sure to try them first before purchasing. Ask the girls behind the counter to use the brush on you; then try using it on the other side of your face.

Make a mental note of what type of brush you need. Is it one that will stay on your dresser, or one that will be in your kikay kit at all times?