The Beauty Box

Brush Crush

By Vanessa Gulino   

Hello My Darling Divas,

I’ve been using makeup for most of my life not only as a consumer but as a makeup artist.  One of THE most essential things in my Beauty Box are my tools - the infamous Vox Brushes.  I often compare the importance of tools similar to what music is to a dancer, shears to a hairdresser or a knife to a chef.  I always say, “The better the tools the better one can perform their craft”.  My tools and the ones of my clients are what we use to create our beauty masterpiece. 

I believe the first and MOST important factor in proper makeup application is the use of great brushes for any makeup look.  Brushes are usually an afterthought for most cosmetic users and even for many professionals.  Also, the majority of cosmetic companies do not feature brushes as key products or even educate consumers on “how to” use them.  Great brushes with the proper education will help any guru with a successful, simple and beautiful makeup application.  And isn’t that what makeup is all about! 

What represents a great brush?  My vision, when I designed 16 Brushes for VOX Cosmetics was to give professionals and consumers the best brushes on the market. 

•    Handles are light weight – easy to use
•    The hairs are soft - feels great on the skin
•    The brushes deposit product in all the right places
•    The brush hairs do not shed
•    Education for each brush and their function
•    Lastly, AMAZING yet affordable

In recent years, VOX Brush Sets have become favorites among some of Hollywood’s elite such as Molly Sims, Tori Spelling, Rebecca Romijn, and Faith Hill. 

However, brushes are only as good as how you care for them especially with natural brush hair.  Washing brushes are key to keeping them intact for the long haul.  Deep cleaning your brushes once a week as well as daily brush cleaning with brush cleaner will help eliminate dirt and bacteria.  Imagine not washing the hair on your head for months.  Well now imagine using unwashed brushes that have a lot of product and probably bacteria on them that go on your most prized possession - your face.  There you go, now I have you thinking about why you should ALWAYS wash your brushes regularly. 

Here are some pointers how to care for makeup brushes: 

~  For daily and quick brush cleaning use a brush cleaner that does not contain harsh additives. 
(Tip:  Spray brush cleaner on a paper towel and swipe your dirty brush until product is cleaned.  Do not use a tissue because it will shed on your brush)

~  For deep brush cleaning wash your brushes every 1-2 weeks with a non-harsh shampoo or face wash.  Rinse and press out excess water and lay flat to dry on a towel. 
(Tip: Try to avoid getting water in the ferrule of the brush)

My biggest tip of all is to NEVER throw your brushes in your purse.  It is a bacteria magnet waiting to happen. 

My Divalicious Makeup Lovers, your face is your best accessory.  So always take care of it with all the right tools, skincare and makeup.  You only get one first impression, so make your mark with the perfect canvas! 

Vanessa
The Beauty Box

Credits
Vox Cosmetics