The Ultimate Brush Set, a 36-Piece Brush Set
ISOMA’s premium-quality Ultimate Brush Set, is a 36-piece brush set that is the Ultimate Brush Set for the professional makeup artist. The set features 36 premium-quality, classic black and silver professional brushes in a heavy-duty brush holder with two business card compartments on the inside protective curtain. The 36-Piece Ultimate Brush Set is an original custom-made creation by ISOMA.
Next to the makeup artist’s knowledge, expertise and skill as a professional, one’s application tools and products are essential to the success of the makeup application. In reference to brushes as application tools, the quality of the brush materials used, their construction by skilled craftspeople, the shape and design of each different brush and the type of natural hair or nylon fiber that are used in ISOMA brushes are essential to the successful performance of the brush and the artist’s flawless creation.
ISOMA’s professional makeup brushes are carefully crafted to ISOMA’s exacting specifications by experts in the art of brush making and they are made from fine quality materials that have been carefully selected by ISOMA. Such meticulous attention to detail helps to ensure the professional makeup artist of high-quality craftsmanship and materials that will (with proper care) not only provide a long brush life but will give excellent application results.
The wood of the pear is one of the preferred materials in the manufacture of high-quality woodwind instruments, fine furniture, and artistic carvings. The handles of ISOMA brushes are also made from the hardwood of the pear tree. The metal part of the brush that binds the brush hair to the handle is made of nickel-plated brass ferrules. ISOMA has selected a variety of natural hairs (red sable, weasel, squirrel, badger, goat, raccoon, horse, and boar,) for specific uses of its various brushes. Only nature’s highest quality natural hairs from these species are selected for softness on the skin and their ability to superbly perform the application function. Also, high-quality nylon filaments are the preferred choice of material for brushes that are to be used with cream and liquid products. ISOMA’s brushes are tapered at the ends to provide flexibility, ease of application and the desired results. ISOMA is pleased to offer its premium-quality line of professional makeup brushes to the international community of multi-media makeup artists for their artistic creations.
Everyone should know a little something about the tools of their trade. What better tool defines a makeup artist most are their makeup brushes. In this section of the ISOMA website you will find a 36-piece brush set that is referred to as the Ultimate Brush set, because it has all of the makeup brushes you will need. Also, you will learn what each brush is used for and be informed of the three different ways that many makeup artists professionally clean and sanitize their brushes in order to ensure their long life and to protect the skin of their talent by having clean sanitary brushes.
Also, in this section you will learn the composition of brushes and the different types of hairs that are used in the manufacturing of different makeup brushes. Use this knowledge to your advantage in the industry by sharing it with your talent so you can explain why you use only a high-quality brush set.
36-PIECE BRUSH SET
The 36-piece brush set closes with two snap closures
and features two business card holders in its outer-flap heavy-duty cover
Please Note:
Each of the Brush heads that are shown below are NOT the actual size. The below pictures are presented in order to give you an idea of the appearance of each brush head.
Retractable lipstick brush
1. Retractable lipstick brush : This is a sleek, space-age-looking, lipstick brush that is quick and easy to open and close due to its unique inner retractable design. This rich-looking brush is available in a silver metal case that is squared at the edges. It is 5-1/2 inches long when the brush is opened and only 3-5/8 inches long when it is closed. This convenient size brush is the ideal choice for storage in the makeup case or for “on set use,” since it is small and is quick to open and close. The retractable closure also keeps the brush end clean until it is ready to be used and preserves the shape of the brush.
⦁ This brush may also be used for mixing lipsticks on a spatula in order to create customized colors and for applying lipstick and lip gloss to the lips in a smooth, quick and precise manner. It is ideal for enhancing and defining the lips to create various lip designs. This useful multi-purpose brush may be used for lining the eyes, creating natural, fashion, character, unique, and special effect looks with powder or cream products. It may also be used for applying camouflage products to cover small blemishes, freckles, old age spots, veins, birth marks, tattoos, scars, etc.
Supreme fan brush
2. Supreme fan brush (extra-large size) : This is an attractive extra-large size, flat fan-shaped brush that is tapered at the ends. It is used for applying a variety of lightweight powdered products to the face and skin; blending powders and gently removing any excess powder or other cosmetic products (such as fallen eye shadow,) from the face and skin.
Ultimate powder brush (extra-large size)
3. Ultimate powder brush (extra-large size) : This is the Ultimate powder brush for the professional. It is a luxuriously soft, extra-large, very full, and dense, dome-shaped brush that is tapered at the ends. It is excellent for applying a sheer amount of powder to the face in order to set the makeup and eliminate shine. Also, it may be used to dust a light amount of powder on the face in order to blend and soften blush colors. It is useful for applying loose and pressed powder.
Luxurious powder brush (large size)
4. Luxurious powder brush (large size) : This is a sumptuously soft, very large, full and dense, dome-shaped brush that is tapered at the ends. It is excellent for applying a sheer amount of powder to the face in order to set the makeup and eliminate shine. Also, it may be used to dust a light amount of powder on the face in order to blend and soften blush colors. It is useful for applying loose and pressed powder.
Plush blush brush (large size)
5. Plush blush brush (large size) : This is a very popular, large size, full-bodied, plush blush brush that is soft-to-the-touch and is tapered at the ends. It is used for applying just the right amount of blush to the cheeks and face to create a smooth even application of blush for natural, fashion character, unique and special effect looks. It may also be used for applying contour or highlights to the face or body.
Please note that there are two large size Plush blush brushes in the 36-Piece Ultimate Brush Set holder. ISOMA has provided an extra Plush blush brush because the professional makeup artist needs two of these most frequently used brushes for their numerous makeup applications.
Plush blush brush (large size)
6. Plush blush brush (large size) : This is a very popular, large size, full-bodied, plush blush brush that is soft-to-the-touch and is tapered at the ends. It is used for applying just the right amount of blush to the cheeks and face to create a smooth even application of blush for natural, fashion character, unique and special effect looks. It may also be used for applying contour or highlights to the face or body.
Please note that there are two large size Plush blush brushes in the 36-Piece Ultimate Brush Set holder. ISOMA has provided an extra Plush blush brush because the professional makeup artist needs two of these most frequently used brushes for their numerous makeup applications.
Flawless angled contour brush
7. Flawless angled contour brush: This is a soft-to-the-touch, full-bodied brush that is angled and tapered at the ends. Its design is specially angled for applying contour color in a meticulous manner to the skin to sculpt the contour areas of the face and neck in a gentle soothing manner. It may also be used for applying a small amount of blush or highlights to the face or body for natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Camouflage paddle brush I (extra-large size)
8. Camouflage paddle brush I (extra-large size) : A high-quality extra-large size nylon brush that is shaped like a paddle with a rounded edge and tapered ends. It is mainly used as a face and body brush, but it is also used to apply and blend cream and liquid foundations as well as camouflage cream and liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create a smooth, even finish and flawless appearance. One may use it to apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Camouflage paddle brush II (large size)
9. Camouflage paddle brush II (large size) : A high-quality large size nylon brush that is shaped like a paddle with a rounded edge and tapered ends. It is used to apply and blend cream and liquid foundations as well as camouflage cream and liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create a smooth, even finish and flawless appearance. One may use it to apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Camouflage paddle brush III (medium size)
10. Camouflage paddle brush III (medium size) : A medium size, high-quality nylon brush that is shaped like a paddle with a rounded edge and tapered ends. It is a firm, but supple brush that may be used to apply cream and liquid foundations as well as camouflage cream and liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create a smooth, even finish and flawless appearance. It may be used as an undereye concealer brush and it may also be used as an eyelid brush to apply cream or water-based eyeshadow or eyeliner products to enhance the eyes for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks. One may apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Eyelid/under eye camouflage brush I (standard size)
11. Eyelid/under eye camouflage brush I (standard size) : A high-quality standard size nylon brush that is shaped like a fluff brush with tapered ends. It is used as an under eye concealer brush and it may also be used as an eyelid brush to apply cream or water-based eyeshadow or eyeliner products to enhance the eyes for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks. It is a firm, but supple brush that may be used to apply cream or liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create a smooth and flawless appearance. One may apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Eyelid/under eye camouflage brush II (medium size)
12. Eyelid/under eye camouflage brush II (medium size) : A high-quality medium size nylon brush that is shaped like a fluff brush with tapered ends. It is used as an undereye concealer brush and it may also be used as an eyelid brush to apply cream or water-based eyeshadow or eyeliner products to enhance the eyes for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks. It is a firm, but supple brush that may be used to apply cream or liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create a smooth and flawless appearance. One may apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Flat definer camouflage brush I (7/16" wide)
13. Flat definer camouflage brush I (7/16″ wide) : A high-quality 7/16″ wide flat nylon brush that is tapered at the ends. It is a firm but supple brush that may be used to apply cream or liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks. It is also used to softly or strongly define the eyes; draw lines on the face and skin; and cover areas of the skin such as blemishes, freckles, old age spots, veins, birth marks, tattoos, scars, etc. with extra coverage products for a smooth flawless appearance. One may use it to apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Flat definer camouflage brush II (3/16" wide)
14. Flat definer camouflage brush II (3/16″ wide) : A high-quality 3/16″ wide flat nylon brush that is tapered at the ends. It is a firm, but supple brush that may be used to apply cream or liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks. And it may be used to softly or strongly define the eyes; draw lines on the face and skin; and cover small areas of the skin such as blemishes, freckles, old age spots, veins, birth marks, tattoos, scars, etc. with extra coverage products for a smooth flawless appearance. One may use it to apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired. It may also be used as a lipstick/lipliner brush.
Small-tipped camouflage brush
15. Small-tipped camouflage brush: A high-quality small-tipped nylon brush that is tapered at the ends. It is a firm, but supple brush that may be used to apply cream or liquid products to all areas of the face and skin to create natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks. It is used to softly or strongly define the eyes; draw lines on the face or skin; and cover small areas of the skin such as blemishes, freckles, old age spots, veins, birth marks, tattoos, scars, etc. with extra coverage products for a smooth flawless appearance. It may also be used as a lipstick/lipliner brush. One may use it to apply a sheer, medium or opaque amount of coverage as desired.
Eyelid brush I (jumbo size)
16. Eyelid brush I (jumbo size) : This jumbo size eyelid brush is the largest eyeshadow brush. It is a soft, but firm, oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors to the large eyelid area for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect eye looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors.
Eyelid brush II (large size)
17. Eyelid brush II (large size) : This large size eyelid brush is a soft, but firm, oval- shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors to the eyelid area for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect eye looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors.
Supple eyeshadow brush (large size)
18. Supple eyeshadow brush (large size) : This is a large and very supple, oval-shaped eyeshadow brush that is very soft and flexible. It is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size and flexibility is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors to the eyelid area for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect eye looks, or for enhancing the eyelid with highlighting colors.
Firm eyeshadow brush (large size)
19. Firm eyeshadow brush (large size) : This is a large size classic style eyeshadow brush. It is a soft, but firm and oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors to the eyelid area for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect eye looks, or for enhancing the eyelid with highlighting colors.
Classic eyeshadow brush I (large size)
20. Classic eyeshadow brush I (large size) : This is the largest and most popular of the five classic style eyeshadow brushes in this series of brushes. It is a soft, but firm, oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors in small, medium and large eyelid areas for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors.
Classic eyeshadow brush II (medium size)
21. Classic eyeshadow brush II (medium size) : This is a medium size classic style eyeshadow brush. It is smaller than the Classic Eyeshadow Brush I, that is listed above in this series of brushes. It is a soft, but firm, oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors in small, medium and large eyelid areas for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors
Classic eyeshadow brush III (small size)
22. Classic eyeshadow brush III (small size) : This is a smaller size classic style eyeshadow brush. It is smaller than the Classic Eyeshadow Brush II, that is listed above in this series of brushes. It is a soft, but firm, oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors in small, medium and large eyelid areas for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors.
Classic eyeshadow brush IV (mini size)
23. Classic eyeshadow brush IV (mini size) : This is a mini size classic style eyeshadow brush. It is smaller than the Classic Eyeshadow Brush III, that is listed above in this series of brushes. It is a soft, but firm, oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors in small, medium and large eyelid areas for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors.
Classic eyeshadow brush V (macro size)
24. Classic eyeshadow brush V (macro size) : This is a macro size classic style eyeshadow brush. It is smaller than the Classic Eyeshadow Brush IV, that is listed above in this series of brushes. It is a soft, but firm, oval-shaped brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. Its specific size is ideal for picking up and smoothly applying and blending eyeshadow colors in small, medium and large eyelid areas for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks, or for enhancing the eyelids with highlighting colors.
Curved-angled eyeshadow brush
25. Curved-angled eyeshadow brush : This is a small, soft, but firm, curved angled brush that is made of natural hair and is tapered at the ends. It is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadow and contour colors in the crease and corners of the eyelid areas for natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect eye looks or for enhancing the eyelid with highlighting colors.
Smudge brush I (large size)
26. Smudge brush I (large size) : A soft, rounded brush that is tapered at the ends. It looks like a pencil eraser since it is gathered together like a pencil-shaped eraser tip. It is used for precision shading or smudging colors on the eyelid, in the crease of the eye and along the eyelash line areas. It is a very useful brush for blending and smudging eyeshadow and eyeliner colors to create well-blended, sexy or smoky-looking makeup applications for natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect eye looks. Because of its unique shape, it is also an excellent brush for shading the sides of the nose with contour color and for highlighting the bridge of the nose with highlighting colors.
Smudge brush II (small size)
27. Smudge brush II (small size) : This is a smaller version of the large smudge brush. It is a small, soft, rounded brush that is tapered at the ends. It looks like a pencil eraser since it is gathered together like a pencil-shaped eraser tip. It is used for precision shading or smudging colors on the eyelid, in the crease of the eye and along the eyelash line areas. It is a very useful brush for blending and smudging eyeshadow and eyeliner colors to create well-blended, sexy or smoky-looking makeup applications for natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks. Because of its unique shape, it is also an excellent brush for shading the sides of the nose with contour color and for highlighting the bridge of the nose with highlighting colors.
Multi-use brush I (small size)
28. Multi use brush I (small size) : This is a small brush, but it is the largest of the four small multi-use brushes that are listed in this series of brushes that are used when working with in small areas and for specific purposes. It is a small, but very popular and useful multi-use brush that is tapered at the ends. It may be used for applying small amounts of color to the face and skin, lipstick to the lips, contour to the crease or ends of the eye areas, lining the eyes, drawing designs on the face and skin, applying colors inside artificial tattoos, creating a variety of natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Multi-use brush II (tiny size)
29. Multi use brush II (tiny size) : This is a smaller brush than Multi-use Brush I, that is listed in this series of brushes that are used when working with in small areas and for specific purposes. It is a small, but very popular and useful multi-use brush that is tapered at the ends. It may be used for applying small amounts of color to the face and skin, lipstick to the lips, contour to the crease or ends of the eye areas, lining the eyes, drawing designs on the face and skin, applying colors inside artificial tattoos, creating a variety of natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Multi-use brush III (mini size)
30. Multi use brush III (mini size) : This is a smaller brush than Multi-use Brush II, that is listed in this series of brushes that are used when working with in small areas and for specific purposes. It is a small, but very popular and useful multi-use brush that is tapered at the ends. It may be used for applying small amounts of color to the face and skin, lipstick to the lips, contour to the crease or ends of the eye areas, lining the eyes, drawing designs on the face and skin, applying colors inside artificial tattoos, creating a variety of natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Multi-use brush IV (macro size)
31. Multi use brush IV (micro size) : This is a smaller brush than Multi-use Brush III, that is listed in this series of brushes that are used when working with in small areas and for specific purposes. It is a small, but very popular and useful multi-use brush that is tapered at the ends. It may be used for applying small amounts of color to the face and skin, lipstick to the lips, contour to the crease or ends of the eye areas, lining the eyes, drawing designs on the face and skin, applying colors inside artificial tattoos, creating a variety of natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Angled eyebrow brush
32. Angled eyebrow brush : A firm angled brush that is made especially for applying brush-on-brow products to the eyebrows in order to create definition and a rich enhancement of the eyebrows and eyes. It may also be used to soften brush-on-brow products and eyebrow pencil designs that have been applied too strongly to the eyebrow area.
Eyebrow brush/eyelash comb
33. Eyebrow brush/eyelash comb : This is a dual-purpose makeup tool that has a brush on one side that is made of nylon and is used for brushing the eyebrows into the desired shape for natural, fashion, character unique or special effect looks. On the opposite side of this brush is a comb with fine plastic teeth that is used for separating the eyelashes that may cling together during mascara application and for removing excess mascara from the lashes. The brush side may also be used for cleaning artificial lashes and applying graying or darkening color products to the face hair or head hair for various natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Eyeliner brush
34. Eyeliner brush : This is a slender, fine-tipped brush that is tapered at the ends. It is ideal for lining the eyes, and creating fine lines for tattoos, veins, etc., It may be used with cream or liquid products to create a variety of looks that require a fine line for natural, fashion, character, unique, or special effect looks.
Spiral brush
35. Spiral brush : This is a uniquely shaped brush that is arranged in a spiral design like a mascara wand applicator. This popular brush is made of nylon and is easy to clean and dry quickly. It is used for separating the eyelashes, removing excess mascara from the lashes, grooming the eyebrows, and applying graying or darkening color products to the face or head hair for various natural, fashion, character, unique or special effect looks.
Two-piece lipstick brush
36. Two-piece lipstick brush : This classic style two-piece brush may be used for mixing lipsticks on a spatula in order to create customized colors and for applying lipstick and lip gloss to the lips in a smooth, quick and precise manner. It is ideal for enhancing and defining the lips to create various lip designs. This useful multi-purpose brush may also be used for lining the eyes and creating fashion, character, unique and special effect eye looks with powder or cream products. It may also be used for applying camouflage products to cover small blemishes, freckles, old age spots, veins, birth marks, tattoos, scars, etc. The metal handle of this two-piece brush is not only used to extend the brush length but it is also used as a cover that keeps the brush clean from touching other items when not in use and preserves the shape of the brush when it is stored.
The 36-piece brush set is: $495.00
You may place your order on the shopping cart here
CLEANING YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES
It is important to keep your makeup brushes in a clean and sanitary condition in order to avoid irritating the skin of those that you apply makeup to and to protect your makeup products from contamination. Any unsanitary makeup brush can collect oil, create excess makeup build-up on the brush hairs, attract dust particles and can contain harmful bacteria.
PROFESSIONAL BRUSH CLEANING METHOD
One may clean their makeup brushes by using a professional brush cleaner that is available from one of the professional makeup supply stores that are listed in this guide. Such brush-cleaning fluids dry quickly, often in only a few minutes. As for a brush-cleaning container, one may purchase from an art store, a glass brush-cleaning container. It features a coiled device in the bottom of the container to permit excess cosmetic waste to fall to the bottom of the container while cleaning the brushes. Immerse your brush hairs into the cleaning solution at a slight angle and gently brush the brush hairs over the coil to remove any unwanted properties from the brush.
DO NOT permit the solution to soak or seep into the metal ferrule area of the brush. To do so can (over time,) weaken the adhesive inside the ferrule that holds the hair to the brush and it may cause shedding of hair from the brush ferrule and make the brush handle become wobbly. Once you feel that you have cleaned the brush well, stroke it against the sides of the top of the container wall to remove as much excess cleaning liquid from the brush hairs.
Afterward, gently rub the brush hairs against several layers of tissues or a few folded paper towels in order to permit any remaining cleaning fluid to be absorbed into the tissues or folded paper towels.
Once you have done this to see how clean the brush is and to remove as much brush cleaning fluid as possible, shape your brush into its normal brush shape.
Afterward, place the brush over the edge of your makeup counter or a table so air can circulate all around the brush hairs and permit the brush to quickly air-dry. Liquid brush cleaning fluid dries quickly. DO NOT permit the brush cleaning fluid to touch plastic surfaces or products. Since it is a chemical that reacts with plastic, it can damage plastic surfaces.
It is important to remember that many chemical cleaning fluids can scar and stick to plastic items (such as plastic eye shadow, blush, and lipstick palettes,) and possibly scar or damage fine furniture, so do not let your brush or the brush cleaning product touch any item that is plastic or comes into contact with fine furniture or any items that can be damaged by the cleaning fluid that you have selected to use. Please remember to be aware of this matter when using any liquid brush cleanser and DO NOT use it in a private rental home when you may be working on an assignment.
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1 - Lightly dip only the brush hairs into the container of brush cleaner & coils.
2 - Rub the hairs over the coils & then wipe the hairs against the top of the jar.
3 - Gently rub the brush hairs over a few paper towels to remove the excess cleaner.
4 - Lay the brush over the edge of a countertop to permit the brush hairs to air dry.
SPRAY-ON BRUSH CLEANING METHOD
There are several instant spray-on brush cleansers (available at professional makeup supply stores,) that one may purchase and use to cleanse their brushes while one is working on an assignment. These instant cleansers are fine for those makeup artists who have a need to quickly clean their brushes in between multiple makeup applications. Such instant cleansers have disinfectant properties and dry quickly. One should also clean their brushes thoroughly in a liquid solution as soon as possible. To use the spray-on brush cleaning method, simply spray the brush hairs and wipe the brush hairs over a paper towel to remove any excess makeup, repeat this process several times until the brush is clean. Place the brush over the edge of a makeup table in order to permit air to circulate all around the brush to enable it to dry quickly. Above is an example of a “spray-on brush cleaning method.
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1 - Spray the brush hairs with the Instant Brush Cleaner Spray.
2 - Wipe over a few paper towels to remove any excess cosmetic residue.
3 - Repeat this process a few times until the brush is clean.
4 - Gently rub the brush hairs over a few paper towels to remove any excess cleaner.
5 - Lay the brush over the edge of a countertop to permit the brush hairs to air dry.
SHAMPOO BRUSH CLEANING METHOD
One may also use a good quality hair shampoo to clean their brushes. However, avoid a shampoo that contains any kind of oils, glycerin or heavy conditioners. Such products tend to soften and make brushes feel greasy and less fluffy like real hair does if it was not rinsed well and still contains too much shampoo or conditioner in it. Make sure that you rinse your brushes very well. When using this method, place a small amount of shampoo (that has been semi-diluted with water) in a small dish and lightly dip the brush hairs into it and gently stroke the brush back and forth over the diluted shampoo to permit the shampoo to be absorbed into the hairs of the brush. Do not let the shampoo get into the metal ferrule area of the brush. Next, gently brush the hairs of the brush over a “ribbed brush cleaning egg” to gently clean the brush. After cleansing, gently rinse your brush well under clean, lukewarm running water. Then use cool water as a final rinse water. Afterward, gently blot the brush with tissues or a soft folded paper towel to remove any excess water. Finally, shape your brush hairs into their normal shape and permit the brush to dry by placing your brush over the edge of a counter or table so the brushes can dry as quickly as possible in an even manner by permitting the air to circulate around your brush hairs.
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1 - Lightly dip the brush hairs only into diluted soapy water
2 - Gently rub the brush hairs over a brush-cleaning egg to remove cosmetic residue
3 - Rinse the brush hairs well under some warn and then cold water
4 - Gently rub the brush hairs over a few paper towels to remove the excess water
5 - Gently rub the brush hairs again on fresh paper towels to remove the excess water.
6 - Lay the brush over the edge of a countertop to permit the brush hairs to air dry.
DO NOT permit your brushes to stand on the hair ends to dry, to do so will distort the shape of your brush hairs.
DO NOT permit your brushes to dry with the brush hair and ferrule facing upwards. To do so will allow brush cleaning fluid or water to enter the metal brush ferrule and weaken the adhesive that holds the hair to the brush. Weakened adhesive can (over time,) cause the brush to shed hair and make the brush handle become wobbly.
Makeup brushes are an important asset to the multi-media makeup artist and their ability to perform their craft to the best of their ability. Good quality brushes are expensive and are an expensive investment, proper maintenance and care is advisable in order to ensure that they will perform well for you for many years.
THE THREE SECTIONS OF A BRUSH
WOODEN HANDLES
Most makeup brush handles are made of wood because of durability, control and appearance. Some are made of plastic. Brushes may be left natural or painted in different colors. The wood of the pear tree is one of the preferred materials in the manufacture of high-quality woodwind instruments, fine furniture, and artistic carvings. The handles of this 36-piece brush set are also made from the hardwood of the pear tree. The metal part of the brush that binds the brush hair to the handle is made of nickel-plated brass ferrules. A variety of natural hairs (red sable, weasel, squirrel, badger, goat, raccoon, horse, and boar,) were selected for specific uses in this 36-piece brush set. The natural hairs from these species were selected for softness on the skin and their ability to superbly perform their application function. Also, high-quality nylon filaments are the preferred choice of material for brushes that are to be used with cream and liquid products. The brushes are tapered at the ends to provide flexibility, ease of application and the desired results.
BRUSH FERRULES
The metal ferrule holds the ends of the glued hairs together. The brush handle is inserted and glued into the ferrule allowing the artist to have a beauty applicator tool to apply makeup to the skin. The most common metals used for making ferrules are brass, copper and aluminum (which is actually an aluminum alloy that is stronger than aluminum.) The ferrule should be double crimped to the handle in order to avoid the risk of wobbly handles. Good quality ferrules are nickel-plated to make them corrosion resistance and to give a pleasing appearance. Also, some ferrules have been coated in various colors such as gold, black, pink, etc.
TYPES OF BRUSH HAIRS
SABLE HAIR
Sable is a name that is given to hair that is from the Marten animal. Sable hair is desired by brush makers because of its almost pear shape that is wider in its middle than it is at its tip. This natural design gives the hair its unique strength and the ability to spring back into its original form with a fine point. Sable hair is from the middle of the tail of Martens that live in cold climates and the hair is preferred because their fur grows longer and thicker in such cold climates.
RED SABLE WEASEL HAIR
The Marten is a close relative to the weasel (Weasel’s hair is from the Mustela and the Asian mink. Both of these animals have a yellow-reddish tint to their brown hair and their hair is referred to as Red Sable. Red Sable is a good alternative to the more expensive Kolinsky brush with similar performance and durability. The Mustela is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, however, only the weasel hair from Asia is suitable for making makeup brushes. Red Sable is slightly less soft than Kolinsky hair but it is still quite popular and valuable.
WHITE SABLE AND GOLDEN SABLE HAIR
“White Sable” and “Golden Sable” are names that are used to refer to synthetic filaments that are used in brushes as substitutes for Sable animal hair.
KOLINSKY HAIR
Kolinsky’s hair is a species of mink that is a member of the weasel family. It has a golden-brown color and is very soft. It was once the source of hair that was used in fine red sable brushes. The animal is believed to be almost extinct and is now a protected species. As a result, “Kolinsky hair” is a name that is presently used to describe the hair of the Asian mink that lives in Siberia, northern China, and Korea. However, the Chinese and Korean Kolinsky hair is mainly used in making brushes due to Russian restrictions on the export of this type of animal hair from their country. Kolinsky’s hair is valued because of its 2 ½ inch length and when it is bent, it has the ability to spring or snap back into shape with a fine point.
SQUIRREL HAIR
Squirrel hair is thin hair with a pointed tip. It is soft and absorbent and has a light feel on the skin because it is the softest of the natural hairs. Squirrel hair is often used in powder, blush, and contour brushes.
GOAT HAIR
Goat hair is the most common hair that is used in cosmetic brushes. The softest goat hair is the first cut with the valued tips intact. Handmade high-quality Goat hair with its valued tips are very desired cosmetic brush applicators.
BRISTLE HAIR
Boar, Hog, and Pig hairs are called bristles because of their stiff and coarse appearance and feel. The best Boar hairs come from the Chungking province of China. The stiffness of Boar hair makes it the best material for angled brush-on-brow brushes and eyebrow groomer brushes
BADGER HAIR
Badger hair is thicker than sable hair and is less costly. Most Badger hair is native to many parts of the world however most Badger hair comes from China. There are different grades or qualities of Badger’s hair. The best quality Badger hair is similar to Kolinsky, Squirrel, Sable, Weasel, and Red Sable.
PONY HAIR
Pony hair is soft but strong hair from mature animals. Most Pony hair comes from China like most other hair types.
SYNTHETIC HAIR
“White Sable” and “Golden Sable” are names that are used to refer to synthetic filaments that are used in brushes as substitutes for Sable animal hair.