Should you be sponging?

When we're young we all start out using the sponge applicator that comes with our eye shadows. (At least I did) You see the pictures of the women "wearing" the eyeshadow and if you like the look you buy the shadow. You go to try it on and you just sit there trying to figure out how she got this makeup to look like that picture. Now of course we know more work goes into their look than just applying a simple color or color kit. More than likely they had a team of experts for each aspect of the shoot, including one to edit the final look. My point is if you are going for more than the simplest look than you need a few tools that will help you every time.

It doesn't matter what type of shadow you are using makeup brushes will make your shadow look better than the standard sponge. Makeup brushes come in many different shapes, angles, sizes, colors, textures, price and brand. Most people know one of the best ways to apply blush or powder is with a makeup brush. Yet a lot of people do not own a shadow brush of any kind. My most used brush has to be my Japonesque Crease Brush. (Ulta $14.99) I would be at a loss without it!

• When you start using brushes it can seem complicated. Using the sponge tip applicator can make precise lines very easily. With brushes a lot of times you will get more fall out and in order to make a precise line you will likely need a small crease brush. Remember practice makes perfect!

There are a few benefits you can get from using brushes. When I look for brushes I make sure it says anti-bacteria on the package. I love that my brushes do not collect or spread germs to my makeup or my face. (You should always clean your brushes anyway) Another big highlight is that when I use a brush I waste less of my shadow. Have you ever used your sponge applicator and then tried to wipe off the excess shadow? It seems like such a waste when you consider how little it takes to actually get your desired color.

There are many different companies out there that make professional brushes. You can find decent kits for as little as $10 at Walmart. They are not likely to be anti-bacterial but they would get the job done. Another very popular and very high quality line of brushes come from MAC Cosmetics. These are more costly but in the end will last longer and keep your face and makeup cleaner.

(MAC 9 piece set, can be found on Center2mall.com for $39.99)