Turn your normal powder brush into a contouring brush with this simple hack (+ 7 brush tips)

When it comes to getting done up, quality brushes make a difference. You don't necessarily need a different brush for each product, but most of us have at least 5-8 in our arsenal. Deciding what you need is personal, but we all know that keeping them in good condition is important.
Along with cleaning, drying, and storing your collection, you may be looking to use them for more than one task. Check out these helpful tips. I guarantee at least one of them will be brand new to you.
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1. Convert your powder brush into a fan brush
Sometimes, a girl's beauty needs don't match her wallet. If you want to save some money, try this great bobby pin trick that temporarily converts any powder brush into the perfect fan brush for contouring. Cheap and effective.
2. Use your flat foundation brush to apply wash off masks
With so many good facial masks on the market, you're bound to have a jar of something that's hard to apply with your fingers. If so, grab your foundation brush and use it to spread the mask on your face. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly before using it again for foundation.
3. Clean your brushes with mild soap
A dirty brush will never yield a quality result, and if it has multiple colors of pigment on it, who knows what you'll end up looking like. No matter how tedious the process is, wash your brushes in mild soap or even shampoo on a regular basis. Just remember not to immerse them fully in the water because that can cause the bristles to fall out.
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4. Dry your brushes upside down
You could invest in a fancy brush tree, so that your wet brushes are safely suspended in air...or you can make one with what you already have. Grab a couple rubber bands or hair ties and wrap them around a hanger. Now, your brushes can dry anywhere you want. P.S. I hang mine in the shower.
5. Restore your brush's shape
No matter how careful you are with your brushes, accidents happen. If one gets loose in your bag and looks ratty and haggard, simply restore it's shape by dipping it in Brush Shaper and smoothing out the frayed bristles. Tip: Always wash and dry your brushes fully before doing this.
6. Use your spoolie to exfoliate your lips
Now, don't go grabbing that dry tool thinking it's just a one-step thing. Dip your clean spoolie in a jar of lip scrub and gently massage your lips. This will keep your fingers clean, your product uncontaminated, and work wonders on flaky lip skin.
7. Choose brushes that fit your needs
Picking the right brush for a specific purpose (like creating your crease) is key. Long bristled brushes pick up minimal product and apply it with a more diffused look. If you need fuller coverage, say with mineral foundation, choose a more compact brush. It will give you heavier coverage and a more matte finish.
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8. Tighten up loose heads
If the ferrules on your makeup brushes are loose, then the bristles won't readily grab pigment. To fix them, simply crimp the metal ferrule with needle nose pliers. It will tighten up the loose bristles, so you'll be able to use the brush easier. Tip: Don't attempt this with plastic ferrules. They'll shatter.