How Do I Clean My Cosmetic Brushes – Women
How Do I Clean My Cosmetic Brushes
Adem Martin del Campo
Brushes are often overlooked. We use them then simply throw them back in our make-up case not caring much for the condition we leave them. This is usually the reason why the brushes we buy do not last as long as we hoped for. Armandos Brushes last a long time because they are made with sable bristles and even with the use of high-quality materials, Armandos Brushes would not last much longer than lower quality brushes without the proper care.
So what is proper brush care and what are the benefits it will give you besides longevity When applying your make-up, your brushes mix with your cosmetics as well as the oils on your skin. Over time, this could cause the bristles of the brush to clump together causing your make-up application to not go as smoothly as you would like. That fine line you like for your eyeliner may not be obtainable with a dirty brush. Not caring for your brushes may also cause different shadows to mix together in your brush creating a color that you never intended on using!
Okay, so now you know what happens when we dont care for our brushes. So how do we clean them
To clean your brushes, run them under tepid water. Always hold the brush under the water with the handle pointing up so as not to damage the brush. Add a small amount of mild shampoo to your index finger then emulsify by rubbing your index finger and thumb together. Gently squeeze the shampoo into your brush. Rinse your fingers and brush. When thoroughly rinsed, gently wring out the remaining moisture from the brush while forming the bristles and set on a towel to dry.
With these simple steps, you could be another of Armandos customers whose brushes last them over twenty years! Just think of the money you will save!
Make-up by Armando - Your Beauty Solution
http://www.makeupbyarmando.com/
About The Author
Armandos son, Adem, received his cosmetology license in 1994 and began managing Armandos Salon. Adem brings a strong sense of family values to his fathers business. He now manages Make-up by Armando as well as contributing to the sites Beauty Advice, answering make-up and skin care questions and writing the monthly newsletter, pulling from his experience to offer his skills and knowledge to the Internet audience.
The Benefits of Brushes – Women
The Benefits of Brushes
Adem Martin del Campo
Most people overlook the importance of using application tools, like brushes, when they apply their make-up. The most important reason is performance. How would you feel if you went to have your make-up done by a professional and they applied your make-up with their fingers You would not pay for it would you. The same idea applies to you at home. By using a brush that is made for the particular process you are performing i.e. applying eye shadow with an eye shadow brush it will only make the application process easier. Applying your blush is another good example. It is very hard to make both of your cheeks look even when you use your fingers as application tools. For those of you that have trouble keeping your make-up on throughout the day, like your eyeliner, use a firm bristle brush and a flat eye shadow instead of a pencil. The shadow will stay on better, and give you a more natural looking line that will not make your eyes appear smaller.
The next important reason for using brushes is so you do not contaminate your cosmetics. There are a lot of things that you touch which can be transmitted to your cosmetics if you use your fingers. This can cause a problem for people with sensitive skin or eyes. If a problem does occur you end up having to throw away the product, which is money wasted. You may even have to go to work without make-up for a few days to let your eyes or skin heal.
When you decide to purchase your brushes, make sure they are a good quality brush. We have customers that have used the same set of our brushes for over ten years. This will end up saving you money in the long run. If you had to buy a $5.00 contour brush every year because it falls apart, in ten years you have spent $50.00. Our contour brush would only cost you $15.00 for the same amount of use. Another way brushes will save you money is you will not waste so much of your cosmetics. Since the brush is only used to apply cosmetics there is no need to wipe the excess off every time you use it. You only need to clean them once every two weeks.
As you can see by the examples I have given brushes can only make your life easier. Not only will your make-up come out better, you will save money too. Remember an artist needs their tools and so do you.
Make-up by Armando - Your Beauty Solution
http://www.makeupbyarmando.com/
About The Author
Armandos son, Adem, received his cosmetology license in 1994 and began managing Armandos Salon. Adem brings a strong sense of family values to his fathers business. He now manages Make-up by Armando as well as contributing to the sites Beauty Advice, answering make-up and skin care questions and writing the monthly newsletter, pulling from his experience to offer his skills and knowledge to the Internet audience.
Who Had The Better Brushes Leonardo or Michelangelo – Digital Cameras
Who Had The Better Brushes Leonardo or Michelangelo
Robert Hartness
Ordinary photos of dull subjects do actually sell, but the dramatic shots generally have an unusual element that makes them stand out from the crowd. They are well-composed and they carry no excess baggage.
One of the best photos Ive seen was taken many years ago in New York Central Station 1928 Its quite famous and youve probably seen it. Sunlight streams in through the windows dominating the scene, while people mill about the expansive floor in a hustle-bustle atmosphere.
Photographers of yesteryear were past masters of judging the best exposure for a dramatic shot, without the benefit of modern gadgetry. I just wonder about that when I hear the death knell being tolled on the use of film.
Were told that 60% of the income of Kodak UK came from digital cameras last year, as Kodak announced big job cuts. Immediately, the media produced a knee-jerk reaction that claimed film is dead. True the public are totally won over by the short-term gains of the digital camera, but what about the professionals
Many studio photographers may well switch to fitting a digital back on to their Mamiyas, but what about fieldwork Big shots with view cameras and 69s, not to mention the use of long lenses for wildlife and sport, will still be dominated by film rather than digital.
Digital cameras are great for the mass market, where shots are generally taken with the subject a close range. Some of the photos of flowers that Ive seen for example, are quite exceptional. In many cases, using film for these shots would be beyond most average users because judging the best exposure would be too difficult.
The public are happiest when they can they can just point and shoot. The modern digital camera allows them to do this and produce exceptional pictures of family events, so theyre happy. However, put these same cameras to a stiffer test and film wins hands down. Even the latest, best and most expensive cameras still fall short of the best that film can produce, especially where the subject is at a fair distance e.g. most landscapes.
Coming back to old-time photographers, I just cant see anyone producing, or rather reproducing the same quality shots of say, Ansell Adams, using a digital camera instead of film. For Ansell Adams, substitute Man Ray, or a host of other cult photographers and youll soon catch my drift.
Regarding photos that sell, the type of camera used is irrelevant when the client looks at the final result. Im sure that Michelangelo never crossed swords with Leonardo about who had the better brushes. Its the masterpiece that counts, not the tools used to produce it.
And yet this epic battle between digital and film cameras is important, because a lot of time and effort can be wasted, trying to produce shots that sell with equipment that just isnt up to the job.
Without being prescriptive or dogmatic, it seems to me that any prospective Freelance photographer must weigh up the pros and cons of digital versus film carefully. It is the nature of the photograph being attempted that should decide the matter rather than personal prejudice.
Another key factor is, of course, the preference of the client. Where the customer is happy with small digital images then convenience may suggest using digital. So, for someone who shoots a range of photos it seems sensible to become conversant with both. Digital and film cameras are totally different beasts, especially with regard to exposure rules of thumb.
After excellent composition, shots that sell need perfect lighting - so the modern freelance photographer should use the best tools, digital or film to achieve the perfect shot of his chosen subject. Thats the kernel of truth Ive yanked out of the splinters of this hoary old chestnut for you.
About The Author
Robert Hartness
One of a series of articles by Robert Hartness, successful freelance and author of an hotlinked, flip-over, e-book, published on the web in October 2004. It offers a step-by-step guide to those on the threshold of freelance photography and is illustrated with 40+ published photographs. Acclaimed as a great reference source for serious freelancers. More information and order link - http://www.cashfromyourcamera.com