We all long for flawless, blemish-free skin no matter our age, so taking care of it daily is essential for keeping breakouts at bay. The majority of us will follow a daily skincare routine, but do we all maintain the tools we use on our skin to ensure they aren’t the cause of any unwanted pimples or other skin irritations? And when I say tools, I’m talking about the ‘tools of the trade’ – aka makeup brushes.When it comes to flawless makeup application, makeup brushes are a must-have. They are an essential tool in every beauty enthusiast's kit! They help us achieve flawless makeup application, enhance our features, and create stunning looks. However, many of us do often overlook a crucial aspect of using makeup brushes – cleaning and replacing them regularly. Proper maintenance of our makeup brushes not only ensures better makeup application but also promotes healthier skin. Keep reading as we explain why you need to keep your brushes clean, how often you should wash your brushes, and when it's time to totally replace them! Why do you need to clean your makeup brushes?If you notice an increase in breakouts or skin irritations, your brushes might be to blame. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria and nasty stuff that wreak havoc on your skin. Imagine all the makeup residue, oils, and dead skin cells that accumulate on your brushes after each use. If you don't clean them regularly, these impurities can lead to several issues, including:Bacterial buildup - Dirty brushes become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to breakouts, skin irritations, and infections.Patchy Application - Residue from previous makeup applications can interfere with the colours and textures of new products, leading to uneven and patchy makeup application.Clogged pores - When brushes are not cleaned, they carry excess oils and debris, which can clog your pores and contribute to acne formation.Decreased Brush Performance - Dirty brushes lose their softness and shape, making them less effective in blending and achieving the desired makeup look.But before you freak out and head off on that shopping spree, remember regular cleaning can extend the life of your brushes.How often should you clean your makeup brushes?To prevent bacteria build up and potentially exacerbating any skin issues, make it habit to give your brushes a thorough cleanse. The frequency of cleaning your makeup brushes can depend though on how often you use them and the type of products you apply. As a general rule of thumb if you are using your brushes pretty much daily, follow these guidelines:Foundation brushes and sponges - Since foundation brushes come in direct contact with your skin, they should be cleaned after each use no matter what the foundation. Beauty sponges, like the famous Beauty Blender, should also be washed after every application.Eyeshadow Brushes - If you use eyeshadow brushes daily, it's best to clean them at least once a week. Brushes used with cream eyeshadows may require more frequent cleaning.Blush and Powder Brushes - Brushes used for powder-based products like blush, bronzer, and setting powder should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks.Lip Brushes - Lip brushes should be washed after every use, especially if you work with bold or dark lip colours.How should you clean your makeup brushes?We get it, many of us are time poor and cleaning your brushes might sound like a tedious task, but it really is essential for maintaining their quality and your skin's health. Here are some tips to make the process easier:Use gentle cleansers - Opt for a gentle brush cleanser, baby shampoo, or mild soap to clean your brushes. Harsh chemicals can damage the bristles. If you use a gentle face wash, I also recommend using that too.Warm water rinse - Wet the bristles with warm water to remove excess makeup easily.Avoid soaking the base - When cleaning your brushes, avoid soaking the base of the bristles as this can loosen the glue and cause shedding.Pat dry with a towel - After cleaning, gently pat the brushes with a clean towel and reshape them to retain their original form.Air dry upside down - To prevent water from seeping into the base, dry your brushes upside down or at a slight angle. If you keep them clean, why do you need to replace your makeup brushes?No matter how well you care for your makeup brushes, they won't last forever. Over time, the bristles can become frayed, lose their shape, and fail to perform as they did when new. Here are some signs that indicate it's time to replace your brushes:Shedding - If your brush sheds bristles excessively despite proper care, it's time to invest in a new one.Frayed bristles - Brushes with frayed or splayed bristles won't give you the precise application you desire.Hardened bristles - Over time, some product residues can harden the bristles, making them less effective and potentially abrasive to your skin.Unpleasant smell - If your brushes retain a persistent, unpleasant odor even after cleaning, it's best to replace them.Signs of wear and tear - If you notice visible signs of wear and tear, such as a cracked handle or discoloured bristles, it's time to retire your brush. Remember, investing in high-quality brushes from the get-go can make a huge difference. Not only will they last longer but they’ll also give you better makeup results. Quality brushes tend to have more durable bristles and sturdy handles, making them worth the splurge.We recommend investing in makeup brushes made from allergy free synthetic fibres. Easier to keep clean, less likely to harbour bacteria and ideal for makeup application. Try ELES Cosmetics range of professional makeup brushes. Their smooth synthetic fibres do not absorb or trap pigment making them a breeze to clean!You can purchase them individually dependant on your makeup needs, or shop the full 15 piece collection

We all love to invest in our favourite makeup products, from the best BB Creams and bronzers to our formidable foundations and mascaras, but what about the tools of the trade? Makeup brushes are an essential for any makeup routine. After all how are you supposed to apply your mineral powder foundation, or that much loved bronzer? Let alone your eyeshadow and blush. That’s right, from foundation to concealer, eyeshadow, cheeks and lips, there is a makeup brush for literally every makeup category, but how are you supposed to know which makeup brushes to use to nail that flawless makeup finish?Keep reading as we reveal 5 tips to help you choose the right makeup brushes for you: Consider the type of makeup you use vs the brushes shape and size Different makeup products be it for example foundation or blusher require different makeup brushes. And the shape of the brush will determine the area of the face it is best suited for.For example a large flat brush is best for applying liquid foundation, a large fluffy brush is perfect for powder foundation while a tapered (a brush that reduces in size and thickness towards the end) brush is best for precise application on smaller areas like under your eyes. Look for high-quality brush bristles Investing in high-quality makeup brushes will make all the difference in the application and longevity of your makeup. The bristles should be soft and durable, should not irritate the skin in any way, nor should they shed or lose their shape over time. Synthetic bristles are usually the best option because they are durable, easy to clean and hygienic. Synthetic brush bristles are usually made of nylon or polyester, however ELES Cosmetics’ range of professional makeup brushes are made from taklon, a “green” and allergy free synthetic fibre. Their smooth synthetic fibres do not absorb or trap pigment making it easy to keep clean. Makeup brushes with natural bristles are another option, however they are made with animal hair to provide a very soft finish. Check the makeup brush handle A comfortable handle is important to ensure steady and precise makeup application. Look for brushes with sturdy and easy to grip handles. Consider your budget There are a wide range of makeup brushes available in the market with varying price ranges. Decide on your budget and invest in good quality brushes as these will last you a long time. Keep those brushes clean Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, brushes also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application!You should clean your makeup brushes once a month by swishing them in a cup of warm water with a little shampoo. Rinse the brushes and lie them flat on a towel on the counter until they dry.Still confused? Here are some of the most commonly used makeup brushes for the different makeup categories; Foundation: A flat, densely packed brush or a beauty sponge is ideal for applying foundation. Try ELES Foundation Brush or Large Concealer Brush Concealer: A small, pointed brush is best for applying concealer. A concealer brush has a small head and is ideal for targeting specific areas. Try ELES Small Concealer Brush or Tapered Detail Brush Powder: A large fluffy brush is perfect for applying powder. Look for a brush with long, fluffy bristles that can pick up just the right amount of product. Try ELES Powder Brush Blush: A medium-sized angled brush or a fan brush is great for applying blush. An angled brush allows you to apply blush precisely to your cheekbones, while a fan brush can be used to dust a light layer of blush over cheeks and other areas of your face. Try ELES Powder Blush Brush Contour: A small, angled brush or a small fan brush is best for contouring. An angled brush allows you to apply the product in a precise line, while a fan brush can be used to dust a light layer of contour powder over the face. Try ELES Tapered Powder Brush Eyeshadow: There are several brushes that are ideal for applying eyeshadow! Eek you might say, however this all depends on the look you are going for. A flat, dense brush is great for packing on colour, while a fluffy blending brush is perfect for blending out harsh lines. A small tapered brush can be used to apply eyeshadow to the crease or to smudge eyeliner. Try ELES Base Shadow Brush, Blending Brush and Small Tapered Blending Brush. Eyeliner: A small, flat makeup brush or a pointed brush is perfect for applying eyeliner. An flat brush allows you to create precise lines, while a pointed brush is ideal for created a winged liner look. Try ELES Flat Definer Brush and ELES Small Eyeliner Brush By following all these tips, you can choose the right makeup brushes that will help you achieve flawless makeup every time.

Applying eyeshadow is an art form so, getting it perfect isn’t always easy, in fact many of us get it wrong or simply have no idea how to apply eyeshadow at all! The good news is you don’t have to be a beauty guru to master your eyeshadow look, with the right tools, a little practice, and the following key tips, you’ll be applying it like a pro in next to no time! Learn which eyeshadow shades are best for your eye colour If you want to use a coloured eyeshadow to enhance your eyes, the first thing you should consider is the colour of your eyes! Certain shades of eyeshadow look best on certain eye colours. For example, bronze and gold best highlight blue and light brown eyes, while violets pop with green eyes. Here’s a little more info to help you select your shades;Best for blue eyes: Copper, peach and orange-based eyeshadowsBest for brown eyes: Cobalt blue, navy, purple and indigo shadesBest for green eyes: Wine-tones, purples and berry huesAlso get familiar with our colour wheel. The most flattering shade tends to be the one that sits directly opposite your eye colour on the wheel! Select your 3 eyeshadow shades Once you’ve deciphered what the best shades will be for you, you’ll need to select your colours and when it comes to how to apply eyeshadow correctly, three shades are better than one! You’ll need a light shade (for a highlighter), a medium shade (the transition colour) and a dark shade (to contour.)An easy way to find three eyeshadows that look flattering when worn together is to invest in an eyeshadow palette. Palettes offer you the colours you need right in one convenient product. Try the ELES Build your own 3-well Shadow Palette. You simply select three eye shadow inserts from a huge array of options, creating the triple colour combo that’s perfect for you! And Beauty Collective insert them into your perfect palette. The shadows sweep over eyelids without creasing or fading, while reflecting light away from dark circles and fine lines. They can be applied dry for soft, low-key shadings, or wet for more vibrant effects. What’s more they come available in a range of matte and pearlized shades in single inserts so you can mix and match colours as you wish. All you need to do is blend!For the month of March, 2022, Beauty Collective are giving away a FREE Blending Brush with every Build Your Own Shadow Palette to make eyeshadow application that much easier.N.B If a palette of three feels limiting to you, you can also pick more shades from a selection of single eyeshadows compacts. Know your brushes! Flawless eyeshadow blending is ALL about the brushes! So make sure you familiarise yourself with the brushes you need to blend like a pro! A dense base shadow brush is great for solid application and applying pigment. A fluffier, blending brush is for softer application, blending and highlighting and a flat definer brush is used along upper and lower lash lines to create an easy, liner effect. Get started! Ready to get to work with your three eyeshadow colours? Follow the steps below to put on multiple eyeshadow shades for a stand-out look.STEP 1 – Take the lightest shade in your palette and apply it over you entire lid, up towards your brow bone using a base shadow brush.STEP 2 – Next using a tapered blending brush apply your medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards.STEP 3 - Use the same brush to apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Extend it outwards and upwards to create a smoky effect, then take a larger, blending brush and blend it inwards slightly.N.B The medium shade should always be higher than the dark (contour) shade so be sure not to blend it too high! Also, make sure you apply each of the eyeshadow application steps on both eyes, instead of finishing one eye and then moving on to the other, to give yourself the best shot at getting them even and balanced. The finishing touches Once you’ve finished applying your eyeshadow colours, use your concealer with a small concealer brush to create really crisp edges. You can also apply concealer from the inner corner to the start of the brow as it’ll help to brighten up the eye look and shape.Then it’s onto eyeliner and mascara application! Make sure you have your tools at the ready for any touch ups! We all make mistakes so have the cotton buds a ready! They will allow you to clean up any spillages with precision.Voila! You’ve just applied your eyeshadow like a Beauty Collective pro!