Beauty products come in a variety of shapes and textures, but the trend that we’re loving right now is the makeup stick! Why are we so smitten with cylindrical cosmetics? Here are our top 4 reasons:

Portable. 
Sticks may vary in length and width, but their uniform cylinder shape makes them the perfect product for saving precious space.

Durable.  
No more messy spills or broken glass in your makeup bag.

Travel.  
Breeze through airport security without switching to smaller containers.

Sanitary.
Just wipe off the top layer of the tube to remove dirt and bacteria.

For optimal results, we recommend using the following brushes to apply each “stick” product:

• Stick Foundation: First, work a primer or moisturiser over your face using an expert face brush, so the product glides on effortlessly.  Next, apply light swipes from the stick down the center of the nose, under eye, forehead and chin. Then, buff out toward the perimeter of your face using your expert face brush.
• Eye Shadow Pencil: Sweep the pencil directly over the lash line then blend up, toward the orbital bone, with your base shadow brush. Repeat process for extra saturation or coverage.
• Contour Stick: Use the tip of the contour stick to draw a line along the underside of your cheekbone, forehead, jawline or anywhere else you’d like to “sink back.” Then use your scultping brush to blend the edges into surrounding skin. For smaller areas or features use your concealer brush.
• Blush Stick: Swipe directly from the stick or press onto skin with your finger tips. Then, make light circular strokes using your blush brush to distribute pigment along apples and along the middle of the cheekbones. If the colour is too vibrant, stipple over the area with the expert face brush, using the the residual foundation left on the bristles, to subdue the colour.

Contouring. Strobing. Sculpting. Whatever you call it, the face shaping trend continues to evolve. And as more and more contouring products hit the market, choosing the right tools and techniques can feel more and more overwhelming.

Which is why we’re matching you with the brush you need to achieve the type of contour you want (soft or precise):

Contour Brush 
The medium-sized rounded bristles effortlessly apply a soft focus contour or highlight.   Swirl the tips of your contour brush into a contour powder, then run down the hollows of cheeks, using small circular strokes to soften and blend into surrounding skin.
Sweep a cream highlighter along the tops of cheekbone for a visible “lift.”

Sculpting Brush
Great brush to use everyday to define your face shape with a few simple strokes. Choose a contour cream and sweep underneath the cheekbone, from the top of the ear toward the corner of your mouth, but no further than the edge of your eye.

Run a small amount along the lower edge of your the jawbone and/or around the hairline with your sculpting brush.  The dark shade will “sink” those areas, giving the appearance of added depth and dimension to your bone structure.

301 Flat Contour Brush 
The short, dense bristles and straight edges are designed to create a sharp, chiseled contour. Place the flat edge of the brush into a matte bronzer and tap off excess powder. Press the 301 Flat Contour Brush into the lower edge of your cheekbone, moving upward. Use very short strokes to blend the edges of the contour.

Concealer Brush
The small angled brush is ideal for those who want a precise application in tight areas. Smooth a creamy contour color on the outside edge of  your nose using the concealer brush.

Pop a highlight along the top of cheekbones using the flat side of brush or down the center of nose with the angled tip.

Love looking glam, but lacking time? Try streamlining your routine by taking inspiration from the experts, who make a living by applying beautiful makeup as quickly and as cleanly as possibly.

While each makeup professional has their favourite makeup, brushes, tools, and storage systems, most artists follow these 5 time-saving tricks:

SORT
Working makeup artists may own hundreds of products, but they have their go-to makeup and tools that are clearly labeled, clean and ready-to-go in their kit. So, if you have a large makeup collection, it’s important to set every day items apart from the once-in-awhile pieces, then designate an easily accessible area for those beloved products.

LAYOUT
Whether you’re pulling makeup from a drawer, cabinet or tabletop, you need to see the items; they should be in one place. Sort makeup in the order of your application process, line them up from left to right (or right to left): skin, foundation, eyes, cheeks, etc. As your hands learn the placement, you will become faster with little or no time spent looking for something.

LOCATION
Toss debris in the trash, put lids back on ASAP, and move makeup back to its designated spot. As you repeat the process, it becomes second nature and you’ll save time during application and clean up.

BRUSHES
Clean brushes work more efficiently, which is why pros wash or sanitise brushes after every use. Designating one brush holder for clean brushes and one for “in use” is an easy way to keep track of which brushes need to be washed. Then, at the end of the week, clean those brushes with your deep gel cleanser and brush cleansing palette.

RESET
If you watch a makeup artist working, you’ll notice that their hands are always moving, even between faces. No matter how organised and clean your workspace is to begin with, there is always a need to reset for the next person: wipe down containers, wash brushes, restock q-tips, sponges and tissue. Take time to reset your makeup at night, every few days or once a week, depending on your needs.

It may take a few minutes a week to keep your makeup organised and your brushes clean, but the reward (time saved and makeup on point) is definitely worth it.