9 Makeup Brush and Makeup Blender Hacks

Makeup lovers know all about brushes and blenders, and yet, there’s always more to learn. But we’re not here to go over the basics, again (check out our ultimate guide to makeup brushes and makeup blenders, here). Instead, we’re focusing on all the little things you can do with them that you might not know about. To make the most of your makeup brushes and makeup blenders, try these nine hacks.

Beauty Hack #1: DIY a Fan Brush

Let’s be real: Makeup brushes can get seriously expensive. There are a ton of different brushes out there, and if you want to own them all, you might have to pay a pretty penny. That’s where DIY-ing comes into play. If you already own a few brushes, you can get more mileage out of them by turning them into something new, without any added cost. To craft your way to owning a fan brush—our favorite way to apply highlighter—all you need is a blush brush and a bobby pin or two. Slip the bobby pin(s) around the bristles to pinch and slim them into a thin, fanned out shape, then sweep highlighter above your cheekbones. When you’re ready to brush on blush again, just remove the pins and your brush will be as good as new.

Beauty Hack #2: Apply Face Masks

Face masks are a must-have skin care product, but that doesn’t mean they’re always convenient. If you’ve ever tried to slather your skin with a mask, you probably realize they can also make a major mess. Instead of smearing on with your fingers, try applying masks with a foundation brush. Not only will your hands stay perfectly clean, but this can help you apply a more even layer. (Read our article on applying and removing face masks.)

Beauty Hack #3: Paint Nail Art Designs

If you want to nail a new nail design, you’ll need tiny tools for painting on intricate patterns. Investing in nail art brushes is an option, or you can repurpose brushes from your makeup stash, especially those meant for brows and eyeliner. Anything with a fine point should do the trick! When you’re finished painting (try simple stripes or a trendy fade), use a small makeup brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up around your cuticles. There you go—you’re practically a nail painting pro.

Beauty Hack #4: Get Brushes Wet

When you’re working with a makeup product that’s lacking in pigment and doesn’t pack much punch, there’s an easy fix. Dip the bristles into a bit of water so that they’re damp but not dripping, then pack a powder eye shadow or highlighter onto the brush. When you use a wet brush, this can help powder products appear like they’re more pigmented—perfect for creating eye catching looks.

Beauty Hack #5: Take Off False Lashes

At the end of the night when you’re ready to rid yourself of false lashes, it might be tempting to tug them straight off. Of course, this isn’t exactly a good idea for your natural lashes or the delicate skin around your eyes. If you’ve glued something down, it’s always a better bet to try and dissolve the glue than to rip it apart. Use an eye shadow brush dipped in eye makeup remover and work the bristles against the strip of the lashes. The remover should easily break down the glue and help your falsies fall right off.

Beauty Hack #6: Put on Skin Care Products

Don’t reserve your makeup blenders for cosmetics only, they’re also suited for applying skin care products. If you want to make your skin care routine a touch more hygienic (a.k.a. no dirty hands) or need help applying serums and lotions in light, even layers, use a blender to bounce the products onto your skin. Give the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Contour Blender, and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Concealer Blender a try.

Beauty Hack #7: Remove Deodorant Stains

Imagine this: You’re running late and tug your favorite black dress on after you’ve already applied deodorant. Chances are, you realize a second too late that your perfect outfit is now marked with white streaks. We’ve all experienced this, and probably had varying degrees of success in salvaging the outfit. Scrubbing with water only tends to make things worse. The better choice is to use a makeup blender to buff the stains out of your clothes.

Beauty Hack #8: Give Makeup a Second Wind

By the end of the day, you can usually expect that your makeup will look a little worse for wear (especially if you skipped the primer portion of your routine). Instead of caking more makeup on top, use a makeup blender to revitalize your appearance. Squeeze a few drops of a light facial oil, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil Light, on your blender, and dab it onto areas in need of refreshing. You’ll give your makeup a whole new life!

Beauty Hack #9: Cleanse with Micellar Water

If you don’t want to invest in a cleanser for your makeup brushes and blenders, allow your micellar water to work double duty. Pour a small amount of the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, which intensely purifies, into a bowl. Dip your brushes or blender into the bowl and swirl around before wiping off on a towel. Repeat until completely clean.

If you want more info on cleaning your beauty tools, read our article, How to Clean Your Makeup Blenders and Brushes.