Lucky winner of the 12 piece Crown Brush set!

We have officially been given notice that me and my creative team have advanced to the 2nd challenge of the Lucky Life Editor Challenge hosted by Lucky Magazine and Revlon Cosmetics. That also means that we have a winner for the 12 piece Crown Brush set. Congratulations to Andrea Johnson! Please email me at blushingambers@gmail.com with your address to claim your prize and I'll ship your makeup brushes to you pronto! Thanks again to all of those who subscribed and supported us in the challenge... The contest isn't over and we have more giveaways coming up. You are eligible to win the next beauty product if you are a subscriber, so please continue to support us. Thanks again!

What Makeup Brushes Do to Create a Flawless Face

Since we are giving away a set of Crown Brushes for one lucky subscriber, I thought I'd explain what these brushes do and how they can be used. Even if you aren't a winner, this is useful information if you choose to purchase makeup brushes in the future to create a seamless application. For giveaway details click here.

Tapered powder brush - This brush gives better applications depending on how soft it is and the type of natural or synthetic fibers that are used. Usually the powder brush is a thick loose fiber brush. This brush is used to set any foundation or concealer placed on the face.

Tapered blush brush - This brush often has a much tighter fiber strand than a powder brush and is used to apply blush to define the curvature of the cheek bones of the face

Oval fluff brush - A commonly used brush for patting and packing on powder eyeshadow or glitter.

Chisel fluff brush - This brush can be used for spreading eyeshadow as well as blending any harsh lines in eye makeup. It can also be used in the crease of the eye to place and pull eyeshadow creating a deep eyes look.

Angle liner brush - This brush is made out of synthetic fibers and is helpful when creating winged-out or cat eyeliner with creme liner. The angle on the brush helps guide the liner.

Soft fan brush - Have you ever experienced fall out, little specs of powder that fall during eyeshadow placement? This brush is great for sweeping away any messes under the eye that occur due to fall out.

Smudger brush -This brush is often used at the lashline to place and pull eyeshadow creating different affects to the eyes.

Pointed liner - This brush gives a clean, tight coat of eyeliner near the lash line and can also be used for making creative designs and looks.

Flocked sponge - Many times the first placement or application of eyeshadow can be harsh. the smudger is used to soften or smoke out an eye look.

Spoolie brush - If you've ever purchased mascara then you already know the main use of the spoolie. This brush can be used to comb lashes and eyebrows.

Oval lip brush - lip brushes are usually made from synthetic fibers. Lip brushes are good at creating an even, long-lasting application of lip color.

Brow groomer - Do you have bushy eyebrows? This is a small comb that puts those misbehavin' hairs in line.

Brush roll - This is used to hold all of your brushes in place and is practical for traveling purposes. brush rolls can be a bit expensive if you have a lot of makeup brushes and are looking to store them all. For that reason several people have begun to make their own. For a quick and easy DIY brush roll video look at this former post.

Crown Brush 12 Piece Brush Set Giveaway

Me and my creative team are so appreciative of all the hard work and votes you've put in to help us in the Lucky Life Editor Challenge, so we are giving away a set of makeup brushes to a lucky subscriber! Here are the rules:

1. If you have already voted in the Lucky Magazine Challenge then that makes you eligible to participate in this giveaway. Voting for the Lucky Magazine Challenge 1 has ended.
2. Subscribe to Blushing Ambers blog here

All entries must be in by August 14th. Here's what one Lucky Blushing Ambers subscriber will win:

Professional grade cosmetic brushes for flawless application of face powder, shadow, blush and more. This set includes:
- Tapered powder brush
- Tapered blush brush
- Oval fluff brush
- Chisel fluff brush
- Angle liner brush
- Soft fan brush
- Smudger brush
- Pointed liner
- Flocked sponge
- Spoolie brush
- Oval lip brush
- Brow groomer
- Brush roll

It is 100% animal cruelty free and Made in USA

*Winner must be 18 years old at time of winnings and be a U.S. Citizen.

Essential Makeup Brushes

Several people have messaged me about where to start with makeup, of course my answer is always skincare. Periodically I will add on to what product and tools are essential to a makeup kit both personal and professional. I also plan to create how-to videos and downloadable content for those who wish to know more about the art and science of makeup. When you've prepped your beautiful canvas, like any artist, you need your tools. A makeup artist has many tools and makeup brushes are a very important part of a kit. There are a wide variety of makeup brushes. They come in different sizes and texture, synthetic and natural fibers, tight and loose. Each brush can be used for a different purpose or multiple purposes from packing, patting and blending to setting and sweeping. These are a few starter brushes that are essential for creating a flawless face.

Powder Brush

Powder Brush - I use two different "powder" brushes, the traditional powder brush and the second a very small one to reach under my eyes and on my cheeks with a lighter or transparent powder. My traditional powder brush is a very fluffy full blush brush I sweep around my perimeter, under my cheeks, around my temples, and across my chin and fore head.

Blush Brush

 Blush Brush - There are some who prefer the blush brush and use it as a multipurpose brush, especially for contouring, but I am in love with my contour brush that I use to draw a line under my cheeks with purple blush... I really define my cheeks and add dimension to my face. I use my oval blush brush to place a brighter blush over my contour line.

Full Shadow Brush

Shadow Brush - These come in various sizes for different types of placement. I prefer having a few different sizes for different looks.  The most useful, has been one with tight hairs that covers the entire eyelid by patting or packing on color.  The other would be a loose haired eyeshadow brush for blending colors.

Angled Wedge Brush

Angled Wedge Brush - A stiff angled wedge brush helps to perfectly line your eyes with creme eyeliner.