Using the right makeup brushes can take your look from decent to flawless with just the swipe of a brush. Using brushes, as opposed to finger application, reduces the spread of bacteria, helps your foundation go on flawlessly, and prevents product waste.

While the right brushes can make a world of difference in your look, making mistakes with them can too. Check out our guide to common makeup brush mistakes (and how to fix them!).

Mistake #1: Not Using Quality Brushes
With how expensive makeup can be, we know it's tempting to skimp on makeup brushes. How much difference can it make, right?
Unfortunately, it can make a huge difference! If you're grabbing any old brush off the shelf, you might be getting one that streaks and sheds. Make sure you're choosing a quality brand. Thankfully, this doesn't have to mean crazy expensive.

Something to consider when you're trying to determine a brush's quality is the type of bristles. Here's a quick run-down on each:
●Natural Bristles - Natural bristles are more expensive, but also tend to hold onto color better and create a more natural look. Unfortunately, they hold onto color better because of small cracks in the bristles caused by cuticles. Translation? They're a pain to clean! Those cracks also make them more prone to harbor bacteria. Like human hair, natural bristles also tend to become brittle over time.
●Synthetic Bristles - For the reasons listed above, we tend to prefer synthetic makeup brushes. They're more economical, last longer, are easy to clean, and still do a fabulous job!

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Brush
Many brushes are designed to multi-task, but you should not be using your shadow brush to fill in your brows. This is where a lot of mistakes happen.
Make sure you're using the right brush for the job. Follow this guide to know the basic brushes you'll need:
●Blending Brush: A must-have for creating the perfect smoky eye. This brush blends the crease color to soften the lines.
●Blush Brush: For blush application, you want a big, fluffy, yet dense brush. Use this one to (lightly!) brush blush on the apples of your cheeks.
●Concealer Brush: Firm, yet flexible, this is perfect for concealing under-eye circles and blemishes
●Eyeliner Brush: Small and angled, this brush gives you the precision to create the perfect cat-eye.
●Foundation Brush: This one should be domed and have densely packed bristles for smooth, even coverage.
●Powder Brush: Essential for the final dusting of powder, this brush should be large and fluffy with densely packed bristles.

Mistake #3: Using Too Much Pressure
This is a common mistake, especially with blush. Remember when you're applying blush, you want to look flushed, not like you just ran a marathon in 100 degree weather. To avoid the latter, make sure you're using very light pressure. Just a light sweep across the cheeks will do.

Using too much pressure elsewhere can also result in a clownish look. Use a medium pressure - not so light that you can barely see the color, but not so heavy that it's overdone.

Mistake #4: Incorrect Cleaning
There's some debate as to how frequently makeup brushes should be cleaned, but we can all agree that it needs to happen! This is one step that all too often falls by the wayside.

How often you clean your brushes depends on how frequently you use them. If you're using them every day, a weekly cleaning might be a good idea. Less frequent usage might need an every other week cleaning, or maybe even once per month. Ultimately, taking care of your brushes can only benefit you. It will result in less bacteria spread, longer lasting brushes, and better makeup application.

To correctly clean your brushes, you'll need a gentle soap, such as baby shampoo, (or a professional cleanser if you're doing a deep clean) and warm water. In a small bowl, mix the soap into the warm water and swirl your brushes around a bit.

Let the brushes soak for about 10 seconds, being careful to keep water away from where the handle meets the bristles. If you don't, the water will loosen the glue over time, leading to extra shedding or the whole thing falling off!

Gently scrub the brushes with your fingers, removing all of the product build-up. Rinse under cold water, lightly squeeze out the excess, and dry with the bristles facing downward. Drying them the other way will lead to glue breakdown.

Many people stop here, but we're not done yet! Remember the handles. Ideally after each use, but at least once a week, use rubbing alcohol or an antibacterial wipe to wipe off your brush handles.

Mistake #5: Improper Storage
Once your brushes are clean and dry, it's important to store them properly. A blush brush that was smashed into a zipper pocket won't do its job too well. Store your brushes upright, bristles on top, so they don't get smashed. It doesn't have to be fancy - a cute pencil holder will do!

Your makeup brushes do so much for you - make sure you return the favor with a little TLC! It doesn't take much time, just a quick wash here and there and your brushes will stay strong and give you the look you love.