For the most natural look, use a brush: Gucci Westman’s guide for easy tracking

If your makeup brushes look like something for professionals – or people who do a lot of makeup – Gucci Westman wants you to think about it. “I’m obsessed,” says makeup artist and Westman Atelier founder. “They’re my secret weapon — and the key to a natural look without makeup.” As she created her clean line of creamy foundations and pigments for face, cheeks and lips to strengthen the skin, the brushes were part of the plan from the very beginning.

“Our brushes come from the world’s best brush manufacturer – Hakuhodo, in Kumano, Japan,” she says. “I fell in love with them many years ago when I was just starting out; I couldn’t afford them, but I saved and got them. Once you have used great makeup brushes, it is almost impossible to go back. ”

With cruelty-free nylon bristles and lacquered hardwood handles made from birch from a forest in Eastern Europe certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, they are luxury things in their own right — just touching gives us a little confidence. What’s the point: a great brush makes makeup a lot easier.

For Blush: Baby Blender

“How sweet is this ?!” exclaims Westman. “I played with its exact size and shape, so it would be perfect for smoothing blush: it is rounded, with compact bristles for a flawless distribution of cream color, which gives your skin a natural blush. Rub it into your favorite creamy blush – mine is, of course, Baby Cheeks – then, in small circles or small strokes, apply the color to the skin. To soften the corners, work on the cheekbones in a circular motion. For more contours and definitions, brush up along the cheekbones. The brush is also made for mixing colors; it merges like a dream. My favorite combinations are Chouchette with a petal, Dou Dou with a doll and Minette with a touch of a doll – so beautiful! ”

For flawless skin: Foundation brush

“Think of this as an extension of your arm,” Westman says. “Narrow, flat bristles create a smooth, refined finish on the skin. Working with gentle movements near the skin, use it to blend and smooth creamy makeup. What’s great is that you can use it as a concealer (just apply more pigment to the brush and apply as needed) or as a foundation (use a little less and apply it all over your face).

For stains, gloss or full lipstick:
Lip brush

“This brush head is a little wider than most lip brushes, so it takes what I think is the ideal amount of pigment and creates a flawless curve as the color glides across your lips,” Westman says. “And a significant handle gives you more control. My best advice is to apply the paint from the center of the mouth outwards. In this way, the pigment lasts longer in the center, through conversation and drinking, while the edges are a little more scattered, which looks more modern. ”

For subtle highlighting: Mixing brush

“The shape of this brush does all the work for you,” says Westman. “It hugs your cheekbones properly, giving you a sculpted facial framing effect. Start at the base of the cheekbones and move upwards with a quick motion. The brush will naturally guide your hand upwards, leaving your skin instantly polished and refined. Two swings up and you have shine, definition, shine and warmth. I intentionally shortened the handle for more control so the color continues quickly and evenly. ”

For bronzer powder, blush and more:
Powder brush

“This one feels so light and airy next to the skin,” Westman says. “The oval shape takes the perfect amount of powder for the most even application of paint. For a warm, beach shine, swipe the brush over the bronzer powder, removing the excess. Then wipe it horizontally over the cheeks, temples and forehead. Sweep both under and under the eyes – just don’t go down under the cheekbones. ”

How to clean brushes

“Clean brushes often – at least once a week and more if you use them often,” says Westman. “You want to avoid the accumulation of oil, debris and bacteria – things you don’t want to touch your face!” Taking care of your brushes prolongs their life and makes them work better to give you that flawless, natural look. ”

“You can use a gentle liquid soap,” Westman says. “First soak the brush with lukewarm water and then put a drop of soap on your palm. Gently massage makeup or dirt with your bristles with your fingertips. Rinse, then squeeze out any extra moisture. Reshape the brush head back to its original shape and place the bristles over the sink so they can dry completely. ”

“Or my favorite Parian Spirit brush cleaner – it cleans, nourishes and disinfects,” she says. “Pour the liquid into a small bowl or even just a cork, then dip the brush and gently push it back and forth onto the paper towel. Or spray the cleaner directly on the brush and then leave it to dry on a towel. With Parian Spirit, the brushes do not wet great, so after a few minutes they are ready to work. ”