Applicator Tips & Tricks from a MAC Makeup Artist

Keri Blair, Senior National Artist, MAC Cosmetics, North America (shown above), shares her insights on customer obsessions, why brush care is key—and more.
 
Beauty Packaging: What are consumers most obsessed with when it comes to brushes/applicators?

Keri Blair. As a makeup artist my tools are like extensions of my right hand. I have found the number one thing people are obsessed with is how a brush feels on their skin.  Also what brushes do what! How do you use the brush to get the best result with your makeup!
 
BP: Which tools are most popular?

KB: I would say for MAC our customers love our eye brushes – we are known for brushes that give you precision as well as long lasting quality.  Tools like the M•A•C #239 Flat rounded brushes M•A•C #217 Blending Brush and for me the brush I use the most is M•A•C #224 Synthetic Tapered Blending Brush which gives you a seamless blend of shadows especially in the crease of the eye.  Also gaining popularity is the M•A•C #170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush for the most flawless foundation application.
 
BP: What’s your No.1 tip for instant visual enhancement?

KB: WOW that’s a tough one – Hydration is my first answer…Skin, Lips, Hair always has the best finish when they are freshly hydrated – Right now M•A•C has this amazing product called FIX + Magic Radiance and it the perfect blend of hydration (water) and Emollients (Essential oils) and Hyaluronic Acid. It’s truly a magical product that can be used on clean skin or to revitalize your makeup throughout the day!
 
BP: Are consumers currently more interested in eyes or lips?

KB: I would say that there is a tie between those two features. However, I feel that most people feel comfortable with using lip products on their own – where when it comes to eyes they want more instruction and inspiration! Color choice, application techniques and symmetry are often the topics I have the most inquiries about.
 
BP: What is the most frequent use for a cosmetic brush?

KB: I find that the two most frequent uses are application and blending! Most brushes can do both but not all brushes are created equal. Shop for versatility and for quality.
 
BP: What else would you like Beauty Packaging readers to know?

KB: Brush care is key.  Cleaning and proper storage of your tools is necessary.  Cleaning your brushes often and properly is the foundation to having great makeup applications. I love M•A•C Brush Cleaner for that because you can use it in between applications on a towel or tissue or you can dilute with water as a shampoo for your brushes as well!

Photo: Keri Blair, senior national artist, MAC Cosmetics, NA; and MAC’s Duo Fibre Square Brush
 
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