TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Only commercial cosmetic companies and amateurs
advocate the application of any make-up product with
the fingers for a beauty make-up. The professional
make-up artist always employs the correct tools such
as brushes, sponges, puffs, tweezers, Q-Tips, and so
forth for applying make-up. Many application tools
have changed over the years and, with advancing tech-
nology, will continue to do so.
Sponges
Foamed sponges are the mainstay of foundation ap-
plication. However, it has come to the attention of
dermatologists and skin specialists that certain pseudo-
cosmetic reactions may cause skin irritations that are
similar to an allergenic cosmetic reaction but not due
to the cosmetics themselves. One of these is the use
of foamed rubber or latex sponges for applying make-
up. It has been discovered that a chemical employed
in the manufacture of the foam, mercaptobenzothiozole,
may produce a dermatitis effect on human skin. By
using noprubber sponges (such as polyurethane types),
this condition or its possibility is completely avoided
or alleviated. It is strongly recommended that only
fine-foamed polyurethane sponges be employed for
professional work and a new sponge be used on each
person to ensure cleanliness and sterility.
There are also stippling sponges in both red rubber
and foamed plastic with a variety of pores-per-inch
styles that are utilized for applying various character
effects. They should be cut into small pieces for facility
in use.
Puffs
Three-inch, cotton-filled, velour powder puffs are best
for applying powder. Note: Avoid using the so-called
powder brushes as they are not only difficult to clean
and sterilizev but also may streak the facial make-up.