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How do I Choose the Best Retractable Lip Brush?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

When it comes to choosing a retractable lip brush, there are a few things to consider. Aside from the material that a brush is made from, it's also important to choose a brush that has received good consumer reviews. Frequently, retractable brushes can break due to constant movement, though some of these brushes are better built than others.

Generally, an inexpensive retractable lip brush won't last for more than a couple of months, though this is not always the case. Look for a brush that is sealed on both ends when closed, so that small particles of dust and debris cannot enter the brush while not in use. Some brushes come with carrying cases that are both protective and practical, while other brushes include one open end that can attract dirt.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

It is also important to look for a retractable lip brush that is made from quality material. A brush made from natural hair is the best kind of brush that you can purchase, though these tend to be more expensive than synthetic brushes. Nylon brushes are not recommended, since these brushes tend to break rather easily. If you want to purchase a humane retractable lip brush, look for one that is made from a synthetic material other than nylon.

A lip brush should have very fine hairs that are both stiff and easily maneuverable. Loose hairs will not allow you to apply lip color evenly. Lip brushes should also have a pointy tip, since this type of tip makes it easier to apply lipstick. You will find that many beauty stores sell different brush kits that have all kinds of brushes including a retractable lip brush, though you may want to think about purchasing brushes separately instead.

While kits are cost-effective and convenient, it's difficult to find a kit that includes all of the brushes that you may want. When you purchase each brush separately, you can control that types of brushes that you purchase. You can find a quality retractable lip brush at a beauty store or online, just make sure to find out what the brush is made of before you decide upon any one brush.

You'll find that there are many different types of lip brushes on the market. Some of these brushes are rather expensive, while other brushes are a lot more budget friendly. When shopping for a brush, it's important to take into consideration the price of the brush, but don't forget to consider the factors listed above. After combining all of these details, you should be able to find a retractable lip brush that works perfectly.

Discussion Comments

pastanaga

@Mor - I only ever use lip brushes that come with makeup brush sets, so they probably aren't always the best quality.

But you're right, they last longer if you clean them well. I always wipe away the color using olive oil on a paper towel, until the towel is coming up clean. Once it seems like there's no color left on the brush, I wash it in soapy water and then dip it in rubbing alcohol.

That makes it seems like it takes a long time, but it doesn't really. I tend to do it around the same time that I take my makeup off, as part of my routine.

I think that would be especially important for a retractable brush, since the whole point of having one is to take it with you on the go and it's probably more exposed to germs and things.

Mor

@pleonasm - I don't think that's true though. Lip brushes can vary quite a lot with the quality, depending on the bristles and the shape of the head. If you've got a very low quality brush then it takes forever to get your lipstick right. If you've got a high quality brush you'll be able to get definition and coverage in the first few swipes.

I find in general though that a retractable lip brush is never as good as a traditional lip brush, even though it might be more expensive. I do have a retractable one to keep in my purse for touch ups but I don't use it for putting on the lipstick from scratch.

Another tip for keeping them is to make sure you clean them properly. Otherwise you'll have a bunch of germs and you won't get the colors right either.

pleonasm

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because the expensive ones are better quality, you absolutely have to get one of those.

If you aren't going to be using your retractable brush all the time, it's going to last longer. If you take good care of it, making sure it doesn't get bashed around in your bag, for example, then it will last longer.

Most girls won't need an heirloom quality brush. And, to go the other way, if you're very hard on your tools and you know it's going to be bashed around a lot, then you probably don't want to spend a lot of money on it, since it may break anyway! Just get a bunch of very cheap brushes and make do with those. In this case paying extra isn't really going to buy you a better brush, just one that will last longer.

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      Woman with hand on her hip