The world of makeup brushes can be vast and confusing, but with a little guidance, you can navigate it with ease! We’ll help you figure out which brushes you actually need to become an expert at doing your own makeup.
Firstly, here are all the makeup brushes you need to know about and their functions:
Foundation Brush: This flat, buffing brush with densely packed bristles (usually synthetic) is used to apply liquid or cream foundation for a smooth, even base.
Powder Brush: A large, fluffy brush with natural bristles is ideal for applying and setting loose or pressed powder to mattify and lock in your makeup.
Angled Blush Brush: This angled brush with soft bristles hugs the contours of your cheeks for perfect blush or bronzer application.
Kabuki Brush: A dense, round brush traditionally made with natural hair. It’s effective for applying powder products like foundation, mineral powder, or blush for a full-coverage finish.
Stippling Brush: This unique brush has two distinct bristle lengths for a stippling motion to apply cream or liquid products for a sheer, airbrushed look.
Contour Brush: An angled brush with a firm head, typically made with synthetic bristles, is used to apply and blend contour creams or powders to define your cheekbones and jawline.
Highlighting Brush: A smaller, fluffy brush with synthetic bristles is ideal for applying highlighter for a precise and radiant finish.
Fan Brush: This large, fan-shaped brush with soft bristles is used for lightly dusting off powder products like bronzer or highlighter for a more natural look.
Eye Brushes
- Eyeshadow Blending Brush: A fluffy brush with synthetic bristles is key to achieving flawless eyeshadow application. It helps diffuse harsh lines and blend out color for a seamless and professional-looking finish.
- Eyeshadow Crease Brush: This short, dense brush with a defined tip (often natural bristles) allows you to pack colour and define the crease of your eyelid for a more dramatic eye look.
- Flat Eyeshadow Brush: This flat brush with a straight edge and synthetic bristles is used for applying a base coat of eyeshadow all over your lid or packing on color for a bolder look.
- Angled Eyeliner Brush: Achieve sharp lines and dramatic flicks with an angled eyeliner brush, typically with very fine synthetic bristles, for precise control when applying gel or liquid eyeliner.
- Brow Brush: An angled brush with firm bristles (usually synthetic) is used to apply and shape brow powder or pomade.
Lip Brushes
- Lip Brush: A small, pointed brush with synthetic bristles is used for precise application of lipstick or lip gloss, ensuring clean lines and even color distribution.
- Lip Liner Brush: A fine-tipped brush with synthetic bristles is used to apply lip liner for a defined lip shape and to prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Brush Basics
Bristle Types
- Natural Bristles: Made from animal hair (goat, horse) – soft and luxurious, excellent for blending powder products. However, they can be trickier to clean and tend to absorb product, leading to waste.
- Synthetic Bristles: Vegan-friendly and often more affordable. Easier to maintain and clean, making them a good choice for cream and liquid products.
Brush Density
- Dense Bristles: Pack on more product, ideal for building full coverage with cream or liquid foundation, concealer, or blush.
- Fluffy Bristles: Less dense for sheer application and seamless blending of powders, bronzers, and eyeshadows.
Brushes for Beginners: Your Essential Five
With a focus on versatility, these five brushes will allow you to create a variety of basic makeup looks:
- Foundation Brush: Look for a flat, buffing brush with a rounded top. This will help you apply liquid or cream foundation smoothly and evenly for a flawless base. Synthetic bristles are a good choice here for easy cleaning.
- Powder Brush: A large, fluffy brush is your best friend for setting your makeup. Use it to dust on loose or pressed powder to mattify your face and lock everything in place. Opt for natural bristles for a light, airbrushed finish.
- Angled Blush Brush: This angled wonder will become an extension of your cheekbones. The angled shape allows for precise application of blush or bronzer, hugging the contours of your face for a natural flush or sculpted look.
- Eyeshadow Blending Brush: A fluffy brush is key to achieving flawless eyeshadow application. It helps diffuse harsh lines and blend out color for a seamless and professional-looking finish. Choose a medium-sized brush for overall blending and a smaller one for more precise areas like the crease. Synthetic bristles work well here.
- Concealer Brush: Target those pesky imperfections with a small, tapered brush. This allows for precise application of concealer to blemishes and under the eyes, ensuring you cover up without caking. Synthetic bristles are ideal for creamy concealer formulas.
Expert Tips
- Clean your brushes regularly with a gentle brush cleanser to prevent product buildup, bacteria growth, and ensure optimal performance.
- Invest in a brush holder to keep your brushes organized, protected, and looking their best.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! There are no hard and fast rules in the world of makeup. Find what application techniques work best for you and your unique features.
Remember: You don’t need a makeup brush vault to achieve a flawless look. Start with the essential five brushes, and gradually add more specialized tools as you explore different makeup styles and techniques. With the right tools and a little practice, you’ll be a makeup pro in no time, confidently wielding your brushes to create the perfect look for any occasion.
