A good brush set is a must-have for any beauty lover. Brushes make makeup application quicker and easier. But they also help the product go smoothly and evenly, creating a perfect look. If you’re new to makeup, a good collection of brushes can make the process even easier. There are several different kinds of makeup brushes. So knowing the ones to use in your makeup routine is important.
Here is a list of essential makeup brushes to add to your collection and what these makeup brushes do:
1. Foundation Brush
What this makeup brush does: We should begin our makeup routine with an even layer of foundation. Without the right brush, it can be difficult to apply a liquid foundation properly. We have two kinds of foundation brushes, one of which has a flat top and acts like a paintbrush. Both are extremely useful for achieving a flawless foundation finish.
A good foundation brush would have straight, flexible bristles for applying foundation to your face. It is important to work the product through the skin by using it to prevent harsh lines or streak marks. Start by dotting the foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and jaw. And then blend it over your whole face with the brush. Foundation brushes are available in various lengths. But the ones you select will be entirely based on personal preference.
According to one study, dirty makeup brushes contain harmful bacteria. So, it is important to wash your foundation brushes daily to keep your skin clean and healthy. When you wash the brushes, reshape them with your fingertips while they dry.
2. Concealer Brush
What this makeup brush do: After applying foundation, use concealer to conceal any flaws and brighten any dull areas of the skin. Use a small concealer brush for the most precise concealer application. A concealer brush looks like a mini version of a foundation brush. It has the shape of a paintbrush but is slightly denser. When applying concealer with a concealer brush, apply a small amount of product to the target area and gently dab onto your face until it blends in with your foundation.
Apply in small amounts until the desired imperfections are covered, whether they are acne, black spots, undereye circles, or anything else.
3. Powder Brush
What this makeup brush do: After applying your base, you may want to set it with a layer of loose powder. This powder will keep your makeup in place all day and give you a more flawless appearance. A powder brush is one of the common kinds of makeup brushes. It is very big and fluffy, and it has a domed shape to spread the powder over the face evenly.
You can apply the product very gently with a powder brush because the brush is made to distribute the powder evenly for you. In fact, before applying the product to your face, you should tap off any excess product on the brush.
4. Blush Brush
What this makeup brush do: A blush brush and a powdered brush are surprisingly similar. Brushes for blush are generally a little stubbier because they cover a smaller area than a powder brush. When applying blush, avoid creating Raggedy-Ann-style red circles on your cheeks.
To avoid the doll look, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and diffuse it outward. Start with light pressure and test the pigmentation on the back of your hand or your wrist. It’s much easier to build color than it is to remove it after it’s been applied.
5. Contour Brush
What this makeup brush do: Contouring is an excellent way to give the face a naturally sculpted shape. But it requires a high-quality brush. There are several different kinds of makeup brushes that can be used for contouring. But instead of using a blush or foundation brush, you should buy a specifically designated brush for this task. A contour brush is similar in size to a blush brush. But it has very thick, angled bristles for accurate contour application. These contour brushes work with both powder and cream contour products.
To use, apply the contour to the hollows of your cheeks and work it into the skin with a stippling motion. Switch to a circular motion as the product begins to blend, keeping the product in the proper location. This technique can be used to contour every part of the face. Many people contour their temples, the sides of their nose, or their jawline for a smooth appearance.
6. Highlight Brush
What this makeup brush do: Highlight brushes look different from the majority of other varieties of makeup brushes. They are fan-shaped and have very thin bristles. With this fan shape, you can apply the glowy product evenly to the tops of your cheekbones without feeling like a disco ball. The highlighter is popular right now. So this is a great brush to have in your collection.
To apply, take a small amount of product with your brush and softly sweep it back and forth over the tops of your cheekbones, moving side to side. You should also highlight the tip of your nose and your cupid’s bow for a more glowy appearance.
7. Eyeshadow Blending Brush
What this makeup brush do: This eyeshadow brush is the most versatile of the set. To create a perfect eye look, an eyeshadow blending brush can be used in various ways. Usually, you’ll want to use the blending brush after applying the eyeshadow with the lid and contour brushes. Begin by blending your lid and crease colors, as well as blending out your crease color to remove any harsh lines. When working in such a detailed area, it’s important to keep blending even when you think you should stop because it’s easy to miss harsh lines.
Apply a highlight shade to your browbone with your blending brush for a little extra glimmer. You’ll likely be applying a variety of different eyeshadow shades with this brush. So, it’ll be helpful to wash it regularly to preserve the integrity of the colors.
8. Eye Liner Brush
What this makeup brush do: An eyeliner brush is another of those products that can come in a variety of shapes. But regardless of the shape of the handle or the bristles, it will always be one of your smallest (if not the smallest) brushes.
Some have tapered and pointed ends, others have flattened, and smooth or slanted bristles, and others have the stem bent at a 45-degree angle to make it easy to get into tight spaces.
9. The eyebrow brush
What this makeup brush do: You’ve already seen and brushed your brows with a spoolie or comb before. But a dual-ended eyebrow brush like this one has smooth, blunt, and angled bristles to help you draw individual brow hairs with brow gel or powder.
10. The lip brush
What this makeup brush do: Lipstick can be used even more easily using a lip brush. This small brush will help you in creating a clean, defined line that most women will cherish. Lip brushes are very small and thin, with a layer of sleek bristles that work like a paintbrush.
To use, begin by applying a lip liner in color similar to your lipstick. This makes it easy to apply the lip product in a clean line. Then, simply paint your lips with the brush. To achieve the perfect pigmentation, you may need to go over the lips a few times with the brush. This brush may also be used to smooth harsh lip lines or blend two lip colors for an ombre effect.
The Bottom Line
Makeup brushes and their uses may be a difficult puzzle to solve, but it is well worth the effort. Having the right makeup brushes and learning how to use them will help you up to your beauty game.