MAKEUP BRUSHES GUIDE
Makeup brushes are essential for achieving a flawless, airbrushed look that will help you face your day confidently. However, the large number of brushes on the market can make the purchasing process intimidating. If you purchase a multi-pack set, you may not even know the names of all of the makeup brushes, let alone their specific uses.
Sure, using your finger as an applicator is a tried and true method for applying foundation, but if you want to advance from amateur to pro in the beauty world, you must arm yourself with the necessary knowledge.
Investigating all of the different types of makeup brushes is a daunting task in and of itself. As a result, we've narrowed the options down to the most useful and multi-purpose tools. Knowing how to use makeup brushes provides the precision and control required to achieve a variety of looks.
Do you have a particular makeup brush in mind? Check out our makeup brush guide below to get the details you need—you'll be slaying in no time:
Face Brushes
Powder Brush
Dusting loose powder products across your face gently.
A powder brush is a thick, full-fibered brush, either synthetic or natural, that can be used for a variety of beauty tasks. This ubiquitous makeup brush (you won't find a makeup set without it) is a must-have in your makeup arsenal.
Tapered Foundation Brush
Application of foundation, highlighter, or blush with precision.
Tapered foundation brushes are typically flat, with a less full form and a gentle taper. These brushes are ideal for applying liquid foundation and other liquid products.
Stippling Brush
Creating an airbrushed look that is flawless.
The fibers of a stippled brush are of two distinct lengths, giving it a striking appearance. The majority of the brush is densely packed and full-fibered, with longer fibers interspersed. Stippling brushes are excellent for layering various levels of makeup. This tool can be used to apply primer, foundation, and blush all at the same time.
Kabuki Brush
Applying loose powder or shimmer to the body.
Kabuki brushes are among the most visually appealing brushes. They're usually of the larger variety, with tightly packed fibers, but you can also get a travel-sized mini kabuki brush. They work best with loose powders on the body and face. Do you want to adorn your décolletage with some glimmer? For a magical, illustrious finish, swish your illuminating product in large circles.
Contour Brush
Creating angular, defined cheekbones and facial structure.
Angled brushes are preferable to flat brushes because they allow you to follow the natural curves of your face.
Silicone Blender
To apply foundation and blend products smoothly.
Silicone blenders are typically flat, oval, or teardrop in shape. The great thing about using a silicone blender is that it won't absorb anything, which means you won't waste valuable products
Fan Brush
Brush away makeup mistakes and blend out dark lines before applying highlighter.
A fan brush is, unsurprisingly, shaped like a fan. Because of their versatility, these makeup brushes are an excellent addition to any makeup artist's toolkit.
Blush Brush
For applying blush to achieve a fresh-faced, youthful rosiness.
A blush brush and a powdered brush are eerily similar. Blush brushes, on the other hand, tend to be a little stubby because they cover a smaller area than a powder brush. When applying blush, avoid creating Raggedy-Ann-style red circles on your cheeks.
Eyeshadow Brush
Eyeshadow Crease Brush
Applying swaths of general color to your eyelids.
A general eye shadow brush is a small, stubby brush designed for sweeping eye shadow all over the lid and upper eye area. This is also an excellent tool for applying eye shadow primer.
Angled Eyeshadow Brush
To smudge and contour eye makeup.
An angled eye shadow brush is an excellent addition for more experienced beauty enthusiasts. It can be used to add intense colors to the corners of your eyes, for precise smudging, and to line your crease with a contrast color.
Eyeliner Brush
For adding liner to achieve a fuller lash line or cat-eye look.
The hash or dot method is a great place to start when developing your cat-eye skills. Make small hashes or dots along your lash line with the eyeliner brush, followed by a final dot where the tip of the wing will go. To achieve cat-eye perfection, connect the dots.
Brow Brush
This product is used to tame and style your brows.
Most brow brushes are dual-sided, with a comb side and a brush side. You can even get brow kits that can be customized to match any brow color. A duo-brow brush can help you calm even the most unruly brows. To begin, use the comb to straighten and shape your brows.
Then, with the brush side, apply your brow product, whether powder or gel. Whether applying cream or powder, use short staccato strokes that come to a defined point at the ends. Remember that your brows are sisters, not twins. Instead of forcing your brows into unnatural shapes, follow their natural shape.
Mascara Wand or Spoolie
To apply mascara on upper and lower lashes.
Mascara wands are useful tools that everyone should own. They aid in the separation and definition of each lash. For an even more dramatic, full effect, use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara with a spoolie.
Lip Brushes
Lip Brush
To apply lipstick, gloss, and other lip products precisely.
A makeup application tool is a long, thin pencil-like wand with soft bristles on the end that form a tapered point used to evenly apply lipstick or lip gloss to the lips.
Lip Liner Brush
Used for applying lip liner.
Lip liners, both flat and tapered, help to complete your lip look. Line your lips precisely, smooth over flaws, and shape your mouth gracefully.