Types of Makeup Brushes – A Beginner’s Guide
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When it comes to makeup brushes, there is something for everyone.
They might seem insignificant to a lot of people but a makeup brush can make or break your whole look. Each makeup brush is shaped differently and each one of them performs a different function on your face.
You can’t use a foundation brush to smudge that eye-shadow. That would be an abomination.
To achieve a flawless and airbrushed looking makeup finish, one must own a good set of tools to begin with. That said, the options are endless when it comes to makeup brushes. That is why it is important to know which brush is used for what purpose.
If you’re a novice in the world of makeup brushes, continue reading for a quick beginner’s makeup brush guide.
FACE
Foundation Brush
There are a lot of different versions of a foundation brush. However, the O.G. foundation brush is a tapered one. They are usually flat, with dense bristles, and a slight taper.
A tapered foundation brush is best used for liquid foundations and other liquid products. If you are someone who is looking for a full coverage, the tapered foundation brush is your friend. Unlike makeup sponges, it does not soak up half of your product and gives you a flawless, airbrushed finish.
Powder Brush
Your makeup set would be incomplete without a powder brush.
A powder brush is generally wide, thick and fluffy. This brush is an all-rounder and can be used to apply a number of different products.
For a beginner, the powder brush can be very versatile since it can be used for a multitude of functions. It can be used to put translucent powder, face powder, powder foundations, and blush.
Beauty Blender/Makeup Sponge
Beauty Blender is an all-time beauty guru favorite and for good reason. Its wider end helps you work on larger surfaces like cheeks and forehead whereas the pointy end helps you reach in all the creases and corners of the eyes.
This, again, is a versatile tool for beginners. It can be used to apply foundation, concealer, highlighter, dry powder, and even blush.
It is great for touch-ups, too.
Contour Brush
If you want that chiselled Kim Kardashian look, a contour brush is your best friend. A contouring brush is usually angled to follow the natural curvatures of your face.
Contouring takes some practice but it is well worth it. A contour brush makes the process of contouring a lot easier by providing you with precision and control.
Blush Brush
A blush brush is almost identical to a powder brush in shape and size.
However, a blush brush is usually less dense and smaller in size than a powder brush. They are usually rounded, super fluffy, and soft.
The smaller size helps you control and apply product on a small area of the face.
Highlighter Brush
The highlighter brush is shaped like a fan and is extremely lightweight. For anything that requires a gentle motion like applying highlighter or bronzer, this is a great tool.
A highlighter brush does not look the part but it definitely is multi-faceted in its use.
It can be used to diffuse darker colors and brush away extra flecks of powder. It is also widely used to apply lotions and other skincare products by beauty professionals.
EYES
Flat Eye Shadow Brush
A regular flat eye shadow brush is small and a little thick in its density. It is great for applying products on the upper area of the eye such as eye shadow primers and eye shadows (of course).
It is great at blending your product over the lid and does not eat up your product.
Most makeup artists recommend dipping your eye shadow brush in water before use to get a more pigmented look.
Eye Shadow Crease Brush
An eye shadow crease brush is usually tapered with an oval shape. This brush is excellent at providing the precision you need in small places on your face without creating harsh lines.
They are great for creating a smoky eye look. Ideally, your eye shadow crease brush should not be too fluffy or too firm/stiff to allow for seamless smudging.
Eyeliner Brush
The eyeliner brush helps you achieve that cat-eye perfection.
Usually, an eyeliner brush is very thin and small to allow for precision. Its bristles are considerably dense and firm to avoid unsteadiness.
This brush can be used for several different purposes. You can use it to apply gel eyeliners as well as to line and fill in your brows.
Brow Brush
A brow brush is similar to a typical eyeliner brush or a concealer brush in the sense that it is also small and the bristles are firm and dense.
Most brow brushes are double-sided where one end has a brow comb and the other end consists of a brush.
Brow brushes, particularly the angled ones, allow you to achieve a polished and sharp look around your brows. They can even be used to create a cut crease.
Mascara Wand/Spoolie
Mascara wands or spoolies are one of the most multi-function tools to have in your beauty bag. They are used to separate your eye lashes and apply mascara.
A spoolie also comes in handy when you want to brush through your eyebrows and untame them before applying any product on them.
The versatility of a spoolie does not end there. You can use a clean spoolie to apply nourishing oils to your eye lashes and eyebrows before you go to sleep.
LIPS
Lip Brush
A lip brush might not sound like a makeup bag essential but despite what you might think, it does come in handy.
Lip brushes are small, flat and firm.
It can be hard to stay inside the lip lines when you’re applying your lipstick. A lip brush is great for providing that extra precision and smoothness in your application. It is also a great way to re-touch your lipstick during the day without over-applying.