As a makeup enthusiast, you know how important it is to have the right tools. A good set of makeup brushes can make a world of difference in how your makeup applies and blends. But with so many brushes on the market, it can be confusing trying to figure out which ones are really essential. Here we’ll break down the key makeup brushes that every cosmetics lover needs in their collection.
Face Brushes
Your face requires several different types of brushes for flawless application. Here are the ones you shouldn’t be without:
Foundation Brush
A foundation brush is ideal for achieving an airbrushed finish with liquid or cream foundation and bb creams. Opt for one with densely packed bristles, either synthetic or natural. Use a buffing motion to blend product seamlessly into skin. This will provide the most coverage for full face applications.
Concealer Brush
A smaller concealer brush lets you lightly dab and blend thick concealer formulas to cover blemishes and uneven skintones. The precision tip makes it easy to apply product exactly where needed without it looking caked on.
Blush Brush
For sweeping blush onto the apples of your cheeks, a soft, fluffy blush brush is essential. Go for one that’s dome-shaped and tapered for easy application. Natural or synthetic bristles will both work well, just look for softness.
Highlighter Brush
To apply highlighter powder precisely onto the high points of your face, a small, tapered highlighter brush does the trick. The narrow shape lets you control application to keep strobing looking natural.
Powder Brush
Don’t skip this brush – it’s key for setting makeup with translucent powder or bronzer! Look for a big, fluffy brush that can lightly sweep and blend all over the face and neck evenly. Natural bristles and loose powder are the best combination.
Kabuki Brush
The dense, short bristles of a kabuki brush make it great for buffing bronzer or blush onto cheeks. Look for a brush with a flat top and synthetic bristles for maximum product pickup and blendability with powders.
Eye Makeup Brushes
Doing eye makeup properly requires the right brushes for each task. Here are some must-haves:
Blending Brush
Eyeshadow blending brushes are a makeup bag necessity. A fluffy, tapered brush seamlessly blends eyeshadow pigment into creases and transitions shades together flawlessly. You’ll want at least two – one for applying color all over the lid and a pencil brush for precision blending in the crease.
Smudger Brush
A short, dense smudger brush is the perfect tool for running eyeshadow or eyeliner along the lower lashline and smudging it for a soft look. Look for a brush with a rounded shape and stiff bristles.
Detail Brush
For applying eyeshadow with precision, a small detail brush is key. The tiny tip lets you place and layer color exactly where desired on the eyelid with control. Look for a brush with a fine point and tightly packed bristles.
Flat Definer Brush
To press powder shadow right onto the eyelid and define edges, a flat definer brush does the job beautifully. Find one with a wide, dense bristle head to pack on color and cut those creases sharply.
Angled Brush
Winged liner requires an angled brush specifically designed for sweeping gel or liquid liner onto lashlines. A very fine tip brush allows you to draw crisp lines. Look for stiff, synthetic bristles.
Lip Brushes
You’ll find many uses for these brushes crafted especially for lip makeup application:
Lip Brush
Don’t skip a lip brush – it lets you define edges perfectly and blend lipstick, gloss or stain with precision. A slightly flattened head with firm bristles gives you optimal control.
Lip Liner Brush
A lip liner brush has an extra-fine point for applying liner and filling in lips seamlessly before lipstick. The tiny tip makes shaping and detailing lips simple.
Brow Brushes
Tame, shape and sculpt brows with these must-have brushes:
Angled Brow Brush
The stiff angled bristles of this brush are ideal for filling in brows with powder. Look for a fine point on one end for detail work and a slanted edge on the other to define arches.
Spoolie Brush
A key finishing touch for brows, this brush has short, dense bristles perfect for grooming brows and blending pigment naturally. Use the tool on one end to comb brows up and the brush end to blend makeup through.
Multi-Tasking Brushes
Some brushes can pull double or triple duty in your makeup routine. These streamline your collection:
Concealer Brush
A concealer brush has a rounded point and firm bristles that make it work beautifully to spot-conceal blemishes as well as eyeshadow blending. It provides just the right precision.
Blush Brush
The soft, fluffy bristles and tapered shape of a blush brush also make it ideal for setting makeup with translucent powder. Swirl it over the face just like with blush application.
Eyeshadow Blending Brush
Use your eyeshadow blending brush to apply and buff in cream blush and contour on the cheeks too. The soft bristles seamlessly blend out any cream face makeup.
Brow Brush
A stiff angled brow brush doubles as a great brush for applying gel eyeliner. The fine tip defines eyes with precision.
How to Choose Quality Makeup Brushes
Not all makeup brushes are created equally. Here’s what to look for when shopping to ensure you get the best quality tools:
Bristles
Natural or synthetic bristles will work, just ensure they’re soft for easy product pickup and gentle on skin. For face brushes, natural bristles hold powder best. Opt for synthetics on eyes and lips.
Dense Bristles
Densely packed bristles, whether natural or synthetic, allow for better control and product pickup on brushes. They’ll pack on more color!
Hair Cutting
Look for tapered brushes and brush shapes with fine tips. Precisely cut bristles create definition and precision.
Ferrules
A metal ferrule that firmly binds the bristles ensures brushes won’t shed and last longer. Plastic ferrules tend to deteriorate over time.
Handles
Heavy, long handles offer control while you apply makeup. Short handles make traveling and touch-ups easier.
Caring for Your Makeup Brushes
Quality brushes represent an investment. Follow these tips to ensure they stand the test of time:
Regular Cleaning
Clean brushes at least every two weeks and in between use with different mediums like liquids and powders. Dirt dulls application. Use brush cleanser or gentle shampoo.
Proper Drying
Always lay brushes flat to dry. Standing them on their handles can lead water down into ferrules and damage glue.
Brush Guards
Use brush guards in between uses to maintain shape. Don’t let brushes rest on dirty surfaces either.
Brush Conditioner
Apply brush conditioner to the bristles after cleaning to keep natural hairs soft and synthetic bristles supple. This extends the life of your brushes.
Proper Storage
When not in use, store brushes tip-side up in cups or storage to avoid damage. Never jam brushes tightly in crowded drawers or containers.
Gentle Handling
A light touch goes a long way! Avoid pulling or rough handling that can loosen bristles and glues in ferrules.
Budget-Friendly Options
You don’t have to spend a fortune on makeup brushes. Here are some quality affordable brush brands:
– EcoTools
– Real Techniques
– ELF Cosmetics
– BH Cosmetics
– Essence
– Wet n’ Wild
– NYX
Look for value brush sets from these brands that provide a range of face and eye brushes to get started. With proper care, affordable brushes can last just as well as high-end!
Investment Brush Brands
For those looking to invest in luxury brushes, these brands are tried and true:
– Sigma Beauty
– MAC
– Make Up For Ever
– Hakuhodo
– NARS
– Sephora Collection
– Morphe
– Anastasia Beverly Hills
– Lancome
– Urban Decay
Luxury Features
Higher priced brushes often offer:
– Natural hair bristles like sable
– Hand-cut bristles for precision
– Sturdy metal components
– Ergonomic handles for comfort
– Advanced shaping of brush heads
– Long-lasting construction
How Many Brushes Do You Need?
As a makeup enthusiast, aim for this well-rounded brush collection to cover all needs:
Face Brushes
– 2 foundation brushes (one for liquid, one for powder)
– 1 concealer brush
– 1 powder brush
– 2 blush brushes (tapered and dome shapes)
– 1 bronzer brush
– 1 stippling brush
– 1 fan brush for highlighting
Eye Brushes
– 5 eyeshadow brushes (blending, crease, flat shader, smudger, detail brush)
– 1 spoolie
– 2 eyeliner brushes (angled for gel, fine for liquid)
Lip Brushes
– 1 lip brush
– 1 lip liner brush
Brow Brushes
– 1 angled brow brush
– 1 spoolie
This totals 25 essential makeup brushes for a complete collection. You can build on this with additional face brushes like a kabuki or foundation buffer brush as desired.
Makeup Brush Guide By Use
Use this handy cheat sheet when shopping for and using your brushes:
| Makeup Product | Recommended Brush |
|---|---|
| Foundation (liquid) | Synthetic bristle foundation brush |
| Foundation (powder) | Kabuki brush or large powder brush |
| Concealer | Small concealer brush |
| Setting Powder | Large fluffy powder brush |
| Blush | Angled or dome-shaped blush brush |
| Bronzer | Large fluffy powder brush |
| Highlighter | Fan brush or small tapered brush |
| Eyeshadow | Blending, crease, shader, and detail brushes |
| Eyeliner (liquid) | Fine angled or pointed brush |
| Eyeliner (gel) | Angled brush |
| Brows | Angled brow brush and spoolie |
| Lips | Lip brush |
| Lip Liner | Lip liner brush |
Conclusion
While you don’t need every makeup brush available, having the key essentials makes a big difference in your routine. Invest in a quality foundation brush, blush brush, eyeshadow blending brushes, and precision eyeliner and lip brushes. Complete your set with multitasking tools like concealer and brow brushes. Always care for your brushes properly to extend their life. With this guide, you can build the perfect brush collection to make your makeup application flawless.
