Executing a specific makeup look takes not just the right makeup products for your skin tone and type, but also the right tools and techniques. Makeup brushes help apply your products more evenly and precisely, while avoiding patchy areas. You can tap, blend, buff and press in a product to make your base look smooth and even. High-quality brushes that are suited to your needs are a makeup kit staple–and below are the ones that need to be a part of your collection, ASAP.
1. Foundation brush
Foundation brushes are specifically designed for applying liquid or cream-based formulations without leaving creases or harsh lines. They are built with dense bristles that help distribute the product evenly. While buffing brushes offer a full coverage and are great for applying foundation evenly in just one swipe, Kabuki brushes are great for a sheer finish. On the other hand, flat foundation brushes are ideal for applying creamy foundation in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Blush brush
These brushes are used for applying blush or bronzer on the cheeks. They are larger and fluffier than the rest of the brushes on this list. Thanks to their rounded or angled shape, you can apply powder and cream products evenly and blend them seamlessly into your skin with their help. Blush brushes can also double up as powder brushes to bake or set your makeup. But don’t forget to wipe all the blush off before switching to another product.
3. Eyeshadow brush
Eyeshadow brushes are flat with a slightly rounded shape and soft bristles that can pick up and distribute the product on your eyelids evenly. They’re more precise than your fingers, with a controlled application that best suits your eye shape. Opt for a more tapered brush to deposit colour on your crease and, if you’re a fan of smokey, smudged-out lids, pick up a dome-shaped, fluffy eyeshadow brush to help with the blending.
4. Eyeliner brush
Unlike liquid eyeliners which come with precise applicators, gel, cream, or powder eyeliners must be paired with a brush for a thin and precise application. Eyeliner brush bristles are tightly packed and angled to help create a precise and defined line.
5. Eyebrow brush
Spoolies aren’t the only tools to get you groomed and shaped eyebrows. Eyebrow brushes typically have a small, angled shape with stiff bristles that can be used to apply eyebrow powder or pomade, blend out harsh lines, and tame unruly hairs.
6. Lip brush
Similar to eyeliner brushes, lip brushes also come in handy for specific formulations. Creamy lipsticks or tacky lip gloss that need precise lines can be achieved with a lip brush. They have a small, tapered tip that allows you to apply the product evenly without smudging or smearing.
7. Fan brush
Designed with a flat, fan-shaped head, fan brushes are commonly used to apply highlighter or bronzer to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones and temples. Their bristles are typically long and loosely packed, which allows for a light and subtle application of the product. To use a fan brush, simply dip the tips of the bristles into your highlighter or bronzer pots and gently sweep it onto your skin in a back-and-forth motion.
