Any makeup artist, editor or beauty aficionado will tell you this: having the right tools is as important as the products you use. From brushes and sponges to facial sculptors, each tool serves a unique purpose in levelling-up your beauty routine. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you pick the perfect tools and maintain them for optimal performance.
Brushes
Makeup brushes come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for specific purposes such as applying foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and more. Choose brushes with shapes that complement the areas you'll be applying makeup to, such as flat foundation brushes, fluffy blending brushes, angled brushes for contouring, and precision brushes for detailing. However, it is important to note that while a brush might be termed “concealer brush” or “eyebrow blending brush”, their uses can often be interchangeable. Prefer smoothing in your concealer with a foundation brush? There are no hard and fast rules, and you can shake things up to make your makeup application work for you.
When selecting brushes for your toolkit, consider adding the following:
1) Brushes for your base
A densely packed foundation brush is essential for seamlessly blending liquid or cream foundation, ensuring an even complexion with no streaks or patches. When it comes to concealer, a small, precise brush with a tapered tip is perfect for targeting imperfections and brightening the under-eye area. For sculpting and contouring, an angled brush allows for precise application of bronzer or contour powder, effortlessly defining the cheekbones and jawline for a sculpted look. To add a sun-kissed glow, a fluffy bronzer brush evenly distributes bronzer and highlighter across the high points of the face, imparting a natural warmth.
Tira recommends: Tira Contour Brush, Tira Foundation Buffer Brush, Tira Detailer Brush, Tira Powder Brush
2) Brushes for your eyes
A small, densely packed brush is perfect for applying eyeshadow precisely to the lids, ensuring vibrant colour payoff and seamless blending. A fluffy blending brush is essential for diffusing harsh lines and seamlessly blending multiple eyeshadow shades for a seamless transition. When it comes to brows, an angled brow brush is ideal for filling in sparse areas with powder or pomade, while a spoolie helps to groom and blend the product for a natural finish.
Tira recommends: Tira Brow Brush, Tira Smudger Brush, Tira Precision Brush, Tira Blender Brush, Tira Contour Shader Brush, Tira Petite Blender Brush
Sponges
Makeup sponges have become a staple in many beauty routines for their ability to seamlessly blend foundation, concealer, and cream products. Different shapes offer versatility in application. Traditional egg-shaped sponges are great for blending all-over foundation, while teardrop-shaped sponges with a pointed tip are perfect for precise concealing and contouring.
Tira recommends: Tira Beauty Sponge Double Cut, Tira Beauty Sponge Double Slant Cut, Tira Beauty Sponge Dew Drop, Tira Beauty Sponge Slant Cut, Tira Beauty Sponge Cylinder
Facial Sculptors
Facial sculpting tools like gua shas and facial rollers have gained popularity for their ability to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and enhance the absorption of skincare products. It is best to choose a shape that fits comfortably in your hand and has smooth, rounded edges to prevent skin irritation. Plus, consider the specific benefits each tool offers, whether it's sculpting, massaging, or promoting ciculation.
Tira recommends: Tira Facial Roller in Rose Quartz, Tira Facial Roller in Jade Quartz, Tira Gua Sha in Rose Quartz, Tira Gua Sha in Jade Quartz
