Types of Makeup Brushes

Applying makeup is an art that many have yet to master. If you are new to the act of applying makeup or wish to perfect your skills, having the right types of makeup brushes are essential for makeup application. Although there are many products that do not require the use of makeup brushes, by utilizing these tools you can have a more finished look without looking too polished. When examining the many styles and types of makeup brushes, unfortunately there is not one brush that will fit every part of your makeup bag. It is indeed essential that you have a variety of makeup brushes for the many products that you use. Without the correct makeup brush, your product may not apply to your skin properly and can become damaged or even contaminated during application.

A foundation brush may not be the first makeup brush you think of, but it can be one of the most important ones you own. Although foundation can be applied using fingers with a downward stroke, this special brush can give you the clean, tailored look that you desire and wouldn't get with using your hands alone. Having a flat shape with long bristles, a foundation brush helps to blend the foundation on your skin more evenly and gives you overall coverage without flaws.

The use of concealer and powder are not always required when applying makeup, but for those of us who use these products, having the right brushes can mean all the difference. A concealer brush is a smaller tapered brush that is perfect for dabbing concealer in places as needed, such as under the eyes or around the nose. Powder brushes are almost the exact opposite of concealer brushes; they tend to be soft, large, and fluffy in order to pick up loose powder and dust the skin lightly, providing overall coverage. When you think of makeup brushes, this is the first brush that typically comes to mind. Some will even use a Kabuki Brush to apply powder since they are relatively similar in design. With a short cylinder, Kabuki Brushes are perfect for your makeup bag on the go.

Blush brushes are designed specifically to add color to the face, primarily on the cheekbones. Whether you prefer the small angled blush brush or one that is large and fluffy, both styles of brushes are capable of applying blush to your face in a manner that you see fit. Be sure to choose a blush brush with soft bristles so that you have a more natural coloring from the blush rather than a painted-on look. Blush does not have to be added just to your cheek bones, as many will dust lightly across several focus points of the face such as the chin or forehead, but having a blush brush is an essential tool for any makeup bag. Eye shadow brushes are available in many styles and sizes. While some still apply eye shadow with the tip of a finger, others prefer using brushes to get their desired look. Professional makeup artists will tend to have three separate eye shadow brushes on hand for different uses. The lid of the eye will require a medium-sized eye shadow brush while the socket of the eye will need a smaller one to line it as you see fit. Many large eye shadow brushes are used for the area under the brow to add or blend color accordingly. Angled eye shadow brushes that have points can help define lines to the eyelids while blunt sponge eye shadow brushes help add the color you desire to the eye.