15
June
Types of makeup brushes
Types of makeup brushes
Makeup artistry is not just about the products you apply—it's about the tools you use. Choosing the right makeup brush can elevate your look from average to flawless. Whether you're a makeup novice or a pro, understanding the different types of makeup brushes is key to achieving perfect, seamless application every time.
Let’s talk about the world of makeup brushes for the face, eyes, and lips, so you can choose the right one for each step in your routine.
3 Main Types of Makeup Brush
Face Brushes
Foundation Brush
A foundation brush is essential for achieving a smooth base. There are several types:
Flat Foundation Brush: Perfect for applying liquid or cream foundations evenly across the skin. Start at the center of your face and blend outwards for full coverage.
Stippling Brush: Known for its dual-length fibers, this brush helps create an airbrushed finish by blending different layers of product, such as foundation and blush, seamlessly.
Kabuki Brush: With densely packed bristles, kabuki brushes are ideal for applying powder foundation or bronzer to large areas like your face or décolletage.
Concealer Brush
A concealer brush is designed for precision when applying concealer to small areas like blemishes or under-eye circles. Its flat, slightly tapered bristles allow for smooth application, blending seamlessly into the skin without streaking. This brush is ideal for both liquid and cream concealers, ensuring even coverage and a natural finish.
Highlighter Brush
The highlighter brush, often featuring soft, tapered bristles, is perfect for applying highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and Cupid's bow. Its design allows for controlled application, delivering a subtle or bold glow depending on your preference.
Powder Brush
A large, fluffy powder brush is best for setting your foundation with loose or pressed powder. The soft bristles allow for even distribution without disturbing the makeup underneath.
Blush Brush
Angled blush brushes are a type of brush designed for precision, allowing you to apply blush onto the apples of your cheeks while contouring the cheekbones.
Contour Brush
For defining your facial features, a contour brush with an angled design is ideal. It helps you create sharp, defined cheekbones and a more sculpted appearance, enhancing your overall makeup look.
Fan Brush
Lightweight and fan-shaped, this brush is perfect for applying highlighter. It gently sweeps across the high points of your face—cheekbones, nose, and Cupid's bow—adding a natural glow.
Eye Brushes
Eyeshadow Brush
There are two main types:
Flat Brush: Great for packing color onto the lid.
Blending Brush: Essential for blending eyeshadow into the crease and achieving that smoky eye effect.
Crease Brush
Smaller and more tapered than a blending brush, the crease brush is designed for applying darker eyeshadow into the crease for depth and definition.
Eyeliner Brush
This brush comes in angled or fine-tipped varieties, perfect for applying gel or cream eyeliner with precision. The angled version can help create a sharp wing.
Brow Brush
A dual-ended tool with an angled brush on one side and a spoolie on the other, this is used to fill in and shape brows for a natural look.
Smudge Brush
Smaller and denser, a smudge brush is used to blend eyeliner or shadow along the lash line for a smoky finish, making it an important part of any brush set.
Lash/Brow Comb
This tool helps groom and separate lashes, ensuring a clump-free mascara application, while also taming unruly brows.
Lip Brushes
Lip Brush
A lip brush is key to getting precise lines and full coverage with lipstick, especially when using bold or dark shades. It allows for more control than applying directly from the bullet.
Retractable Lip Brush
Ideal for touch-ups on the go, the retractable lip brush keeps your makeup bag clean and your application precise.
Makeup Sponges
Makeup sponges have become a popular alternative to brushes, particularly for foundation and concealer applications. These sponges, like the famous Beauty Blender, are known for creating a flawless, airbrushed look. They are typically used damp to prevent absorbing too much product, ensuring a natural finish. Sponges come in different shapes:
Teardrop Shape: Ideal for blending foundation and concealer across larger areas, with the pointed tip being perfect for detail work around the eyes and nose.
Flat Edge: Great for contouring and applying makeup along sharp lines like the jawline.
Mini Sponges: Designed for precise application in tight spaces, such as around the eyes or mouth.
Brush Materials: Synthetic vs. Natural
Makeup brushes come in two main material types: synthetic and natural. Both have their advantages and choosing the right one depends on the type of makeup and personal preference.
Synthetic Brushes
Synthetic brushes are made from man-made fibers like nylon, polyester, or Taklon. These brushes are ideal for liquid and cream products, as they don’t absorb as much product. They are also more affordable and hypoallergenic, making them a great option for sensitive skin when used to apply makeup.Best for: Liquid foundation, cream blush, concealers.
Benefits: Cruelty-free, easy to clean, and more resistant to bacteria buildup.
Natural Hair Brushes
These brushes are made from animal hair, typically from goats, horses, or squirrels. Natural brushes are known for their ability to pick up and distribute powder products evenly due to their porous nature.Best for: Powder products like eyeshadow, blush, and setting powder.
Benefits: Superior blending ability, especially for powder makeup. However, they can be pricier and require more care to maintain.
Note: For cruelty-conscious users, synthetic options provide an ethical alternative.
The right brushes can make all the difference in your makeup application, transforming your look from basic to flawless. Whether you're blending foundation, contouring cheekbones, or perfecting your eyeliner, having the proper tools is essential.
Upgrade Your Makeup Skills with Professional Training
Want to take your passion for makeup to the next level and turn it into a career? Sydney offers some of the best makeup schools, providing comprehensive courses to refine your skills and help you become a certified makeup artist. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your artistry, enrolling in a makeup school can teach you about different types of brushes and their uses for professional makeup applications.
At Makeup School Sydney, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the latest makeup tools, including brushes, sponges, and high-end products used by professionals. If you’re ready to take your makeup game to the next level, check out Makeup School Sydney for professional courses designed to refine your skills.
Want to take your skills to the next level?
Consider enrolling in a makeup school in Sydney to become a certified pro.
FAQ
Which brush should I use for the foundation?
Answer: I would suggest using a fluffy brush for powder foundation to achieve a light, even application. Choose a semi-firm buffing brush to thoroughly blend and buff out liquid or cream foundations. Additionally, consider using a flat brush if you need something that can apply makeup evenly throughout your face.
How should makeup brushes be chosen?
Answer: Pick up the brush and gently stroke your skin. Put it in your shopping basket if it's fluffy and soft. Simply put it back if it is harsh and scratchy. It is a warning sign if, when you run your hands through it, the fibers fall out.
Which cosmetic brushes are essential?
Answer: Powder brushes, blush brushes (which double as bronzer brushes), foundation brushes, flat eyeshadow brushes, and fluffy crease eyeshadow brushes are the best makeup brushes for novices.
Which makeup brush should I use for primer?
Answer: Stippling brushes work well for applying layers of makeup. This kind of tool allows blush, foundation, and primer to work together effortlessly. Although stippling brushes work well with liquid cream foundation or cream blush products, they can also be utilized with powders.
Which concealer color is the best?
Answer: While under-eye concealer should be one or two shades lighter than your natural coloring, concealer for the rest of your face should match your skin tone. Your eyes will appear brighter, and under-eye circles will be covered up if you use a lighter concealer there.
Which contouring brush is best?
Answer: The big, angled-top, medium-density, multifunctional Blending/Contour Brush is ideal for blending and highlighting features. Apply your contour shade in a three-shape down the side of your face using this brush. We suggest using the Blending/Contour Brush to apply the highlighter hue for a subtle, radiant finish.