Everything You Need To Know About Different Makeup Brushes From Beauty Veterans

Different makeup brushes

Although I started wearing makeup at the age of 12, mostly because I suffered from acne and

hyperpigmentation, I can’t say wearing makeup at a young age made me a makeup brush guru. 

When I started wearing makeup I would use whatever I could get my hands on to apply it. Sadly, I can’t say that much has changed after all these years. My knowledge of makeup brushes is still limited so, I knew when talking about this topic it would be best for me to call on the true experts. 

Although most of us know that makeup  brushes are an essential tool in any makeup routine. It can be hard to identify which brand, shape or size to use. So, I spoke with two seasoned makeup artists who gave simple tips on purchasing, maintaining and identifying the best makeup brushes to use for your makeup routine. 

Types of Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes come in so many shapes and sizes, each made for a specific reason.  Here are some of the most common types of makeup brushes:

Foundation Brushes 

One of the most common makeup brushes is the foundation brush. From the name alone, you know this brush means business. If your foundation isn’t applied correctly, your concealer, bronzer, blush, or eyeshadow will not blend well. 

Kimberly Ford, a 15-year makeup veteran from Nevada,  says knowing the proper brush to use for your foundation leads to a precise application.

Before picking your brush, “decide if you will apply a liquid, cream or powder foundation. Then consider the type of coverage you’d like,” says Ford. 

Flat Foundation Brush 

Flat foundation brushes are usually packed tightly, can be made with synthetic or natural bristles, and closely resembles a paint brush. This style of brush is ideal for achieving full coverage, and is great for makeup application around the nose and eyes. Flat foundation brushes are usually used with liquid foundations.

If not used correctly the flat foundation brush could leave streaks and can require more blending compared to other brushes. The key to achieving a flawless finish with a flat foundation brush is first dotting your foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and then using the brush to  work in the product. Use small to medium amounts of product. From my experience, it can also be helpful to work in the product and let the foundation settle into your skin before adding another layer. 

Ford recommends when using a flat foundation brush, utilizing synthetic fibers for liquid or cream foundation because natural hair can absorb a lot of product, and following up with a makeup sponge to assure there aren’t any lines or streaks left on the skin. 

Makeup Sponges 

Although sponges and brushes aren’t the same, sponges  are popular and sometimes essential when it comes to applying foundation. Most makeup sponges are shaped like an egg and made with sponge material. They work best with liquid or cream foundation and can work in conjunction with makeup brushes. Sponges help provide a natural airbrush finish, but require you to dampen before using and also require frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria growth. 

Stippling Foundation Brush

Stippling foundation brush bristles are positioned in a round shape and include long, sparse bristles on the top and shorter denser bristles on the bottom. Stippling brushes can be used when applying liquid, cream or powder foundation. Stippling brushes can also be used to apply bronzer, blush and highlight. Although stippling brushes are great for a variety of different products it can sometimes be a little more challenging for beginners, and is best suited for someone looking for a natural or airbrush finish.

When using a stippling brush, dot the brush into your foundation and apply by dotting it into the skin or working it in a circular position. You can apply multiple layers until you reach your desired look. 

Kabuki Foundation Brush

Kabuki brush bristles are also structured in a round position. Kabuki brushes usually have a short handle. Kabuki brushes are  also versatile but are best designed for powder and mineral  makeup products. 

The structure of its dense bristles creates a smooth and flawless,full coverage polished look without your foundation looking caked on, but it can be harder to achieve precision in smaller areas of your face. 

When applying a powder foundation with the kabuki brush, start at your forehead and move down your face in a circular sweeping motion. 

No matter if you choose one foundation brush or a combination be sure to work your foundation around your jawline and neck for a seamless appearance. 

Concealer Brushes

Concealers can correct makeup mishaps and cover impurities such as blemishes and dark circles. Concealer can also  brighten dark and dull areas on your face. Applying concealer should be done with precision and usually calls for smaller, synthetic brushes. 

Ford says Real Techniques is her go to brand for good quality synthetic concealer  brushes.

Flat Concealer Brush 

Flat concealer brushes are ideal for under eye coverage,  covering blemishes and around the nose. Gently pat the concealer onto the desired area and use the edge of the brush to blend in the product to avoid line. 

Pointed Concealer Brush 

Pointed concealer brushes are small, with pointed firm tips.  This style of brush is ideal for inner corners of the eyes and around the nose. To use, put a  amount of concealer into the brush and apply to the desired area. Continue to tap the product into your skin until it’s blended. 

Angled Concealer Brush

Angled concealer brushes are great  for defining brows. Apply concealer to the tip of the brush and outline the bottom and top of your brows to create a defined look. This step is usually done after penciling  in or applying powder to your brows. 

Overall when applying concealer always start with a small amount and add more if needed. Be sure to blend the product well so there is a smooth transition between concealer and foundation.

Powder Brushes

After applying your foundation, it can be useful to apply a setting powder. Setting powders give a matte finish, keep

your makeup in place throughout the day, and blend harsh lines.  When applying powder  It’s imperative to use the correct brush to avoid a caked on unnatural finish. 

Powder brushes are very large and fluffy with a round tapered shape. Mindy Green,  a 27- year licensed makeup artist in the Maryland/ DC area, says “when it comes to powder brushes the shape isn’t as important as how big and how fluffy the brush is.”

Green also mentioned that she prefers a natural-hair brush for powder base products.

Dap the brush into your powder, make sure you have picked up an even amount. Shake off excess then gently press and roll the brush onto your face. If you’d like to achieve a contoured look it would be best to have two powder brushes. One to apply the lighter powder and the other for your darker setting powder 

Blush Brushes

Similar to powder brushes, blush brushes are fluffy.  What sets a blush brush apart from a powder brush is size. Blush brushes are smaller in size,and are designed to apply blush or bronzer to the cheeks. Angled blush  brushes are used most frequently to apply product to the cheeks and a domed brush is perfect for blending. 

“We are mimicking what we naturally have. When it comes to applying a blush look in the mirror and smile. You will see the apples of your check if you are putting it where it goes it will look clean,” says Ford. 

If you are using a powder blush, sweep the brush out towards your temples. If you are using a cream blush apply in a circular dotting  motion for the most natural result. 

Contour Brushes

Using contour powder can help give you a sculpted look. Proper contouring can help give you a slimmer face, a more chiseled-cheeks and a slimmer nose. It must be done with the right brush.   

“When it comes to contouring, or sculpting the face, your brush is your magic wand. In order to achieve this look properly it comes down to a brush that gives you  precision,” says Ford. 

Angled brushes are great for applying contour to the cheeks and jawline, while flat brushes are perfect for contouring the forehead and nose. Tapered brushes are ideal for blending.

When contouring apply your darker foundation to your cheekbones, jawline, along your hairline,and sides of your noses. Regardless if you are using a cream or powder be sure to blend in a circular motion to ensure there aren’t any harsh lines. 

EyeShadow Brushes

“When it comes to eye shadow you need at least three brushes.” “Flat, fluffy and sometimes a short haired flat brush or angled brush depending on the look you are going for, says Greene. 

Flat Eyeshadow Brush

These brushes are flat and dense with rounded edges, and work best for packing eye shadow onto the eyelid. Press your brush into your eyeshadow color, shake off the excess and press it into your eyelid. 

Blending Eyeshadow Brush

Blending brushes are fluffy and tapered and less dense than the flat eye shadow brushes. This brush is used to create transitions between two colors in the crease or outer corners of your eye. Use a windshield wiper or circular motion to blend the colors a 

Creased Eyeshadow Brush

Crease brushes are tapered and pointed and have a medium density. This brush is used to add dimension on the crease of the eye. Apply the eyeshadow in the crease using a windshield wiper motion. 

Eyeliner Brushes

One of the most important brushes of them all is your eyeliner brush. Eyeliner is unforgiving, and requires skill and precision. You can achieve good results with a eyeliner pencil,but if you are aiming for sharp lines and a professional look a eyeliner brush is necessary. 

Eyeliner  brushes are usually small and pointed, and used to apply eyeliner to your eye line. Angled eyeliner  brushes are generally used when creating a winged eyeliner. The brush should be a straight angled brush and can be used for powder, gel or liquid liner. 

Lip Brush

Lip brushes are designed to apply lipstick precisely to your lips. 

“Ombre lip color is popular now. For this look she uses a  fluffy brush to blend the liner with the lipstick,” says Ford. 

For a classic look such as a full red lip, Ford says she opts for a brush with a pointed tip for procession. 

To achieve the perfect lip start by outlining your lips. Start at the center of your upper lip and draw a line towards the outer edges. Repeat the same steps for your bottom lip. Next place your lipstick onto the brush and fill in your lips. Start from the center and work your way outwards for a smooth application. 

How To Choose The Right Makeup Brush

When it comes to makeup application, the right tools are just as important as the products themselves. Choosing the right makeup brush can make all the difference in achieving a flawless finish.

“ Everyone  has a different preference when it comes to brushes, but everyone can get a good quality brush, says Ford. 

Here are some tips on how to choose an overall good quality brush for your needs. 

“Tug on the hairs,” says Green. This will allow you to see if an overwhelming amount of shedding occurs. Green also suggests asking the brand what type of natural hair is used and wiggle the handle to see if it’s loose.

Brush Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of makeup brushes are essential for maintaining their quality and longevity. Neglecting to clean and store them correctly can lead to bacteria buildup, bristle damage, and reduced effectiveness. Here are some tips for taking care of your makeup brushes:

Cleaning

“My number one go to for cleaning the brush is Cinema Secrets Brush cleaner.” If  I have time to let them sit I use baby shampoo,” says Ford. 

Green suggests adding a small amount of olive oil when putting together your water and baby shampoo bath for your brushes to help condition the hairs. 

Regular cleaning of makeup brushes is crucial to prevent product buildup and bacteria growth.

Drying them properly is just as important as cleaning them. Green says, “lay your brushes flat to dry to prevent water seeping inside the handle.”

Storage 

Proper storage of makeup brushes is important  for maintaining the shape and preventing damage of your brushes. Once dry, It’s best to store your brushes upright in a holder or cup. This will prevent the bristles from bending out of shape. Avoid keeping your brushes in a closed container, or drawer to prevent bacteria growth. 

Replacement

Replace your makeup brushes regularly. Ideally you should replace your brushes every 6-12 months. The lifespan of your brushes can depend on the quality, how frequently you use them, but most importantly how well you care for them. 

Loss of shape,and shredding bristles are signs that might be time to replace your brushes. 

Advancements in Makeup Brush Technology

Just like other things, makeup brush technology has evolved. Here are some of the latest changes:

Synthetic Fibers

Recently, companies started making makeup brushes with synthetic fibers. These fibers include nylon, polyester and taklon. These fibers are non-porous, which means they don’t absorb as much products as natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are also known to be easier to clean. 

Antibacterial Coatings

Antibacterial coating on makeup brushes is also a fairly new advancement. These coasting help slow the spread of bacteria on your brushes. Some makeup artist say they are exceptionally useful for people  with sensitive skin. 

Ergonomic Handles

Makeup brushes with ergonomic handles are designed to fit comfortably in the hand, reducing hand fatigue and making it easier to apply makeup. These handles are often made with materials like rubber or silicone, which provide a non-slip grip.

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