Basic makeup brushes and their uses

Let’s start with the basics, that being makeup brushes. It is highly recommended that you know your brushes and what each one is used for, in order to get that seamless finish. You will often find that makeup brushes come in sets, ranging from +/-16 brushes per set right down to 3 per set. When doing makeup, there are 10 types of brushes that are absolutely crucial to have and use regardless of the look you are completing.

There are no limitations or boundaries when it comes to makeup, with various categories ranging from glam, to drag, to gore and much more! Whether you’re an aspiring MUA or makeup newbie, there are many things you will need to be knowledgeable about.

If you are not training to be, or working as a professional in the makeup industry, it is unlikely that you will need or use more than those 10 types of brushes. However, should you feel the need to purchase more, go ahead…… the more, the merrier! It is also advised that you ensure your brushes consist of authentic bristles. These are especially helpful when applying liquid products, as they don’t absorb the product much in comparison to other bristles.

The following is a list of the 10 types of basic makeup brushes and their uses, in order from biggest to smallest:

• STIPPLING BRUSH
Used with liquid or cream blushes and bronzers to blend smoothly. (Can also blend liquid/cream foundation.)

• POWDER BRUSH
Used to apply face powders, such as setting powders, blushes, and bronzers.

• FOUNDATION BRUSH
Used like a paint brush to apply liquid foundations.

• KABUKI BRUSH
Great for anything that should be buffed into the skin, such as mineral foundations. Also used for liquid foundations to give an airbrushed finish.

• FAN BRUSH
Used to apply powder highlighters, and also used to remove fallout from the cheeks and under eye area.

• CONCEALER BRUSH
Used to apply and blend concealer on certain areas of the face, e.g dark spots on the chin or forehead. Also useful when cleaning up the eyebrows and defining your desired shape.

• EYESHADOW BRUSH
Used to apply and or blend colour on the eyelid or browbone.

• SPOOLIE
Used to brush eyebrow hairs in place prior to filling them in.

• ANGLED EYEBROW BRUSH
Used to create a soft, natural arch on the brows. This brush can also be used as an eyeliner brush, for precise lining with gel liner on or near the lash line.

• LIP BRUSH
Used to shape bold lips.

Another tool used to blend liquid or cream products, that does not come in the form of a brush is a beauty blender. This is teardrop shaped sponge which can vary in size. It is made to be dampened before use, to minimize product absorbtion.

You will find that most of the brushes above are quite versatile and can be used to apply and, or blend more than one product. Now when it comes to maintenance and hygiene, washing your brushes and beauty blender at least once a week is advised to prevent your skin from unwanted breakouts. After washing your brushes, place them in a cup with the bristles facing upwards to dry. This will decrease the amount of bristles your brush is likely to shed while increasing the lifespan of the brush. When your brushes are completely dry, you may then store them in their respective compartments.