A flawless makeup look requires not only a beautiful canvas and high-quality foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and blush but also the right makeup brushes. Makeup brushes not only make application easier but also ensure hygiene and protect your skin’s health. So, do you know everything there is to know about makeup brushes? Read on to discover some interesting facts about these essential tools!
1 What are the benefits of using makeup brushes?
Makeup brushes have become so popular and essential for a reason. Before their invention, we mostly used our fingers to apply makeup. However, this method has several drawbacks, such as uneven application, poor coverage, and, most importantly, hygiene issues as our fingers can transfer bacteria to the face. Additionally, using fingers can lead to product wastage and faster deterioration.
Benefits of using makeup brushes
That’s where makeup brushes come to the rescue! They help blend foundation seamlessly, provide better coverage, and allow for easier product absorption, resulting in a more natural-looking base. Moreover, they keep your skin healthy, reduce the risk of acne breakouts, and ensure the longevity of your cosmetics.
2 Common materials used for makeup brushes
There are two main types of makeup brushes available on the market, each made from different materials:
Natural Makeup Brushes
These brushes are typically made from goat, squirrel, mink, or horse hair. Natural hair brushes are relatively rare, and the production process is more complex than that of synthetic brushes. The brush hair is made from layers of cuticles stacked on top of each other, similar to human hair. These cuticles create tiny gaps that allow makeup products to adhere better to the brush hair, resulting in more pigmented and faster application. Therefore, natural brushes are commonly used for powder, blush, and eyeshadow brushes.
Natural makeup brushes
Synthetic Makeup Brushes
These brushes are mainly made from nylon fibers and other types of rayon fibers, such as Taklon and Naturon (PBT). Synthetic brushes are more affordable and have a smoother surface, resulting in less product adhesion. They work exceptionally well with liquid and cream products like foundation, concealer, eyeshadow primer, lipstick, etc. Additionally, synthetic brushes are easier to clean, dry faster, and tend to be more durable.
Synthetic makeup brushes
3 9 commonly used makeup brushes and their purposes
Foundation Brush
A foundation brush is a must-have tool for achieving a natural, even, and smooth base. It has a round shape with dense, rounded bristles that effortlessly blend foundation into hard-to-reach areas like the corners of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Using a foundation brush helps you save product and achieve a quick, high-coverage, and well-blended base.
Foundation Brush
Powder Brush
A powder brush has a large, round, and soft head that helps distribute powder evenly across the face, especially in the T-zone and cheekbones, to create a flawless, matte finish.
Powder brushes are extremely popular and can be found in both simple and professional makeup brush sets due to their “magic” ability to control oiliness, provide a quick application, remove excess product, and create a smooth, matte base.
Powder Brush
Blush Brush
A blush brush has a similar shape to a foundation brush but with a smaller head and various shapes (round, flat-top, tapered, etc.) and a shorter handle. Depending on your face shape and preferences, you can choose the most suitable blush brush to apply color to your cheeks for a fresh and radiant look.
It is recommended to use a blush brush with soft, fluffy bristles and wider gaps between the hairs to prevent applying too much product and maintain a natural-looking finish.
Blush Brush
Kabuki Brush
A kabuki brush helps define and sculpt your facial features, making them appear more distinct and refined. It typically has a flat, dense, and soft head that is perfect for contouring areas like the nose, cheekbones, and jawline, creating a harmonious and precise look.
Kabuki Brush
Eyeshadow Brush
An eyeshadow brush has a small, flat, and dense head that comes in various sizes to apply product to different areas of the eyes. Using an eyeshadow brush allows you to control the amount of product, apply eyeshadow quickly, and achieve a more precise and even finish compared to using your fingers.
Eyeshadow Brush
Eyes Crease Brush
As they say, eyes are the window to the soul, so it’s no surprise that we pay extra attention to our eye makeup. An eyes crease brush helps blend and diffuse eyeshadow in the crease of the eye, allowing you to control the intensity of the color and create a sophisticated and subtle look. It has an oval shape with soft and longer bristles than a regular eyeshadow brush.
Eyes Crease Brush
Eyeliner Brush
When using gel or liquid eyeliner, an eyeliner brush with an ultra-fine and small head will help you precisely line your eyes and create a crisp wing at the outer corner with minimal smudging.
Eyeliner Brush
Concealer Brush
A concealer brush has a small and narrow head that easily picks up product and allows you to conceal blemishes, acne scars, birthmarks, etc., seamlessly. It helps the concealer blend into the skin, creating a soft, natural, and flawless finish.
Concealer Brush
Lips Brush
A lips brush is an essential tool for defining and enhancing your lip shape. It has a small, round head that easily applies and blends lipstick, allowing you to create a precise lip line and a perfect pout.
Lips Brush
We hope that after reading this article, “Exploring 9 Commonly Used Makeup Brushes and Their Purposes,” you now have a comprehensive understanding of makeup brushes, their types, and their functions. Remember to choose and use the right brushes to elevate your makeup game!