Makeup Brushes 101: Which One Do I Need and Why?
If you are wondering why there are so many different makeup brushes keep reading because I’m going to explain to you exactly why.
First, let me give you a little history about makeup brushes (I’m a big fan of historical facts lol)
Makeup brushes have a rich history dating back to many centuries. Originally, the brush was designed for artists to paint on canvas so it was challenging to use a brush to apply self-makeup. Many people would use their hands to blend out their makeup (I still use my fingertips to apply eyeshadow or blend concealer) but as things progressed with time, brushes started becoming lighter in weight and more smoother to use.
Plant fibers were used to create the bristles for makeup brushes but since plant fibers are thick and harsh animal hair gained popularity. Bristles were made from natural hair extracted from goats, ponies, sables as their hair is soft and fluffy, ideally suited for makeup brushes. Even today, some makeup artists prefer animal hair to other alternative because of their superior finish.
However, animal hair bristles have limitations because they require greater sterilization to maintain high-quality hygiene. Besides, animal rights activist organizations started opposing the use of animal fur for human to use because of cruelty towards animals. Therefore, please do not use any type of makeup brushes that contain animal hair, its very inhumane and just not right!!!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRUSHES
Now, lets move onto the various of brushes that are essential to have in your makeup kit. First, lets be clear: Investing in makeup brushes does not have to break your bank account, there are affordable brands that create great brushes and they do the work!
Foundation Brush: There are many different brushes out there that you could use as a foundation brush but always make sure that it is full and domed. It will apply the foundation evenly and flawlessly giving it an airbrushed finish.
Concealer Brush: These types of brushes are way smaller, the ideal brush would be short, dense with a rounded tip thats perfect for precision work in specific areas such as under the eyes, blemishes, or dark spots.
Contour Brush: There are two different brushes that you could use as a contour brush. One brush would be used to powder and the other would be for cream contouring, its important to keep this in mind always.
Cream contour brush should be angled shaped and dense for precise application
Powder contour brush should be angled shaped with fuller bristles to give flexibility to blend the powder precisely.
Powder Brush: Large, fluffy brush that would be used to apply loose or pressed setting powder. This would help set the foundation and concealer, and to mattify the skin for long lasting wear.
Bronzer Brush: Fluffly, dome-shaped head that’s slightly angled or rounded. The shape allows for even distribution and blending of the bronzer across the high points of your face where the sun would naturally hit.
Blush Brush: A fluffy medium-sized brush is ideal to apply blush to the cheeks for a natural flush of color.
Eyeshadow Brushes: There are 5 important eyeshadow brushes that you absolutely need and it will help create any type of eyeshadow that you desire:
1. Blending Brush: A fluffy, dome-shaped brush is used to blend eyeshadow seamlessly. There are various sizes of blending brushes, depending on the type of eye look a large, medium or small will help achieve the look. It is important to know which blending brush since it helps to soften harsh lines and blend different shades together for a smooth gradient blend. This brush is crucial for creating well-blended, natural-looking eyeshadow application.
2. Flat Shader Brush: This brush is essential for packing eyeshadow onto the eyelid. It typically has a firm, flat, and slightly tapered shape that allows for precise application of color and helps build intensity. It’s perfect for applying both cream and powder eyeshadows.
3. Crease Brush: Often slightly tapered or dome-shaped, this brush is designed to apply eyeshadow in the crease of the eyelid. It provides control and precision for defining the crease and adding depth to the eyes.
4. Angled Brush: With a slanted tip, this brush is versatile for both eyeshadow and eyeliner. It’s especially useful for applying eyeshadow along the lower lash line or creating winged eyeliner. It is also handy for filling in eyebrows with shadows or brow pomades.
5. Pencil Brush: This brush has a small, pointed tip that’s perfect for precise application and detailing. It’s great for applying eyeshadow to the lower lash line, inner corner of the eyes, or for creating detailed lines and smudging.
