Do you forgo buying a set of makeup brushes because the variety is intimidating? Do you apply most of your makeup with the same brush? Or do you skip brushes altogether? Learn what various makeup brushes are designed for and which brushes you need in your beauty arsenal.
Why a high-quality brush is important
If you’ve been using your fingers or the little brushes that come in makeup compacts to apply makeup, you’re missing out. Maria Verel, a makeup artist from New York City, tells Martha Stewart Living, “A high-quality brush gives you a believable application and lasts indefinitely.”
In a nutshell, here are the differences between a high-quality and a low-quality brush:
High quality:
- Makes it easy to blend different shades and pigments
- Creates a more natural and even-looking finish
- Can last years on end
Low quality:
- Ragged bristles mean uneven application
- Brush bristles fall out easily
- Bristles can be tough and irritating to the skin
- Many brushes won’t hold their shape
Choosing your brushes
There are two types of bristles to choose from: natural or synthetic. Each has specific purposes.
- Natural bristles. These are the brushes of choice for most people, and are optimal for applying powder makeup. “Natural hair has a cuticle that drags on the skin and picks up pigments and oils for the most even blending,” according to Verel. High-quality natural bristles feel soft and smooth to the touch.
According to Julyne Derrick, About’s beauty guide, brush heads are made from varying types of animal hair: squirrel, goat, sable or horse hair. If you’re prone to allergies, be aware that some people are allergic to certain types of animal fur, so watch for any signs of an allergic reaction when you first try a new brush.
- Synthetic bristles. These are most widely used for applying liquid foundation — the bristles don’t soak up liquid makeup because they are non-porous. Smaller synthetic brushes are good for applying eyeliner and concealer.
Cost
You may have heard that ultra-expensive is the only way to go when it comes to brushes, but remember that cost doesn’t always indicate quality. There are plenty of options in the lower price ranges as well.
Instead of relying on the price tag, carefully inspect the brushes for quality. Look for soft bristles that don’t feel frayed or ragged. The bristles should be held in place by a seamless metal base that doesn’t wobble.
Brush sets vs. individual brushes
Whether you choose to purchase a complete set or build your own collection is really up to you; one way is not necessarily better.
Individual brushes:
- You can design your collection based on what you really need
- Most people won’t use all the brushes in a set anyway
- Some sets seem like a good deal because you get more brushes, but the quality of each brush might be lower
Brush sets:
- Easier if you’re new to makeup and not sure what you need
- Usually includes a convenient carrying case
Your brush guide
Below, you’ll find a basic brush guide; just choose the makeup that you wear on a daily basis and find the brush that matches.
Facial powder. This large, fluffy brush with soft, natural bristles works best for even, natural-looking powder or mineral makeup application.
Blush or bronzer. The ideal brush for giving your face a rosy, flushed look or a golden glow looks similar to a loose powder brush, but is small enough to allow for more precise application and blending. It’ll either have a rounded or angled tip.
Liquid foundation. If you’d rather apply foundation with a brush than a sponge, you’ll need a medium-sized brush made from synthetic fibers. Foundation brushes are flat and slightly rounded at the edges, making blending easier. Bonus: You can also use these to apply facial masks.
Liquid concealer. Brushes created for liquid concealer look very similar to foundation brushes, but they’re smaller with a thinner tip that helps to precisely cover blemishes and under-eye circles.
Eye shadow. One of the most basic brushes you should have on hand is a small, soft brush with a square head that you can use to apply both powder and cream eye shadow. In addition, a small brush with a tapered head is perfect for blending and smoothing different shadow colors, creating a seamless look. These usually have slightly softer bristles than a regular eye shadow brush. “Look for a slightly domed shape,” makeup artist Troy Surrat tells Allure. “It rolls best across the skin and deposits less pigment [all at once] so you can be precise.”
Lipstick. Although there’s nothing wrong with applying lipstick straight from the tube, sometimes you want a more precise application. Specialized lip brushes are similar to concealer brushes, but have a smaller, firmer tip. If you’re constantly on the go, choose one that comes in a covered case so you can throw it in your purse.
Liquid eyeliner. For this type of accurate application, it’s crucial to find a tiny, sturdy brush with stiff synthetic bristles.
Other options include eyebrow brushes, which are small, stiff brushes for applying creams or waxes to the eyebrows, and crease brushes — which come in a variety of sizes and shapes — for applying eye shadow to the creases of your eyelids.
Care guide
Wash your brushes on a regular basis — many experts recommend weekly. Use a specialized brush cleaner, or a gentle facial cleanser. Surrat says that a good bet is shampoo for natural bristles, and dish soap for synthetic bristles.
And according to Derrick from About, you should gently reshape the bristles before setting them down to dry. Let them dry flat, on a towel or on the edge of a sink, rather than standing upright (water can collect and ruin the bristles).
Overall, consider your brushes an investment. A good quality makeup brush will allow you to experiment with endless makeup techniques and achieve professional-looking results. Whether you choose to splurge on an entire set at once or select your brushes carefully, one by one, spending a little money now will ensure that your brushes last for years to come.
See also:
A Makeup Manual for Beginners: Simple Techniques for a Flawless Face
10 Skincare and Makeup Secrets from Top Beauty Pros
10 Healthy Skincare Habits You Might Be Forgetting