Makeup brushes are the unsung heroes of the beauty world, often overlooked but undeniably essential. They transform your makeup products into flawless works of art, enabling you to achieve that professional finish right at home.
Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or a novice just beginning to explore the world of cosmetics, having the best set of makeup brushes is crucial.
Here’s a list of must-have makeup brushes for various makeup application needs.
Makeup Brushes You Should Buy First
Foundation Brush
Firstly, it allows for precise and even distribution of foundation, ensuring that it covers imperfections, evens skin tone, and creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. The bristles of a foundation brush blend the product seamlessly, avoiding streaks or uneven patches.
Additionally, using it can help you use less foundation than when using your fingers. On top of that, foundation brushes also maintain a hygienic application, preventing the transfer of oils and bacteria from your hands to your face.
Powder Brush
It’s ideal for applying loose or pressed powder to set the foundation and reduce shine. The large, fluffy bristles evenly distribute the product to prolong the wear of your makeup. Moreover, it helps to seamlessly blend different makeup products, ensuring a natural, airbrushed look while preventing any cakiness or uneven application. This versatile brush is also suitable for touch-ups throughout the day.
Blush Brush
It provides precise control over the application of blush, allowing you to deposit color exactly where you want it. This control results in a more natural and well-blended flush of color, enhancing your overall complexion. Additionally, a quality blush brush has the perfect density and softness to evenly distribute the product, preventing patchiness and streaks.
Eyeshadow Brushes
In this category, you can stock the following brush designs:
- Flat eyeshadow brush: For applying eyeshadow all over the eyelids.
- Blending Brush: Helps to blend and soften eyeshadow colors for a seamless look.
- Crease Brush: For applying or blending eyeshadow in the crease for depth and definition.
- Smudge Brush: Ideal for smudging eyeliner or applying eyeshadow along the lash line.
- Eyeliner Brush: Get a thin, angled brush for applying gel or powder eyeliner.
- Brow Brush/spoolie: A dual-ended brush with a spoolie on one side to comb through eyebrows and a brush on the other for filling in and shaping the brows.
Lip Brush
You need one for a more refined and detailed lip color application.
Fan Brush
Used for applying highlighter or removing excess powder from the face.
Contour Brush
It’s suitable for contouring and sculpting the face by applying and blending contour products.
Concealer Brush
Helps to apply and blend concealer to cover blemishes, dark circles, or other imperfections.
It’s worth noting that while these brushes are commonly used, everyone’s makeup routine and preferences may vary. Some people may prefer using their fingers or beauty sponges. Additionally, brush sizes and shapes can vary within each category, so choosing the right brush for your needs is a matter of personal preference and the desired makeup look.
Popular Questions about Makeup Brushes to Buy
What makeup brushes should I buy as a beginner?
Start with a few essential brushes for basic makeup application. Must-have makeup brushes include a foundation brush or makeup sponge for applying foundation evenly, and a powder brush for setting your makeup with loose or pressed powder. In addition, buy a blush brush for applying blush to the apples of your cheeks, and an eyeshadow brush for applying and blending eyeshadow on your eyelids. Further, consider investing in an angled brush for products like eyeliner or eyebrow gel.
How many brushes do I need for a full face beat?
You need around 5-10 brushes, depending on your makeup preferences and the complexity of your routine. These brushes should cover various aspects of your makeup application. You’ll require brushes for foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow, concealer, eyeliner, eyebrows, and lips. Brushes that serve multiple purposes, like an angled brush, can help reduce the overall number you need.
Which brush can I use for eyeshadow?
An eyeshadow brush with a flat, dense, and slightly tapered shape is an excellent choice, especially for beginners. It packs eyeshadow onto your eyelids with precision and can also be used to blend colors softly.
If you want to create more intricate eye looks and achieve seamless transitions between eyeshadow shades, consider adding a blending brush to your collection. It will help you achieve a smooth and well-blended eyeshadow application.
Which makeup brush is best for lipstick?
If you desire precision and control, especially when working with bold or dark lipstick shades or creating sharp lip lines, use a lip brush. It has fine, pointed bristles that enable precise application and neat definition of the lip edges. However, many people find it more convenient to apply lipstick directly from the tube for a quicker and more casual application.
Should my foundation brush be soft or hard?
It should be soft for a smooth and even application. Such a brush also minimizes the risk of skin irritation. On top of that, foundation brushes with soft, synthetic bristles are more suitable for liquid or cream foundations.