When you’re new to makeup, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many types of products available in the market. As if that’s not enough, you also have to figure out what tools work best for makeup application. Just how exactly do you know which makeup brush to use for what? Do you really need that 22 piece brush set? Below are our top 5 essential makeup brushes to have when building a basic beauty kit.
Determine Brush Material – Synthetic & Natural
Before anything else, determine what type of material you want to use for your brushes. Natural brushes are those made with animal hair like pony, sable and goat hair. These are more porous and have ridges in the strands, so that they are able to pick up and deposit powder products really well. They feel rougher to the touch and are less shiny in appearance.
On the other hand, synthetic brushes are made of nylon or taklon bristles. They have a smoother appearance and are less porous. This is especially good for cream or liquid products because it doesn’t absorb too much of the product.
Essential Brush #1 – Foundation Brush
The most common type of foundation brush is the flat paddle foundation brush. This is meant to apply liquid foundation all over the face similar to how you would use a paint brush. When using this brush, you are advised to blend the product in a cross-hatch method to get rid of streak marks.
You can also use flat top brushes, buffing brushes or stippling brushes to have a more flawless foundation coverage. With these, you gently dab or ‘stipple’ the product onto your face and buff it out in small circular motions.
Essential Brush #2 – Powder Brush
After your foundation, you would have to set it with powder. A large, fluffy brush would work best to lightly apply powder on larger areas of your face such as your forehead. If you are using powder foundation, a smaller, denser powder brush would pick up and deposit more product to your face to give you better coverage.
Essential Brush #3 – Blush Brush
A domed brush is the most common type of blush brush. It is best used in circular motions to blend powder cheek products. You can also use an angled blush brush for a more precise application which allows you to contour or sculpt your cheekbones. Stippling brushes are used for cream blushes.
Essential Brush #4 – Eyeshadow Shading & Blending Brush
For eye makeup, try looking for a dual ended eye shadow and blending brush. One side is used to pack eye shadow all over the lid and looks very much like a “C” shape. The blending brush is fluffier and is used to blend away harsh edges.
Essential Brush #5 – Angled Eyebrow Brush and Spoolie
Of course, let’s not forget the brows! The spoolie can be used to groom your brow hairs, while you can use the angled eyebrow brush to define your brows. Because it’s angled, it will allow you to make precise outlines of your desired brow shape and also lightly fill them in.
With those 5 essential brushes in your makeup kit, you’re prepared to start experimenting with basic every day makeup looks now. Good luck!
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I have my top 5 makeup brushes on my blog princesscaela89.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you Caela! Your blog is lovely 🙂