The makeup rules that have developed in our time allow you to apply products with your finger or sponge. However, this method is suitable for everyday beauty. But if you want to look great at a party or formal event, you need to know not only that makeup brushes are the best helpers, but also what each type is needed for. This is what we will talk about today.
Makeup brushes: sets
The classic set consists of 8, 12, 18 or 24 products. But you need to figure out what function they serve. With this knowledge, you can put together the necessary kit or choose the best ones from ready-made ones.
The main thing to consider is that saving on these tools is more expensive for yourself. After all, a high-quality model will last you up to 12 years, provided that you take proper care of it. To check the quality, run your fingers along the edge and lightly pull the pile - the hairs should be elastic and not fall out. The classification of makeup brushes includes types for:
- face: tones, concealer, powder, blush;
- eyebrows;
- lips;
- eyes: eye shadow, eyeliner.
Each of them has its own volume, shape, material. And before we look at all the main variations, let's focus on quality control.
Tricks when working with eyeshadow accessories
When choosing and using cosmetic accessories, it is worth considering some tricks that will help not only choose the optimal brush, but also significantly extend its service life.
- The shadow should be applied to the area of the mobile eyelid with a light touch. But in the folds the line needs to be made more saturated.
- Wipe eyeshadow blending tools with a damp cloth after each use. It is not at all necessary to wash them daily with a special product or shampoo. But treating with a damp cloth won’t hurt: this way the brush will be cleaned of any remaining pigment that could ruin future makeup.
- Don't think that natural hair is better. After all, artificial has a lot of advantages, such as: ease of care, lower price, hypoallergenicity and lack of ability to absorb liquid pigment.
- We must not forget about hygiene. Instruments must be periodically treated with special disinfectants. This will help prevent bacteria from getting on the skin of the face and the spread of infection that causes pimples, blackheads, and acne.
How to make the right choice
Pay attention to the quality characteristics:
- Inspect the pile: it should be soft. Coarse hairs will not only interfere with the application of cosmetics, but can scratch the skin.
- Pull it up slightly to check if the product is shedding.
- It is also important how well the fleecy part is attached to the handle. Take the very tip and shake it a little: if you feel that the fit is loose, then it is better to refuse such products.
How to choose makeup brushes?
The means for creating make-up must be selected with special care, because the final result directly depends on this. Professional makeup artists recommend paying attention to the following points:
- Number of details . You can choose a set that contains all the makeup brushes, but you can also buy them individually. Both cases have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s easier to purchase a set, and the cost of the brushes will be cheaper if you buy them separately. But in the second case, you can purchase a higher quality item to suit your individual needs.
In addition, it is recommended to refrain from purchasing brushes that come with any cosmetic products, for example, powder, eye shadow, blush. As a rule, such sets contain very low quality brushes.
- Handle fastening strength . To check it, just pull the handle and the clip in opposite directions. This will help you understand how firmly the parts are attached to each other. If the handle quickly falls off, then the brush will also quickly fail.
- Strength of hair attachment . To understand whether the brush is “crashing”, you just need to pull its hairs out of the clip. If they are not secured securely, several pieces will immediately end up in your hands.
- Brush thickness . Some manufacturers skimp on bristles and do not fill the brush with enough bristles. To eliminate the possibility of purchasing such a product, just pinch some of the hairs between your fingers. If there is no gap or it is small, up to 1 mm, then there is no doubt about the quality of the brush.
Interesting: Makeup for blue eyes and dark hair
For individual parts of the face
The minimum number of types for foundations only is three. But experienced makeup artists have many more varieties in their arsenal. We will look at what brushes are needed for what below.
For foundation
This is a synthetic tapered version. It is popular not only among professionals, but also among beginners, as it allows you to create a thin layer of product.
For concealer
There are similar features to the previous species, but several times smaller in size. This tool is great for thick cosmetics, as synthetic bristles are the best for blending, masking imperfections on the face.
For powder foundation
A wide makeup brush, the photo is presented in the article, is made of natural fibers and perfectly picks up powder foundation. Makeup artist tip: when applying powder, pat rather than rub, otherwise you will smear the foundation.
For dry texture blush
These brushes are made from natural pony or squirrel hair. They are intended for cheeks, cheekbones and are smaller in volume than the previous type. They have different variations, both beveled and rounded.
For creamy blush
Distributing cosmetics is much easier with this option. Made from synthetics, it does not absorb creamy base.
To indicate contours
The purpose of this makeup brush is to highlight the cheekbones and narrow the edges of the nose. It has a flattened wide appearance, the pile with an even cut. This is ideal for blending dry texture blush.
Kabuki
Fluffy with dense pile. Suitable for basic makeup: fluids, blush, bronzer or finishing powder.
Which brushes to choose
It's difficult to determine which makeup brushes are best: each manufacturer uses different materials, and some only work with tools for a specific purpose.
Makeup Brush Sets:
- Bobbi Brown
Set . Includes a basic set, suitable for all beginner makeup artists. Includes brushes for foundation, blush, powder, eye shadow and brow. They are distinguished by natural bristles (with the exception of the foundation tool) and wooden handles. Its cheaper counterpart is Manly PRO Magic Moments; - Japanese Hakuhodo
. It is believed that these are the best brushes in the world. They are made from natural pile and assembled by hand. You can only buy them in the official store. Very similar to these are the affordable Naked 3 Urban Dekay or UBU; - NYX
Professionals are not sold as a set. You will need to select the ones you need yourself. They showed excellent durability and performance, although they are made of synthetic fibers. Slightly more affordable, no less high quality - SHIK (Chic); - Brand tools Sigma
are divided into make-up and classic. The original organizer is also sold with them. A little more expensive, but much better network products from Oriflame and Avon;
Beginner Brush Set - Products Roubloff (Rubleff), Da Vinci (Da Vinci) Sephora (Sephora)
are intended for makeup artists. They will help you draw complex art on your face, create soft but clear lines of shade transition; - Clarins Brush (Clarins)
and
Inglot
. Their main use is for blending foundation and contouring products. Included in the ratings of the best brushes. Made from high-quality natural bristles, in some cases combined; - Essence Brush (Essence)
. These are budget options for Polish-made makeup, but still deserve attention. They are made of nylon and are classified by stiffness. They are of fairly good quality, last a long time, but do not always blend cosmetics well; - Valerie-D, Mirage, Limoni
and
Irisk Professional
. Cheap products sold at Fix Price, Rive Gauche and the Podruzhka chain. They are synthetic, with plastic handles. Not suitable for long-term use even with daily washing; - Just & Jean's (Just Jeans)
- high-quality professional brushes for decorative cosmetics. This brand also produces organizers for storing them. You can buy a set, and immediately a suitable case for them; - Mermaid Multipurpose Brush (Multipurpose Mermaid)
are the most trendy, now they are among the top desired by all beauty bloggers. They are created only from natural bristles, but the main difference from other brands is in the form of tools. If other brands are not much different from each other, then the Little Mermaid brushes have a curved shape, which allows you to efficiently treat any area of the face; Drawing Mermaid Multipurpose Brush - Zoeva
brushes for applying foundation and eye makeup include several pieces in the set. These are basic (classical) and professional tools. They are the most famous in the CIS. Even Gohar Avetisyan uses them. They are quite expensive, so they can be replaced by more affordable MAC or even Mary Kay.
Eye brushes
This type should be chosen carefully: the size, type, and pile cover are important - all this affects the quality of the application of cosmetics. For example, the accuracy of shading and application depends on the length of the hairs, and a dense model is suitable for richer shades.
You should have at least two eye makeup brushes on hand: what they are and what they are for – read below.
Flat variety for shadows
A moderately fluffy, medium-sized version is perfect for those who adore shadows and want to use them most effectively. In the ideal model, the base, made of sable hair, has the outline of a petal. With this product you can evenly distribute cosmetics by layering them over the eyelid.
Rounded tassel
The name of such a makeup brush is a barrel, which explains the voluminous appearance of the tool. This version is great for blending shadows in the creases, making the look more dramatic.
For eyeliner
Thin, synthetic, it allows you to experiment with arrows, the width of which depends on the pressure.
For shading
To create a smoky effect, there is nothing better than this fluffy model. When the base has already been applied, move the product along the borders of the shades, trying to blend them with each other.
List of brush types for expressive eyebrow makeup with description and meaning
This part of the makeup should not be forgotten either. It is recommended to use a set of at least two items to add a new accent.
Brush
With its help, it becomes easy to comb the vegetation. The shape is round and looks like an applicator. Removes particles of cream or foundation that have got here, directs all hairs in one direction.
Beveled
It helps to draw individual hairs. Makes this part of the face more voluminous and noticeable, fills the space between the hairs. The best option is a model made of hard bristles. You can do shading that will mask the lack of natural growth.
Different shapes
We looked at the basic set of tools for high-quality make-up. However, the varieties do not end there. Round, oval, flat - they all have their own logic. For example, beveled bases are good for contouring and finely distributing shades, fluffy bases are good for creating fuzzy edges and shading, and flattened bases are great for applying color.
What materials are the products made from?
The pile cover can be divided into:
- artificial;
- natural.
They all have their purpose, as well as pros and cons.
What natural bristle makeup brushes are needed for?
They are made from squirrel, horse or goat hair. The hairs absorb the powder, which allows you to effectively blend cosmetics over the skin of the face. The softness of the models prevents the strong application of pigments, so with such tools you definitely won’t overdo it with powdery foundations.
Artificial cover
Synthetic material does not absorb cream or liquid products. They are perfect for applying cream blush, foundation or eyeliner, and their density allows you to evenly distribute cosmetics over the skin.
Foundation Brushes
The makeup brush set includes the following types:
- Contour
. Outwardly it resembles a barrel-cut one. Her hair bun shape is straight, and she is thick enough to draw wide lines. Used for facial contouring; - Flat long
. Its fleecy part is round in shape. It is made exclusively from synthetic bristles, due to which it does not absorb foundation and minimizes its consumption. Relatively small so that you can work on thin areas - eyes, lips; Foundation brush drawing - Flat short
. Essential for spot shading, ideal for applying liquid correctors or shading problem areas; - Fine for bronzers and concealers
. Just like the flat long one, it is made of synthetic pile. Allows you to carefully blend cosmetics without smearing it beyond the selected limits; - Putty knife
. This is a dense round oblique model that can drive even the most unruly foundation into pores and wrinkles. It includes almost every review of cosmetics by popular makeup artists.
Basic set for beginners
Beginners do not have to purchase a whole professional kit. There are enough basic versions, including brushes:
- for applying and shading shadows;
- small size with beveled edges for arrows or eyebrows;
- fluffy for powder: it sets all cream foundations on the face;
- beveled for blush - it will give the make-up a natural look;
- for concealer, but flat-shaped synthetic tools are also suitable for lips;
- brush.
You can see which makeup brush is needed for what purpose in the photo in the article.
Blush brushes
Angled blush brush
The angled blush brush allows you to apply blush with precision. The angled shape of the brush allows it to pick up product and dust it onto your cheeks so softly that it looks natural.
The two best angled blush brushes are:
Angled blush brush Sigma F84
This brush was made with fibers that make it incredibly soft and dense. The brush provides a smooth, flawless and highly defined finish. It works great with both cream and powder bronzers.
ELF Angled Blush Brush
The bristles from this ELF brush are soft and dense to help you easily apply color in a sweeping motion. Use the brush to apply the product to the apples of your cheeks and spread towards your ear.
Round blush brush
Unlike the angled blush brush, this brush is not angled. It's somewhat reminiscent of a powder brush, but more rounded and compact to pick up blush pigments. The bristles are designed to allow blending so there are no hard lines on the face.
The two best blush brushes are:
Ecotools Precision Blush Brush
The brush is domed, making it perfect for swirling the brush across your cheeks.
Illamasqua Round Blush Brush
The bristles are incredibly soft and can be used for cream, liquid and powder blushes. Short bristles for precise placement of product, and longer bristles allow it to blend product easily. The brush is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types.
Kabuki brush
Ever wondered what a kabuki brush does? A kabuki brush is typically used to apply loose powder to large areas of your face. Thanks to its size and design, the brush blends your powder foundation very evenly onto your skin and creates a very natural-looking coverage. You can also use this brush to blend, liquid or cream foundations for a much more natural and sheer coverage than what you achieve with a regular foundation brush.
Take a look at our top picks below:
Kabuki brush Real Techniques
If you are looking for a high quality kabuki brush at a reasonable price, this is one of them. It is made from synthetic bristles and can be used with all types of formulas.
Kabuki brush Too Faced
This kabuki brush looks a little fancier than other brushes. It's also retractable and housed in a sleek pink casing. It is made with squirrel hair, which is a super soft, exclusive and luxurious fiber that captures and blends pigments for a more even application. These synthetic fibers can be used with wet and dry formulas.
Basic mistakes when using brushes
The most common mistakes that are typical not only for beginners, but also for experienced makeup artists:
- To disguise imperfections under the eyes, you apply concealer from the package to the tool. However, it is best to rub the product on your palm to make it more flexible, and only then apply cosmetics to the skin.
- Use a large size to blend shadows. But this method will create the impression of dirt on the eyes, while a smaller volume will help sculpt the eyelid.
- A foundation brush that is too thick will not be able to retouch difficult areas of the face. But nevertheless, its use is also among the common mistakes.
- Strong pressure when applying blush. But in this case, you will not get a bright color, but a spot that cannot be washed out. For a natural effect, you need to lightly touch the skin with the bristles.
- You cannot use the same product for different cosmetics, as different pigments will remain on the hairs, and the color will not be “pure”.
Lip shaping tools
Every girl should have a lip brush in her makeup bag. A simple tool allows you to accurately and easily apply gloss or lipstick.
Bright lip colors have been trending for several seasons now. Saturation is difficult to achieve without the use of special tools. When designing your lips yourself, you can apply lipstick from a stick, but professional palettes are popular, and in this case you can’t do without a brush.
To create flawless makeup, a makeup artist needs to purchase at least three brushes. A new one is used for each shade of lipstick so that the vibrancy of the color does not fade.
The lip brush is made from artificial materials because lipstick has a creamy consistency. The villi are located close to each other and allow you to use decorative cosmetics economically.
Every girl should have a lip brush in her makeup bag.
To create flawless makeup, a makeup artist must purchase at least three brushes. The lip brush is made from artificial materials because lipstick has a creamy consistency.
Advice! The lip brush should be small for ease and uniformity of application.
Caring for your brushes
As we have already said, a good model will serve you for more than 10 years. However, you should take proper care of the kit. How? Let's figure it out.
We wash the brushes
This point is important not only for the instrument, but also for the face. After use, particles of cosmetics, dust and even microbes remain on the fleecy surface. Without regular cleansing, inflammation may appear and skin pores may become clogged. When washing, it is best to use water at room temperature. Wet the bristles and then rinse with shampoo.
Storage
The best way to dry is to lay it on a horizontal surface. If you place it vertically, the water flowing from the hairs will dilute the glue connecting it to the handle. This will make the product unusable faster.
How to store and care for makeup artist tools
Even if every time before makeup a person washes himself well and uses only personal brushes to carry out the process, the tools still remain a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria, because skin particles, cosmetic residues and moisture accumulate in them. To prevent this from happening, you need to take good care of your brushes. So, every time after makeup or at least twice a week, tools should be treated either with a special disinfectant cleansing composition, or resort to home cleaning methods. You can rinse the pile with warm water adding a small amount of shampoo, then rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water. Brushes should be dried horizontally on a towel, having previously given the wet head the correct shape with a napkin. And so that the tools do not deteriorate and do not gather dust, it is better to store them in special cases or boxes (makeup kits are usually sold immediately in such packaging, suitable for further storage).
