There are three kinds of people in the beauty universe: those who own thousands of makeup brushes, those who use what nature so-generously provided (their fingers), and those that have one multi-purpose blending sponge that hasn’t been cleaned in what seems like decades.
While we all have the freedom to use whatsoever we like, and you don’t have to own a store of brushes, having a few quality makeup brushes can be the key to achieving that Oscar-worthy makeup look.
If you don’t know where to start, or can’t tell the difference between a stippling and contouring brush, here’s a comprehensive guide to all the game-changing makeup brushes and why you might or might not need them.
Face Brushes
There are hundreds of face makeup brushes, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The ideal face brushes are the ones that you’ll actually use. Just be sure to clean them regularly, preferably every weekend.
Foundation Brush
Between flat, densely packed, and stippling brushes, you have an arsenal of tools to pick from when it comes to foundation.
A flat brush is ideal for applying liquid foundation, while the densely packed, synthetic-bristled ones tend to be suitable for your powder formula.
If you’re, however, looking for flawless coverage, the stippling brush is your best bet (you’ll learn more about it below).
Blending Sponge
Yeah, yeah, we know. A blending sponge isn’t technically a brush, bbbut it’s an essential tool to have in your beauty arsenal.
For one, it perfectly blends foundation, especially when your skin screams parched. So, if you have an extreme case of dry skin, a blending sponge should be at the top of your to-buy list.
It seamlessly presses the foundation onto your skin and doesn’t brush off any additional texture.
Remember: To avoid breakouts and build-up, ensure that you give your sponge and other makeup brushes a thorough wash at least four times a week. Your skin will thank you!
Kabuki Brush
Also known as mushroom brush, this makeup essential is the secret behind a flawless, pore-less finish.
It comes with a flat top and soft, dense bristles that make applying and blending powder a walk in the park.
Many makeup enthusiasts praise Kabuki brushes for their impeccable buffing qualities. So, if you want an airbrushed effect, they should be your go-to.
Stippling Brush
Stippling brushes are a dream come true for those struggling with acne breakouts.
Their soft texture doesn’t irritate your skin, and unlike a foundation brush, they gently work over your foundation and concealer to achieve maximum coverage quickly.
Due to their lighter finish, the beauty essentials are also perfect for applying a tinted moisturizer and sheering out a creamy blush.
Tip: If you’re looking to achieve a more natural makeup look or an airbrushed effect, a stipple is your best bet.
Concealer Brush
When you’re looking to cover under-eye creases, a concealer brush should be your go-to.
Of course, you can use the tiny, doe-foot applicator from your concealer tube, but a quality concealer brush not only offers a more natural and even finish, but it’s also more hygienic.
Powder Brush
If a shiny T-zone is the bane of your existence, you should make setting powder your new BFF, and along for the powder ride, a long, fluffy-bristled power brush.
The makeup essential can help in setting your cream foundation or buffing/blending out powder foundations.
Blush/Bronzer Brush
If you pride yourself a staunch economist, then this part will have you smiling all the way to the store. Why?
Because this is the ‘jack of all trades ‘kind of brush. You can use it for your bronzer, blush, and even powder needs.
Just ensure that you clean it between every step (and please don’t consider using it and not cleaning it; unless you want to go out looking like a crazed clown).
For a flawless application, go for a blush/bronzer brush with long, fluffy bristles with a perfect dome shape, as it will allow you to diffuse powder pigments seamlessly.
Quick tip: The fluffier the brush is, the less powder or blush it’ll pick up. So, if you’re looking for a wash of color, go for the fluffiest one.
Contour Brush
Like contouring itself, a contour brush can seem like a math quiz. It comes in various shapes and sizes, making it a headache to pick from the crowd.
ucky for you, we’re here to make your work easier. Upon extensive research, we’ve found that most contouring experts recommend using one that’s smaller than your foundation brush but bigger than the eyeliner brush and taking a precise ‘S’ shape to hug your cheekbones gently.
If you want a concentrated finish, choose an angled brush with soft, dense bristles – it’ll enable you to add more product but with minimal fallout.
Fan Brush
No, this brush isn’t meant for ‘fanning off your makeup.’ Get it? No? Okay, we’ll stop.
These brushes serve two main functions: applying a highlighter and brushing off excess powder.
They feature ultra-light bristles, impeccably shaped to run a sheer amount of powder or highlighter on your cheekbones and at the tip of your nose.
You can also use them to mop off powder fallouts stemming from ‘hurried’ eyeshadow application.
Eye Brushes
Depending on the look you want to achieve, you might need one or two.
Eyeshadow Shader Brush
Despite its dramatic name, an eyeshadow shader is ideal for achieving an opaque, even-layered eyeshadow look.
These brushes come in a flat and rounded tip shape. They’re also dense to help pick up a substantial amount of cream or powder for a dramatic finish.
Eyeshadow Crease Brush
If you’re looking to achieve that billboard-worthy blend to your eyeshadow, the crease brush should at the top of your ‘must-have this‘ list.
While the sizes vary, creases brushes are typically shaped to outline the curve of your eye.
They are the secret to a perfect sheer, subtle finish and the smoke behind a smokey eye look.
Eyeliner Brush
There are several types of eyeliner brushes – flat or angled brushes, smudgers, and slim, super-fine ones.
Most makeup artists recommend using the slim one since it’s perfect for creating thin, precise lines.
If you’re in the winged liner-challenged camp, you might want to go for an eyeliner with slanted bristles since it helps make the work easier for you.
Pencil Brush
It’s the ‘busy body’ of the makeup universe. It pushes eyeshadow into the lash lines and allows you to blend the eyeliner underneath your lashes.
While most brushes are too fluffy, pencil brushes tend to be stiff, dense, and tapered, making them perfect for a smokey eye or blended-out eyeshadow look.
Brow Brush (Spoolie)
You’ve definitely used this tool before. But if you haven’t, a spoolie comes with flat, blunt, and angled bristles to help you separate eyelashes, groom your brows, and draw them using a brow gel.
Lip Brushes
You’re probably asking, ‘We’re already past ten brushes. Do I really need a lip brush?’ Well, maybe not. However, if you’re looking to achieve a dramatic lip look, you’ll need these brushes.
Lip liner Brush
It’s typically confused for a concealer brush since it has a flattened, curved shape, but lip liner brushes are a tad bit smaller to fit in the cupid’s bow and easily define your lips. It also features a cap so that you can throw it in your tote bag for the days you need a quick touch-up.
