Makeup brushes – Everything you need to know
Makeup brushes are the most underrated products! People prefer using their hands for applying foundation, eye shadow and absolutely any makeup. I feel that this is a very unhygienic way of applying makeup and the finish that professional brushes give you, nothing else can give the same effect. There are many brands that sell makeup brushes – Vega, MAC, Inglot, Krylon and a few more in India. You don’t have to spend thousands of rupees on the brushes. Try purchasing them from the UK online – they’ll work out much cheaper and are of great quality. Read on to understand which brush is used for what purpose—
Lip Brush for defining and contouring the lips
The lip brush is used to apply lipstick with the firm edge to define and contour the lips.
Mascara fan brush
A mascara fan brush is used for a “root-to-tip” application of mascara or for post-mascara, used to remove any clumps and perfect the lashes.
Foundation brush/makeup base brush
Used to apply liquid or cream foundation in downwards motion for a heavy/full coverage. Most useful for people who forget to apply foundation in the corners of the nose, lips & the hairline.
Face brush for liquid foundation
Also known as duo fiber brush can be used to apply liquid foundation to generate a diffused effect. Can also be used to blend cream blush on the apples of the cheeks to look natural.
Face Brush for blending or clearing excess makeup
The duo fiber fan brush can be used for featherweight application and blending of powders or as a tool to gently clear the skin of any excess product.
Brush for mineral makeup products
The buffer brush is used to buff mineral powder products onto the skin with a circular motion for the best effect. Softens harsh lines following blush and contouring.
Brush to contour cheekbones
The angled contour brush is used to create an angle to softly contour the cheekbone. Can also be used to apply blush on the apples of the cheeks.
Tapered Brush for applying powder, blush or contours
The tapered brush is used to apply powder, blush or contour shades onto the cheeks and temples. Tapered shape gives exact placement of product. The tip, if held flat on the face, can also be used to apply highlighter on the cheek bones & center of the nose.
Powder/Blush Brush
The fluffy brush is used to apply powder blush on the apples of the cheeks & loose or pressed powder all over the face after using a foundation.
Small Contour Brush
The small contouring brush is used to buff and blend contour shades under the cheekbone, jaw line, forehead & sides of the nose for a chiseled look.
Tapered Blending Brush
Used to pick up color with just the tip of the brush & apply intense colors to the crease to add depth and dimension to the eye.
Brow and Lash Brush
Mainly used to comb through brows to tame and shape. Also used to pull through lashes for separation and exactness after applying mascara.
Blending brush
A total must-have. Dome shaped brush specifically used to buff off harsh lines for a well-blended effect. Used in a wiper motion, back & forth. Can also be used to blend liquid concealer where too much coverage is not required. Both these brushes work the same way.
Short Shader Brush
Used to smudge the lower lash line. Does the same thing as the ‘Pencil Brush’.
Large Fluff Brush
Used to apply highlighting shades onto the brow bone or upper cheekbone for a soft and blended finish. Can also be used to dab on powder under the eyes to set concealer or foundation.
Concealer Brush
Used to conceal the hardest to reach areas such as around the nose, lips and eyes. May be used to apply cream or liquid concealer for more coverage. Any one of these two brushes can be used as they work the same way.
Flat Eye Definer
Used to press product along the upper and lower lash lines to create a thin liner or apply eye shadow over the gel liner to seal it. Works well with gel, liquid or powder products.
EyeLiner Brush
Used to apply gel liner on the upper lash line & in the water line. Can also be used to dot concealer on spots.
Pencil brush
Used to smudge eye liner on top & bottom lash line to give a shadow. Essential brush in creating a smokey eye. Can also be used to highlight inner corner of eyes.
Flat Eye Shading brush
Used for an even and strong application of powder eye shadow all over the eyelid.
Angled Shading Brush for Eyes
Used to apply eye shadow with precision in the inner corners of the eye. Can also be used for brow highlighting or to blend the crease.
Angular Brush for Eyes
Used to apply gel liner and get a ‘flick’ in the outer corner or a winged look. Can also be used for filling in eye brows with powder eye shadow.
Since makeup brushes don’t come cheap, the brushes will need to be taken care of and cleaned after every application. Have a look at the how to clean makeup brushes post I had written sometime back. The 7 must-have makeup brushes might also be a good read in case if you are confused about the brushes that you actually need and will use!
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