Building your make-up kit is a process that will require both time and money. To get the most out of what you spend, it’s helpful to determine exactly which implements you want to buy. You’ll have an easier time making these choices when you know a few things about the many makeup brushes available and what they’ll bring to your kit.
A Brief Guide to Makeup Brushes
Angled eye shadow brush – In contrast to the gently beveled edge of a standard eye shadow brush, the angled brush has a highly defined “deer hoof” edge. This lets you create sharper, more defined lines of color around your eye.
Blusher brush – A soft, rounded brush of medium size. This brush is angled outward to apply spots of blush that are concentrated in the center and diffuse near the edges.
Concealer brush – A small brush similar in size to an eye shadow brush. Bristles are tightly packed and angled to a center point to allow for precise application of concealer on blemishes and areas of discoloration.
Contour brush – This bristles on this brush are similar to those on a blusher; the difference is that a contour brush’s bristles are shorter. The bristles are angled outward and finished in a soft rounded edge. This allows you to emphasize cheekbones, jawline, and other areas that need a little extra definition.
Eye shadow brush – One of the most fundamental of all makeup brushes. Eye shadow is applied with a brush with bristles approximately half an inch long; it should be full and soft with a gently pointed tip to allow a highly controlled application.
Foundation brush – Foundation isn’t always applied with a sponge. This brush is broad and flat with gently rounded bristles. Before use it is lightly damped with water to achieve more even foundation coverage. This brush may be used with wet or dry foundation products.
Liner brush – This brush has stiff bristles closely packed and shaped to a point. Liner brushes intended for use on the eye have relatively long bristles; lip liner brushes are short and sleek, often with a chiseled edge.
Lipstick brush – Stiff, sleek bristles characterize this brush. Applying lipstick directly from the applicator to your mouth doesn’t allow for precise control. A lipstick brush lets you apply lipstick in crisp lines exactly where you want to.
Powder brush – A fluffy, full-bodied brush used to brush powder or bronzer across the skin in just a few quick swipes. The bristles of some powder brushes are loosely packed, others have denser bodies; this variation allows for different degrees of powder concentration.
Stippling brush – Distinguished by a broad, blunt cut head. Stiff bristles cut to create a flat surface help give the skin a flawless, airbrushed appearance. Quickly blends the product being applied and is especially good at covering areas of the skin with natural variation in color.
Selecting Your Brushes
Unless you’re a makeup artist or enthusiastic about trying many new looks, it’s not likely that you’ll need every one of the brushes listed here. Your selection should be based on which brushes you use the most and the kind of makeup you favor. For instance, if you use pencil eyeliner you’re not likely to need an eyeliner brush. A basic selection of brushes should include blusher, contour, eye shadow, foundation, and powder brushes. These brushes will allow you to create all of your favorite looks.
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