Even the best makeup products can't perform to their full potential without the right tools. As professional visagistes, we understand that quality brushes make all the difference in makeup application. Here's our comprehensive guide to essential makeup brushes.
Foundation Brushes
A dense, flat-topped kabuki brush is ideal for buffing liquid or cream foundation into the skin for an airbrushed finish. For lighter coverage, opt for a stippling brush with dual-fiber bristles that creates a beautiful diffused effect. When precision is needed around the eyes and nose, a small foundation brush is invaluable.
Concealer Brushes
A small, flat concealer brush with synthetic bristles is perfect for precise application under the eyes and on blemishes. For blending, a small fluffy brush helps avoid the dreaded cakey look by softening edges while maintaining coverage.
Eye Brushes
- Blending brush: A fluffy, dome-shaped brush essential for softening harsh lines and creating seamless transitions between colors.
- Flat shader brush: Picks up and deposits color onto the lid with minimal fallout.
- Precision crease brush: A smaller, more targeted blending brush for adding definition to the crease.
- Angled liner brush: For applying gel or powder liner with precision.
Cheek Brushes
A large, fluffy powder brush is perfect for setting makeup and applying bronzer with a light touch. For blush, a medium-sized, slightly angled brush helps place color precisely on the apples of the cheeks. Highlighting requires a fan brush or small tapered brush for controlled application to the high points of the face.
Care and Maintenance
Clean your brushes regularly (at least every 2 weeks) with a gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo. Shape them while wet and allow to dry completely with bristles hanging over the edge of a counter to maintain their form. Store upright in a brush holder to protect the bristles.
Quality brushes are an investment that will improve your makeup application dramatically. With proper care, they can last for years, making them well worth the initial cost.