The 7 Makeup Brushes You Actually Need
A flawless makeup application starts with the right tools. See the makeup brushes that are essential for creating any look you desire.
So, this means it's time for you to leave the finger painting to the kids and graduate past relying on the foam wands included in many eyeshadow compacts. Investing in and using the right makeup brushes and tools will not only help give you a flawless makeup look, but you'll actually save money in the long run. How? Well, put simply, you'll use less product and your makeup will last longer (i.e. remain germ-free longer), if you keep your hands out of your colors and formulas.
But with a gazillion different shapes and materials of brushes, it can be difficult to know which ones you actually need and which should be left in a makeup artist's case. You definitely don't need to tote around an arsenal of brushes in every shape and size known to woman kind in order to achieve a gorgeous makeup look.
You only need seven.
Step 1: Choose the brush material
When choosing your makeup brushes, it's important to factor in the material the brushes are made of. The makeup formulas you use will help you determine whether to choose natural, real hair (i.e. sable or pony fibers) or synthetic, fake hair usually made of acrylic or plastic.
Natural brushes are better for dry products like blush and eyeshadow and synthetic brushes are best suited for cream or liquid products like concealer or foundation because they soak up less product than natural hair, says Dean.
Step 2: Choose the brush size and firmness
So you know what material you want, and now it's time to find a brush that feels good on your face. Makeup brushes are pricey, but are a worthwhile investment that can last a long time, so choose brushes that are comfortable on your face and non-irritating.
To find the right brush, "Size definitely matters. You should take note of … how it fits the area of the face in which you are using it, such as the eye area or cheek area. The bristles should not be too rough or stiff and should have some flexibility to give with the contours of the face and eyes.
Once you've worked that out, take note of how the brush feels in your hand. It should feel natural and easy to maneuver, which is key for precise application and blending.
Step 3: Select the various brushes you need
Foundation brush
The brush: A round, fluffy and flat-tipped synthetic brush. Try MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush, $40.
Why you need it: This type of brush is "amazing for blending and buffing foundation on to the skin. The shape is perfect for a smooth application and will really work to cover pores for a flawless finish.
How to use it: It is best used by dipping the brush into foundation and buffing it on to skin using a circular motion. Start on the cheeks and blend back towards the hairline.
Powder brush
The brush: A soft, round, large natural brush. Try Mally Natural Hair Powder Brush, $30.
Why you need it: This is a must-have brush for dusting powder on the face. You will use less product than with a puff and it gives a more even, natural-looking finish.
How to use it: Dip [your] brush in powder and tap off excess, [then] using a sweeping motion, brush lightly over skin following the natural contours of the face.
Blush/bronzer brush
The brush: A soft, medium-sized dome-shaped natural brush. Try Avon Ergonomic Blush Brush, $5.99.
Why you need it: A blush brush that is ultra soft and has long bristles, so as not to "disturb foundation or irritate the skin," is ideal for giving color and life to the cheeks.
How to use it: Use the brush to sweep blush and bronzer upwards onto the cheekbones -- from the apple of the cheek up towards the ear.
Eyeshadow brush
The brush: A small, stiff, flat natural brush. Try Sonia Kashuk Tools Eye Shadow Brush, $12.99.
Why you need it: This is the brush you need "to apply allover eyeshadow color," as it will give your lids a smooth finish and more intense pigment than a fluffier brush would.
How to use it: Sweep shadow over the lids from the inside of the eye, outwards.
Eyeshadow blending brush
The brush: A flower-shaped, soft natural brush. Try MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush, $29.
Why you need it: "This is the ultimate blending brush for eyes, as it can really get into the crease of your eye and define your lid with precision.
How to use it: "Dip the tip of the brush into [your] eyeshadow using a circular motion and then tap off the excess [product]. Then, "just using the tip of the brush, start on the outer edge of the eye crease and blend backwards and forwards through the crease using a windshield wiper action. This will contour your eye and work to give you a smoky eye look.
Eyeliner/brow brush
The brush: A small angled natural or synthetic brush. Try Eco Tools Bamboo Angled Eyeliner Brush, $4.99.
Why you need it: It's multi-purpose as it can be used on your lashline for eyeliner and your brow to fill it in. Plus it is the most user-friendly of the eyeliner brushes due to its easy-to-maneuver slanted angle.
How to use it: To apply liner placing the brush on the inner corner of the eye and pressing into the lashline, "walking" the brush across to create a perfect line. To create "a winged edge," by simply pulling "out slightly past the edge of the eye." For the eyebrows, use it to "fill in sparse brows with powder," by using short strokes over your natural brow shape.
Lip brush
The brush: A small, flat, round-tipped brush. Try Mary Kay Retractable Lip Brush, $5.
Why you need it: It's the best-shaped brush for "a defined lip," and will make a precise lip color application easy.
How to use it: After lining lips, cover [the] brush with lipstick then starting at the center of the lips blend out to edges. Using the tip of the brush, define [the] edges by using short precise strokes to blend liner and lipstick together.
How to clean your brushes
Now that you've purchased your perfect set of brushes, it's time to learn how to protect your investment by keeping them germ- and bacteria-free. Do this by cleaning, sanitizing and properly drying them regularly. Here's how:
Use a brush cleaner once a week (try Colorescience Pro Makeup Tools Brush Cleaner Spray, $10). Spray it "onto a Kleenex and sweep the brush back and forth to remove the makeup.
For a deeper clean, wash your brushes with shampoo. Add a drop of shampoo to a cup half full of warm water. Swirl the brushes around and then thoroughly rinse. Then let them dry flat [on a towel], because if they dry upright, the water will drain into the metal casing and break down the glue causing bristle loss.
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