Makeup brushes come in dozens of shapes, which makes buying them confusing. The shape and density of a brush are what decide its job. Once you understand a few principles, you can look at any brush and tell what it is for, and you will find that a handful covers almost everything.
How to read a brush
- Dense, firm bristles pick up a lot of product and give more coverage. They suit liquids and creams.
- Loose, fluffy bristles pick up little and spread it softly. They suit powders and blending.
- Flat brushes pack color on.
- Rounded and tapered brushes blend and diffuse.
- Small brushes are for small areas and precise work.
Face brushes
| Brush | Shape | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation (buffing) | Dense, flat-topped or rounded | Blending liquid or cream foundation |
| Flat foundation | Flat, paddle-shaped | Painting foundation on; needs extra blending |
| Concealer | Small, flat or slightly fluffy | Covering spots and under-eye areas |
| Powder | Large, fluffy, rounded | Dusting setting or finishing powder |
| Blush | Medium, soft, rounded or angled | Applying blush to the cheeks |
| Bronzer | Large, soft, slightly dense | Sweeping bronzer on larger areas |
| Contour | Angled or narrow | Placing shadow under cheekbones |
| Highlighter or fan | Small tapered or fan-shaped | A light touch of highlight |
| Stippling | Two lengths of fiber | Sheer, airbrushed application of liquid or cream |
| Kabuki | Short handle, very dense | Buffing powder or mineral foundation |
Eye brushes
| Brush | Shape | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Shader | Flat, dense | Packing color onto the lid |
| Blending | Fluffy, tapered | Softening edges in the crease |
| Pencil | Small, pointed | Outer corner, lower lash line, detail |
| Angled | Thin, slanted | Brow powder, gel liner |
| Smudger | Short, dense | Smudging liner along the lashes |
| Spoolie | Mascara-wand shape | Brushing brows and separating lashes |
Lip brush
A small, firm, tapered brush gives a precise edge for bold lip colors.
The few brushes to start with
- A fluffy powder or blush brush.
- A dense foundation brush, or a makeup sponge instead. See Makeup Sponges: How to Use, Clean, and Replace Them.
- A flat eyeshadow shader.
- A fluffy eyeshadow blending brush.
- An angled brush with a spoolie for brows.
Add others only when you find a task that these do not handle. Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With lists the products to go with them.
Synthetic or natural bristles?
| Synthetic | Natural (animal hair) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best with | Liquids and creams; modern ones also work with powder | Powders |
| Absorbs product | Little | More |
| Cleaning | Easy, dries quickly | Needs gentler care |
| Other points | Animal-free, usually cheaper, good for sensitive skin | Soft pick-up of powder; costlier |
Good synthetic brushes now perform well for almost every task.
Signs of a good brush
- Bristles feel soft and do not scratch.
- Very few hairs come out when you tug gently.
- The metal collar (ferrule) is firmly attached and does not wobble.
- The brush springs back to shape after pressing.
- The handle is comfortable and balanced.
Price is not a reliable guide. Many affordable brushes are well made.
Using brushes well
- Pick up a small amount of product and tap off the excess.
- Hold the brush further from the bristles for a lighter touch.
- Use different brushes for light and dark shades, or wipe the brush on a dry towel between them.
- Use pressing movements to add color and sweeping or circular movements to blend. Makeup Blending: Brushes, Sponges, and Fingers compares brushes with sponges and fingers.
Care
Dirty brushes apply makeup unevenly and collect oil, dead skin and bacteria. Dermatologists recommend washing them regularly, about every 7 to 10 days for brushes used with foundation and concealer. How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home shows how. Store brushes upright in a cup, or flat in a case, away from steam.
For a first eye look using two of these brushes, see Eye Makeup for Beginners: Easy Steps to Follow.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home
- Makeup Blending: Brushes, Sponges, and Fingers
- Makeup Sponges: How to Use, Clean, and Replace Them
- Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With
- Eye Makeup for Beginners: Easy Steps to Follow
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
How many makeup brushes do I really need?
Four or five cover most routines: a powder or blush brush, a foundation brush or sponge, an eyeshadow shader, a blending brush and a brow brush.
Are expensive brushes worth it?
Not necessarily. Softness, density and construction matter more than price, and many inexpensive brushes are excellent.
Can I use one brush for several products?
Yes. A fluffy brush can apply powder, bronzer and blush if you wipe it on a towel between uses. Keep separate brushes for creams and powders.