The Types of Makeup Brushes & Uses: Face Makeup Edition
Learn about the types of makeup brushes, what you should use them for & the best application method for the perfect makeup application. Find out more.
While your beauty routine may feature the most high performing, pigmented and cult status makeup products, the final look and longevity can all come down to the brushes you use. In makeup, just like other forms of artistry and painting, various brushes are used for different applications and effects. Aligning a high-quality, soft and effective brush with each element of your overall makeup look is one of the defining factors in producing a flawless face. But where should you start when curating your ultimate brush wardrobe? If youβre wondering what the different types of makeup brushes and their uses are, or how to use different makeup brushes, continue reading this expert guide.
What Are The Different Types of Makeup Brushes?
So, what makeup brush type should feature in your morning routine? When selecting your go-to beauty brushes, itβs vital to match makeup brush types to your mainstay products. For example, a foundation brush is made specifically to apply a liquid base product for your seamless canvas, while an angular brush will sweep blush effortlessly onto your cheekβs natural contour. Shape, size and angles are everything when it comes to matching your beauty products with the best type of makeup brushes. Letβs delve into the lineup.
1. Foundation Brushes
Our first and fundamental makeup brush type is dedicated to foundation makeup: the likely first step in your daily beauty look. Foundation brushes are typically dense and help to blend out liquid or powder foundations for an airbrushed finish. Foundation makeup brush types with synthetic bristles are much easier to clean and are ideal for applying both liquid and powder foundations.
The IT Cosmetics IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Foundation & Concealer Perfection Brush #7 fits the brief - vegan and made for sensitive skin types, the super-plush domed foundation buffer was crafted for airbrushed applications. You can use it to apply foundation or powder to achieve an even and blurred base. If youβre stuck on how to use this type of makeup brush, here are our pro tips on getting it done.
How to Use Foundation Makeup Brushes
If youβre a powder operator, we suggest gently holding the soft-touch handle of your foundation brush and swirling it into the product. Then, dust the product onto your skin in circular motions for a smooth and natural finish. This foundation hack can help to blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles in the blink of an eye. For liquid or cream foundation products, start to buff out and blend your product at the centre of your face and swipe outwards to create an even layer all over. Set your look with the IT Cosmetics IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray for additional wear time.
2. Flat Buffing Foundation Brush
A Flat Buffing Foundation Brush is perfect for liquid foundation application. This type of makeup brush is densely packed with a flat brush head and a generous surface area. This allows for streak-free application and perfectly blended makeup every time.
Our Heavenly Luxe Flat Buffing Foundation Brush #6 is an ultra-luxe, ultra-lush foundation buffing brush that allows you to create a perfect airbrushed finish. Seamlessly buff and blend foundation to help blur the appearance of imperfections, while giving you the freedom of buildable coverage.
How to Use Flat Buffing Foundation Brush #6
Gently hold the soft touch handle and buff the foundation or CC Cream into your skin using circular motions. For best results, start to buff out and blend foundation at the centre of your face and swipe upwards to create an even layer all over. Once you have achieved your desired coverage, set your foundation in place with a setting powder.
3. Concealer Brushes
While Concealer is usually deposited in hard-to-reach crevices like the under eyes, the eyelids, the outskirts of the nose, and any blemishes - a concealer brush is a small makeup brush which helps to blend out the product where applied. This makeup brush type requires a smaller brush head for precision retouching to blend concealer in a concentrated area.
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Foundation & Concealer Perfection Brush #7 is a 2-in-1 concealer brush option, with both a flat and tapered end. The round, fluffy end buffs away imperfections for an airbrushed finish, while the flat end will help to smooth concealer in hard-to-reach spots.
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Foundation & Concealer Perfection Brush #7 is a certified multitasker, designed for both powder and liquid concealer work. Achieving an airbrushed look at home has never been so attainable, with a brush built to blend and buff out your concealer effortlessly. Its ultra-soft synthetic bristles are cruelty-free and vegan, as well as playing nicely with sensitive skin types.
How to Use Concealer Makeup Brushes
Dot a small amount of the concealer over any areas or imperfections you are looking to conceal. Use a flat-end brush to buff the product into the skin, using a dabbing motion. Blend out the edges with a fluffy tapered brush to create a blurred complexion.
4. Blush Brushes
Among all the different types of makeup brushes, nailing your go-to blush brush can be the make or break element of your routine. A well-placed blush has the power to warm up and contour the face, lifting cheekbones and bringing the overall look together. Your cheek products deserve a brush that deposits them tactfully and flawlessly, with the ability to blend into the illusion of a natural flush or glow. The best makeup brush type is one with an angle crafted to hug the curves of the face, while allowing blended, even application.
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush #4 is a strong contender for your hero cheek wand. Made with indulgent, award-winning Heavenly Luxeβ’ synthetic hair, the precision-cut brush head fits perfectly with the natural curvature of your cheeks, resulting in a blurred, natural-looking luminosity. The brush also comes complete with a stylish and easy-to-grip handle that almost does the work for you. Expect luxury, ease and a flawless finish.
How to Use Blush Brush
Simply sweep your favourite blush onto the cheekbones in an upward motion. Then blend product toward the hairline to βliftβ your face. If you are wanting to also use a blush brush for bronzer, make sure to clean the brush in between uses to avoid mixing colour pigments and altering your makeup look.
5. Face Powder Brushes
Face powder brushes typically include a dense, fluffy brush head. This allows for a sweeping application of your favourite setting powder to achieve a long wear makeup look. Depending on where you would like the setting powder applied, there are a range of sizes available in the face powder brush to cater to your needs. Whether you're applying loose or pressed setting powder, choose a face powder brush with high-quality bristles that will pick up the product and distribute it evenly.
How To Use Face Powder Brush:
For pressed face powders, swirl the face powder brush on the pan and gently tap the product all over your foundation. Applying loose-setting powder is similar, however, ensure you tap off any excess product before applying.
6. Kabuki Brush
Face powder brushes typically include a dense, fluffy brush head. This allows for a sweeping application of your favourite setting powder to achieve a long wear makeup look. Depending on where you would like the setting powder applied, there are a range of sizes available in the face powder brush to cater to your needs. Whether you're applying loose or pressed setting powder, choose a face powder brush with high-quality bristles that will pick up the product and distribute it evenly.
How to Use a Kabuki Brush:
A kabuki brush is a versatile brush that can be used to blend out foundation, buff your blush or bronzer and apply setting powder. Use the tips of the kabuki brush to uck up the product then apply in circular motions to ensure the product is distributed evenly and blended out.
7. Highlighter Brush
If you are wanting to achieve a natural glow, a highlighter brush is your new best friend. A highlighter brush usually offers a tapered brush or fan brush with long bristles to create a diffused effect. These brushes are best used for powder highlighters.
How to Use a Highlighter Brush:
Swirl your brush over powder highlighter, tap off excess and sweep the product over the high points of your face (cheekbones, tip of nose and brow bone). For an even heavier glow, spritz setting spray on the brush before picking up the product to enhance the glow of the powder highlighter.
Now that you know the difference between different face makeup brush types, explore how to pick the best cc cream for your skin type..
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