A makeup brush is a brush with bristles that is used to apply cosmetics or face paint. The bristles can be composed of natural or synthetic materials, while the handle is typically made of plastic or wood. Cosmetics blend better into the skin when applied with a suitable brush. Makeup brushes come in a wide range of forms and sizes, depending on the face on which makeup will be applied, the cosmetic product used, and the desired outcome. The brush tip, for example, can be chiselled, straight, angular, round, flat, or tapered.
A quality brush collection is a must-have for any cosmetics enthusiast. Brushes not only make it easier to apply makeup, but they also allow the cosmetics to go on smoothly and evenly, resulting in a more flawless finish. Brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it's crucial to know which ones to use in the beauty regimen to prevent using the wrong one. Some of the important face, eye, and lip brushes and their usage to add to the collection as recommended by experts, celebrity makeup artists are tapered foundation brush, stippling brush, blush brush, beauty blender, kabuki brush, powder brush, fan brush, contour brush, silicone blender, eyebrow brush, eyeliner brush, mascara brush, angled eye shadow brush, eye shadow crease brush, brow brush, lip brush, and lip liner brush.
What are the Types of Face Makeup Brushes?
A face brush allows for a more accurate application of cosmetics, making it appear more natural. It also makes blending rough lines on the face easier. Using face makeup brushes not only results in a flawless finish, but it also prevents oils and bacteria from plugging pores if the brushes are kept clean.
The various varieties of face makeup brushes are listed below.
- Tapered Foundation Brush: This brush is used to apply liquid foundation by swiping back and forth until it is dispersed.
- Stippling Brush: This brush works well for buffing liquid, cream, or mousse foundation.
- Blush Brush: This is a medium-sized blush that can be used to apply and mix blush and bronzer.
- Beauty Blender: This is a sponge with a bulb shape that is ideal for patting and blending liquid foundation and concealer.
- Kabuki Brush: This is a short, stubby brush that is used to apply powder foundation in small circular strokes.
- Powder Brush: This is a broad, fluffy brush that is ideal for putting liquid foundation over the top.
- Fan Brush: A fan brush is a flat makeup brush that is used to apply highlighter, blush, and bronzer.
- Contour Brush: A contour brush is a thinner version of a powder brush that is used to define the face.
- Silicone Blender: The silicon blender is fully flat and formed of a rubbery, silicone material that is used to apply foundation smoothly.
1. Tapered Foundation Brush
The flat, less full-form tapered foundation brush is normally flat with a modest taper. It's used on the face to blend cosmetics, conceal beneath the eyes, around the forehead, and under the cheekbones, and to make a perfect and exact application of foundation. It's intended to be used with either a liquid or a cream foundation. When applying a blending cream or liquid foundation, a tapered foundation brush is essential for achieving a precise streak-free finish. The average price for a tapered foundation brush will range from £9.62 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
2. Stippling Brush
The appearance of a stippled brush is striking. It usually has two sets of bristles as well as a blunt edge. The stippling brush is used to put different amounts of makeup on the face. It works well with foundation, blush, bronzer, powder, and highlighter. It can also be used to apply liquid and cream products. A stippling brush is essential for concealing blemishes and achieving a flawless complexion. The average price for a stippling brush will range from £4.59 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
3. Blush Brush
A blush brush resembles a powder brush in appearance. The blush brush is a little stubbier than a powder brush, however, it only covers a tiny area. It is used to impart colour and brightness to the skin of the face, mainly on the cheeks. It's intended to be used with bronzer and blush. The purpose of a blush brush is to apply a thick layer of colour to the cheeks while blending it out easily. The average price for a blush brush will range from £5.35 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
4. Beauty Blender
The beauty blender is a YouTube beauty star's go-to makeup tool. The beauty blender helps in the proper mixing of a variety of products. It's generally used on the face to mix makeup flawlessly and effortlessly. It's intended to be used with foundations, BB creams, concealers, and other similar products. The beauty blender's purpose is to make the foundation practically flawless. The average price for a beauty blender will range from £7.81 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
5. Kabuki Brush
The Kabuki brush is one of the most expressive brushes available. It is usually of the bigger variety, with firmly packed fibres, but a travel-sized tiny kabuki brush is also available. The Kabuki brush is typically used for buffing foundation, layering powder, and dusting blush and bronzer on the face and body. The kabuki brush's purpose is to make the application swift and effortless while achieving a flawless finish. The average price for a kabuki brush will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
6. Powder Brush
Unlike a foundation brush, a powder brush has soft, fluffy hairs that aren't densely packed. It's mostly used on the face to evenly disseminate powder. It's intended to be used with powder products that are either pressed or loose, such as setting powder, finishing powder, powder foundation, or powder highlighter. A powder brush is a must-have for any beauty brush collection since it helps blend and achieve a delicate wash of colour with any makeup product. The average price for a powder brush will range from £9.19 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
7. Fan Brush
A fan brush contains ultra-light bristles and is shaped like a surprise fan. It's used to apply on the face with a thin dusting of powder highlighter to the cheekbones and the tip of the nose. It's used with bronzer and highlighter on the face. A fan brush is useful for dusting off extra eyeshadow powder fallout and enhancing the shape of the face with highlighters. The average price for a fan brush will range from £4.59 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
8. Contour Brush
A contour brush is an artistry brush with tightly packed bristles that is large, flat, and structured. It's usually used on the face to define the cheekbones, forehead, jawline, and nose, as well as to give it a sculpted appearance. The contour brush works well with contour palettes, powder, liquid, and cream stick formulas. The average price for a contour brush will range from £7.65 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
9. Silicone Blender
A silicone blender is often oval or teardrop-shaped and flat. It's a silicone-based makeup blender with a rubbery texture. The silicone blender is designed to be used with foundation, concealer, and face powder to create an effortless finish look on the face. The purpose of a silicone blender is to help in the smooth and natural application of cosmetics. The average price for a silicone blender will range from £5.66 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand's choice.
What are the Eye Area Makeup Brushes?
Eye makeup brushes are used to apply shadows uniformly across the eyelids, emphasise the inner corners of the eyes, smoke out the lower lash line with eyeshadow or eyeliner, and define the margins of the eyes and brows.
Some eye makeup brushes are listed below.
- Eyebrow Brush: The bristles on the brow brush are longer and thinner, making them more durable.
- Eyeliner Brush: It is constructed of synthetic fibres and has a tapered end with few bristles, allowing for the sharpest and most precise winged eyeliner.
- Mascara Wand: Mascara wands are normally included with mascara, although disposable mascara brushes can also be used, especially when applying mascara to different people.
- Angled Eyeshadow Brush: This brush has an angle and is composed of natural fibres. It is used to apply deeper shades to the outer corners of the eye for a more detailed appearance.
- Eyeshadow Crease Brush: This brush has a tapered cut and can be constructed with natural or synthetic bristles. It is significantly smaller and blends out the crease colour well.
1. Eyebrow Brush
The brow brush has a precisely tapered tip that makes the application simple. It is used on the brows to create precisely defined, soft brows and is used with eyebrow powder. The purpose of an eyebrow brush is to blend the makeup evenly and make the brows appear more natural. The average price for an eyebrow brush will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
2. Eyeliner Brush
An eyeliner brush is a thin, sparse-tipped brush used to create tiny lines. It is primarily used to define the eyes and to make or draw a wing on the eye line. It is used with powder eyeliners. The purpose of an eyeliner brush is to provide and help in creating a delicate and natural look on the eye, as well as a flawless blend of eyeshadow. The average price for an eyeliner brush will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
3. Mascara Wand
The classic comb-like mascara wand is the most popular and preferred among lash enthusiasts. This wand adds length and fullness to the lashes. It applies to the eyelashes to make them appear bigger and more defined. It is used with mascara and other beauty products. The use of a mascara brush allows the mascara formula to properly coat each lash for maximum volume and effect. The average price for a mascara wand will range from £0.69 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
4. Angled EyeShadow Brush
An angled eyeshadow brush comprises small, condensed brush strands that are used to apply eyeshadow smoothly and evenly. It's mostly used on the eyes to create a soft wash of colour on the lids, brow bone, and inside the crease. It is used with eyeshadow pallet makeup items. An angled eyeshadow brush is useful for adding dramatic colours to the corner of the eye, precise smudging, and lining the crease with contrasting colours. The average price of the angled eyeshadow brush will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
5. Eye Shadow Crease Brush
An eye shadow crease brush helps in the application of colour even in difficult-to-reach areas. It is primarily used on the eyelids to impart dimension and depth to the eye look. It is used with eyeshadow pallet makeup items. The importance of an eye shadow crease brush makes it much easier to apply colour into the crease of the eyelid, with the form of the brush allowing for highly accurate placement of eyeshadow. The average price for an eyeshadow crease brush will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
What are the Lip Brushes?
Lip brushes are makeup application tools that are used to evenly apply lip products. Lip brushes are used to blend out lip liner for a less harsh appearance. With a brush, the cosmetic product can be applied lightly, smoothly, and evenly with no additional coats. Lip brushes are designed to apply lip cosmetics precisely, preventing lip products from smearing outside the lip line.
Some of the lip brushes are listed below.
- Lip Brush: This brush is used to fill in the lips with the lip colour of one's choice, and it applies evenly.
- Lip Liner Brush: This brush is larger than the fine liner brush and is used to create a clean outline on the lips.
1. Lip Brush
A lip brush is a type of makeup application tool that is often a long, thin pencil-like wand with soft bristles that form a tapered end. It is generally used on the lips to apply lip cosmetics evenly. It is intended for use with any lip product, including lipstick and lip gloss. A lip brush is essential for creating dimensional, eye-catching colour and precise lines. The average price will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
2. Lip Liner Brush
A lip liner brush is a flat and tapered lip liner that is used to complete the lip look. It is mostly used on the lips to assist lip products to stay on longer without bleeding. It is designed to be used with different types of lipstick and lip liner. The importance of lip liner is to enhance the lips and applies colour precisely and accurately. The average price for a lip liner brush will range from £2.30 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.
How to Choose Best Makeup Brush Types
Choosing makeup brushes can be quite overwhelming, whether a professional makeup artist, a cosmetics lover or just a regular makeup wearer. The ideal type of makeup brush is one with natural fibres and a dome-shaped tip. Its bristles should be gentle, not rough or scratchy, and remain unbroken. For the best makeup brush types, quality brushes should always take priority over quantity. A high price tag does not always imply great quality. Choose high-quality goods and remember to take care of and clean the brushes on a regular basis for the best makeup results.
Which Makeup Brushes are Best for Beginners?
There's no denying that having a comprehensive selection of makeup brushes can make or break a look, but figuring out which ones to use can be difficult for a beginner. Some of the must have makeup brushes for beginners include the foundation kabuki brush, concealer brush, double-ended brow brush, multitasking eyeshadow brush, blending brush, eyeliner brush, fan brush, and large contour brush, large powder brush, and all-rounder brush. A beginner-friendly makeup brush will make it easier for them to apply makeup and create smooth results. The thorough procedure for cleaning makeup brushes includes water and either light soap or brush cleanser. Regular soap can cause the bristles to dry out, especially if they're composed of natural hair.
Which Makeup Brushes are the Most Popular?
The most popular makeup brushes include the Still Double-Ended Complexion Brush, the Japonesque Blush Brush, the Surratt Artistique Face Brush, the LYS Foundation Brush, the Westmore Double Feature Blush Brush, the Zoeva Luxe Powder Fusion blush, the Hakuhodo Powder Brush, the Senna Brow Pro 40 Synthetic, the Louise Young LY38B, and the Mac Cosmetics 217. These high-quality makeup brushes deliver colour evenly and blend effortlessly without hurting the skin or producing patchiness. If properly cleaned, these high-quality cosmetic brushes will survive years of use. When caring for makeup brushes, it is important to keep them clean and clear of foundation and eye shadow residue. While having clean brushes 100 percent of the time may not be possible, it should be a priority.
Does the Maintenance of Makeup Brushes Change According to Their Types?
In an ideal world, brushes should be cleaned after every use. Makeup users and enthusiasts should be able to know the proper way on how to maintain a makeup brush. Brushes used for powder cosmetics, such as blushes and bronzers, should usually be cleaned once or twice a week. Daily cleaning is recommended for liquid foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows, as they are more susceptible to containing bacteria that might cause infections. Lastly, sponges should be washed after each use; they potentially harbour bacteria far more easily than brushes can since they are used wet and remain wet for an extended period of time after usage. While cleaning and maintaining the brush regularly is beneficial, they will not last indefinitely. According to an expert at Elle magazine, beauty lovers and regular users should replace their brushes every three months if they begin to shed, smell, or discolour. In Style recommends replacing blending sponges every three months, if not two—and that's assuming they're kept clean.