There are a lot of makeup brushes out there for people who want to get detailed with their artistry, but for basic face coverage, there are three core brush types everyone who uses makeup needs to know. You can get by without understanding the finer points of the brushes used for mascara, eyeliner, or even eye shadow, but understanding how to make your facial coverage look natural is something no one can skip.
Foundation Brush
The foundation brush is easy to spot because it is designed to apply product across a fairly large portion of the face at once and to do so evenly. That means it is generally wide, with shorter bristles and a gentle slope. It should pick up either powder or liquid foundation quickly and apply it thoroughly. There are a few variations to the size and shape across brands, which makes it easy to shop for a design that works with your hands and face for a comfortable application. Remember, when shopping for makeup brushes the most important feature is your ability to control the brush comfortably.
Contour Brush
Contour brushes can come in a variety of shapes, but the most common ones are flat or fan-shaped. If you only go for one, consider the contour pattern you are most comfortable with and think about which brush shape would help you define those lines best. For a fully textured contour, it is a good idea to get two of these brushes, but a basic look can make it work with one.
The goal behind the contour brush is to give you control over how your contour color lines and gradients spread, allowing you to evenly grade areas together as needed or to draw sharp boundary lines in the places you want them for your next photo session. Many experienced makeup artists use a set of brushes for different areas of the face, like a nose contour brush alongside a flat one and a fan.
Blush Brush
The blush brush is immediately recognizable for its plump appearance. The end tends to have the same rounded shape as a foundation brush, but the bristles are typically several times longer than you would expect for a foundation brush designed to work with liquids, semi-solids, and solid bases alike. Blush brushes are powder brushes, designed to pick up a lot of color at once and to help you move it where you want it with style.Depending on how you use the brush, you can deliver a lot of concentrated color at once or slowly layer it, which is why it has the shape it does. Some people who use exclusively powder foundations opt for two blush brushes instead of a foundation brush and a blush brush because both are essentially color brushes at that point, but that can make them easy to mix up, so be careful if you dabble with that approach. It’s easier to tell your foundation brush apart from your blush brush if they have different shapes. Keep that in mind as you shop for new brushes today.
Remember, while having the right brushes is crucial for achieving a flawless makeup look, it’s just as important to take care of your skin. Incorporating high-quality skin care products into your routine can create the perfect base for makeup application, enhancing the final result. Properly cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin not only makes your makeup look better but also helps maintain healthy skin in the long run. By combining the right skin care with the right brushes, you’ll achieve a beautiful and lasting look.
