MAKEUP BRUSHES 101: A Guide for Beginners

Makeup brushes plays an important role in makeup. Honestly before, I don't know the how to's about brushes until I read an article about the types and functions of makeup brushes, then it made me realize the number of brushes I need to learn to use.

So I made this guide about makeup brushes to help beginners (just like me) to familiarize the functions and uses of the different kinds of brushes. I do hope this post will be helpful :)

M A K E U P    B R U S H E S

Makeup brushes comes in two types:

SYNTHETIC HAIR BRUSHES. Most makeup brushes are made by synthetic hairs. It is also said that they are better in picking up liquid and cream products like BB Creams and Liquid Foundations. It also has less maintenance compared to the natural hair brushes.

ANIMAL/NATURAL HAIR BRUSHES. These brushes costs more than the synthetic ones (if I am not mistaken) but there are some sets that has both synthetic and natural hairs. Since they are actual hairs, they need a lot of caring, therefore high maintenance is required. They are also good for picking powder products because they are real hairs.

F A C E    B R U S H E S

FOUNDATION BRUSHES. This is used for applying foundation (of course), may it be liquid, cream, powder of minerals. It is normally made up of synthetic hair.

CLASSIC FOUNDATION BRUSH. This is often used when applying liquid foundations and BB Creams. Although it's not the easiest way to apply liquids and cream on the face since we are used to using out finger, some still use this for hygiene purposes. This also cause streaking when used.

FLAT TOP BRUSH / BUFFERING BRUSH. This is gives a full coverage because of it's density. Also, it consumes less time on retouching or buffing powder on the face. Since it has a flat top, creases will not be applied very well.

STIPPLING BRUSH. This gives you that airbrush finish. This is usually used for liquid foundations of BB Creams, but it's time consuming because you have to "pat" the product on you face. Other used the "swirl" motion, but it's still fine.

POWDER BRUSH. This has a big fluffy brush that is used to apply loose powders. This can also be used to blend everything on the face.

CONCEALER BRUSH. This is usually made of synthetic hair and used to cover blemishes on hard-to-reach areas around the face like the corners of the eyes due to it's small size. I looks like a small version of the classic foundation brush.

KABUKI BRUSH. It has this short stem and dense bristle and most likely be an all-around brush. The heads are most often round but though it can be also flat. This is handy for touch ups and even blush!

ANGLED FACE BRUSH / CONTOURING BRUSH. This is used to define your face, it gives it dimension so your face won't look "flat". It can also be used to apply blush, apply it under your cheekbones to make them standout. You can also define your nose, and forehead using this brush.

BLUSH BRUSH. It's a smaller version of powder brush. It's primary use it to apply blush.

FAN BRUSH. It is considered an all-around brush. This can be used for loose powder, blush and also for fall outs. It also gently sweeps bronzing powders and illuminator on the face.  This baby right here can be quite handy sometimes.

E Y E   B R U S H E S

EYEBROW BRUSH. This is usually made up of synthetic hair shaped as an angled brush and resembles a broad maker. Gives density. Used to apply powder and cream on the brows.

EYESHADOW BRUSH. Some are made out of animal hair, some synthetic. It comes in various sizes and shapes. Used to apply eyeshadow, contour the crease and the nose.

BLENDING BRUSH. This is used to blend eyeshadows and eliminate harsh lines on the lids. There are various blending brushes, the vary in size and shapes as well. They are also made out of synthetic or animal hair.

CREASE BRUSH. Used on the hallows of the eyes to blend and give that deep-set eyes effect. They are fluffy and soft and have different sizes as well.

 LIP BRUSH. Used to apply lipstick :) I personally don't use this and apply my lipstick straight from the tube because I'm stubborn enough to use a brush. lol.

O T H E R    B R U S H E S

BRUSH and COMB. This is used to blend out the eyebrow pencil when filling the brows. It's a tool that's always present in any brush set. Some also use it to have a more natural look on the brows.

SPOOLY. This is also used the same as the brush and comb --- to groom the brows. This can also be used on the lashes.

T H A T ' S    I T ! ! !

I hope this was a helpful guide for beginners who are not yet familiar while the wide variety of makeup brushes. You should know how to use and when to use a brush because it can either make you or break you. So we better choose wisely!

STAY BEAUTIFUL! ;)

photo source: www.google.com