The myriad of makeup brush types can be daunting – especially for beginners. However, knowing your blending brush from your liner brush can really help you to apply makeup just a little bit better.
Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush, $78, and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation in Radiant Beige, $39.99.
1. Foundation brush
Traditional tapered paintbrush-style foundation brushes work well, but for a polished finish, choose a dense, tightly packed brush to buff on liquid foundation in small circular motions. Try: Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush, $78, and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation in Radiant Beige, $39.99.
QVS Angled Eyeliner Brush, $11.99, and Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, $52
2. Liner brush
Easier to control than a liquid liner pen, the stiff, angled bristles allow for a sleek, defined line when applying a cream or gel liner. Start at the inner corner of the upper lid, pull the brush along the lash line and extend out at the end for a cat’s-eye flick.
Try: QVS Angled Eyeliner Brush, $11.99, and Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, $52.
Shiseido Powder Brush, $82, and Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Lovely Pink, $24.99
3. Powder brush
A dome shape with soft, fluffy bristles can do double duty to flawlessly blend powder over your whole face or precisely place blush and bronzer. An angled one works well for blush or applying a subtle contour just below the cheekbones.
Try: Shiseido Powder Brush, $82, and Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Lovely Pink, $24.99.
Natio Eyeshadow Brush, $16, and Rimmel Magnif’eyes Eyeshadow in #002 Smoky Quartz, $14.95.
4. All-over eyeshadow brush
Dense bristles enable you to pat on colour over the lid. For bold or dark shades, start with a wash of colour and build up gradually. For a smoky evening look, smudge a little shadow along the upper and lower lash lines.
Try: Natio Eyeshadow Brush, $16, and Rimmel Magnif’eyes Eyeshadow in #002 Smoky Quartz, $14.95.
5. Blending brush
Use this brush to shade the creases of the eyes and to seamlessly blend colour for an air-brushed finish. It’s also good for applying a very sheer wash of colour all over the lid or for a feather-light application of liquid concealer. Try: M.A.C 224 Tapered Blending Brush, $73, and Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Eyeshadow in Shimmering Taupe, $49.
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