A good set of makeup brushes, without spending a fortune, is a must-have tool for your makeup application. In this article, discover:
- the benefits of using makeup brushes,
- synthetic versus natural makeup brushes,
- the parts of a makeup brush (so you can better use them),
- thirteen types available,
- the best brushes for each type of makeup you are applying
Benefits to Using Makeup Brushes
Plainly put, makeup brushes are specifically designed tools to blend cosmetics into the skin. The result is proper and improved coverage, less cakeyness, more control, and an even application.
The Reason to Use Makeup Brushes as We Age
As we age, better makeup coverage, improved blending, and greater control of our cosmetics become treasured and important.
When we are young, our supple skin allows for less attention and consideration.
Makeup brushes are a must-have makeup tool for anyone over 30 or anyone using makeup to cover up or enhance.
Makeup brushes also make the most of your makeup and look.
When using the best brush for the task, you will experience more pleasure in your makeup application with less product waste and an overall improved look.
Synthetic Versus Natural Makeup Brushes
Synthetic
Synthetic makeup brushes are made of man-made bristles such as nylon, micro-fiber or other synthetic fibers.
Synthetic makeup brushes are easy to clean and because they do not have layers (or a cuticle) like a human or animal hair, makeup doesn’t get trapped in the bristles.
Synthetic bristles can be designed to be flatter and stiffer allowing more control.
Natural
Natural makeup brushes are made out of animal hairs and fur typically from boars, squirrels, and goats.
Used by professionals, natural makeup brushes are amazing yet certainly cost more and are made with animal products.
With the technology of fabrics available today, synthetic brushes can be just as effective as natural makeup brushes.
Personally, I prefer non-animal products when available in a quality product.
Shape, Texture, Length
The shape, bristle texture and bristle length of a makeup brush are designed specifically for the type of makeup for the application.
- Thicker brushes and bristles hold more product.
- Flat, thin bristles are for specific control, contouring and outlining.
- Longer, light brush bristles distribute powders.
General Parts of a Makeup Brush
- Toe (application end)
- Belly (middle)
- Heel (base)
- Handle
I Am Featuring Pure Anada© Makeup Brushes to Show Makeup Brushes and What They Do
For 25% off at Pure Anada, go to this link and enter this discount code upon checkout: CleverGirlPureAnada
- I use these brushes
- The synthetic bristles are vegan and cruelty-free, and the handles are made of sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo
- They are of good quality and price
- They are easy and all in one place – it’s easy to purchase the set or individually
- They have all the brushes one would need for application, especially for a beginner
- They had images I could use as examples
- I believe in their mission and I love and use their cosmetics
I. Flat Top Foundation Brush
With a variety of foundation brushes to choose from (angled, flat, fluffy, and domed), a flat top foundation brush is the best style of foundation brush as it applies the product well and evenly.
Flat on the “toe”; thick in the “belly”; and short bristles.
Designed for effective coverage and blending.
Use this type of brush with your: Mineral, Liquid or Cream Foundations Purchase here from Pure Anada©
II. Blending Face Brush
Powder brushes have soft, fluffy and long bristles designed to distribute loose powder evenly across your face without dispensing too much product and making your makeup look cakey.
Depending on the size, you could also get away with applying blush or bronzer with this type of brush.
Flat on the “toe”; thick in the “belly”; and longer soft bristles.
Designed for effective coverage and blending.
Use this type of brush with your: Loose Powder, Blush or Bronzer Purchase here from Pure Anada©
III. Deluxe Blush Brush
A blush brush is smaller than a powder brush and features a dome shape with long, super-soft bristles.
This brush allows you to apply a more concentrated product than a powder brush, while still allowing you to blend and build color.
Use this type of brush with your: Blush or Bronzer. Purchase here from Pure Anada©
IV. Contour Crease Brush
There are three types of eyeshadow brushes in this line.
This one is small and slightly more pointed at the toe. This shape helps you apply and blend products into the crease of your eye with ease.
“This brush is great for getting a concentrated deep color in the crease to really add drama to your eyeshadow look.” – PA
Use this type of brush with your: Eye Shadow Purchase here from Pure Anada©
V. Duo Eye Brush
This brush has several uses. One end is small, flat, and domed. This end helps you apply and blend eye shadow into the eyelid with ease.
The other end is an angled, short, thin, brush. Handy for applying all kinds of eye makeup products such as:
- Detailed eyeshadow effects
- Applying color along the eyelash line or inner corner of the eye
- Powdered eyeliners
- Powdered brow liners, pomades, and waxes
Use this type of brush with your: Eyeshadow, Powdered Eye Liner, Brow Powder Purchase here from Pure Anada©
VI. Eyebrow Spoolie
A spoolie is convenient for grooming your brows and blending the color product once applied especially when using a brow powder or brow liner.
I recommend this one of long-term quality on Amazon: Jane Iredale Deluxe Spoolie Brush
Use this type of brush with your: Eyebrow Wax, Eyebrow Powder
VII. Mini Kabuki Brush
Kabuki brushes are for applying powder, or bronzer or for blending any foundation.
These brushes are sometimes flat-topped, very soft with a lot of bristles. Plus, the name is fun to say.
Use this type of brush with your: Powders, Bronzer, Foundations for Blending Purchase here from Pure Anada©
VIII. Tapered Blending Eye Brush
A third eyeshadow brush.
A must-have for eyeshadow application with fluffy bristles, medium in length and a domed toe.
This type of eyeshadow brush is for applying soft, volume of shadow to the lid and blending the color out.
Use this type of brush with your: Eyeshadow Overall Main Color “A fluffy blending eyeshadow brush great for a diffused shadow in the crease. Or perfect to blend your eyeshadow or even to blend concealer lines.” – Pure Anada© Purchase here from Pure Anada©
IX. Pure Anada© Brush Set
If you prefer a set. Easy!
This set has shorter handles than the individually purchased brushes. Great for everyday use and travel.
Set includes six brushes: – Foundation – Mini flat-top foundation brush – Blush – Deluxe Blush Brush – Eye Shadow – Oval shadow brush – Eye Shadow – Contour shadow brush – Eye Shadow – Tapered Blending Eye Brush – Liner/Brows – Angled Liner/Brow brush Does not include the Mini Kabuki Brush.
The price difference is $35 for the set, vs each separate (not including Mini Kabuki Brush = $35 set + $12 Kabuki Brush = $47 Each brush separately = $73 + $12 Kabuki Brush = $85 Purchase here from Pure Anada©
X. Lip Brush
Lip brushes are great for applying lip color – especially darker shades.
The color stays on longer, you can be precise especially around the edges of your lips and for outlining.
You can also apply a second layer of lipstick with a lip brush.
A retractable one is great for your handbag.
Use this type of brush with your: Lipstick Purchase here from Pure Anada
XI. Concealer Brush
Concealer brushes are amazing for applying concealer.
Applying from a tube or with a fingertip is not the same. If you haven’t tried a concealer brush, you are in for a treat for coverage.
Be sure to clean these brushes often as they do come in contact with pimples. The Lip Brush/Concealer Brush is great for keeping in your handbag.
Use this type of brush with your: Concealer
XII. Contour Brush
Contouring brushes are typically angled and have soft, dense bristles that allow you to apply a concentrated amount of highlighter or bronzer in specific areas.
The idea of a contour brush is to fit should fit nicely under your cheekbone or cheekbones to contour those areas with the right angle.
Use this type of brush with your: Highlighter or Bronzer
XIII. Fan Brush
Fan brushes are great for applying highlights perfectly and cleaning up powder makeup.
Designed with ultralight bristles, they elegantly apply delicate amounts of powder to your cheekbones, the tip of your nose or other areas you want to highlight.
A real treat in makeup brushes. Use this type of brush with your: highlighter.
Summary
I hope this post gave you plenty of information to help with your makeup brush decisions.
- Which type to buy – Synthetic or Natural
- A brand to buy – Pure Anada
- How to use brush types for which cosmetics
- Why to use makeup brushes for mature skin
Check out Pure Anada’s brushes for a good start. I know you will be pleased with them and don’t forget the coupon code for 25% off: CleverGirlPureAnada
Just for fun
Here is an article on the History of Makeup Brushes
What makeup application is your favorite?