Investing in a quality set of makeup brushes is an essential step for any aspiring makeup enthusiast. While fingers and sponges can be used to apply makeup, makeup brushes offer superior control, precision, and hygiene.. They allow for a more even application of product, minimizing streaks and ensuring a flawless finish. In this guide, we will explore the 7 essential makeup brushes that every beginner should consider adding to their collection. Whether you’re just starting your makeup journey or looking to upgrade your tools, this guide on how to choose makeup brushes for beginners will help you make the perfect choice.
1. Powder Brush:
The powder brush is usually large and fluffy with soft, loosely packed bristles. This design allows for a light and even distribution of powder products. It’s often made with natural or synthetic fibers. The large surface area covers a wider portion of the face quickly.
What it’s used for:
The main purpose of a powder brush is to apply loose or pressed powder to set makeup, which also helps to prolong wear. It’s mostly used for:
- Setting foundation and concealer.
- Applying finishing powder for a smooth, matte finish.
- Dusting on bronzer or blush for a softer, more diffused look (though dedicated brushes are often preferred for these).
How to use it:
- Swirl the brush lightly in the powder product, tapping off any excess. This prevents a heavy, cakey application.
- Apply the powder to your face using gentle, sweeping motions. Focus on areas prone to shine, such as the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone).
- For a lighter application, use a circular buffing motion.
- Avoid pressing the brush too hard against the skin.
Why it’s essential:
A powder brush is needed for setting your makeup and preventing it from creasing or sliding throughout the day. Using a brush provides a much more even and controlled application than using a sponge or puff would, resulting in a natural, flawless finish. It also helps to control oil and minimize shine, keeping your makeup looking fresh for longer.
2. Foundation Brush:
Foundation brushes come in various shapes and sizes, but they generally feature dense bristles designed to blend liquid, cream, or even some powder foundations evenly onto the skin.
What it’s used for:
Foundation brushes are used to apply and blend foundation evenly, creating a smooth and flawless base for the rest of your makeup. It’s used for:
- Applying liquid foundation.
- Applying cream foundation.
- Blending out concealer (in some cases).
- Building coverage from sheer to full.
How to use it:
- For Flat Brushes: Apply dots of foundation directly onto the face or the back of your hand. Use the brush to pick up the product and apply it to the face using short, even strokes. Blend outwards from the center of the face.
- For Round/Buffing Brushes: Apply foundation to the face or back of the hand. Use the brush in circular buffing motions to blend the product into the skin.
- For Angled Brushes: Use the angled edge to apply foundatio n around the nose, eyes, and other contoured areas.
Why it’s essential:
A good foundation brush is important for achieving a smooth, even, and streak-free finish. It allows for better control and precision than using fingers or sponges, especially for building coverage and blending in hard-to-reach areas. Using a brush also helps to minimize product waste and create a more professional-looking makeup application. It helps to avoid a cakey look and create a natural-looking base.
3. Concealer Brush:
Concealer brushes are usually small and come in various shapes designed for precisely applying concealer under the eyes to cover dark circles and blemishes. This makeup brush has a pointed tip that allows for easy blending and minimizes any harsh lines.
What it’s used for:
The primary purpose of a concealer brush is to precisely apply and blend concealer to cover imperfections, such as:
- Dark circles under the eyes.
- Blemishes and acne scars.
- Redness around the nose and mouth.
- Hyperpigmentation and age spots.
How to use it:
- For Tapered Brushes: Dip the tip of the brush into the concealer and gently dab it onto the area you want to cover. Use light tapping or stippling motions to blend the concealer into the skin. Avoid dragging or pulling the brush, especially under the eyes.
- For Flat Brushes: Apply concealer directly to the area or onto the back of your hand. Use the brush to pick up the product and gently pat it onto the skin. Blend the edges seamlessly.
- For Round Brushes: Apply concealer as desired, then use the round brush in small, circular motions to blend the product into the skin for a natural finish.
Why it’s essential:
A concealer brush is essential for achieving precise and seamless coverage, especially in small, delicate areas. It allows for better control than using fingers, preventing a cakey or uneven application. Using a brush can also help to:
- Prevent the transfer of oils and bacteria from your fingers to your face, which can contribute to breakouts.
- Create a more natural-looking finish by blending the concealer seamlessly into the surrounding skin.
- Brighten the under-eye area by precisely applying concealer in the inner corner and blending outwards.
4. Blending Brush:
Blending brushes are typically fluffy and have soft bristles, often with a dome shape, though they can also be tapered or slightly pointed. The key in using this is the soft, flexible bristles that allows for smooth blending without disturbing the underlying eyeshadow.
What it’s used for:
- Blending eyeshadow in the crease.
- Softening edges of applied eyeshadow.
- Creating a diffused, smoky eye effect.
- Blending out concealer under the eyes (sometimes).
How to use it:
- After applying your eyeshadow colors, use the blending brush in small, circular or windshield-wiper motions in the crease and along the edges of the eyeshadow.
- Use light pressure to avoid disturbing the color and create a smooth blend.
- Keep the brush clean to prevent muddying the colors. Regularly wipe off excess product on a clean tissue or brush cleaner.
- For a more diffused look, use a larger, fluffier blending brush. For more precise blending, use a smaller, more tapered brush.
Why it’s essential:
- A blending brush is used for creating professional-looking eye makeup as it allows you to:
- Create smooth transitions between different eyeshadow colors.
- Soften harsh lines and prevent a patchy or uneven look.
- Achieve a more polished and blended finish.
- Create various eye makeup looks, from natural to dramatic.
5. Eyeshadow Brush:
Eyeshadow brushes come in various shapes and sizes, each serving a specific purpose. The most common type for general eye-lid application is a flat, slightly rounded brush.
What it’s used for:
- Applying base eyeshadow colors.
- Packing on shimmer or metallic shades.
- Creating a solid color base before blending.
- Applying color to the lower lash line (smaller versions).
How to use it:
- Dip the brush into your chosen eyeshadow color. Tap off any excess product to prevent fallout.
- Use a patting or pressing motion to apply the color to the eyelid. This helps to pack on the pigment and create a more intense color payoff.
- Avoid swiping or dragging the brush, as this can create a patchy or uneven application.
- For a more diffused look, you can lightly blend the edges of the applied color with a blending brush.
Why it’s essential:
- A flat eyeshadow brush is essential for creating a smooth, even base for any eye look. It allows you to:
- Achieve a more intense color payoff from your eyeshadows.
- Create a clean and defined application.
- Build up color easily for a more dramatic look.
- Create a perfect base for blending and other eyeshadow techniques.
6. Angled Brush:
An angled brush is characterized by its slanted or angled bristles, which provide precision and control for various makeup applications. The angle can vary in steepness.
What it’s used for:
- Filling in and defining eyebrows: The angled shape allows for creating hair-like strokes for a natural or defined brow look.
- Applying eyeliner: The sharp angle allows for creating precise lines, including winged eyeliner.
- Contouring: The angled edge can be used to apply contour powder or cream along the cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
- Applying brow gel or pomade: The firm bristles help to distribute product evenly through the brows.
How to use it:
- For Eyebrows: Dip the brush into your chosen brow product (powder, pomade, gel). Use short, light strokes to mimic the natural growth of your brow hairs. Start at the arch and work outwards, then fill in the inner part of the brow.
- For Eyeliner: Dip the brush into your chosen eyeliner product (gel, liquid, or powder). Start at the inner corner of the eye and draw a thin line along the lash line. You can create a wing by extending the line slightly upwards at the outer corner.
- For Contouring: Dip the brush into your contour product. Apply it along the hollows of your cheekbones, jawline, and sides of your nose. Blend well with a blending brush or sponge.
Why it’s essential:
It allows you to:
- Create natural-looking brows.
- Apply eyeliner with precision and control.
- Contour your face with accuracy.
- Achieve a more polished and professional finish.
7. Spoolie Brush:
A spoolie brush is similar looking to a mascara wand. It has a cylindrical brush head with tightly packed, spiral-shaped bristles. These bristles are typically made of synthetic fibers.
What it’s used for:
- Grooming eyebrows: It helps to brush brow hairs into place, tame unruly hairs, and blend brow products (powder, pencil, gel) for a natural look.
- Separating lashes: It can be used to separate and define lashes after applying mascara, removing clumps and preventing a spidery look.
- Preparing lashes for mascara: Brushing lashes with a spoolie before applying mascara can help to remove any debris or tangles, ensuring a smoother application.
- Blending brow products: After applying brow pencil or powder, a spoolie can blend the product for a more natural, diffused look.
How to use it:
- For Eyebrows: Brush your brow hairs in the direction of their natural growth. Use short, upward strokes to lift and shape the brows. If you’ve applied brow product, use the spoolie to blend it through the hairs for a softer look.
- For Lashes: After applying mascara, use the spoolie to gently comb through your lashes, separating any clumps and defining each lash. You can also use it before mascara to prep your lashes.
Why it’s essential:
- A spoolie brush is an essential tool for achieving well-groomed brows and defined lashes. It allows you to:
- Tame unruly brow hairs and create a polished look.
- Separate and define lashes, preventing clumping.
- Blend brow products for a more natural finish.
- Prepare lashes for mascara application.
Tips for Choosing Your Brushes:
Prioritize quality over quantity: Invest in a few high-quality brushes that will last rather than buying a cheap set that will shed and fall apart.
- Consider synthetic bristles: Synthetic brushes are often more hygienic and cruelty-free than natural hair brushes.
- Clean your brushes regularly: Washing your brushes weekly will prevent bacteria buildup and ensure they apply your makeup smoothly.
Conclusion
Having these seven essential makeup brushes in your collection is the first step towards achieving that professional-looking makeup you’re no doubt aiming for. Now that you’ve gathered all the knowledge you can about makeup brushes, you can start practicing and experimenting. What are your favorite makeup brush techniques? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
