Different types of makeup brushes (and how to use them)
We all know the truth: a good brush stroke makes the difference when painting a masterpiece and the same happens if that work-of-art is your face.
However, it is not just about the hand applying the makeup, but also about the brush being used. And why so? There are many types of brushes, many different applications and different effects to be achieved.
Sounds complicated? Let us have a look at what KIKO MILANO has to say about it.
Makeup brushes names
Brushes not only make applying makeup quick and easy, but they also help the product blend in smoothly and evenly into your skin tone, creating a more flawless finish.
They are usually named by the area of application they refer to and then by the type of use they have. You therefore would find eye, face and lip brushes, which vary in size, shape and softness of the bristle according to the area they are dedicated to.
After area of application, brushes differ depending on the effect they provide.
Among the general face brushes, we can name:
● Kabuki brush
● Stippling brush
● Powder brush
● Tapered foundation brush
● Contour brush
● Makeup blender
● Fan brush
● Blush brush
Among the most common eye brushes we can cite:
● Eyebrow brush
● Eyes Shader brush
● Eyes Blending brush
● Eyeliner brush
● Brow brush
● Mascara wand
And here are the brushes used in the lip area:
● Lip brush
● Lip liner brush
● Cleansing
Different types of makeup brushes and uses
But why so many brushes and when to use them?
Well, first of all, no matter what they say, you do not need that many. Shocked? Well, but it is true. A few good brushes are way better than a million used incorrectly.
Fortunately, brands like KIKO MILANO make it very easy for you and offer Travel Brush Sets which have everything you need to apply your day-to-day makeup.
But let us start with listing here a few of the main brushes and their uses.
1. Kabuki Brush
The name may not roll off the tongue, but the Kabuki brush is one of the most famous and widely used among the face brushes.
It was made famous by the Japanese dance-drama theatre which bears the same name, and it is most recognised by its short, plump handle and very dense, firm, flat or dome-shaped bristles.
A synthetic kabuki brush can be used to apply and blend pressed and loose face powders, liquid foundations or body makeup for the desired coverage, while the density of the brush makes it perfect for applying lots of superfine powders or mineral foundation for a fuller-coverage finish.
2. Stippling Brush
Ever tried to apply liquid foundations or creams with your fingers only to be left with a patchy result? Well, here is when the stippling brush comes handy.
With bristles of different lengths and a brush firmer at the base and softer towards the tips, it becomes easier to achieve a more airbrushed effect when applying liquid foundations all the while gently caressing the skin.
3. Powder Brush
When applying makeup everyone has their own pet peeves, like shiny T-zones or under-eye creases that seem to never want to be as you would want them to be.
To the rescue, here comes the powder brush, or shall we say the powder brushes, as its size varies according to areas of application (thus enthusiasts tend to have more than one) and normally have long and dense bristles. Make them work their magic to set liquid foundations and blend out powders, finally getting what you want!
4. Eyes Shader and Eyes Blending Brushes
The eye shader brush is key for achieving an opaque, patch-free layer of shadow on you lids.
The brush is typically flat but rounded at the tip, usually very dense to make it easier to pick up as much powder and leave a ton of colour on your lid.
The blending blush, on the other hand, blends out the powders for a sheer touch. Their bristles are softer and this brush is usually recognisable thanks to its tapered shape.
5. Lip Brush
Slightly smaller than the usual concealer brush, the lip brush has a similar shape (flattened and curved).
It proves essential when you try to blend the harsh lines left by your lip liner into your lipstick without smudges.
How to use makeup brushes
Now we know few of the main brushes which are essential for everyday makeup application. But how do we actually use them? Here are a few tips on how to use these brushes for a perfect result.
When using a Kabuki, slightly press the brush for working the product into the skin, swirling and buffing it across the area of application. With the stippling brush, swirl only the tips of the bristles on the skin. If you tend to work on it more forcefully, hold the brush from the very end to make sure the result is gentler and you blend the product without bending the bristles too much.
The fluffy bristles of the powder brush are perfect to dust areas on your face that need more work, such as the T-zone and the under-eye. When picking up the product, tap, rather than blow, the excess and apply after concealer and foundation as it helps to set the makeup.
For best application of eyes shader brushes, first rub the brush over the product, then pat it on your eyelids; then, swipe the fluffier bristles of the eye blending brush to achieve a more diffused look. If applying multiple colours, swirl the latter brush around the edges to blend it in further.
After tracing your lips with a liner, run the lip brush along the inside edge of the line to softly blend it into your lipstick. You can also use the brush to mix different lip shades to get the one you want.
Types of makeup brushes for beginners
“I am not a makeup artist! Where can I start?”, you may wonder. There is definitely a lot of choice when it comes to brushes and it is not easy to understand what your own essentials truly are.
The truth is – to start playing around you will need:
● three main face brushes: foundation brush, concealer brush and powder brush
● two eye brushes: one blending large eye brush and one pointed-tip eye brush
● a lip brush (like the flat lip brush)
Above we gave you a little taste of what you could use and how, using the sleek and modern accessories KIKO MILANO offers in its catalogue.
Do not be embarrassed to ask for advice or what the different types of brushes are used for, as there is many, and their shape and size may suit better your face, skin or the effect you want to achieve.
Then, the trick is only to try, try, try (and sometimes fail!) until you get the result that you desire!