There are a lot of makeup brushes out there but do you know how to use makeup brushes?
You can give your face a flawless finish by selecting and using the appropriate makeup brushes for the job.
Don’t worry; we’ve distilled the best makeup brushes down to six that you’ll need for any look, and we’ve shared their specific purposes and application methods.
How to Use Makeup Brushes?
Let’s see how to use different types of makeup brushes.
Foundation Brush
What It Is
Applying your base face makeup, typically your foundation or CC/BB cream, is what a foundation brush is for. You can easily achieve flawless makeup with the help of a good foundation brush.
Additionally, there are different types of foundation brushes for each foundation formula. For instance, powder foundation brushes have a wider brush head and fluffy bristles, whereas liquid foundation brushes typically have a narrower brush head and dense bristles.
How to Use It
Applying liquid or cream foundation with a foundation brush can be done in one of two ways. For the first technique, simply dab the foundation with your fingers on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose bridge. After that, apply the product evenly by blending it in with your foundation brush while making circular motions.
Apply the foundation directly to your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose using the second technique, blending as you go.
Sweeping motions and circular motions for precise application and blending should be alternated. Keep in mind that less is more; start with a small amount of foundation and add more as necessary.
Bronzer + Blush Brush
What It Is
A bronzer and blush brush has a very different appearance from a liquid foundation brush; the bristles are a little fluffier, and the brush head is usually more rounded or oval. Whether you choose to use blush, bronzer, or both, this brush is made to give your skin some color and brightness.
You can get a sun-kissed radiance or a dewy, rosy appearance here.
How to Use It
Apply blush or bronzer with the brush, then tap gently to remove any extra product. When using blush, spread the product evenly across the apples of your cheeks by sweeping the brush across them in circular motions.
Apply bronzer in the form of a three, starting at the top of your forehead and swooping down to your cheekbones before ending at the bottom of your jaw. Repeat on the opposite side.
Next, apply some bronzer to your nose’s bridge and the apples of your cheeks. The sun’s natural path across your face will be imitated by doing this.
Powder Brush
What It Is
A powder brush has fluffy, light bristles rather than densely packed ones like a foundation brush. It is intended to be used with pressed or loose powder products, such as powder foundation, powder setting powder, powder finishing powder, and powder highlighter.
The size of your powder brush will depend on where you want to apply your makeup; a large, fluffy brush works well for the forehead and cheeks, whereas a smaller one with denser bristles can be used to apply makeup to smaller, more difficult-to-reach areas like the area under your eyes or the tops of your cheekbones.
How to Use It
The beauty of a powder brush is that you can use it with almost anything as long as it is a powder product.
Simply dunk the brush into the powder or swirl it around it (if you’re using loose powder, tap some product into the lid first so you can manage how much goes on), gently tap the excess product off, and then swipe the brush across your face as needed.
Additionally, you can use it throughout the day to touch up shiny areas.
Contour Brush
What It Is
To define your cheekbones and give them a sculpted appearance, use a contour brush, which is smaller than a regular powder brush.
They frequently have bristles that are angled or tapered for smooth, precise application in a single swipe. When you flip this brush over and use the wider, fluffier side, you can also use it to apply blush in addition to contouring.
How to Use It
Brush head into bronzer or contouring powder, and then sweep it directly beneath your cheekbones (in the hollow of your cheeks) or beneath your jawline.
To soften any sharp edges and to make the color appear more like a shadow rather than a line, lightly blend in small, circular motions.
Angled Eye Brush
What It Is
For everything from grooming and perfecting your brows to nailing the winged liner look, use an angled brow or eyeliner brush.
Use the angled brush end of an angled brush, like this BILLION DOLLAR BROWS Eyebrow Brush, to apply your preferred brow or eyeliner product, and the spoolie end to smooth and blend afterward.
Additionally, for clump-free eye makeup, use the spoolie end to brush through your eyelashes after applying mascara.
How to Use It
To fill in sparse areas and shape your arches, simply dip an angled eyebrow brush into any brow product and make small strokes along your brows.
When applying eyeliner with an angled brush, line your upper lash line first before flicking the brush outward to form a wing at the outer corner of your eye.
Flat Eyeshadow Brush
What It Is
A good flat eyeshadow brush is a necessity for any bold eye makeup look. Flat, dense bristles help pick up shadow pigment and provide a stronger color payoff (more vibrant color!).
How to Use It
Brush bristles across your eyelid, beginning at the inner corner and moving outward, by dipping the flat side of the brush into your eyeshadow. Add another layer if you want a darker look.
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Conclusion: How to Use Makeup Brushes
Once you understand how to use makeup brushes, you soon realize that from contour to eyeshadow, each one serves its own purpose.
Having said that, there is no point in spending money on a full set of brushes if you won’t take care of them.
For more information about cleaning your makeup brushes, read our guide on How to Clean Makeup Brushes.
FAQs
How to Use Makeup Brushes for Eyeshadow?
A tiny, flat blending brush is used to smudge your makeup. The best brush to use for precise smudging in one area is a short, flat blending brush.
Can You Clean Makeup Brushes With Just Water?
The best and most effective way to clean your tools is with water, a mild soap (regular soaps and rubbing alcohol can dry out the bristles, especially if they are made of natural hair), and a brush cleaner.
Do Makeup Brushes Need to Be Wet?
Your choice of makeup will determine the answer. Yes, a wet brush is required for makeup that activates with water.
