Your makeup cannot be perfect until you dab on with a good quality brush. The realistic glow of the makeup depends on the subtlety of the strokes. Usually, a brush with soft bristles is preferred. The flexibility of the bristles allows in smooth application of the makeup. If the bristles are coarse, you will end up with a messy appearance with patches all over your face. Another important aspect to consider is, the bristles should not disintegrate while the brushes are cleaned. If this happens, then the makeup brush is of poor quality. So, how do you select the best makeup brushes from the gamut range available in the cosmetic stores? This article shall let you know the different types of brushes. Once you know them, you can make your purchasing from a reputed brand.
Types of Makeup Brushes
You have to select different makeup brushes for individual facial features. Eye shades, crease brushes, eye blender, eye smudge, eye shadows are applied for accentuating eyes while a comb, mascara brush or wand is used for eye lashes. Similarly, a smooth flat or round brush is used for application of base makeup. The following points shall let you know the types of makeup brushes and their uses. Read the points and find out your requirement.
- Flat top or dome shaped, medium-sized blush brushes with long handles are used for following the contours of your cheeks. It should be made from natural hair so that your skin gets a non blotchy appearance after application of powders or pigments.
- A blend synthetic and natural bristles is preferred for the best foundation brush. It's because, foundation is a liquid so you have to be careful while dipping the brush in it. Your brush should have a contoured tip and a flat shape.
- You should opt for a round headed powder brush while applying loose powder over your face. Ensure that the bottom of the bristles are tightly attached to the ferrule, while the tips are light and feathery. The bristles should not shed while applying the powder.
- You should pick up a brush having stiff and closely packed nylon bristles for application of concealer. This is because you need to reach certain places to hide your pimples and blemishes. Wash the brush every time after use, so that the bristles do not cling to each other.
- A Kabuki brush is used for full length coverage of your face. It has densely packed bristles and is used for applying powder, bronzers and shimmers. The foundation gets an air brush look when applied with a Kabuki brush. Opt for a firm brush rather than a very smooth one.
- When applying shadow over the creases of your eyes, you should opt for a shadow brush with a flat lid. Half moon shaped brushes with soft and silky tip is the perfect choice for eye makeup. Do not apply makeup over eyes with stiff, chiseled and bristly brushes.
- A brow brush is also known as spooley brush, similar to a mascara wand that keeps the bows well-groomed. It sweeps the powder and prevents clumping over the brows. It's also used for de-clumping mascara. Make sure you clean makeup brushes at least once a week.
- Selecting an eyeliner brush can be a little tricky. Buy brushes with synthetic bristles that can keep contour of the eye more precise. Dampen the brush in a liquid liner before application. Applying an eyeliner with a brush renders a diffused effect than with a pencil liner.
- Finally, we come to the lips. Lipstick brushes usually have retractable tips and are made from firm fibers. You can easily carry them in your bag for anytime use. Go for synthetic brushes if you are applying a bold color or less a smooth bristled brush is the best pick for applying gloss.
- The best makeup brushes are made from badger, capra (goat hair), kolinsky sable, pony hair, red sables and squirrel hair. They are smooth and natural, while synthetic makeup brushes are products of polyester filaments and nylon. Synthetic brushes are easy to clean and maintain than the natural ones.