Not all brushes are created equal. There are dozens of types of makeup brushes in different sizes, materials, colors, contours and of course prices. To select the brushes that are right for your needs take a glance at our makeup brush guide. Here’s a crash course on a few different types of makeup brushes and their uses.
Eye Brushes
Eyeliner Brush: The eyeliner brush is a fine tipped and tapered brush that is ideal for applying creme, gel and even liquid eyeliner. The tip creates smooth, even and precise lines.
Shader Brush: A shader brush is the most generic eyeshadow brush you can find. The wide flat surface is ideal for covering the entire lid with product. Use it to apply a wash of eyeshadow all over the lid and brow bone.
Crease Brush: A crease brush will be rounded and dome shaped at the top. The tip is great for applying color directly to the crease while the rounded shape allows you to use that color to create depth and dimension.
Angled Brush: Angled brushes are more or less flat with stiffer bristles the angle downwards on one side. They can be used with powder or gel to add a thin and natural looking liner of liner above the lash line. Angled brushes can also be used with to fill in and define eyebrows. The sharp edge of the brush ensures precise application of powder for flawless brows.
Tapered Blending Brush: Tapered blending brushes are an elongated and more tapered version of a crease brush. The rounded profile is ideal for blending colors together and feathering color out in the crease. This brush is key for any look that uses more than one color.
Face Brushes
Stipling Brush: Stipling brushes are full, plush brushes that are flat on the top. The shape makes the brush perfect for all over foundation and can even be used to apply liquid and cream foundation. Applying liquid foundation by lightly tapping the brush across your face. The light layer will provide great coverage without looking cakey
Large Powder Brush: This large, rounded brush is used to apply pressed or mineral foundation all over the face. Gently buff into your skin for a porcelain finish.
Tapered Brush: A large tapered brush is full and gently tapers down towards the end. The narrow point is great for applying product exactly where you want it. Use it to gently blend contouring powder into the cheeks and temples for prominent cheekbones and a slender face
Angled Brush: The angled brush for the face is full and round with a slight angle at the top. Lightly dust the brush in blush and applying it on the apples of your cheeks and towards your hairline. The point of the brush should line up with your cheek bone while the rest of the brush is angled downward. The color will be more concentrated on the apple of your cheeks and will fade as it goes down which will create a more natural look.
Foundation Brush: A foundation brush is flat and firm brush that is meant to apply liquid or cream products like foundation or primer.
Concealer Brush: A concealer brush is essentially a miniature version of a foundation brush. Its small size allows you to precisely apply concealer to problem areas.
Once you buy the right brush learn how to clean it with more Makeup 101
