The 6 Most Essential Makeup Brushes & How to Use Them Correctly
Posted by Lamora Beauty on
Flat Kabuki Brush
The flat-top kabuki foundation brush should be used to apply a liquid or cream foundation. The densely packed bristles pick up foundation easily and distribute it evenly onto your skin so you get a smooth finish.
To use, apply foundation in small, circular buffing motions. Always start at the center of your face and blend your foundation outward in smooth, even strokes to prevent harsh makeup lines around the edges of your jawline and hairline.
Powder Brush
The powder brush is perfect for applying powder makeup (like foundation, blush, bronzer, or finishing powder) on large surfaces of the face. The incredibly soft bristles blend makeup evenly on the skin to create natural looking coverage.
To use, dip the brush in the powder, swirl, and tap the handle on the edge of your makeup container or sink to remove the excess before applying. Sweep the brush over your face in a circular motion, working from the inside of your face out. For a lighter coverage, use half circles or long sweeps.
Blush Brush
The blush brush is perfect for for adding color with a powdered blush, or for contouring with loose powdered bronzer. The bristles are dense but soft, and angled perfectly to hug your cheekbones and jawline to create flawless definition.
To use, dip the brush in the powder, swirl, and tap the handle on the edge of your makeup container or sink to remove the excess before applying. Working from the inside of your face outwards, use long sweeping motions along the contours of your face.
Blending Brush
As the name suggests, the blending brush meets all of your makeup and eyeshadow color blending needs: buff out lines, apply a base eyeshadow, or define your crease. The long dome-shaped bristles fan out to diffuse harsh pigment and blend away lines for a smooth transition of makeup.
For eyeshadow, pick a contour eyeshadow (that’s darker than your base color) and use this brush to dust shadow across the crease of your eye, starting from your outer corner. Or, buff away harsh lines in your makeup by using swift circular motions to buff colors together and blend the foundation into the smaller spaces of your pace.
Angled Detailer
The angled detailer brush is perfect for precise finishes with cream, gel and powder formulas. The short, firm bristles offer incredible control to create clean defined lines, while the angled flat edge is perfect for packing pigment or gel liner close to the lash line.
To use, sweep the bristles across your top or bottom lash line, angling the longer end toward your tear duct and gliding the brush across to the outer corner of your eye.
Small Shader
One of the most essential eyeshadow brushes, this small shader is designed to create perfect coverage over the entire lid. The soft, densely-packed bristles hold a ton of shadow while a wide semi-circle edge conforms to the natural shape of your eyelid, making it easy to apply the perfect amount of eyeshadow.
To use, apply a powder or cream eyeshadow by evenly patting the brush over your entire lid, starting from the inner corner of your eye (just above your tear duct) and working your way outwards. For a softer look, instead of patting the brush, use a sweeping motion with quick gentle strokes.
