While it may be tempting to use the same old brush or even just your fingers to apply all of your makeup, it’s important to use the right tools in order to get the best results. There are dozens and dozens of choices, though, so how do you know which brushes are right for you?
First, it’s important you look at what your brushes are made of. While you may typically look for the word “natural” when choosing your cosmetics, natural makeup brushes are one product that you probably want to avoid. In the world of brushes, natural almost always means that it’s made of animal hair. So, look for descriptors like “synthetic,” “vegan” or “animal-free” when you pick out your brushes.
Synthetic brushes are great for applying liquid products and give a smoother finish than natural brushes, according to GetTheGloss.com. They also shed much less, are easier to clean, generally cost less, and don’t usually cause allergic or irritating reactions.
Now that you know the basic product type you should be shopping for, how do you pick out the specific brushes you need for your products? Here are four types every woman should have in her makeup bag.
- KABUKI BRUSH: This short, dense brush is a multi-purpose tool and its compact size is perfect for your travel bag. It’s designed to apply powder products on a large surface area — mineral powder foundation, blush and bronzer especially. The brush blends powder evenly for a natural-looking finish.
- FOUNDATION BRUSH: This flat brush is used for smooth application of liquid foundation. Using a sponge can soak up product while fingers create a streaky finish, so a brush is an excellent option.
- EYE SHADOW BRUSH: Another brush that tells you what it’s used for in the name. Eyeshadow brushes are essential for beautifully blending eyeshadow — whether cream or powder.
- BLUSH BRUSH: Also great for bronzer, this mid-sized, angled brush helps define the cheekbones without spreading the product too broadly across your face.
An easy way to get all the brushes you need is by purchasing a set. Not only do sets ensure you have every brush you need, they also often include a carrying case (like this one) to make travel and storage easy.
Once you invest in a quality set of brushes, make sure to clean them regularly to prevent bacterial buildup and keep your skin healthy. To clean your brushes, simply use a drop of soap and some warm water in the palm of your hand and gently massage the tips of the brush bristles in the sudsy water. Gently rinse and squeeze out the bristles and then reshape and lay out to dry.
Article written by: Alexis Crowe