In the growing age of social media influencers, who are promoting brand products right left and centre, it can sometimes be hard to determine which product you should actually use. Specifically in the makeup world, where there’s more products than you can count, finding the right product and makeup tools can be hard.
To help make it a little easier, in this blog post we answer the most Google searched questions related to makeup brushes.
Are Makeup Brushes Necessary?
The short answer is no, but if you’re looking to improve your makeup skills then we believe using makeup brushes is the way to go. However, the typical woman doesn’t need all the different types of makeup brushes found in a professional makeup artist’s bag. Rather, it’s better to choose a smaller selection of brushes that can serve a purpose for multiple makeup looks.
What Makeup Brush Does What?
Whether you’re beginning your makeup journey, or you’re a seasoned pro – it’s easy to mix up which brush is for what. Here’s an easy way to work out what each brush does: –
- Soft, fluffy angled brushes are used to apply blush, bronzer, and highlighter.
- Stiffer, angled brushes are used for contouring.
- Soft, flat brushes (often in a fan shape) are used to lightly apply highlighter or bronzing powder.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes?
With most of us wearing makeup daily, it’s important to keep your tools clean. Not cleaning your brushes can result in a buildup of dirt and oils on the brush which then transfer onto your face upon makeup application. This can result in spot breakouts and rashes.
To avoid this, it is recommended you clean your brushes once a week (Source: Elle.com). A good clean will remove the build up of dirt, residual makeup, and oil. Whilst once a week is recommended, for brushes used in sensitive areas (such as around your eyes) you should aim to clean them after every use.
However, it is recommended you properly wash your brushes once a month. To do this, we recommend the DUcare Makeup Brush Clean Set. Its built-in soap and cleansing palette gently cleans and conditions your brushes, returning them back to their soft condition.
What Makeup Brushes Are Essential?
We think there are 4 essential makeup brushes: –
- The first is a foundation brush. As the name would suggest, this brush is used to apply foundation or other liquid/cream based complexion products. Using a brush to apply foundation works the product into your skin, resulting in a finished airbrush look. Apply the foundation to the back of your hand or face, then use your brush to dip in and spread across your face in a stippling motion.
- The second is a concealer brush. This brush is smaller than a foundation brush, often with a round, thick tip – allowing for a more precise application. To be completely honest, a lot of concealer tubes these days come with built in applicators. For example, Maybelline’s Eraser Eye Concealer has a fantastic built-in sponge. We personally love using this concealer as it removes the need to add another brush to our makeup bag. That being said, nothing creates a more blended look than a classic concealer brush.
- The third is a fan brush. Although not everyone uses highlighter as part of their makeup routine, we believe sweeping a beautiful glow across your cheekbones, the tip of your nose, and on your brow bone is a gorgeous look. Best used by lightly dipping to your highlighter and gently dusting across your face.
- The fourth is a powder brush. For us, this brush is a must. Its primary use is to apply setting powder to your face. Super easy and effective. It’s always annoying when you’ve spent a while on your makeup, only to have it sweat/wear off in a couple hours. Using a brush to lightly apply setting powder can make all the difference in preserving your flawless makeup look.
Which Makeup Brushes Are Best For Beginners?
We believe that the brushes listed above are perfect for beginners. They’re simple to use and can improve your makeup skills. Sometimes it’s not so much what type of brush you use, but rather the quality of those brushes. Quality brushes can make all the difference when it comes to completing your final makeup look. High-standard brushes make applying makeup easier and blending smoother, leading to an all-round improved makeup look.
Our Recommended Essential Brush Set
Real Techniques brush and sponge set is the perfect kit for beginners! It’s minimalist, featuring just two large bronze and powder brushes, two smaller brushes for eyeshadow and highlighter, and one beauty blender for foundation. We believe this kit has every tool you need to pull off a flawless makeup look. Each brush is lightweight and easy to clean. The brush size is perfect, they fit comfortably in your hand making it easier to control your makeup.
[…] Blend the colors after applying using a suitable brush. Choosing the right brush is as important as applying the make-up itself. More about it here. […]