Being new to makeup crosses the threshold of a beauty store an intimidating experience. There are literally hundreds of different brushes – angled, tapered, kabuki, stippling to name a few and it is difficult to know what do you actually need to get started.
The truth? You don’t have to have 30 brushes in order to have perfect makeup. It only takes a few important tools to help you blend, buff, and apply like the pros with ease even as a novice.Our makeup gurus have been able to single out the 7 essential makeup brushes that belong in your makeup box. Added advantage: they are all in stock and range at reasonable prices in the UK.
Foundation Brush -to even out the foundation
The foundation brush will be your best choice when you want to apply an even and streak-free foundation. One common issue that beginners have with their foundation is the patchiness and the right brush is the trick. Check for filled-out brushes that have flat tops or rounded tops to minimize your rubbing product onto skin.
Pro Tip: Stipple brush can give you sheer coverage. To cover the face completely, kabuki brush will be of best use.
Examples of products (UK):
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush- inexpensive and idiot proof
Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush- perfect on full coverage
Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush- stylish, sturdy and professional grade brush
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Concealer Brush Precision Perfected
Concealer brushes tend to be more compact and squarish in shape as they need to go into tight spaces such as around the eyes beneath them, or around the nose. They can be also effective as spot concealing (again, with accuracy) blemishes.
Pro Tip: Tap, don t sweep–this will likely provide coverage without displacing product.
Product Examples (UK):
Spectrum Collections A18 Precision Concealer brush
Real Techniques Concealer Brush
Morphe M421 Mini Concealer Brush
Powder Brush -To Mattify and Seal
Powder brushes are large, loose, and fluffy- the best way to apply pressed powders or loose powders to set your make up. They do not make your face look cakey as they evenly distribute product on it
Application Pro Tip: Use a little bit of powder on areas which are oily (like the T-zone) and gently powder the rest of your face.
Examples of Products bought in UK (product names):
Real Techniques Powder Brush
Tulip Powder Brush C03
EcoTools Full Powder Brush (eco- and wallet-friendly)
Blush Brush – To get a Flush
A blush brush is generally medium with a slight angle so it is easy to apply blush on the apples of your cheeks. The angled form makes blush more easy to smear into the skin to give a natural appearance.
Pro Tip: Before applying, tap off excess powder to avoid the unappealing streaks that are caused by excess powder.
Examples of products (UK):
Real Techniques Blush Brush
Glo Minerals 117 Cheek
Morphe E4 Angled Contour/Blush Brush
Eyeshadow Blending Brush- The Game-Changer
The one eye brush that you should have, is a blending brush. These soft-tipped, spiral-shaped brushes are used to diffuse shadows on the eyes in creases, and make the eye makeup smooth and professional.
Pro Tip: Blending: use windshield wiper motions. First timers tend to press too hard-recall, light pressure is the trick.
Product Examples (UK):
Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff
Desir BL02 Extra Long Crease Brush
Real Techniques Essential Crease Brush
Angled Brush Multi- Purpose Magic
An angled brush is a multiforest underarms princess It can be used as a brush to fill in brows with powder or pomade, apply eyeliner with precision or even define the lash line with eyeshadow.
Pro Tip: Wet the brush to have sharper eyeliner looks.
Product Examples (UK):
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12 (Brow + spoolie)
Real Techniques Brow Brush
spectrum A17 Definer Angled Brush
Lip Brush- To Create Clean, Defined Lips
Although a lip brush may initially seem like an extra expense to incur, it is what will create the perfect crisp, professional looking application of lipstick. It helps you to straighten your cupid bow and equally apply bold colors.
Pro Tip: Apply with red or dark shade of lipsticks to avoid the smudging out of lines.
Products Examples (UK):
Lip Brush MAC 316
Zoeva 330 Lip Contour Brush
Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush
Bonus: Brush (Not This)
Okay, this is not a brush, but we could not omit it. A wet makeup sponge can be used amazingly to apply makeup on facial essentials such as foundation, concealer, and cream products. It leaves the skin looking smooth, airbrushed and natural.
Examples of products (UK):
Miracle complexion sponge Real techniques
Beautyblender Original
Cleaning and Caring your Brushes
Your brushes will only work well when it is clean and taken care of. Unclean brushes are a recipe to breakouts and patchy makeup.
Bathe on a weekly basis:Use a mild brush cleanser or baby shampoo.
Dry the right way:brushes should dry laying downwards not upwards as water can harm the brush handle.
Replace when necessary: when bristles lose their form or start shedding, know that it is time to change.
Final Thoughts
As a novice, you do not need to have a whole roll of brushes at hand to be able to start. These are the 7 most important skills in any makeup routine, they take up minimal space and produce a neat and professional look without having to spend too much.
Start simple foundation, concealer, powder, blush, eyeshadow, angled, lip brushes and working up to more elaborate ones as you learn! As well as a beauty sponge to achieve a flawless blend!
