Why is it so important to learn how to use makeup brushes? Many people love to do makeup. Some may be learning new things, some may have been doing it for a long time. But makeup is not completely good if you don’t know one thing – that is knowing how to use makeup brushes correctly. We often buy expensive foundations, concealers, highlighters, but the real beauty of those products does not shine on our faces because of not using the brushes properly. So, in today’s guide, I will explain very simply when to use which brush and how to use it. 

This guide is mainly divided into two parts: Essential brushes for facial makeup & Essential brushes for eye makeup.

Let’s learn them one by one.

Step 1. Essential brushes for facial makeup

A. Foundation brush (flat top kabuki brush)

We apply foundation at the very beginning of makeup, so it is very important. Foundation is a base or foundation for the face. If this base is not done properly, the whole makeup looks bad. The one I use the most is the flat top kabuki brush. This brush looks thick and wide, the head is very even (flat). It is specially made so that liquid or cream foundation blends beautifully on the face. 

How to use: 

First, take a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand or on a palette. Then dip the brush into that foundation. Now hold the brush straight on the face and apply the foundation in small tapping or stippling movements. This way, I slowly blend it all over the face. This allows the foundation to sit very naturally and gives a smooth, airbrushed effect. It will take a little longer, but you will be happy with the result.

B. Powder Setting Brush (Large and Medium Size)

Setting powder is very important after applying foundation and concealer. Otherwise, the makeup can melt or come off quickly. For this, you need a powder setting brush. I usually keep two types of powder brushes: Large, fluffy brush – I use it on large areas like cheeks, forehead and chin. Medium-sized brush – under the eyes or on the side of the nose where I need to set small areas. 

How to use: 

I pick up loose powder with a brush. I shake off the excess powder (otherwise it will settle too much). Then I apply it to the face in circular motions with a light hand. By achieving this sufficient coverage, your makeup will last longer and your face will not look oily.

C. Bronzer brush (angular brush) 

After applying powder to the face, then to beautify the shape of our face, we have a measure — called contouring. For this, we use a bronzer brush. This brush is a little angled or curved. Because we need to create shadow under the cheekbones, on the side of the forehead and on the chin. Use a soft brush, it will help you blend it easily, even if you accidentally apply too much bronzer.

How to use: 

Apply it lightly at an angle under your cheekbones, as if creating a natural shadow. Applying bronzer gives your face a definition, making it look a little more sculpted instead of flat. 

D. Blush Brush 

After applying bronzer, comes blush. It brings life to your face, making you look like a person with a fresh smile. I usually apply blush in a circular motion to the center of my cheek (where it rises when I smile). Then I slowly pull it towards my ear, so that the bronzer and blush blend together nicely. Don’t apply too much blush, and if you apply too little, the color won’t come out.

How to use: 

Blend in a light circular motion. You can choose a blush according to your mood, skin tone and the time of day or night.

E. Highlighter Brush (small domed brush):

Highlighter is the most beautiful and finishing touch to makeup. It looks like a natural glow when applied to the face, as if the light is shining from within. It is a small and round brush — so that the highlighter can be applied to a specific area. 

Highlighter application areas: Upper cheekbones, Under the eyebrows Bridge and tip of the nose-Upper lip. You can only apply a very small amount of highlighter to your face.

Step 2: Essential brushes for eye makeup.

Many people are both excited and scared when it comes to applying eye makeup. A small mistake can ruin the whole look. However, using the right brush makes the job much easier. Below, I will tell you step by step which brushes you need and how to use them.

A. Blending Brush:

To start eye makeup, you first need a good quality blending brush. This brush is usually soft and the head is a little long and narrow, so it can easily fit into the crease or fold. I usually start with a light brown color. Applying this color to the crease and sliding it back and forth in small circles or strokes will blend it very easily. This basically creates a base, which then serves as a foundation for other colors. I always keep at least two blending brushes in my kit. If one brush has a dark color on it, it is convenient to use another one to apply fresh color.

B. Shader Brush

When the crease becomes light, the brush I use is the shader brush. This brush is a little hard and flat. Its purpose is to apply color to specific areas on the eyelid. With this brush, I apply the color by tapping it in the middle of the eyelid or wherever it is needed. While my eyes are closed, I tap it where I want the color to be. Applying the color in small taps instead of long strokes looks much neater and darker. You can use both matte or shimmer colors with this brush. But be careful not to let the color go outside the crease.

C. Pencil or Smudge Brush

After decorating the upper part of the eye, now let’s come to the bottom. For the lower lash line I use a pencil or smudge brush to decorate the lower part. It is small, thick and a bit stiff. With this brush, I take the color that I used in the crease and lightly blend it along the lower lash line. This creates depth under the eye and makes the eyes look bigger and smokey. Many people skip this step, but I will say, it makes the eye makeup look much fuller. For many, it looks like a smoked out eyeliner.

This is how I use three brushes for eye makeup. A blending, a shader and a smudge brush. Each brush has a different function, and if used correctly, there is less chance of making a mistake.

Finally, if you have the right knowledge of using makeup brushes, then eye makeup will never seem difficult. Each brush has a different purpose—blending brushes create depth in the eyes, shader brushes perfectly bring out the color on the eyelids, and smudge or pencil brushes bring balance to the lower part of the eyes. If you can use these correctly, your everyday eye look will be perfect, that too with very little time and effort.

Makeup is actually an art, and brushes are like the brushes of that art. It may take a little time to get used to it at first, but with patience and practice, you will understand which brush works best for you. Remember, the habit of using it correctly is the real key to makeup skill, rather than using expensive brushes.