Face
Step 1
Foundation is a liquid or mineral base that acts as a canvas for makeup application. Your foundation should appear opaque and allow your natural skin tone to shine through. A foundation brush helps to achieve this with flat and long bristles. Make sure to dampen the bristles before dipping into foundation to achieve a sheer, dewy look.
Step 2
Concealer helps with spot coverage by evening skin tone and masking blemishes. Look for a concealer brush with flat, sturdy bristles that are small enough to deposit makeup evenly without looking it cake-like. The brush will be proportional to the amount of concealer you should apply. This will ensure that your natural beauty radiates.
Step 3
Powder helps to set your foundation and concealer. A powder brush has big, soft fluffy bristles that evenly distribute your powder. Press the bristles into loose or pressed powder or bronzer and tap the excess powder off. Lightly dust the powder on your face for a soft, camera-ready finish.
Step 4
Blush lies on top of your powder. A blush brush is either small and angled or big and fluffy. Use the angled brush for a more precise application and a fluffy brush to disperse blush along cheekbones, chin and hairline. Press the brush into the blush powder, tapping excess powder off of the brush. Lightly press brush over the apples of your cheeks, blending outward and upward for a just-came-in-from-the-cold flush.
Step 5
Lipstick application can often be a tricky skill to master. A lip brush has fine and tapered bristles that allow you to precisely apply creme lipstick or lip gloss. If you're using lip liner, the lip brush helps to blend it with lipstick for a smooth and even finish.
Eyes
Step 1
Brushes used for your eyes are specifically designed to guarantee precision. Eyeliner is a makeup skill that is mastered with practice, which is why an eyeliner brush is an important accomplice in application. An eyeliner brush has thin and fine bristles and helps to apply creme or powdered eyeliner. You can wet the brush for a more dramatic look and then dot the powder along your lash line, keeping it as close to your lashes as possible. Use a dry brush for a smudgy look.
Step 2
Eyeshadow brushes come in a variety of styles. Three that are makeup bag must-haves are a contour brush, a lid brush and a crease brush. The contour brush will have stiff, angled bristles that allow for all-over lid application and fading to your outer eyelid. The lid brush has soft, tapered bristles. It allows for precise application and can create a soft or faded look depending on your mood. Use the crease brush to get into that hard-to-reach spot just above your lid. This brush has stiff, dome-like bristles and can be used to blend two different shadows or to fade a solitary shade up to your brow bone.
Step 3
Mascara is a makeup tool that can create an eye-opening effect when applied properly. A mascara brush helps to apply mascara evenly and to remove that excess gunk. The brush looks similar to the brush in your mascara tube and is composed of stiff, comb-like bristles. Be sure to pull the brush from the base of your lashesout to the ends to remove clumps and separate your lashes for a flirty, fluttery look.
Step 4
Eyebrows often play second fiddle to the eyes they frame. A clean, slightly arched pair of brows has the power to draw even your own eyes upward. If you're growing your brows out or they just need a little TLC, an eyebrow brush is the tool you need to tame and conquer. A brow brush has soft, sturdy bristles that help give shape and definition to your brows. Fill your brows by applying a matte brow shadow one shade lighter than your natural brow color, concentrating on sparse areas. FInish by brushing brow hairs up and out, extending through to the ends.
