The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes: Types and How to Use Them

Having the right makeup brushes can make all the difference in how your makeup looks and wears. While you don’t need an extensive collection, understanding what each brush does helps you apply your products with precision and ease.

Face Brushes

• Foundation Brush: A flat or dense buffing brush is ideal for applying liquid or cream foundation evenly. Use circular motions for a seamless finish.
• Concealer Brush: A small, flat brush works best for spot concealing or under-eye application. Tap the product gently to blend without removing coverage.
• Powder Brush: Large and fluffy, this brush sets your makeup without disturbing it. Lightly sweep across your face to control shine.
• Blush Brush: A medium, angled or rounded brush gives you control for applying color to the cheeks. Blend upward for a lifted effect.
• Contour Brush: Narrow or angled, perfect for defining cheekbones and jawline. Apply contour in the hollows of your face and blend well.
• Highlight Brush: A fan or tapered brush is ideal for placing shimmer on the high points of the face for a soft glow.
• Bronzer Brush: Fluffier than a contour brush but denser than a powder brush—great for warming up the skin without looking muddy.

Eye Brushes

• Eyeshadow Brush: Flat and dense, used to pack color onto the lids. For best results, press rather than swipe.
• Blending Brush: Fluffy and dome-shaped for softening edges and creating smooth transitions between colors.
• Crease Brush: Slightly smaller and tapered, designed to deepen the crease and add definition.
• Pencil Brush: Small and precise for smudging liner or adding detail to corners and lower lash line.
• Angled Brush: Firm and thin, used for eyeliner or brows. Can create defined lines or mimic brow hairs.
• Spoolie: Grooms brows and separates lashes. Use it before and after filling brows for a natural look.

Lip & Multi-use Brushes

• Lip Brush: Small and flat for controlled application of lipstick or gloss, especially useful for bold colors.
• Fan Brush: Lightly applies highlighter or brushes away excess powder or fallout without disrupting the base.

Quick Brush Care Tips
Clean your brushes weekly with a gentle cleanser. Always dry them with bristles pointing downward to prevent water from loosening the glue inside the handle. Store them in a clean, upright holder to keep their shape.

Minimal Must-Haves for Starters
If you’re new to brushes, begin with these basics:

• Foundation or buffing brush
• Powder brush
• Blush/contour brush
• Eyeshadow and blending brush
• Angled line