What's That Brush For? Here's the Skinny

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Do you know which type of makeup brush is best for the makeup you use? My guide explains the difference between all of my professional brushes so you can apply your makeup flawlessly.

Brushes

Brushes are one of the most common and traditional types of makeup applicators. Available in a range of sizes, densities, and stiffness. They can be used for everything from even foundation coverage across the entire face to precision eyeliner. Brushes can be used to apply any type of product (liquid as well as powder). And they work by building up coverage in layers rather than all at once.

Synthetic or Natural?

The two main types of bristles are synthetic and natural. Synthetic bristles are made of manmade substances like nylon or polyester, making them less expensive than natural brushes. Synthetic bristles generally don’t trap as much product as natural bristles. And the bristles gravitate toward each other, making them best for liquid or cream products. Natural bristles are made of animal hair, which has a porous texture that holds pigment extremely well. Natural brushes are great for blending and work best with powders, giving the skin an airbrushed look. If you use a mix of both powder and liquid products, you may want to look for hybrid brushes. Hybrid brushes have a blend of both synthetic and natural bristles, making them usable with all types of makeup.

Brush Types

1. Sweeping Contour: One-of-a-kind. This unique shape allows you to quickly place powder under the cheekbone and along the hairline and jawline. Try pressing and stippling for even fuller coverage.
2. Powder: The powder essential. Whether pressed or loose, this brush can handle it all. Simply use broad sweeping motions across the face.
3. Fan: The perfect highlight brush. Sweep the cheekbones with your favorite shimmers, bronzers and highlighters for a soft, warm glow.
4. Blush: The blush must. Apply blush in short sweeps to the apples of the cheeks, or highlight the temples, bridge of nose and chin.
5. Contour: A contouring staple. Build dimension and create the illusion of a slimmer face with this perfectly angled brush. Use around the edges of the face, under the jaw bone and under the cheek bone for a gorgeous contoured complexion.

6. Sculpter: This brush can do it all. Use the Sculpter to apply liquid or powder foundation reaching the smallest areas. It’s also great for contouring along the natural angles of the face and jaw line.
7. Concealer: Concealed weapon. This brush can do all of the little things. Use it to apply concealer under eyes, cover blemishes and to correct makeup mishaps.
8. Spoolie: What’s a spoolie? This little miracle helps separate lashes for added volume, sculpts brow arches and is great for setting brow powder.
9. Angled Liner: Line and define. This thin, angled brush is great for lining the lower lash line or filling in brows.
10. Brow Groomer: Brow drama. This dual sided tool combs and grooms brows for a professionally defined arch.

11. Smudger: Smudge Proof. Great for adding definition to the top lash line or for densely shading lids. Smudge along the lower lash line for a soft, dark smokey eye.
12. Blender: Blending Magician. This flexible brush is the solution to a perfectly blended crease.
13. Crease: Crease Creation. Add depth to the crease of the eye by using the crease brush to apply a darker shadow. Makes your eyes pop!
14. Large Eye Shadow: Favorite pick. This full-shaped brush makes it easy to apply shadow and color to the eyelid.
15. Eye Contour: A new look. The curved, refined tip gives precise control when detailing the eye. Create that sought after shaded cat eye with this easy to use tool.