First thing’s first: There's the question of natural versus synthetic bristles. "I enjoy working with both natural and synthetic brushes," says Vincent Longo, celebrity makeup artist and creative director of Vincent Longo Cosmetics. "However, if I had to choose one over the other, it would be natural — they simply do a better job at blending multiple layers of color on larger areas of the face, such as the cheeks and brow bone."
On the flipside, since natural brushes are often made from goat, pony, sable, or badger hairs, sensitive-skin types might be better off going faux rather than risk an allergic reaction.Whichever bristle type you choose, there are specific brushes for the face, eyes, and lips that are makeup-bag essentials. Here's your cheat sheet:
Foundation Brush
This makeup brush, which may also be referred to as a contour brush, has a wide, typically pointed head that glides along the curves of the face. The size and shape of the bristles allow cream or liquid foundations to easily blend into the skin to smooth away imperfections. You can also use a foundation brush to apply bronzer.
Concealer Brush
Use this flat, oval-shaped brush (smaller than a foundation brush) to apply cover-up. It allows you to blend just the right amount of makeup over dark spots and blemishes and can even be used to conceal tattoos.
Blush/Powder Brush
This brush has a large, rounded head that's ideal for applying powder on the face, neck, and shoulders. Brushes with extra-large bristles are best for all-over coverage. To apply loose powder, use a brush with a soft finish. A slanted powder brush will help you achieve perfectly sculpted cheeks (the angled shape applies color heavier on one side than the other for definition).
Eye-Shadow Brush
There are several styles of eye-shadow brushes, but a medium-sized angled or pointed one is a sure bet because it adds a precise amount of color to the brow area, along the eyelids, and into the creases. If you're into the smoky-eye look, consider a smudge brush — it has shorter, domed bristles that are better to blend with.
Eyebrow Brush/Lash Comb
The eyebrow brush is a stiff, usually angled makeup tool that can be used to fill in or contour the brows. Simply dip it into brow powder and use upward strokes on sparse areas to create the illusion of thickness. The lash comb (which may have metal or plastic teeth; be aware that metal offers more precision) helps groom the brows and separates lashes to remove mascara clumps. You can also find dual-sided eyebrow brushes and lash combs, but the brushes on these versions usually resemble slim toothbrushes and are better for shaping unruly brows than filling them in.
Eyeliner Brush
This typically finely pointed brush can be used wet or dry to apply eyeliner like a pro. For a smoky eye, a flat liner brush is best — line your eyes with its straight edge, then use a pushing motion on the line you've created for the smudged look.
Lip Brush
This type of brush has a small tapered point that lets you apply color or gloss in a few quick swipes (the exactness of this makeup tool keeps you from coloring "outside the lines"). Retractable lip brushes are especially handy for keeping the brush free from dirt and dust particles. This brush also works to apply eyeliner (remember to wash the bristles with warm, soapy water before switching from lips to eyes and vice versa to prevent contamination).
Fan Brush
A fan brush is great for cleanup. It gently dusts away any excess eye shadow that may have fallen beneath your eyes. Or it can be used to apply a light amount of color onto your cheeks.
Many makeup brush sets contain all these brushes in one, attractive, travel-friendly case — so be sure to shop around to find one that meets all your makeup needs!
*Article Courtesy of dailyglow
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