one of the most important things to consider when selecting a makeup brush is the quality and type of hair it is made of.

Now that you’ve learned how to choose the best makeup products for yourself or your client.It is essential to know the best application techniques to achieve optimal results.There are a few key tools that are common for makeup artist foundation applications,so here we will breakdown the differences between the many different facial brushes and sponges for ideal application.

How To Choose Your Materials

There are so many different brands and types of brushes,but one of the easiest places to start is by choosing which material your brush is made from.There are both natural and synthetic fibers,which can make a difference in how the brushes apply makeup.Different types of brushes work best with different products,so it’s important to know the difference between the types of brushes and materials.

Synthetic Brushes.

As you might guess from the name,synthetic ,man made materials.Because they are not made up of natural hair,they do not have the ability to absorb any  product through the porous texture or cuticle.This makes them great options for liquid or cream products,like concealer,foundation and even skincare products.Synthetic brushes can vary in quality,so be sure to feel the bristles if possible to determine if they will work for your purpose.

Natural Brushes.

Natural brushes are made out of natural fibers,which typically mean they are made from real hair.Most often they are from various types of animal hair,so it may be best to look for cruelty-free brushes if that appeals to you or your client base.There are some benefits about natural brushes,and since they are made from natural fibers they often behave like hair.They typically have more texture compared to synthetic brushes,and can behave more durably in your makeup collection.Natural brushes are best used for powder products,as they often blend easier than their synthetic counterparts.

Choosing Your Shape.

When it comes to applying foundation,concealer and powder,application can make all the difference.There are a variety of shapes and styles of brushes,and it is important to use the right one for your product.Here are  a few of the most common brushes for applying foundation,concealer and powder.

Foundation Brush.

This is most often a densely packed brush,with tapered bristles to apply foundation in a precise manner.When it comes to building up coverage and an airbrushed finish.This brush is best used for cream or liquid foundation.

Stippling Brush.

Not as dense,this brush is often made of duo fiber bristles and allows a strong coverage.When the product is stippled on,it achieves a pore less finish with a blended look.This is an extremely versatile brush,and can be used to apply cream,liquid or powder products.

Concealer Brush.

Almost a smaller version of the foundation brush,the concealer brush is a tapered brush for precise application.This can assist with using product in specific places,like the corners of the eyes or on blemishes.The concealer brush is best used with liquid and cream concealers.

Powder Brush.

Powder brushes can come in varying shape,but most often have a fluffy,rounded shape.With its loosely packed bristles and soft texture,powder brushes are best used for applying loose or pressed powder products.

Kabuki Brush.

With a short handle and densely packed bristles,Kabuki brushes often have a rounded shape.When used to apply product,they will provide medium coverage and more precision than a powder brush.Kabuki brushes are best used for applying both loose and pressed powder products to achieve more precision or coverage.

Blush Brush

A blush brush typically has medium density,which helps to diffuse pigments without streaks or patches.These brushes work for powder formulas,as well as cream and liquid blushes.Another essential feature of a blush is that some have a slightly angled or oblong shape,which helps to reach the hollows of the cheek more easily.If you’re using a cream blush,generally dip the brush in without using force.Even though you’ll be using light movements,the brush will still pick up enough of the formula to see a color payoff when you apply it to your cheeks and can blend up your temples for a snatched playful look.

Lip Brush

It may seem like an extra step in your makeup routine to grab a lip brush,but trust us,its worth it! These brushes allow you to apply lipsticks(especially liquid formulas)with more precision.In most cases,lip brushes have a smaller,flatter shape,which makes it easy to maneuver around the crevices of your mouth.They’re typically constructed with a long,slim wand and soft bristles that form a tapered shape.A lip brush is particularly handy when you’re applying bright,bold shades(looking at you,Red lipstick).

Tip; Lip brushes also help to clean up excess products without leaving a mess.

Contour Brush

This type of brush is best for applying and blending concealers and contouring sticks and palettes.Contour brush blur the sculpting pigments with a medium-soft bristle density for an effortless,air-brushed effect.Another standout feature of feature of contour brushes is their compatibility with  different formula types,generally working well with powder,cream,and liquid contouring formulas.They can also moonlight as brushes for liquid bronzers and blushes.

Highlighter Brush

Highlighter brushes are best for adding a shimmery dimension to your nose,cheeks,and the high planes of your cheekbones.You can find them in a fan-like or rounded shape,with both types constructed to be fluffy,soft on the skin,and tapered to smoothly deposit the shimmery pigments.”You can use these brushes for cream or powder highlighters,just make sure you use a separate brush for different formulations.

Eyeliner Brush

This is a brush which has fine bristles and is precise at the end.It is used for fine eyeliner application on the lids and sometimes under the eyes also.

Smudge Brush

A short,dense brush used to blend eyeliner or eye shadow along the lash line for a smoky effect.

Technique:Use short back-and-forth motions to blend eyeliner or eye shadow along the lash line.

Eye shadow Brush

Available in various sizes,the eye shadow brush is used to apply and blend eye shadow on the eyelids.

Technique:Apply eye shadow with a patting motion to build color,then blend the edges with a clean brush.

Brow Brush

A dual-ended brush with a spoolie on one end to groom eyebrows and an angled brush on the other end to apply brow products.

Technique:Use short,upward strokes to fill in the brows,then blend with spoolie.

Indulge in the luxury of quality tools and embrace a world where beauty knows no boundaries.