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The 7 Types Of Makeup Brushes You Need And How To Use Them

Honestly, as fun and life-saving makeup can be, it can be equally as overwhelming. First, there’s perfecting winged eyeliner, putting on the right amount of bronzer, and like, somehow keeping up with a gazillion beauty devices. There are so many that exist now that I just literally can’t even. Take makeup brushes, for example. There are easily over 30 different kinds, and I can confidently tell you that I am familiar with maybe three—that’s not including if I’m even using them correctly. I can’t even remember which fucking fork is the salad fork when my boyfriend takes me out to dinner, nonetheless the difference between a concealer brush and eyeshadow brush. Since I’m a twentysomething woman gawking at how much better at 15-year-old can do their contour than I can, I figured I can’t be the only one who feels this way. I’ve done us all a much-needed favor and rounded up the best makeup brushes you should def own and how exactly to use them. Take a kabuki brush, for instance. Ya, exactly, is that what I ordered from that Japanese restaurant last night?? No, bitch, and that’s precisely why you need my help.

1. Foundation And Concealer Brush

For powder-based foundations, you want to make sure you’re using a brush with natural bristles. This will mimic the appearance of airbrushing so your makeup looks even and natural. It’s super gentle so it won’t feel like some guy’s five o’clock shadow is rubbing all up on your grill. Start by placing a small amount of your foundation on the back of your hand and working your way from the center of your face outwards. Brush in a circular motion so that it’s evenly distributed.

Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo And Foundation Brush

Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush

For liquid or cream-based foundations, a brush with synthetic bristles works best. You’ll achieve a full-coverage look since the dense, firm bristles will ensure your foundation applies seamlessly and streak-free. A rounded brush will allow you to blend and build on your foundation as well as perfect the smallest details. Start by gently patting your makeup and smoothing it out before applying on your face. Beginning at the center (nose, eyes, the fucking middle of your face), blend out onto the surrounding areas where desired.

bareMinerals Complexion Perfector Foundation & Concealer Brush

bareMinerals Complexion Perfector Foundation & Concealer Brush

2. Kabuki Brush

When I first heard the name of this brush, I was like WTF IS THIS… I need to have it. My makeup has never been better. Kabuki brushes are big af but v soft and easy on the face, so they rarely irritate your skin. This type of brush is ideal for loose powder-based foundations to create an even look that doesn’t look cakey whatsoever. Be sure to use a small amount at a time (because by using this, you’ll save so much in the long run) and swirl all over in a circular motion.

NARS Botan Kabuki Brush

NARS Botan Kabuki Brush

3. Beautyblender

Okay, you probs use this one by now, but in case you’re a sheltered freak like me and haven’t, you should def buy your first beautyblender now so you can see why everyone in the world is obsessed. Beautyblenders basically changed the game as we know it, because they can work for both liquid and powder foundations and still provide the most flawless look ever. It looks like an egg, feels like a stress ball, obviously we’re going to wonder how tf to use this shit. For liquid foundation, dip the pointy end first and lightly dot on your face where needed the most. With the bigger end, dab and blend. For powder-based products, dampen the larger part just a bit, making sure to squeeze excess water out before applying. Obviously.

Beautyblender Original

Beautyblender Original

4. Angled Blush Brush

Using an angled brush is v important when applying blush or anything close to a contour. If you use a round brush, you’ll end up looking like that yellow Pokemon or something equally weird. Angled bristles line up with your facial structure and create a natural-looking rosy glow. Sweep upwards along your cheekbones when applying, and on your way back down, lightly blend.

IT Brushes For Ulta: Love Beauty Fully Flawless Blush Brush #227

IT Brushes For Ulta: Love Beauty Fully Flawless Blush Brush #227

5. Bronzer/Contour Brush

In order to have a Kardashian-level contour, it only makes sense to have a fab af brush. Obviously, 2-in-1 is always better, so buying a combination brush will only make your life easier when you’re rushing to put your face on. When looking for a contour brush, you want to make sure the tip is precise, small, and round (HAHA THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID … and I’m clearly five years old, moving on) so that you can draw the bronzer along your cheekbones and nose as well as the highlighter along the center of your face. To blend in harsh lines, be sure to blend in lightly using a large, wide brush.

Tarte Bronze & Glow Contour Brush

Tarte Bronze & Glow Contour Brush

6. All Over Eye Shadow Brush

Finding the right eye shadow brush is very important so you don’t create a streaky look—or worse, an uneven smokey eye. It just looks fucking weird and you don’t want to be that person, ever. Be sure to opt for a brush with a small head and super fine bristles. You’ll want to make sure it fans enough so that you can evenly apply liquid or powder eye shadow, and layer on if you need.

NYX Cosmetics All Over Powder Brush

NYX Cosmetics Pro All Over Shadow Brush

7. Lash Comb and Brow Brush

This is def one of the most crucial additions you need for your makeup bag. The dual brush is ideal for polishing your look just before you run out the door. Use the comb end to brush your lashes after mascara to separate, de-clump, and de-spider long lashes. After shading in or using gel on your brows, use the brush end to brush your hairs into the right place so they stay looking on-point all night long.

Ulta Lash Comb & Brow Brush

Ulta Lash Comb & Brow Brush