Ask any makeup artist what the most essential item is in their kit and almost all will likely tell you their brushes. It doesn’t matter how expensive your makeup is, without the right tools, designer makeup can look disastrous if it’s applied poorly and without precision. So if you’re planning a DIY wedding makeup or just want to up your beauty game, these brushes below will have you feeling fabulously flawless and beautiful. Makeup shouldn’t be complicated and I’m here to demystify the tools of the trade.
My brush guide will make sure you are all brushed up on the basics and have you putting your best face forward this season.
Synthetic vs. Natural
The general rule of thumb is synthetic fibres are best to apply liquids or creams (like primer, foundations, cream shadows) as the fibres do not absorb product which means a seamless application. Natural hair holds powders better, so use with powder products (like powder blushes and shadows).
Foundation
Radiance Brush no.26 $110 – This brush gives a radiant, flawless, airbrushed finish to your liquid foundations. This brush is light years ahead of any other foundation brushes that I have tried. #holygrail
Powder
Mini Pro Blender no.22.5 $85 – the mini pro blender is a terrific all-rounder powder brush so you get great bang for your buck as well as amazing performance. Use as all over powdering, de-shining your T-zone, contouring or applying your blush.
Blush
NARSÂ Yachiyo Kabuki Brush $55 The Kabuki brush is ideal for powder bronzing and blusher application.
Contour
Sigma beauty F77 Chisel and trim contour brush $23 Choose a wide flat brush with shorter bristles in either natural or synthetic fibres. If you prefer crème contouring products, stick to the above rule of synthetic fibres for a liquid product. For a softer contour, as mentioned above Rae Morris’ Mini Pro Blender no. 22.5 works beautifully.
Eyeshadow
MAC Cosmetics 217 Blending Brush $25 you’ll find this brush in most makeup artists kits as it’s the perfect density to deposit powder and also fluffy enough to buff and blend for a seamless colour transition. Also check out their 283 Duo fibre small eyeshadow brush $25 which can be used with all makeup mediums (wet and dry) great for patting on product and building strong pigment over the eyes.
Eyebrow Brush
Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo brush #12 $18 when you talk brows, then look no further than the Arch Angel herself Anastasia Beverly Hills. This brush is small for better precision and detailing with powder or gel. On the other end, it has a spooley brush to rid your brow of excess product for a more natural finish.
Liner
Laura Mercier angled eye liner brush $22 -this brush can make your wings fly. Perfect for getting close to your lashes with its unique angled head. Makes lining with gel or liquid a little easier 😉
Lip Brush
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Brush $26 I prefer a smaller shorter square ended lip brush for accuracy and clean lines. This brush is perfect for reaching the inner corners of the mouth with precision.
Eco-Friendly Options
I love and favour many Nvey Eco makeup brushes on set. They have wonderfully soft finishes and perform beautifully. Eco Tools are also great brushes. Their foundation brushes double as a primer brush, applying smooth and even distribution for a great base for your foundation.
Cleaning Your Tools
I cannot stress how important it is to clean your brushes regularly, not only will your application be more accurate and beautiful; you won’t transfer nasty little bacteria onto your skin causing breakouts or worse.
Home use: once a week
Professional use: after every client
Natural Hair: wash your brushes using a baby shampoo or organic shampoo to clean out powder from the bristles.
Synthetic Fibre: tends to hold oil based product, use a professional brush cleaner like Japonesque Makeup brush cleanser $14
Dry flat on a towel making sure no moisture enters the metal base as this will loosen the glue in the ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles together) and the hairs will fall out.