Types of Makeup Brushes & Their Uses

Are you familiar with the difference between a blush brush and a concealer brush? With so many different makeup brushes available, it can be overwhelming to identify which ones are essential for your daily routine. From selecting the best mineral makeup brushes for beginners to mastering the technique of applying foundation with a brush, our comprehensive guide on makeup brushes will equip you with professional-level skills in no time.

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As Janeena Rumsey, Glo’s Artistry Lead, points out, “The key is to start with the essential brushes and gradually expand your collection.”

“While certain brushes can serve multiple purposes, having a few fundamental brushes in your kit is essential for accurate application. The number of brushes you need will also depend on the complexity of the makeup looks you wish to create. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, a small selection may suffice, but for those aiming for intricate designs, a broader array will be necessary,” she elaborates.

Best Makeup Brushes For Beginners

Although it's tempting to explore every brush option available, Janeena recommends starting with a few key brushes. “The most useful makeup brushes for beginners include a powder brush, a blush brush (which doubles as a bronzer brush), a foundation brush, a flat eyeshadow brush, and a fluffier crease eyeshadow brush,” she suggests. This foundational set can then be expanded as your needs evolve.

Understanding Makeup Brushes & Their Uses

Every type of makeup brush features a unique shape and varying density of fibers, each engineered to deliver specific makeup products effectively to their designated areas on the face.

To help you grasp the essentials as well as the different types of makeup brushes available, we’ll walk you through their uses and the reasons you may want to include them in your collection. Let's explore the various makeup brushes and their functions.

Choosing the Right Foundation Brush

One of the most common inquiries makeup artists receive is, “How do I choose a foundation brush?” Janeena explains, “The answer depends on the type of foundation you’re using—whether it’s liquid, cream, or powder—and your preferred coverage level.”

Powder Foundation Brush

When it comes to both pressed and loose powder foundations, a versatile powder foundation brush is vital for achieving even coverage and a natural finish. Brushes like the 105 Flat-top Kabuki or the 101 Pro Kabuki are recommended due to their dense fibers, which excel in blending medium to full coverage while providing a soft-focus finish. They’re also excellent for all-over blending.

For those seeking sheer coverage with pressed powder, the 104 Dual Fiber Face Brush offers a gentler touch, allowing buildable application for versatile looks.

Liquid Foundation Brush

Liquid foundations should be applied using a brush that facilitates blending and stippling for a smooth finish and desired coverage. The 105 Flat-top Kabuki Brush and the 108 Angled Complexion Brush are favorites for this purpose, ensuring easy blending and a smooth medium to full coverage effect, especially with products like the Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18.

Cream Foundation Brush

Considering the malleable texture of cream foundations, many prefer applying them with fingers or a Makeup Blender Sponge. However, for hassle-free blending, the 109 Dual Foundation/Camouflage Brush or the 108 Angled Complexion Brush are great options. Their dense fibers mimic the pressure and feel of fingers for a seamless finish.

If a more sheer effect is desired, a damp Makeup Blender Sponge works best for applying cream foundations.

How to Apply Foundation with a Brush

If you usually opt for fingers or sponges, don't shy away from using a brush for foundation application, says Janeena. To apply liquid foundation with a brush, dispense a small amount on the back of your hand, dab onto key areas of your face with the foundation brush, and then blend out using small circular motions. Add more product if required for an even, radiant finish. For cream foundation, start with the center of your face and work outwards with a stippling motion for an even look. When using powder foundation, swirl your brush in the powder and blend across your face, focusing on areas prone to shine if needed.

Concealer Brush

While many prefer using fingers for quick application, the natural oils can affect the longevity of concealer application. Janeena suggests incorporating a concealer brush into your kit for more precise application, especially for tricky areas like the corners of the eyes and nose. The 109 Dual Foundation/Camouflage Brush offers versatility with its two-sided design—one side for concealing and the other for foundation application.

For fine blending under the eyes, the 304 Dual Fiber Eye Brush is a personal favorite of Janeena’s.

Powder Brush

Depending on the specific powder used, having a reliable powder brush is indispensable. For setting powder, a soft and fluffy brush provides a light application for a sheer finish. The 103 Tapered Setting Powder Brush is ideal for both setting powder and loose foundation powder.

Blush Brush

The ideal blush brush is dome-shaped with soft, long bristles, making it easy to apply color to the apples of the cheeks or along the cheekbones. A great option is the 202 Powder Blush Brush, which can also be utilized for bronzers and highlighters.

For further inquiries or to learn about how to design your own makeup brushes, contact us. Our knowledgeable sales team is here to assist you in determining the best options for your requirements.

Contour Brush

For sculpting and defining your features, selecting a contour brush crafted specifically for this purpose is crucial. The right size and shape should comfortably fit under your cheekbone. The 107 Contour/Highlighter Brush is a favorite for its dual-purpose functionality—the rounded end allows for application and blending, while the tapered end offers precision.

Eye Brushes

Eye makeup brushes can get quite specific in their functions. For basic needs like adding color, blending, and crease shading, brushes such as the 303 Detail Blender Brush, 304 Dual Fiber Eye Brush, and 305 Crease Shader Brush are essential. If you desire more definition for darker eye looks, investing in smaller, more detailed brushes for lining and smudging would be beneficial.

For guidance on which eye brushes to include in your kit, check out our detailed eyeshadow application tips.

Eyebrow Brush

To sculpt, fill, and define your eyebrows, an eyebrow brush is invaluable. Begin with a spoolie brush to groom your brows and follow up with an angled bristle brush like our 309 Dual Brow/Liner Brush for filling in color. This brush offers a broad end for all-over brow application and a finer end for more detailed work.

Lip Brush

Many individuals prefer applying lip color straight from the bullet; however, a lip brush offers precision that is hard to achieve from the product's direct application, explains Janeena. The compact lip brush is especially useful when you're running low on your favorite lip color.

Determining Quality in Makeup Brushes

Quality is paramount for makeup brushes, but this doesn't necessarily equate to high prices. A quality brush will facilitate effortless makeup application, seamless blending, and a long-lasting finish. Look for design features and the materials used in its construction to guide your choices.

A good starting point is to choose brushes designed by professional makeup artists, as seen with Glo's lineup, crafted for both pro and personal use to meet high standards of quality and thoughtful design.

Additionally, a sturdy ferrule (the metal part) is crucial for keeping bristles secure and preventing shedding.

Cruelty-free brushes are another plus. "Nowadays, vegan brush fibers are an excellent choice, as natural hair can irritate sensitive skin," Janeena notes. All Glo brushes use premium, cruelty-free synthetic fibers, known for ease of cleaning and maintenance, ensuring lasting quality over time.

Once your collection is established, maintaining brush quality and ensuring clean skin free from breakouts rely heavily on how well you clean your tools. Check our guide on proper brush cleaning techniques for complete details.

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