Choosing Makeup Brushes and Sets

Visual artists use many different natural and synthetic brushes to achieve a desired affect. Equally, makeup brushes are an essential tool for the makeup artist and yes, it really makes a difference what type of make up brush you use….

Makeup brush basics

Let’s take a look at the different brushes that professional makeup artists may utilise and carry in their makeup case. Brushes are usually numbered to make them easier to identify and to recall which ones you may prefer.

Brushes  are classified by the following attributes:

• bristles- either synthetic (talon or nylon) and natural hair- goat, squirrel, sable
• bristle texture- may be soft and fine, coarse- firm
• brush head shape- angled, arched, pointed, round, tapered
• brush head size

Eyebrow: angled  eyebrow brush, eyebrow brush

Eyeliner: eyeliner brush,fine liner brush, liquid liner brush

Eyeshadow:  these come in varying sizes and shapes

Blush brush

Foundation brush

XLarge Powder brush

Concealer brush

Lip brush

Description of brush type

Eye brushes: These may be similar to mascara wands or like a straight, narrow bristle brush.

Angled eyebrow brushes have short bristles and is useful for applying color to eyebrows or shaping the angle of the brow and blending any eyebrow pencil marks to soften the look.

Eyeliner brushes present in a range of sizes, generally they are shorter bristled with either a flat or round pointed head. The floats brush is handy for adding eyeliner powders near the lash line. Some makeup artists use this for placing color into the lashes to create the illusion of luscious, thick lashes. You would choose a thinner, more pointed short-bristled brush for defining eyes with a liquid eyeliner. This can be used equally as well with a creme and cake eyeliners.

Eyeshadow brushes are available in different shapes and sizes. You will use a larger softer brush head for applying eyeshadow in the centre of the eyelid area for all over blending. Firmer brushes with angled bristles are also great for applying color into the crease of the eyelid and blending shades.Arch-shaped short bristle eyeshadow brushes are used for applying color along a lash line, creases or corners of the eyes to shape or intensify. You may also consider adding to your brush kit, a more pointed eyeshadow brush for applying colors underneath the  lower lash line.

Brushes for use on the face

Blush brush: Most blush brioches are soft, thick and taper off near the head of the brush. They may be used for applying blush or bronzers and make great blenders.

Foundation brushes: These are larger and silky making it a breeze to apply liquid or creme foundations, blending beautifully onto the skin.

Powder brushes: These are usually massive in comparison to other brushes, super soft too. This makes them ideal for shaking or dusting off excess powder before applying. Great for loose translucent powders , giving a very natural effect.

Concealer brushes: These are vital to any brush set. They are tapered, making it easy to apply concealers perfectly. They are great for spot cover ups too and hiding imperfections.

Lip brushes: These are usually small, short firm bristled and slightly tapered. they may be in a retractable case or capped.

Natural or synthetic?

It’s really up to you. You may find that you need some of each. Some brushes are made of a sponge type material and these are also useful  for applying and blending eyeshadows, smudging shades etc.

Cost

Make up brush sets varying in cost dramatically; $US29-$300 plus.You may purchase individual brushes or go with the value for money approach, with a full makeup brush set; sometimes termed  a brush roll. If you decide to purchase individual brushes, select the ones which are absolutely essential and add to your brush kit as you are able. You can always start with a cheap makeup brush set and upgrade later. Check out a makeup brush set sale.

You may find a synthetic makeup brush set will suffice until you are sure it is worth your while spending more. How much you spend depends entirely on your budget and what your circumstances are, e.g. a serious professional with your own business, a part-timer, astudent or someone who just likes to apply their own makeup at home. Whatever you decide, there is a plethora of makeup brush sets and remember, you get what you pay for.

Our Top Brush Set Picks from Sephora

Sephora Collection Beauty In A Box Starter Kit Brush Set

Sephora Collection Prestige Brush Set

Sephora Collection Ultimate Travel Tool Brush Set, Limited Edition

Sephora Collection Holiday Travel Clutch Brush Set

Thanks for visiting makeupminx.net and reading this article. If you like it please share it, don’t be shy.

 

 

 

 

About the Author: Bridget is a qualified makeup artist who enjoys freelance writing about makeup, skin care and other related lifestyle topics. She is also Director of Makeup  for makeupminx.net 

visit http://makeupminx.net

© 2011 makeupminx.net

 

No related posts.