Makeup Tools- Brushes

Just like a plumber cannot get a job done satisfactorily without a wrench, a mechanic without some spanners, a dentist without the forceps(hehehe, just had to add that in) and a gardener without a shear, so too makeup can never be completed without the use of basic, proper tools. Not only does it ensure hassle free and easy application, but also an expertly flawless look. I LOVE makeup brushes but despise that they are so overly priced here in South Africa. But there is hope- I will be doing another post on a brand of brushes introduced here which is soooo ridiculously cheap, I can afford to buy 3 of their brushes for the price of ONE of Mac's and Smashbox's or even Estée Lauders brushes.

Brushes come in two main categories: NATURAL brushes and SYNTHETIC brushes.

Natural bristle brushes: these are brushes made from the hair of animals like ponies, goats, badgers and squirrels. Because of the soft, silky and flexible nature of these brushes, they are perfect for picking up powder and for blending. This texture allows for ease of application without poking or hurting you. Natural bristle brushes, if cared for properly, can last you a lifetime as they are naturally very resilient and durable.

Synthetic Brushes: are mainly made from nylon and are much firmer, slightly thicker(individual strands) and harder in texture. They are good for foundation, concealer, eyeliner and lipstick applications. Nylon bristles do not pick up eyeshadow properly and are terrible for blending. They are less expensive than natural hair brushes.

You have brushes for basic use and brushes that are used for precision application. If you are comfortable with simple application of your makeup, then the set of  basic brushes will suffice. However, if you are someone that loves experimenting with different looks, you'll find that you never seem to have enough of makeup brushes....


The basic set of brushes that one would need to apply their makeup is:

1. Powder Brush: a powder brush is a large headed, fluffy brush. It is great for picking up loose or pressed powder to apply onto the foundation to set it in place. It allows for an even, sheer application of the powder as opposed to sponge and fluff applicators. Must be made from natural hair(sable, squirrel)
2. Angled Brush: I love using a medium sized angled brush for shaping the eyebrows after the foundation and powder application. Use it with a brow shadow to define the brow and set the brows in place. (Natural hair)
3. Flat Shader Brush: I prefer a flat shader/ eyeshadow brush that is not dense with bristles. I feel it allows me more control in the application of pigments or pressed shadows. They should be firm and held in place tightly in its barrel. (Natural hair)
4. Crease Brush: my favorite of all brushes...A crease brush will help you pack on color in the crease area without working its way onto the lid or brow bone. Here again, I like a medium to small brush. (Natural hair)
5. Blending Brush: the name of this brush is self explanatory- it's bristles are not compacted together but are held together rather loosely(at the top) for ease of blending out or softening harsh lines. I believe that you can never have too many blending brushes. (Natural hair)
6. Eyeliner Brush: you have straight eyeliner brushes and angled eyeliner brushes. Whatever your preference, no brush collection is complete without an eyeliner brush. Gel liners are most efficiently applied with an eyeliner brush or a small angled brush. Eyeliner brushes do not have to be made with natural or sable hair. The synthetic bristles work very effectively in scooping up product and for applying.
7. Blush Brush: another one of my favorite brush types. You have the angled blush brush as well as the rounded brush. Both work as effectively. I couldn't imagine applying blush without a brush....really, how would one apply their blush 'sans' a brush????
8. Lipstick Brush: lipstick brushes provide a hygienic application for your lipsticks- even if you are the only one using them. You can easily apply product with one lined areas of your lips without smudging it all around your mouth. Use it to also apply lipgloss over. It is also super advantageous if you love mixing your colors without having to spoil your lipstick tube.

Makeup brushes are the most important beauty tool, for makeup, that you could ever own. We spend lots of money on makeup, yet use poor quality tools to apply it which can essentially be the difference between flawless makeup and makeup that leaves you looking cheap and tacky....

Which is your favorite makeup brush????