How to Choose and Use the Best Makeup Brushes for Your Face

Makeup brushes are essential tools for creating flawless and beautiful makeup looks. But with so many types, shapes, and sizes of brushes available, how do you know which ones to use and how to use them? In this blog post, we will guide you through the basics of makeup brushes, focusing on six types of brushes that are perfect for applying different kinds of face makeup. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and share some tips and tricks to make the most out of your brushes.

Kabuki Foundation Brush

A kabuki foundation brush is a large, round, and dense brush that is ideal for applying liquid, cream, or powder foundation. The name comes from the Japanese drama theaters where actors used these brushes to apply heavy layers of white rice powder. A kabuki foundation brush can help you achieve a smooth, even, and full coverage look, as it can blend the foundation seamlessly into your skin without leaving any streaks or patches.

To use a kabuki foundation brush, start by applying a small amount of foundation to the back of your hand or a mixing palette. Then, dip the brush into the foundation and swirl it around to distribute the product evenly. Next, apply the foundation to your face in circular motions, starting from the center and moving outward. You can also use the brush to buff and blend the foundation into your hairline, jawline, and neck for a natural finish.

Some examples of kabuki foundation brushes are the BK Beauty 101 Contoured Foundation Brush and the Koh Gen Do Perfect Foundation Brush.

Body Makeup Brush

A body makeup brush is a large, flat, and angled brush that is designed to apply makeup to larger areas of the body, such as the legs, arms, chest, and back. A body makeup brush can help you achieve a flawless and even application of body makeup, such as bronzer, highlighter, or self-tanner, without leaving any streaks or patches.

To use a body makeup brush, start by applying a small amount of body makeup to the back of your hand or a mixing palette. Then, dip the brush into the body makeup and swirl it around to distribute the product evenly. Next, apply the body makeup to your desired area in long and sweeping strokes, following the natural contours of your body. You can also use the brush to blend and buff the body makeup into your skin for a seamless finish.

Some examples of body makeup brushes are the Real Techniques Angled Kabuki Brush and the Goerti Body Makeup Brush.

Best Makeup Foundation Brush

The best makeup foundation brush for you depends on your personal preference, skin type, foundation formula, and desired level of coverage. However, some general guidelines to follow are:

• For liquid foundation, look for a brush with a flat, tapered tip like the NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation Brush or the Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Blender Brush to allow for more precise application. “Stipple brushes or using the stippling technique with a damp sponge also blends liquid foundation seamlessly,” says makeup artist Erika La’ Pearl.
• For powder foundation, look for a brush with a round, fluffy, and dense head like the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6 or the Koh Gen Do Perfect Foundation Brush to allow for more coverage and a smooth finish.
• For cream foundation, look for a brush with a flat, firm, and synthetic head like the Tom Ford #02 Cream Foundation Brush or the MAC 190 Synthetic Foundation Brush to allow for more control and a flawless blend.

Best Makeup Brush

The best makeup brush for you depends on your personal preference, makeup style, and budget. However, some general guidelines to follow are:

• Look for brushes that are soft, dense, and durable, as they will apply and blend your makeup better and last longer. Synthetic bristles are usually more hygienic, vegan-friendly, and easier to clean than natural bristles, but natural bristles may work better with powder products.
• Look for brushes that are comfortable to hold, easy to use, and suit your face shape and size. The handle, stem, and ferrule (the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle) should be sturdy and well-made, and the brush head should be shaped and angled to fit your features and needs.
• Look for brushes that are versatile, multifunctional, and easy to clean, as they will save you time, money, and space. You don’t need to own dozens of brushes to create different makeup looks, as long as you have a few essential brushes that can work with different products and techniques. You should also clean your brushes regularly to prevent bacteria buildup, product residue, and color transfer.

Some examples of makeup brushes that are well-reviewed and recommended by experts and editors are the Dior Kabuki Brush 17, the Artis Elite Smoke Palm Oval Makeup Brush, and the Patrick Ta Dual-Ended Complexion Brush.

Best Makeup Brush for Liquid Foundation

The best makeup brush for liquid foundation is one that can apply and blend your foundation smoothly and evenly, without leaving any streaks, patches, or cakey areas. The best makeup brush for liquid foundation also depends on your personal preference, skin type, foundation formula, and desired level of coverage. However, some general guidelines to follow are:

• For light to medium coverage, look for a brush with a flat, tapered, or domed tip, such as the NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation Brush, the Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Blender Brush, or the Saie The Base Brush. These brushes can help you apply and blend your liquid foundation with precision and control, especially around the nose, eyes, and mouth.
• For medium to full coverage, look for a brush with a round, dense, and buffing head, such as the BK Beauty 101 Contoured Foundation Brush, the Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush, or the Sigma Beauty Flat Kabuki Brush. These brushes can help you apply and blend your liquid foundation with more coverage and a smooth finish, especially on the cheeks, forehead, and chin.

Best Cream Foundation Brush

The best cream foundation brush is one that can apply and blend your cream foundation seamlessly and flawlessly, without leaving any streaks, patches, or cakey areas. The best cream foundation brush also depends on your personal preference, skin type, foundation formula, and desired level of coverage. However, some general guidelines to follow are:

• For light to medium coverage, look for a brush with a flat, tapered, or angled tip, such as the Tom Ford #02 Cream Foundation Brush, the NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush, or the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush. These brushes can help you apply and blend your cream foundation with precision and control, especially around the nose, eyes, and mouth.
• For medium to full coverage, look for a brush with a flat, firm, and synthetic head, such as the MAC 190 Synthetic Foundation Brush, the Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush, or the Monika Blunder Hybrid Cream Brush. These brushes can help you apply and blend your cream foundation with more coverage and a flawless blend, especially on the cheeks, forehead, and chin.

Makeup Brush Kabuki

A makeup brush kabuki is a type of makeup brush that has a short handle and a large, round, and dense head of bristles. The name comes from the Japanese drama theaters where actors used these brushes to apply heavy layers of white rice powder. A makeup brush kabuki can be used to apply and blend various kinds of face makeup, such as foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, and highlighter. A makeup brush kabuki can help you achieve a smooth, even, and full coverage look, as it can blend the makeup seamlessly into your skin without leaving any streaks or patches.

To use a makeup brush kabuki, start by applying a small amount of makeup to the back of your hand or a mixing palette. Then, dip the brush into the makeup and swirl it around to distribute the product evenly. Next, apply the makeup to your face in circular motions, starting from the center and moving outward. You can also use the brush to buff and blend the makeup into your hairline, jawline, and neck for a natural finish.

Some examples of makeup brush kabukis are the Dior Kabuki Brush 17, the Nars Ita Kabuki Brush, and the IT Cosmetics Airbrush Essential Kabuki Brush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I wash my makeup brushes?

A: According to makeup artist Nick Lujan, you should wash your makeup brushes at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup, product residue, and color transfer. However, if you use your brushes daily or with cream or liquid products, you may need to wash them more frequently.

Q: How do I wash my makeup brushes?

A: Lujan recommends the following steps to wash your makeup brushes:

• Wash your hands first.
• Pour mild shampoo into the palm of your hand or a makeup brush cleaner into a small bowl or cup.
• Wet the bristles of your brush with lukewarm water, avoiding the ferrule and handle.
• Swirl the brush into the shampoo or cleaner, creating a lather.
• Rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear, squeezing out any excess water.
• Reshape the brush and lay it flat on a clean towel to dry.
• Repeat with the rest of your brushes.