Once you understand the basics of the shape of each brush and which materials it works best with, you will find it easier to break these rules to achieve a makeup technique that works best for you. Foundation Brushes • Flat-Top Foundation Brush Tapered foundation brushes are usually flat, less full in form, with a gentle taper. These brushes are best for liquid foundation and other liquid products. If you are having trouble deciding on a type of foundation, learn more about the different types of foundation here. To use, start by dipping your brush in warm water then gently squeezing out the excess. If it’s hot and you’re prone to sweating, use cool water for a more refreshing application experience. For bronzer or highlighter, use a fan to gently buff product onto your cheekbones using a sweeping motion. If you ask us, blusher is one of the most crucial – and fun – parts of any makeup look. It’s no secret that the right colour, texture and formula has the ability to level up the final result tenfold – and whether you opt for a more traditional pink shade, a barely there peachy flush or something altogether bolder, the impact blusher can have is truly incredible.

This part of your wrist is very thin skinned and sensitive,” Chang says. “You can tell if the bristles are soft, smooth or itchy. You want the blush brush to be dense yet firm with a lot of hairs, but very soft like a kitten’s paw.” To use: You can use a foundation brush either by dispensing a bit of foundation directly on it or by dotting the foundation on the face first and then using the brush to blend and buff it out. To achieve a higher coverage, use the brush in a tapping or stippling motion. To blend or sheer out your foundation, use a circular, buffing motion to move the product around your face. • Flat Foundation Brush Not all blush brushes are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your application. The two main types of blush brushes are natural and synthetic, with each offering its own benefits. An oval foundation brush is actually just a variation on the typical flat-top foundation brush, with the main difference being the size of the head and the angle of the handle. Some brands might refer to it as a buffing brush or even as a kabuki brush, although that’s not quite right.According to makeup artist Jasmin Lo, the most important feature to consider when buying a blush brush is the size and shape: “Ideally, you want a tapered blush brush that is right for the size of your face,” Lo explains, before adding, “the size is more important than the shape in my opinion, though.” To apply makeup using a foundation brush, guide the brush along your face in even strokes. Take care to ensure that the makeup is blended in and no harsh lines are left behind. Again, it’s often easier to start in the middle and work your way outward. Kabuki brushes are also great for powder foundation and blush. Diffuse concentrated product by swirling the brush in makeup, tapping to remove excess and then gently applying by using large, circular motions. To use: Much like with an angle brush, you want to use smaller, overlapping strokes when applying eyeliner very close to the lash line. Use a smooth, single stroke when working on the wing or on the top part of the liner. Then, lightly sweep the brush along your cheekbones in an upward and outward motion, following the natural contours of your face. Be sure to blend well for a seamless finish. If you want a more intense look, add more product and build up the color gradually.

The next step is to blend everything together. It sounds simple but it’s actually the most difficult and critical part of making the contour look as natural as possible. It is not clear whether a spoolie counts as a makeup brush or not, but you still might find one on one end of your angle brush, or you might get one in a makeup kit. A spoolie is essentially a clean mascara wand, and it shouldn’t be used to apply products.Personally, I don’t find sponges great for depositing product on the skin because they don’t give a lot of control. I prefer applying foundation and concealer with a brush that has a handle or even with my fingers. To apply your cream product over larger areas, use more of a brush motion to dispense and move product, and then use the tapping motion to diffuse streaks or lines.