Eye Make Up Brushes-How many and what makeup brushes do I need?

by Vicburton

Question by Catie Fan: How many and what makeup brushes do I need?
I’m a beginner in makeup, and am looking into getting a brush set. I went on Amazon and they have brush sets ranging from 10 brushes to 34! How many do I need? I know the basics, like foundation, concealer, blush, lip, etc, but eye brushes confuse me. If you could list all the brushes I need and describe what each is used for and what it looks like, that would be AMAZING. Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Mimi
You can get some nice brushes by ecotools or Sonia Kashuk at drugstores. If it is in your budget, the Sigma and Mac brushes are really good! I wouldn’t get them from Amazon because the quality might not be so great.

–Kabuki brush: Big fluffy brush used for powder, blush, bronzer, and powder foundation.
–Powder/Bronzer brush: Soft, full and rounded, this brush can be used for both compact powder and bronzer.
–Fan Brush: Created for use with loose powder, the fine fan sweeps a light dusting of powder onto the skin for a soft, velvety effect, or removes excess powder. This application technique avoids heavy coverage which can highlight fine lines and imperfections.
–Stipling/Duel fiber brush: This works great for applying foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, etc. But it’s generally used for foundation. Made from a blend of 2 layers goat and synthetic fibres this brush is ideal for buffing and blending colour. The flat, circular, feathery head provides lightweight and buildable coverage of liquid, cream or powder.
–Foundation brush: You use it to apply liquid foundation. Designed to achieve a smooth and flawless finish, the bristles are tightly packed with a tapered tip for fluid application. Dampen the brush first in warm water and firmly squeeze the excess into a towel or tissue for a more even distribution.
–Blush brush: Looks like a powder brush, except is smaller in width. Has a rounded head which is perfect for giving a pop of colour to the apples of your cheeks.
–Face Contour Brush: Slanted and rounded in shape, the contour brush mimics the angles of your cheekbones. This is ideal for highlighting and shading with bronzer or illuminating powder.
–Concealer brush: A soft bristled, flat brush with a wider base and a pointed tip. Use to apply concealer under the eyes, to spots and to camouflage problem areas.
–Eyeshadow Brush: The most basic of all makeup brushes. These brushes pick up and deposit color with greater efficiency than typical sponge applicators. They're vailable in a variety of sizes and may feature slightly angled or tapered hairs.
***An all over shadow brush is an ideal basic brush that will apply color evenly to the entire lid or layer colors for a more complex look.
–Eyeshadow Crease/Pencil Brush: Great for adding dimension using darker colors to contour eyes. The brush is domed shaped and tapered, to fit int your crease. This brush allows for precise application and expert blending with ease.
–Eyeshadow Blending Brush: They are used to blend different colored products and to wipe out harsh lines. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not as firm as eyeshadow brush heads, the heads of blending brushes are usually tapered.
–Smudge Brush: Smudge brushes are typically flat and made of short hairs. They are easily recognizable because of this unique design. Occasionally they may appear to be rounded in shape.
–Angled Eyeshadow Shader Brush: Great for contouring, and making a smokey eye by adding eyeshadow to the outer-v. I sometimes use it to apply eyeshadow to my lower lashline.
–Angled Brush/Liner Brush: These brushes feature slanted hairs, which make eyeliner application simple. Use the angle brush to define the lash line, the brows and the crease. These brushes work wonders for women who have trouble drawing a precise line that isn't obvious. The bristles of the brush are typically flat and slightly firm to the touch, ensuring that it will deposit color only in the spots where it is directed. The trimmed angle shape allows the brush to fit easily into hard-to-reach spots, like the corners of the eyelid and around the lashes.
–Eyeliner Brush: Its tapered, slim shape ensures precise, clean application without the bumps and skids that sometimes occur with a pencil. These thin brushes are appropriate for liquid, gel and cream liners. Many women prefer to wet their eye shadows and use these as liners instead. The brush holds an ample amount of color and deposits it with ease to the area just above (and below, if desired) the lash line. In order to achieve the most clean, natural-looking line, wiggle and dab the brush gently but firmly against the lash line
–Mascara Brush: Mascara brushes are reusable and should be washed after each application. They can also be used to brush unruly eyebrows.
–Lip Brush: The sculpted tip of a lip brush is perfect for achieving a flawless line. The bristles are short and firm for controlled application.
–Lash and Brow Groomer: 2 ended brush, one that looks like a comb for brushing out clumps in mascara and fixing lashes, and a toothbrush like side for combing through unruly brows.

Sorry I’m missing some, this answer is getting too long to submit!
Since you are a beginner, get a basic set of a kabuki or powder brush, eyeshadow brush, eyeliner brush, concealer brush, and an brow and lash groomer. But it all depends on the type of makeup you are going to wear!

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