Cosmetic Confusion: A Makeup Brush Breakdown

Makeup quandaries have existed since we made the stuff. We at Style Quirk are here to make it a little easier...or at least tell you how we make it easier for ourselves in hopes that some things overlap. Rule one: less is more. Often the women looking flawless are the ones with minimal (but expert) makeup application. Also, be sure to wash all makeup off thoroughly at the day’s end; clear skin is a blessing and should definitely be preserved.

Now that we’ve covered basics undoubtedly analyzed to death in every Elle, Vogue, or InStyle you’ve ever laid eyes on, let’s move on to another facet of the cosmetics industry you probably don’t hear much about: makeup brushes. Sure, they come with just about every compact you purchase, but are the ones provided really the best for blush/foundation/eye shadow application? We think the answer isn’t always yes, so below are a few types that blend your powders a little better and result in a more natural-looking you.

Blush Brush

When rouging up those cheekbones, coat your brush, then blow on it to remove excess blush particles. As with all brushes, make sure this one is soft to the touch and pliable in its movements so as to evenly coat. Brushes from Sephora and Bobbi Brown are high quality, but can be on the pricey side. On the affordable end of quality, I’ve heard great things about Sonia Kashuk’s line at Target.

Blending Brush

Used for powder or mineral foundation, blending brushes are great for building a neutral base tone. Shiseido is my brand of choice, available at Target.

Flathead Eye Shadow Brush

Typically the applicators that come in your eye shadow palettes are sponge-tipped, which isn’t optimal for most blending options. The sponge variety can be good for applying that super light shade some women put right under their eyebrow. However, softer versions are better for the large swaths of color on your lids, such as Physicians Formula.

Flat Liner Brush

Makeup website Beauty Brands has a liner brush from The Balm for $8.00 that almost all the women in my family use (we each have our own, mind).

Liquid versions of these makeup types are of course great and can be applied with a sponge or your own digits. However, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your hands beforehand, since you don’t want oils from your hands to wind up on your face first thing in the morning. There are also a great many more types of brushes women use in their daily makeup regimen; I just don’t personally own them, and thus don’t feel like I can accurately comment on their effectiveness.

Remember -- no matter how groggy you feel during sunrise, putting on a happy face can transform the outlook on your whole day.