How To Choose Eye Makeup Brushes?
Many of us only have 1-2 brushes for eye makeup, while the more advanced enthusiasts may own a set of 5-6 brushes. Professional makeup artists often have more than a dozen brushes in their collection. Have you ever wondered what the complete set of eye makeup brushes includes?
Brush Number 1: Universal
This brush earns its name because it can be used for various eye makeup techniques. With its dense bristles and pointed hairs, this brush applies eyeshadows evenly across the entire eyelid surface. It excels at blending shadows, distributing them in specific areas such as the crease or center of the eyelid, softening color borders, and mixing shades.
When selecting a quality brush, it's important to note that it can be quite expensive. However, there is a budget-friendly option available on the market—the flat eyeshadow brush from ELF (Essential Eyeshadow Brush, $1). For those seeking a more professional-grade brush, the MAC 213 Shader Brush ($24.00) is an excellent choice.
Brush Number 2: Angled Liner Brush
This brush has a flat cross-section but features bristles that are set at an angle, resembling a sharp point. The bristles are not trimmed but are naturally thin and flexible. This angled brush is perfect for effortlessly applying liquid or gel eyeliner along the lash line, similar to using a pen or felt-tip pen. An example of a high-quality angled liner brush is the Sephora Pro Angled Liner Brush #22.
Brush Number 3: Angled Shadow Brush
This flat brush has plump and tapered bristles set at an angle. It is ideal for applying eyeshadow in the crease of the eyelid and creating smoky eyes. This brush is especially useful for drawing checkmarks (<> symbols) on the outer corners of the eye and conveniently applying shadows to the upper eyelid.
Brush Number 4: Curved Eyeliner Brush
This brush stands out with its very sharp bristles that are gathered tightly with elasticity and a small tip. However, its main distinguishing feature is the curved handle. This design allows the brush to reach the most challenging areas, enabling precise eyeliner application almost along the roots of the eyelashes.
Additionally, there is a brush for blending shadows and creating seamless gradients. This fluffy and rounded brush should have moderately soft bristles to blend the shades rather than smoothen them. It helps transform the hard edges of colors into a smooth gradient.
What Is The Best Eye Makeup Brush?
Makeup artists often provide different answers when asked about the essential brushes for eye makeup. However, it's best to keep the collection minimal and have three key brushes on hand.
Dry eyeshadow brushes should be made from natural bristles or high-tech synthetic bristles that mimic natural ones (like the Urban Decay brush collection). Natural bristles easily pick up dry textures and blend them gently onto the skin. Although good natural brushes can be expensive, the great news is that most classic makeup looks can be achieved using just three basic brushes. With proper care, these brushes can last for years. Let's discuss this in detail.
Flat Brush
The flat brush is the primary tool for eye makeup. It allows you to quickly apply eyeshadows across the entire moving eyelid. The bristles in this brush are tightly packed, and the brush itself has a rectangular shape with sharp or slightly beveled edges. Makeup artists affectionately call this brush a "scapula." The size of the "scapula" can range from as small as half a centimeter for precise accents to as large as the height of the entire moving eyelid for quick and full coverage. Press or slide the brush to achieve the desired intensity of color on the eyelids.
Barrel Brush
The barrel brush is beneficial for both beginners and professional makeup artists. It is perfect for blending shadows along the orbital line. To use this brush effectively, pick up the shadows, remove any excess, and apply the brush to the crease of the upper eyelid. Move the brush from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner, distributing the shadows along the entire length of the crease. The barrel brush is typically small in size, preventing the risk of creating a smoky effect that extends up to the eyebrows. It focuses on shading within the crease of the eyelid, resulting in a harmonious and neat makeup look.
Fluffy Brush
The fluffy brush is essential for achieving soft and smoky shading. After using other brushes, use the fluffy brush to soften the lines and blend out any harsh edges. If the eyeshadow color on the lid and crease are dark, pick up a small amount of an intermediate shade on this brush. The intermediate shade refers to a color that lies between the eyeshadow shade and the skin tone. This brush allows for seamless blending and creates a beautiful smoky eye effect in just a few minutes.
How Do I Choose Eye Makeup Brushes?
When it comes to selecting eye makeup brushes, there is a wide range of options available. Makeup artists often recommend a maximum of ten brushes from their extensive collection. Here are some essential brushes categorized by their purpose:
- For Foundation: Choose a brush made of artificial bristles that can pick up the right amount of creamy-textured product and apply it evenly.
- For Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter: While you can purchase a separate brush for each product, it's not necessary. A single convenient brush can be used for applying loose textures. Remember to clean the brush after using each product.
- For Powder: Using a soft brush for powder application is less abrasive than using a sponge. Brushes that come with pressed powder compacts are useful for touch-ups throughout the day but may not be suitable for the full application.
- For Concealer: Look for a brush that is firm but not rigid. Since concealer is often used to cover under-eye circles, which have sensitive skin, a brush with a slightly beveled edge is recommended. It allows for precise application, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the inner corners of the eyes and the sides of the nose.
- For Eyeshadow Application: A flat brush is suitable for high-quality eyeshadow application, whereas a fluffy brush helps achieve seamless transitions and smoky effects. Smokey eyes can be created in minutes with these brushes.
- For Eyeliner: A thin and dense brush is necessary for applying eyeliner from jars, allowing you to draw precise lines along the eyelash contour. If you prefer using eyeshadow as eyeliner, you can slightly dampen the brush with water before application.
- For Eyebrows: Look for double-sided eyebrow applicators that feature a beveled short brush on one end and a brush for combing the hairs on the other.
- For Lipstick: A brush can be used to apply lipstick precisely along the contour, particularly with bright and dark shades.
How to Choose the Right Eye Makeup Brushes?
To choose the right brushes, it's helpful to analyze your makeup routine and consider the cosmetic products you frequently use. If you prefer using a sponge for foundation and applying cream blush with your fingers, there may be no need for brushes in those areas.
However, if you often use dry and crumbly textures, investing in a full-sized brush is recommended. You don't necessarily need separate brushes for foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter; there are versatile options available. Synthetic brushes made of Taklon are suitable for both creamy and dry textures, while natural brushes made from sable are great for achieving longer-lasting and softer blending effects.
For concealer application, using a brush is preferable as it allows for more precise coverage, especially for under-eye circles and blemishes. Applying with a brush helps avoid excessive product application. Additionally, at least a couple of eyeshadow brushes should be included in your collection. One fluffy brush is sufficient for powder application, and a two-sided brush for eyebrows is recommended.
Summary:
In conclusion, a basic set of brushes for eye makeup should include a flat brush for distributing eyeshadows, a barrel brush for shading along the orbital line, and a fluffy brush for soft blending. By investing in high-quality brushes and taking proper care of them, you can achieve various classic makeup looks and enjoy their longevity.
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