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What Are the Different Types of Cosmetics Brushes?

Amber Eberle
Amber Eberle

Many women wear cosmetics on a regular basis. The easiest way to apply make-up is with cosmetics brushes. These types of brushes can be bought as a kit or individually. Specialized brushes are available for applying face make-up, such as concealer, foundation, powder, and blush. Other types of cosmetics brushes include those that are used for putting on eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick.

Concealer is used to cover up small flaws or blemishes on the skin. A concealer brush is usually flat with short, stiff bristles that can precisely apply this make-up. These cosmetics brushes work well on small areas of the face. Synthetic bristles are preferred on a concealer brush because they do not absorb the liquid cosmetic like natural ones can.

A woman has makeup applied to her face with a blush brush.
A woman has makeup applied to her face with a blush brush.

A foundation brush is similar in shape to a concealer brush, but it is larger in size. To use one, the foundation is placed on one side of the brush and then spread gently onto the face. After all of the foundation is applied, the brush should be used to blend the make-up to ensure that there are no streaks or noticeable lines.

Powder brushes are used to apply the face powder that sets the foundation and keeps the face from looking shiny. These cosmetics brushes are often round with many fluffy bristles. For the best results, a brush with natural bristles should be used. The large brush applies powder lightly and evenly. A blush brush is a smaller version of a powder brush and is used to apply blush to the cheekbones.

There are several different kinds of brushes used for putting on eyeshadow. A rounded brush is best to use when applying eyeshadow to the entire eyelid. A tapered shadow brush is usually better for putting eyeshadow in the crease of the eyelid.

Eye shadow brushes are used to apply powder to the eyelids.
Eye shadow brushes are used to apply powder to the eyelids.

An eyeliner brush is used to apply powdered or liquid eyeliner just above or below the lash line. This type is generally very thin and comes to a point at the end. The small size of this brush allows a person to carefully apply eyeliner in a thin line. When putting on eye make-up, some people also use an eyebrow brush. These cosmetics brushes are angled and used to fill in the eyebrows with eyebrow powder.

A lipstick brush is small and may be pointy or square in shape. It is used to carefully fill in the lips with lipstick or lip gloss. If lip liner is used, a lipstick brush is a useful tool for blending the liner and the lipstick together.

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    • A woman has makeup applied to her face with a blush brush.
      By: Viktor Pravdica
      A woman has makeup applied to her face with a blush brush.
    • Eye shadow brushes are used to apply powder to the eyelids.
      By: studiovespa
      Eye shadow brushes are used to apply powder to the eyelids.
    • Makeup brushes come in a variety of sizes.
      By: sirikorn_t
      Makeup brushes come in a variety of sizes.
    • A soft filler eyebrow brush is a makeup kit essential.
      By: Andriy Petrenko
      A soft filler eyebrow brush is a makeup kit essential.