All PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS will have a large selection of makeup brushes, each one designed to perform a different function.
For a novice, the process of selecting the correct makeup brushes can be a daunting affair, below is a short guide on all things makeup brushes, to help steer you in the right direction.
PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST brush types
- STIPPLING BRUSH
Stippling brushes are used to achieve a natural airbrushed finish when applying a foundation. The main feature of a stippling brush is its dual-sized fibres, combining long and short fibres that are tightly packed together. As you begin your makeup application, start with gentle patting motions, pushing the brush on the face. Once the foundation is dispersed, you can then use the longer bristles and blend the product to create an air-brushed finish. Stippling brushes are best used with cream foundations and also work well for layering products like foundation, blush, and contouring makeup.
- TAPERED FOUNDATION BRUSH
Tapered foundation brushes are flat and medium-sized brushes with slightly tapered edges. These brushes are ideal for applying liquid foundation and creating even coverage. It can be used to apply other liquid products like blush, concealer, and highlighters. A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY tip for using tapered foundation brushes is to wet the brush before use and squeeze all the excess water out with a paper towel, it helps achieve even coverage and ensures no foundation is absorbed by the foundation makeup brush.
- KABUKI BRUSH
Kabuki brushes have densely packed fibres, making them ideal for use with powders. Kabuki brushes are often used to apply body shimmers, and loose powders to set your makeup look, and to apply powder foundations and blushes.
- CONCEALER BRUSH
Concealer brushes are like tapered foundation brushes, but much smaller. The small size is designed to ensure you can easily apply it to small areas of the face. A concealer brush can even be used to conceal minor imperfections, clean up a liner edge or even a lipstick line that is smudged.
- CONTOUR BRUSH
A contour makeup brush is designed with a tapered edge to follow the natural curves of your facial bones. The goal of contouring is to create contrast in your makeup look, bringing attention to features you want to highlight and minimising areas you want to hide.
- POWDER BRUSH
As the name suggests, powder brushes are used to dust loose powder across your face in a light layer. Powder brushes are thick and have many fibres. Powder brushes are multi-purpose brushes and a must-have in any makeup brush set. They can also be used to apply powder foundation, or even blush brush for a natural look.
- FAN BRUSH
A fan brush has fibres that spread out in a fan shape. They are typically used for highlighter applications, but this brush can also be used to brush away excess pigment from your eyeshadow or to blend out a blush that is too dark.
- BLUSH / BRONZER BRUSH
Bronzer and blush brushes are remarkably similar to powder brushes, with much of the same functionality. The only difference is that they are often thicker than powder brushes while being smaller in diameter. This is because they’re designed to cover the smaller cheek area and not necessarily your whole face. These brushes are perfect for re-creating natural bronze makeup looks.
- BLENDING BRUSH
A blending brush is a small, fluffy, dense brush that is designed for powder products. Blending brushes can be used to blend eye makeup, merge different shades to achieve an even gradient, or blend out a harsh colour for a diffused look. It’s a perfect brush to use for a smokey eye. Depending on its size, you can also use a blending brush to apply a highlighter.
- CREASE BRUSH
A crease brush is designed with a slight taper to make them multi-purpose. The tapered edge can be used for precision application, whereas the other side can be used for eyeshadow makeup application.
- SMUDGE BRUSH
Stubby, smudge brushes have a short and densely packed bristle design. The denseness of the bristles ensures it can pick up a lot of pigment and apply a concentrated layer of it to your face. However, the soft bristles are also ideal for blending out the product, resulting in a smudged look. It’s ideal for use along the upper and lower lash line, since it’s flatter and wider than other precision brushes. If you are looking to achieve a smokey eye makeup look, this is the brush for you.
- FLAT EYESHADOW BRUSH
Flat eyeshadow brushes are a perfect tool for applying a base layer on your lids, as well as for applying your desired shade on your lid, with even coverage. The key is to use patting motion when applying to achieve the perfect look.
The flat tip makes application easier, while the rounded tip helps the brush pick up more product for a more concentrated application. You can also use the flat brush to blend out the edges of your eye makeup.
- EYELINER BRUSH
Eyeliner brushes are one of the biggest must-haves in any makeup tool kit.
These multipurpose brushes come with a tapered edge that can be used to control the thickness of the liner.
- BROW BRUSH
Most of the time, brow brushes come in a double-edged design, with a spoolie or brush on one end and a tapered thin brush on the other. The spoolie is used first to straighten out your brows, while the brush side is used to add dimension and intensity to your fill product of choice.
- LIP BRUSH
Lip brushes are a perfect tool for the precise application of lipstick.
The thin brush can be used to line your lips first and fill in afterwards.
- PENCIL BRUSH
Pencil brushes are small, thin, and dense brushes, with tapered edges, which can be used for anything and everything. You can use this brush for spot concealing, as well as to apply concealer to clean up the edges of your eye makeup or lipstick. You can also use it to apply concentrated eyeshadow around the upper and lower lash line.
At Hydro International we offer PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTISTRY COURSES where you can learn the art of makeup application for different occasions and events. Why wait, start your career in PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY today!
Signs that your skin is dehydrated:
- Your skin can feel both oily and dry at the same time.
- Your skin tends to change texture based on your environment, the products you use, and your diet.
- You tend to break out occasionally and unexpectedly.
- Your skin is dull, congested, and flakes easily.
- Your skin feels tight, but you prefer very light moisturizers that absorb easily into the skin.
- If you are still not sure if your skin is dehydrated, try the pinch test: pinch your skin between two fingers. If it bounces back (meaning it lays flat again) right away, you’re hydrated. If it takes longer to fall, it’s likely you’re dehydrated. It’s worth noting that your skin doesn’t have to fall into the dry skin type to be dehydrated. Combination and oily skin types can also experience dehydration.
What is the best way to treat dehydrated skin?
- Drink plenty of water. You’ve heard it before your body is mostly water, so the skin suffers if you’re deficient.
- Eat a balanced diet with healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, salmon, and nuts, which are high in omega 3, to improve the overall health of your skin.
- Wash your face in warm/cool water. Hot water can dry out the skin by opening pores and allowing moisture to escape.
- Hydrate and moisturize your skin. Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a great ingredient for adding water to the skin, look out for ingredients like squalene in moisturizers which will lock the moisture into the skin.
- For the body, try a clinically proven emollient like colloidal oatmeal. Not only is it hydrating but it’s also anti-inflammatory.
To summarise, when we talk about having dry skin, what we are typically talking about is skin that doesn’t produce a lot of natural oils. But your skin can also be dehydrated, meaning it’s not getting enough water. It’s important to make sure you eat a well-balanced diet, drink enough water, and use products that can help draw water into the skin like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal.
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