Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes perform a variety of different tasks, so depending on your normal makeup regime, you might only need one or two (then again, you may be perfectly happy with plastic applicators). Therefore, whether you are looking for something specific or a would like whole set  to get yourself covered is up to you. This guide will offer more information about which types will work best in certain makeup applications; while brushes can be broken down by the part of the body they're intended to be used on, there are no hard and fast rules.  Even though these tools are typically made for specific function, if you find an eye brush that works great on your lips, use it! Quality and price varies from brand to brand, so read on for information on how to get the most for your money.

• Handles
• The handle can be made of just about anything, including wood , plastic, or metal.
• What matters most is how the brush feels to you.
• Do you prefer a solid, heavy design or one that is light and slim ? A short handle or a long one?
• Consider whether you want to travel frequently with your brushes. Shorter handles are good for taking on the go, while long ones are good to keep in your home makeup kit .
• Bristles
• There are two kinds of bristles: natural  or synthetic .
• Natural bristles are made from animal hair.
• Goat, pony , mink, badger  and blue squirrel are popular choices.
• Natural brushes are said to go well with loose powders , as the animal hair will hold the powder better than synthetic alternatives.
• Synthetic bristles are made from non-animal fibers.
• Although usually less expensive than natural fibers, these brushes can be of equally good quality.
• Especially recommended for creamy makeups  like lipstick because the bristles do not absorb the oils.

Facial Brushes

Powder Brush  A large, loose brush used for sweeping powder over the entire face. Can be used with bronzers , shimmers, and powders. Ideal for sweeping away or blending excess powder.	Blush Brush  Similar to a powder brush, with a large head. Many are tapered or angled to allow the user to sweep blush  onto the cheekbone area. If too much blush is accidentally applied, use this to blend.	Fan Brush  A lighter brush, also used for blush. Lightly sweeps color across cheekbones. Won't pick up as much powder as a heavy blush brush, so can be used for much lighter washes.

Eye Makeup Brushes

Eye Shadow Brush  Usually a soft and rounded, resembles a miniature version of a blush brush. Used for applying a light coating of shadow to the lid.	Crease Brush  Finer tip than the average shadow brush. Used for applying darker colors  to the crease of the eye and for blending.	Liner Brush  Very fine-tipped. Used to apply liquid liner or shadow mixed with water to the lash line.	Smudge Brush  A brush with very short, stubby bristles. The name says it all--used to smudge liner and shadow to give a smoky look.	Brow Brush  An angled, slightly stiff brush intended for defining eyebrows. Many people find this a versatile tool for other jobs, such as applying lipstick.

Lip Brushes

Lip Brush  Your basic lip brush is a bit on the stiff side so it's suitable for applying creamy lipsticks. Most are small and have rounded ends.	Travel Lip Brush  Many brushes come with their own cases or are retractable so you can touch up when you're on the go. The no-mess cover helps keep the brush more sanitary as well.	Square Lip Brush  People with fuller lips may prefer a slightly larger, square-shaped brush. Brow brushes may work well for this too!

Mineral Makeup Brushes

Mineral makeup is a more natural makeup that works especially well for those with sensitive skin. Since it is of a different consistency than regular makeup, the brushes you choose have to be made of materials that will spread the pigments evenly over the skin. Kabuki brushes  are often used in this case, as they have natural hairs and are softer. Not only are they super applicators, but the soft animal hair will help prevent skin damage. Here are some options for mineral brushes  for various uses.

Complexion Mineral Brush  The most popular picks for mineral brushes are those that even out your complexion or apply a base foundation. With the right brush, a little makeup can go a long way.	Eye Shadow Brush  Mineral eye shadow can give a pretty yet natural coverage, and a proper mineral brush will make sure your lids are looking their best. Smudge brushes  will help you get a smoky look.	Lash and Brow Comb  A two-in-one comb gives you the best of both worlds: apply mineral mascara and define your brows!

Final Notes on Brushes

• Keep in mind that these are only guides--you can really use a brush for whatever you want, if it works for you.
• Eye makeup brushes are especially diverse. There are a lot more than the five pictured above. Nevertheless, unless you are a professional makeup artist, you probably only need a few basics, so brush kits could be a waste of money. If you plan to buy a kit , make sure it has everything you need and nothing you don't.
• A good brush can be expensive, but you should probably buy the best one you can afford--that way you won't have to replace it as often.

Popular Picks

Shany Professional Cosmetic Brush Set  This professional set has one of almost every kind of brush you can think of.	Ecotools Bamboo Brush Set  Environmentally friendly and super soft, bamboo handle brushes will be a great way to get started with minerals.	Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face Brush  A complexion brush that's perfect for those who want medium to full coverage.	Benefit Cosmetics Get Bent Liner Brush  Perfect for lining your lids and getting to that hard-to-reach spot.	Sigma Makeup Professional Brush Set  Professional quality brushes: five for the face and seven for the eyes.

Related Guides

• Face Powders
• Mineral Cosmetics
• Vegan Makeup Brushes
• Makeup Tools
• Getting a Makeover