makeup

WHICH BRUSH DOES WHAT? FACE EDITION

photo + post by amy nadine, graphic design by eunice chun

These seven brushes are our favorites to perfect your skin. You don’t need all of them, as you probably don’t use cream, liquid and mineral foundation all together! We just get so many emails asking which brush does what, so we’re breaking it up into three posts: face, cheeks + eyes, and today is our face edition with our favorite foundation, concealer and powder brushes. They are an investment but last for at least a decade (I’ve had some of mine even longer!).

With all types of foundations, remember to start at the center of your face (where you typically need the most coverage) and work the product outwards to the perimeter. Also, the best companion tool for brushes is your fingers so don’t forget to blend with them as you use your brushes. And please don’t forget your neck!

Foundation {Cream}:
If you use a cream foundation, you’ll want a flat-headed slightly-slanted brush so it really presses the foundation into your skin as you swirl it all over, giving you a flawless airbrushed effect. Natural bristles are critical for building coverage without streaking. Try Dior’s Fluid Brush or Shiseido’s Foundation Brush.

Foundation {Liquid}:
You’ll want a synthetic, densely-packed flat but wide brush to effortlessly cover more space when you’re in a hurry in the mornings. Look for ones with nylon or Taklon bristles for the smoothest application. I’m obsessed with this angled one from Le Metier de Beaute because you can really get in and around corners of your nose, up under your eyes, etc.

Foundation {Smoothing + Blending}:
I know we’re all in a hurry in the mornings but I can’t tell you how critical it is to take 20 seconds with a clean natural bristle brush and smooth over your foundation before powdering to really blend it into your skin. It will take you from “it’s obvious she’s wearing foundation” to “wow she has such perfect skin.” Try this luxurious one from Cozzette or this budget-friendly one.

Foundation {Mineral Powder}:
This can be a synthetic or natural bristle powder brush, but look for one with a plump shape designed for the swirling motion we do when applying minerals. I’m obsessed with this Tarte brush that is also amazing with liquid foundation.

Concealer {Undereye}:
I love a flat synthetic concealer brush for covering dark circles because you can really “lay down” the product by using the side of the brush. The other component to look for is a tapered edge because this helps you avoid clumping during application. The synthetic bristles will pick up less product so your coverage will last longer (the thicker you apply it, the more likely it will crease and cake).

Concealer {Blemishes}:
Look for a pointed and tapered concealer brush made of synthetic bristles so you can apply it precisely on top of any kind of blemish (pimple, scar, broken capillary, etc.) without touching the surrounding skin. Practice mini-swirling motions gently on top of the blemish then lightly blend the perimeters with your ring finger. For a quick refresher on covering a glaring pimple, click here and remember to always dab a little Egyptian Magic on it first so the concealer has something to adhere to, especially if the blemish is flaky or scabby.

Powder {T-Zone}:
Use an eyeshadow blending brush made with natural hair bristles as a powder brush just for the areas that tend to shine: between your brows, around and on the tip of your nose, your upper lip and your chin. This allows the rest of your face to glow and breathe.