by Carol Belanger

Created on: December 13, 2010   Last Updated: January 02, 2011

Makeup brushes come in a range of sizes, fullness, and brush angles. Additionally each makeup brush has a specific purpose. Just like an artist or carpenter, having the right tools is essential to correctly achieve the effect you want.

Below are, what I think, are the most common makeup tools to achieve and perfect that flawless application of makeup.  Click on the picture to see what the brush looks like.

Foundation brushes - pressed, loose, compact or bronzing powder. These brushes are designed to give you a flawless and soft finish without the look of being caked on. These brushes can be used alone by slightly dipping it into your powder and gently sweeping across the face. Furthermore they can be used after an application of foundation with a sponge to pick up any loose particles.

Mineral makeup - Kabuki brushes are a must if using mineral makeup.

Blush - there are two types of blush brushes, one has an angled edge meant more for contouring your blush and the other a round edge. It is smaller than the foundation brush which gives you more control of where you want to place your cheek color. If you are unsure on how to contour your face with blush read my post "  "

Eye Shader/Primer Brush - this brush is larger than your typical eye shadow brush. It is to apply the base color to your eye area and provide a smooth canvas on which to apply your eye shadow.

Eye Shadow - a flat brush with long bristles that easily picks up eye shadow

Eye Shadow Blending - this nice little brush is designed to fit right into the crease of the eye.

Eye brow brush - this is a small angled stiff brush that that easily allows you to fill in sparse areas of the eyebrows. Use a matte brow shadow that matches your eyebrows.

Eye liner - this brush has long tapered ends with a very fine point and is used to create a very fine line.

Eye Smudge Brush - a small round tipped brush to create that smoky eye affect. Use a dark color and apply along lash line placing more emphasis on the outer corners of the eyes. A very useful tool but unfortunately quite expensive!

Lip stick / Gloss Brush - this brush allows you to control the depth of color, define your lips and a smother application of lipstick. Start at the outer corner of the lip and work toward the middle in even strokes.

Makeup brushes are a must if you really want to perfect your makeup application. With a little bit of practice you will be an expert in no time!

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