No idea how to choose makeup brushes or where to even start? This practical, concise makeup brush guide covers the wide range of makeup brush types and offers helpful tips for finding the best brushes for lip and mascara products.
What Makes the Best Makeup Brushes?
The best makeup brushes strike a balance of high-quality materials, meticulous design, and targeted suitability for their intended use. Some crucial features to look for include:
- Density and softness
Makeup brush bristles must feel soft and be non-irritating when in contact with the skin. Dense brushes are excellent for precise applications, while looser, fluffy ones blend beautifully. - Quality of construction
High-quality handles and ferrules enhance durability and minimize shedding over time. - Ergonomics and design features
A comfortable handle and balanced weight provide a more satisfying, controlled experience. The shape of the brush head is crucial and should be chosen based on the intended application. - Maintenance and cleaning requirements
Premium brushes are easy to maintain and clean, retaining their shape and preventing bristle shedding. - Versatility of use
Multi-purpose brushes add versatility and are a great addition. - Environmental friendliness
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainable, ethical choices, materials like cruelty-free synthetic bristles and bamboo handles have become popular.
Understanding the Basics: Makeup Brush Types and Uses
Makeup brushes come in an extraordinary variety, each tailored for specific applications.
Face Brushes
- Foundation—Liquid or cream foundation
- Powder—Applying loose or pressed powder
- Blusher—Precise application of blush
- Bronzer—Blending bronzer across larger areas
- Contour—Defining cheekbones and sculpting features
- Highlighter—Precise placement of highlighter
- Kabuki—Buffing powders or bronzers
Eye Brushes
- Eyeshadow—Packing eyeshadow onto the eyelids
- Blending—Softening harsh lines and blending colors
- Crease—Adding eyelid definition
- Eyeliner—Precise eyeliner application
- Brow—Shaping and filling in eyebrows
- Smudge—Softening or blending eyeliner
Lip Brushes
- Lip—Designed for the precise application of lipstick or lip gloss
Specialty brushes
- Fan—Ideal for applying light highlighter or sweeping away excess powder
- Stippling—Perfect for creating an ‘airbrushed’ finish with liquid or cream products
- Concealer— Designed specifically for precise application of concealer
Brush Longevity: How to Care for Your Tools
When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brush? It’s an essential — yet often overlooked — step in your beauty routine. Like any tool, makeup brushes need a little maintenance to keep delivering that glowing look you love.
- Cleaning: Investing in makeup is an investment in yourself, and your makeup brushes deserve the same lavish care and attention as the products themselves. Regularly cleaning your brushes every few weeks is essential for removing bacteria and toxins that can irritate your skin.
- Storing: Makeup brushes can easily become contaminated, especially if they’re routinely tossed into a makeup bag or drawer. A good rule of thumb is: the more air, the better. Storing them upright in a breathable container offers the best chance for longevity, allowing the brushes to dry thoroughly and preventing bacteria buildup.
- Application: Now for the exciting part—you don’t need to overload your makeup brushes. With a quality brush, just a small amount of product, and a simple swirl is more than enough. Overloading the bristles can lead to product buildup and encourage bacteria to accumulate.
The best brush for lip gloss
When applying lip gloss, synthetic brushes are generally the better choice, as follows:
- Non-porous surface
Synthetic bristles don’t absorb liquid products like lip gloss, ensuring smooth and even application. - Easier cleaning and hygiene
Synthetic brushes are easier to clean, which is especially important for sticky and creamy products like gloss. - Outstanding precisionSynthetic brushes can be designed with finer tips for precise application, making them perfect for gloss layering and shaping.
The best brush for eyeshadow
Synthetic brushes are the ideal choice for applying liquid and cream shadows due to their non-porous fibers. In contrast to natural fibers, they don’t absorb liquids or creams, allowing eyeshadow to be applied effortlessly without product soaking into the bristles. What’s more, their non-porous nature makes them easier to clean, as they resist absorption, making them a long-lasting option.
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Brushes
Excellent for precise application, layering, and blending of liquid and cream eyeshadows.
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Sponges
Ideal for packing liquid and cream eyeshadows onto the lid for concentrated colour, and can be used for blending larger areas.
The best mascara brush
For smooth, efficient mascara application, synthetic brushes are generally preferable.
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Material
Mascara brushes are typically made with synthetic bristles, as they are durable and efficient for separating lashes and distributing product.
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Design Variety
The versatility of synthetic fibers means that diverse brush designs are easily attainable to achieve different effects.
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Durability and maintenance
Synthetic brushes perform superbly with sticky, wet products like mascara without incurring damage and are easy to clean afterward.
Bristle Shape and Density
At MPlus Cosmetics, we design and manufacture a wide variety of sensational mascara brushes, with new and unique variations constantly being introduced. Some typical options include:
- Single brush: Classic and timeless shapes that are designed for effortless application.
- Double brush: A versatile powerhouse, this brush type combines two applicators with different shapes, fibers, and densities, to accommodate a wide range of application styles.
- Shaped brush: MPlus Cosmetics provides customized solutions to achieve the desired final result for the applicator.
- Hybrid brush: This brush innovatively blends natural and synthetic fibers to create distinct performances.
Our range consists of fiber, elastomer, and hybrid brushes, each type offering unique benefits for mascara application.
- Fiber brushes
Crafted from natural or synthetic fibers, these soft, flexible brushes are perfect for building volume and evenly distributing mascara They help create thicker, more dramatic lashes with each application. - Elastomer brushes
These smooth, non-porous brushes are made from silicone or rubber materials that help define and separate your lashes. If you’re looking for a more lengthened and defined look, elastomer brushes deliver flawless results. - Hybrid brushes
Combining fibers and elastomer materials, these versatile brushes effectively coat lashes while providing excellent separation. They offer a multi-purpose solution, ideal for various mascara formulas.
Mastering Your Application with MPlus Cosmetics
The MPlus Cosmetics team takes pride in its experience, knowledge, unrivaled client support, and exceptional quality private label make-up products. We will expertly match the perfect brush or applicator to achieve your desired look, whether applying mascara, liquid eyeshadow, lip gloss, or lip oil.
Ready to elevate your beauty brand? Contact us to discuss your needs, and let us help you create the perfect products with the best applicators tailored to your brand!