Makeup brushes and their uses: a simple guide
What each face and eye brush is for, when to choose a brush or a sponge, and how to hold, clean and store your brushes.
The right brush makes the same makeup look smoother and more polished. A brush set can be confusing at first, so here is a quick guide to what each type does.
Face brushes
- Foundation brush: dense, flat or round, spreads foundation in circular motions for even coverage.
- Powder brush: the biggest and fluffiest, for a light layer of powder all over.
- Blush brush: medium, round or angled, places colour on the cheeks and blends it.
- Angled brush: for contour under the cheekbone with a defined, blended line.
- Highlighter brush: small or fan-shaped, places glow precisely on cheekbones and nose.
- Concealer brush: small and flat, for little imperfections and around the nose.
Eye brushes
- Flat shader brush: picks up colour and packs it onto the lid.
- Fluffy blending brush: softens eyeshadow edges in the crease.
- Small pointed brush: for the outer corner and under the eye.
- Thin angled brush: for brows or for lining with eyeshadow.
Brush or sponge?
Brushes give more coverage and suit powder, eyeshadow and blush. A damp sponge gives a natural finish and blends foundation, concealer and cream products by tapping. You can use both: a brush to apply, then the sponge for the final blend.
How to hold a brush
Hold it towards the end of the handle, not close to the bristles, for a lighter touch and a softer result. For precision work such as liner and brows, hold it closer.
Cleaning and storage
- Wash brushes with lukewarm water and a little gentle shampoo, bristles pointing down so water doesn't get into the handle.
- Let them dry flat on a towel, not standing up.
- Store them dry in a pouch so they stay clean and keep their shape.
From Ahla
The AHLA Makeup Brush Set has 12 soft brushes with rose gold handles for applying and blending foundation, powder, blush and eyeshadow, and comes with a black pouch for storage and travel. Pair it with the teardrop-shaped AHLA Beauty Blender Sponge.
