I remember the first makeup brush I ever picked up. I was about four years old, and I was messing around in my grandmother's handbag when I came across her eyebrow pencil pouch. Being a little bad ass, I dumped all of her pencils all over the place when a small compact version of a blusher brush fell out. I would play with that thing for hours pretending to put makeup on. Little did I know that would be the beginning of an obsession that I am not ashamed of having. It wasn't until I became a makeup artist at a local cosmetics store that I was able to learn the proper techniques for using makeup tools. In this installment I will share the basic 101 on makeup tools along with pro worthy tips that will help unleash your inner makeup artist.
The Face Set
These brushes literally set the stage for creating any look, because they help smooth overall skin texture while evening out skin tone.
Concealer Brush - This one looks similar to the Foundation Brush, but to a much smaller scale. It can be used to apply and blend concealer. I love to use it for those unexpected (and highly uninvited ) blemishes.
Tip: Concealer doesn't just blur imperfections, it highlights too. Simply apply concealer in an inverse triangle underneath eyes; then using the concealer brush gently blend along the edges.
Tip: Concealer doesn't just blur imperfections, it highlights too. Simply apply concealer in an inverse triangle underneath eyes; then using the concealer brush gently blend along the edges.
Liquid Foundation Brush - This brush has a flat, smooth and slightly stiffer set of bristles. This is perfect for applying both cream & liquid foundations. I also find it useful for applying my BB creams as well as blending concealer.
Tip: To create even coverage, use light sweeping strokes across the entire face using the liquid foundation brush. For a seamless coverage use light sweeps along the hairline, ears, and decolletage (neck and collar bone) area.
Tip: To create even coverage, use light sweeping strokes across the entire face using the liquid foundation brush. For a seamless coverage use light sweeps along the hairline, ears, and decolletage (neck and collar bone) area.
Powder /Face Brush - Usually the largest brush in the set. Great for powder foundation & setting powder application.
Tip: I'm using my very last photo to the setting technique using the Powder/Face Brush. Once all other makeup has been applied Lightly sweep a small amount of mattifying or setting powder to the face. This will seal the makeup, and create a flawless even look.
Tip: I'm using my very last photo to the setting technique using the Powder/Face Brush. Once all other makeup has been applied Lightly sweep a small amount of mattifying or setting powder to the face. This will seal the makeup, and create a flawless even look.
The Eye Set
Though they may seem like a lot, these brushes are very quick and easy to use.
Eyeshadow Brush - A wide and slightly rounded tip allows for smooth application of eyeshadow all over the entire lid or eye.
Angled Shadow Brush - Small and slanted, this brush can be used to apply definer (darkest shade) shadow to eyes.
Tip: When applying defining color, start on the outer corner of the lid, and brush color along the crease as well as the edges of the lid.
Tip: When applying defining color, start on the outer corner of the lid, and brush color along the crease as well as the edges of the lid.
Rounded /Blender Brush - With slightly longer and softer bristles; this shadow brush is best used for blending layered shadow colors to create a seamless look.
Tip: Lightly buffing color layers together will create a more smokey and dramatic look.
Tip: Lightly buffing color layers together will create a more smokey and dramatic look.
Smudger Brush - Look similar to the eyeshadow brush, but has much smaller bristles. This is helpful in smudging eyeliner on the waterline creating a smolder look.
Tip: Most eyeliners including cream based ones , may be a bit difficult to manipulate even with the smudger. Lightly wetting the tip of the smudger will help eyeliner to spread easier.
Tip: Most eyeliners including cream based ones , may be a bit difficult to manipulate even with the smudger. Lightly wetting the tip of the smudger will help eyeliner to spread easier.
Eyelash Curler - For those of us ladies who's lashes don't curl naturally, (I am one of those), this is a handy tool to have. A few presses before applying mascara will ensure a lovely curl.
Tip: Start off by curling close to the lid as possible then slowly move out to the end of the lashes for more uniform curls.
Tip: Start off by curling close to the lid as possible then slowly move out to the end of the lashes for more uniform curls.
Brow & Comb Combo - One side lash comb; the other side brow brush.
Tip: To optimize the separation of your lashes, gently comb lashes a few seconds after applying mascara.
Tip: To optimize the separation of your lashes, gently comb lashes a few seconds after applying mascara.
The Cheek Set
Blush/Blusher Brush - Usually slimmer than the Powder/Foundation Brush which helps to contour and enhance the cheekbones.
Tip: There are several ways of applying cheek color, but I prefer to sweep a light dusting just underneath the apples of the cheeks. For a little more softness gently blend with fingertips.
Tip: There are several ways of applying cheek color, but I prefer to sweep a light dusting just underneath the apples of the cheeks. For a little more softness gently blend with fingertips.
Flat Top Powder/Bronzer Brush - Has shorter bristles than a regular powder brush with an even and flat tip. Can be used for foundation powder, but is primarily used for bronzing or highlighting powder applications.
Tip: A natural sun-kissed glow is very easy to achieve. Sweep bronzer along areas of the face where the natural light hits (i.e forehead, bridge of nose, and cheeks. Finish by sealing with a mattifying face powder for a more airbrushed look.
Tip: A natural sun-kissed glow is very easy to achieve. Sweep bronzer along areas of the face where the natural light hits (i.e forehead, bridge of nose, and cheeks. Finish by sealing with a mattifying face powder for a more airbrushed look.
So there you have it! Whether your a beginner or seasoned makeup pro, becoming more familiar with your makeup tools will ensure that all heads will turn the next time you step out. Until next time stay fabulous!!!
Brushes by e.l.f available at Target
Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
M. Renee's Closet © 2014
Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
M. Renee's Closet © 2014