Did you know the makeup brush market in the U.S. is worth over $350 million? That’s probably because having the right makeup brush can help you achieve the perfect look.
The key to getting the most out of your beauty routine is having the right makeup brush. But with so many different kinds of brushes on the market, knowing which one to buy can be confusing. Keep reading to learn seven pro tips for choosing the best makeup brush.
1. Quality Over Quantity
You don’t need twenty makeup brushes in your arsenal. Having the right quality brushes is a lot more important than the number of brushes you have. Remember that choosing an expensive brush doesn’t always mean it’s high quality.
Do your research and be sure to choose quality products. Keep in mind that if you take care of your brushes and clean them regularly, they will last a long time. You should look at buying quality brushes as a long-term investment.
2. Avoid Sets
While it might be tempting to buy a matching brush set with a cute little carrying case, you should avoid them at all costs. Sets usually contain brushes that don’t sell well on their own and that you’d most likely never buy separately. That means you’re wasting money on brushes you’ll never use.
Instead of buying a set, focus on finding brushes that work for you and are right for each task. That way you’ll be sure to use all of your brushes and will be happy with the outcome.
3. Consider Fiber Density
Fiber density refers to how many bristles are in a brush. Choosing a makeup brush with the right fiber density is key to depositing the right amount of color on your face. A denser brush will leave more color, while a less dense brush creates a softer application.
The right density depends on what you’re using a makeup brush for. If you are shopping for an eye shadow brush, you want it to be rather dense. Brushes for blush or blending should be less dense. The best way to evaluate the density of a brush is to see it in person.
4. Choose a Bristle Type
The bristles in a makeup brush are made of either synthetic or natural fibers. Natural fibers usually come from an animal, like a goat or squirrel. There is an age-old debate on whether natural fiber brushes are ethically sourced or not.
While natural fiber brushes used to be preferred because they were softer, technological advancements have led to quality improvements in synthetic brushes. In today’s market, synthetic brushes are guaranteed to be cruelty-free and feel very similar to natural fiber bristles.
5. Know Which Brush Does What
Makeup brushes are specifically designed to target certain areas of the face, and using the wrong brush can throw off your whole look. It’s important to know how to use a makeup brush and which brush does what.
There are five brushes that are recommended for everyone to have in their makeup kit. They include a powder brush, blush brush, foundation brush, flat eyeshadow brush, and an eyeshadow crease brush. Each is explained below.
Powder Brush
A powder brush evenly disperses across the face. The type you choose will depend on whether you’re using a pressed or loose powder.
Blush Brush
A blush brush applies a concentrated amount of pigment to the cheeks. Typically a blush brush is smaller than a powder brush and has domed bristles that are super soft.
Foundation Brush
A foundation brush evenly applies liquid or cream foundation to the face. There are many different kinds of foundation brushes, so you have to decide what type you’re looking for. A flat foundation brush is great for applying liquid or cream formulas. If you’re looking for high coverage, you want a dense brush with synthetic bristles.
Flat Eyeshadow Brush
A flat eyeshadow brush will help you pat and blend eyeshadow onto the eyelid. Look for a brush with synthetic bristles that mimics natural hair. It’ll give you an even, defined application to your eyelid.
Eyeshadow Crease Brush
An eyeshadow crease brush blends and applies eyeshadow to the crease of your eye. This brush is what’s going to blend your eyeshadow to perfection. Size can vary, but these brushes typically are shaped to fit the curve of the eye.
6. Opt for Brushes with a Domed Shape Tip
When shopping for makeup brushes, you should look for ones that have a domed shape tip. The domed shape allows the bristles to roll evenly and easily across your face. The curved shape makes it easier to control the application of makeup and will help you achieve your desired look.
7. Know When to Splurge
It's good to keep in mind what types of brushes you should splurge on and where you can save a bit of cash. Since brushes for foundation and powder are used all over your face, this is a good place to make a bigger investment. If you’re in the market for a new face brush, consider the benefits of a sonic makeup brush.
Other types of brushes that experts recommend splurging on are blush, shadow, and lip brushes. A lot of experts agree that there are great budget-friendly options for highlighter and eyeliner brushes. You can get brushes that will give you great results at a fraction of the price.
Ready to Choose The Best Makeup Brush?
Now that you know the top seven pro tips for choosing a makeup brush, are you ready to find the right one for you? There’s no need to rush to buy makeup brushes. Instead, use these tips to curate the best makeup brush collection for you.
Searching for more pro beauty tips? Spa Sciences can help! Check out the rest of our blog today to help you on the journey to getting your best skin yet!