Fact: You know the wide array of makeup brushes presently cluttering your bathroom counter and/or makeup bag? While each does serve a purpose, when it comes down to it, you probably don’t need all of them. If you’re looking to clear out the excess, discover how to whittle your brush collection down to four (yes, four) of the bare basics when you read more.
1. A fluffy powder brush: This one’s easy. The cornerstone of your brush collection should be a large, natural hair powder brush, such as Estée Lauder’s Powder Brush 10 ($44). As long as you clean off the makeup residue after each application, this brush can be used for setting powder, blush, bronzer, and just about any other powder you can think of. Need to contour with a sharper angle for under your cheekbones? Just squeeze the bristles together to create a more concentrated look.
Estee Lauder Powder Brush 10
For allover face application and blending.
Special shape lightly sweeps over contours and angles for a sheer, flawless finish. Perfect for any loose, pressed, shimmer or bronzer powder.
All Estee Lauder brushes are composed of the finest quality materials and are designed to ensure the highest level of makeup artistry.
How to use: Apply powder in a downward sweeping motion and blend.
About Estée Lauder:
Estée Lauder is one of the world’s most renowned beauty companies, offering innovative, technologically advanced skincare, makeup, and fragrance products that are proven effective. For more than 60 years, the company has stayed true to the unshakable belief that inspired Mrs. Estée Lauder to found her company in 1946: the belief that every woman can be beautiful. Today, that simple notion has literally changed the face of the beauty business.
2. An eye shadow brush: To achieve an all-over eye look, reach for a brush that has short, stiff, skinny bristles, like Dior’s Large Eyeshadow Brush ($29). This brush works double-duty: it covers the entire lid with shadow, it gets into the nooks and crannies of your eye crease, and the tips can be used to apply shadow below your lower lashes. You can even use this one to sweep on concealer. And who doesn’t like a brush that works hard?
DIOR Large Eyeshadow Brush
Inspired by those used backstage by the makeup artists at Dior, these professional-quality brushes are essential to creating the perfect makeup finish. Ideal for traveling. Designed for applying and blending shadow over the entire eye. The ideal brush for a quick, monochromatic color application. Ideal for use with 1-Colour, 2-Colour and 5-Colour powder eyeshadows.
3. A blending brush: Sure, this one may seem a little excessive, but it is a necessity. A blending brush, like Lancôme’s Blending Shadow Brush #17 ($30), can help your shadows mesh seamlessly for a natural effect. It’s perfect for achieving a dramatic smoky eye. Also, since it acts like a mini blush brush, you can use a blending brush to apply loose powder to blemishes for added coverage. Just make sure to clean the eye shadow pigment off of it first.
Lancôme Blending Shadow Brush #17
This versatile, long-haired brush gradually tapers to a medium-size dome of soft, natural hair bristles. Its unique shape makes it ideal for applying shadow all over lids, softening eye contour colors, diffusing shadow pigments or setting concealer to perfection. Better tapered edge allows for softer blending. Made in USA.
4. An eyeliner/brow brush: It’s always smart to have a brush that will keep your look sharp and precise. A small, angled brush, like The Balm’s Eyeliner Brush ($8), enables you to define your brows with shadow. It also gives your eyes a more natural look by allowing you to line both your top and bottom lash lines with powdered or pressed shadows.
theBalm Eyeliner Brush
Designed to be used wet or dry, theBalm’s eyeliner brush boasts a perfect angle to create an even, straight line every time.
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