The problem is not the makeup but your tools

Did you know that the most important thing to have in your makeup bag is not your beauty products but your makeup brushes. I’m going to tell you how having the right tools will help your makeup looks its best by only using 5 brushes.

Image @dannykasirye

Sometimes, we have so many questions and frustrations on why the eyeshadow doesn’t blend correctly. Why are the colours not pigmented? Unfortunately, most of this is due to the makeup brushes we use. We need 5 essential brushes which are perfect for our makeup routines: one brush for each category. 

Foundation brush

There are 2 main brushes you can choose from: 

A rounded one is usually good for applying a liquid or powder foundation. It helps blend out the product perfectly as it allows you to buff it into your skin instead of pressing it against it.

The second one is a flat kabuki brush which is good for cream and also for liquid foundation. The flat top allows you to dab and press the product onto your skin without creating marks.

Contouring 

You should use an angled brush as it will fit perfectly into the bone structure of your face: cheekbones, jawline, bridge of the nose…A contour brush should hug your face structure.

Bronzer and Blush

You can use a tapered brush for both. This brush is flat on the side and pointy at the top. Bronzer is quite the same as contour. You apply your bronzer on the same areas where you have placed your contour: cheekbones, jawline, bridge of the nose and on the forehead. Therefore, it’s better to place your bronzer slightly above the contour which is why a tapered brush is perfect. 

Tapered brushes are also great for blush. They help to gently apply blush on the cheeks by dabbing and not rubbing. Use a brush with soft bristles so it will blend perfectly.

Powder brush

To set your face, you need a soft, dense and fluffy brush to perfectly diffuse and smooth powder onto the skin. Its density allows capturing more powder for a quick and even application.

Highlighter brush

You can use a small fluffy brush or a fan brush. They are very lightweight and you can swipe them easily. Don’t use a thick brush for highlighter because it should be soft and blended. 

It's actually 5 BRUSHES and A BEAUTY SPONGE

You can use the same sponge to conceal and set the concealer with powder. When it comes to concealer, you should use a beauty sponge as a brush can be a bit harsh for the undereye and can damage it. You have to make sure your sponge is damp (no water when you squeeze it) and not wet. 

Be careful to not use a beauty sponge with very liquid products as it can absorb a lot of products. You can also use a beauty sponge to finish blending the foundation after using the brush, to pick up the excess product for a flawless finish. 

You don’t have to spend a lot on makeup brushes. You can find affordable and good quality ones. You don't need to buy the most popular but the essential ones. Don’t forget to apply the liquid products first and the powder ones last. 

Images @pinterest