Sorry, there are no results that match your query.

Brushes are the tools of the trade, they don’t call them make-up artists for nothing, and although they can sometimes prove costly, it’s invaluable that you have the right brushes to work with in order to create the perfect look. Furthermore, a quality brush will last you a long time, so it’s worth the extra expense in the long run.

There is a different type of make-up brush for all parts of the application process, from eyes to lips and everything in-between. Take a look at a few of the options open to you when stocking up your kit, there are a several essentials that no make-up enthusiast should be without.

Types of make up brushes

Blush make up brush

It’s obvious what this one is used for, but it’s also great for cleaning up little errors with eye shadow or concealer. A good quality blush brush should be quite large with thick, soft bristles that allow for even distribution of powder, and will smoothly brush away any excess eye make-up that may have escaped during application.

Eyeshadow make up brush

Usually available in either domed or angled versions, these small brushes are designed to apply and blend eye shadow to the perfect consistency. It’s important to have a soft bristle for this type of brush to allow for easy application around the delicate eye area, and to prevent clumps appearing on the eyelid. The slanted version is great for creating a defined, layered look with use of several different colours.

Eyebrow make up brush

One design feature of many eyebrow brushes is the double heads that they provide, combining a bristly brow brush and a comb for the eyelashes. It’s not just handy, it’s practical too, and it can be the small, subtle details that make the difference with the overall look.

Lining make up brush

This is a very small, thin brush that can be used for creating a straight, smooth line around the eye, with eyeshadow or liner. Hard bristles are required to keep the effect constant, as well as a steady hand, and it can also be used to define brows.

Concealer make up brush

You might have been advised to use your fingers to apply concealer in the past, but not everyone wants to get their hands dirty when touching up their make-up, so a concealer brush is a helpful tool to keep those blemishes covered all day. Tiny, soft/medium bristles are best for this use.

Choosing make up brushes

With so many brushes on the market, it’s not always easy to select the ones you want. Prices differ greatly, not to mention quality, so remember what you’re after; multi-functional brushes, with a solid feel, that won’t lose their hairs after a few uses.

A good rule of thumb is; quality not quantity. You don’t need dozens, but the ones you do need have to be long lasting and durable. Large selection packs aren’t always the way to go, as they tend to have lots of brushes that you won’t use, so it’s a good idea to buy them all separately – from the same manufacturer if you trust their name.

Brushes with natural, densely packed bristles are a great choice, run them over your hand to see how soft they feel – that’s a good indicator of quality. Synthetic brushes are ideal for waxy products, such as concealer and some foundations, whereas natural fibres are advisable for face powder and eye shadow.

Boots have a decent range of cheap make up brushes that won’t let you down, or if you’re going for top end creations, try out Harrods brushes, which start at around forty pounds. If you’re after something in-between, price-wise, drop in at House of Fraser, or check out the new range from Mac Cosmetics – solid, well-performing brushes for reasonable prices.

Lastly, remember to take care of your tools – particularly if they’ve come with a hefty price tag – wash them every three or four weeks with mild shampoo or shower gel, then re-shape whilst damp and allow to dry naturally. Be careful not to use too much product on them as you might end up softening the bristles and reducing their performance.