How To Build A Makeup Brush Set
To create flawless looks you need more than just great makeup, you need to have the right tools to apply that makeup. Brushes are the single most important tool you can have and building the right set for you and the looks you want to achieve will set you on the path to phenomenal makeup!
Choosing A Set Vs Building Your Own
When it comes to building up a collection of makeup brushes, there are two routes you can go down: You can buy a makeup brush set or you can build your own one brush at a time.
Buying a brush set means all of the work has been done for you. Our makeup brush sets are put together by makeup experts who ensure that the set is well balanced and contain all the essential brushes you need to create a wide range of looks.
Makeup brush sets can be used as a starting point to build up from, adding new brushes as and when you want to further hone your looks. This makes them a really good choice for someone starting out, and you can even choose a beginner makeup brush set that’s designed to be built on.
Building your own set from scratch is a great idea if you know what looks you’re going for and allows you to be super focussed on exactly what you want.
Brush Sizes
When building out your set, you’ll need to consider the size profile of brushes and think about what you’re using them for. If the look you want to create means adding foundation across the whole face then this means a bigger brush whereas if you’re doing delicate work around the eyes or lips then you’ll need smaller more detailed brushes.
Consider your look carefully and think about the size profiles you’re likely to need.
Brush Shape
As well as size, also consider the shape of your makeup brushes. Fuller rounded brushes are ideal for applying foundation and bronzer. Angled brushes are ideal for drawing precise lines and giving you perfect control which is ideal when you’re contouring and want to follow the natural curves of the face as precisely as you can. Short, flat brushes are ideal for adding finishing touches where you need dabs of colour and don’t want to disturb foundations or concealers.
Natural Or Synthetic
It used to be that different brush materials were thought to be better suited to different products. Natural fibres were generally considered better for dry makeup like powders whilst synthetic brushes were favoured for liquid based products and applying makeup creams. However, synthetic brushes have improved to the point where they can tackle anything.
The core reason why our entire range of makeup brushes are made from high quality synthetic fibres is that no animal testing is involved which means they’re cruelty free and all the product materials are vegan.
Fibre Type
There are lots of different types of brush fibres and that’s as true for synthetic brushes as it is for natural ones. Different brush fibres have different properties, for example some are softer and therefore bend more, like our Sculpt Concealer Brush which is designed to apply concealer without pulling the skin. Some fibres will naturally hold makeup more which is useful when you’re applying foundation or colour to the cheeks.
Some brushes can even combine multiple fibres like our Sculpt Duo Fibre brush to help you achieve a specific look or effect.
Building Your Collection
The mix of brushes you go for will depend on your look, but a good starting selection of brushes should include:
This brush is a staple and is used for applying and blending foundation across the whole face without leaving any lines.
These brushes are used to add concealer over blemishes or discoloured areas. Concealer brushes can also double as fine detail brushes as well.
These soft brushes are designed so that you can apply blusher over large areas of the face without damaging your foundation. It’s also ideal for applying bronzer.
These small brushes are designed to apply makeup to specific areas and, as the name suggests, are perfect for detailed applications such as smoking your lower lashes or adding a few glitter pigments.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to build your makeup brush collection - it’s all about getting the right brushes for your look. There’s plenty of ways you can grow and develop your collection. Be sure to check out the other posts on our blog for more ideas and inspiration.
