I used to manage this blog many years ago, at the time it was called We’re With Her. When I started blogging again I archived all my old posts, looking to start a fresh. Now that I have been up and running for awhile, I have decided each week I’m going to bring you a (slightly edited) blog post from the archives. So please enjoy this post, which was originally made on June 12, 2014 — what’s what in terms of makeup brushes.

I don’t know about you, but I often wonder what the go is with makeup brushes. There are so many, which don’t always have a clear description of what they are for. People even sometimes use brushes that are meant for one thing, for something completely different.

As it currently stands, I really only know how to my foundation brush. I only learned how to use that brush because I hated having foundation on my hands, and forgetting to wash it off because it would transfer onto whatever I touched.

So to avoid accidentally using an eye shadow brush to apply lipstick, I asked makeup artist Ella-Maree Harrison to explain the difference between brushes and how to use them correctly. 

Angled contour brush
Ella-Maree says: This particular brush helps to define and sculpt your features, most commonly used for your cheek bones.

We recommend the Napoleon Perdis angled contour brush, $22 available at Napoleon Perdis stores.

Buffing brush
Ella-Maree says: Use this to apply foundation and concealer for a streak-free flawless finish. Use in circular movements over the face to achieve the best results.

We recommend the Models Prefer airbrush buffing brush, $19 available at Priceline.

Foundation brush
Ella-Maree says: This comes in a variety of sizes and styles so you can go ahead and take your pick. Apply in downward motion in small X like shape strokes to achieve an airbrushed look.

We recommend the Napoleon Perdis large flawless foundation brush, $42 available at Napoleon Perdis stores.

Bronzer/blush brush
Ella-Maree says: Use this brush to sweep blush and bronzer upwards onto your cheekbones from the apple of the cheek up towards your ear.

We recommend the Napoleon Perdis bronzing brush, $39 available at Napoleon Perdis stores.

Eye shadow brushes
Ella-Maree says: Again, you can get these in lots of sizes and shapes. For best results sweep shadow over the lids from the inside of the eye, outwards.

We recommend starting with Real Techniques brushes, starting from $18 available online and in Priceline stores.

Eye shadow Blending Brush
Ella-Maree says: You want to use this on the outer edge of you eye crease and blend backwards and forwards through the crease using a windscreen wiper action.

We recommend the MAC blending brush, $37 available from Mecca Maxima.

Eyeliner/Brow Brush
Ella-Maree says: To apply liner, place the brush on the inner corner of the eye and, pressing into the lash line, take the brush across the eyelid to create a perfect line. For the eyebrows, use it to fill in sparse brows with powder, by using short strokes over your natural brow shape.

We recommend the Estée Lauder eyeliner brow brush, $38 which can be purchased online or in Myer.

Lip Brush
Ella-Maree says: It’s the best-shaped brush for a defined lip. Cover the brush in your desired colour and colour in your lips.

We recommend the Napoleon Perdis architect lip brush, $25 available at Napoleon Perdis stores.

Kabuki Brush
Ella-Maree says: This brush is used in many different ways, but its main purpose is to be used with mineral powder foundation, in circular movement over the face. It can also be used as an all over body bronzing brush, if desired.

We recommend the Nude by Nature Kabuki Brush, $24.95 available at Priceline and Chemist Warehouse.

Thanks so much for stepping back in time with me to read what’s what in terms of makeup brushes.

Until next time,

Melissa Jayne

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