In Parts 2 of my Brush 101 blog I will discuss the brushes commonly used for blending. As I mentioned in part 1, you can always use brushes for more than one method when I applying your makeup. Like the stipple brush will be a brush that I can sometimes use for blending.
The way I apply makeup will always be different depending on the client I am working or the type of makeup I will be doing. However, for the most part I start with the skin, work out, and leave the eyes till the end.
Here is a video I’ve posted of Stephen Moleski Celebrity Makeup Artist. I like to show how he applies foundation with a Kabuki brush or MAC #180 brush. He also gives a little tip on how he cleans his brushes.
If you’re having trouble finding the Kabuki MAC #180 brush. You can also try Bdellium tools in #’s 957. The bristles are very soft, and the top is flat similar to the MAC #180 brush.
Bedllium Brush #957
After my foundation is done, I use all cream products to do the rest of my makeup like Blush, Contour, and highlight. I will list the brushes I use to blend with.
Using MAC brush #168 to blend out my cream blush and contour.
#168 MAC contour and blush brush.
The #168 brush is a definite must have in any artist kit or personal makeup bag. It’s soft, fluffy, and has an angled tipped. This one can be used for both blending and setting. I own more than one so I can use it for both blending, and setting in one makeup application. I don’t want to set my powders with a stick or wet brush from my cream blush. 1 of the reasons for owning more than one of the same brush.
MAC #165 brush
The #165 is one that I don’t feel an extreme need to half but have a few anyway. I’m mentioning it because it might have better uses for some of you. It’s a small, fluffy round brush with a finer tip. This is perfect for blending out highlighted areas, the T-zone of the face, and can also be used for setting makeup with powders. I tend to use this one for travel. I like to keep it in my purse and powder away the shine from my T-zone.
Tapered Blending brushes. MAC #'s 222, #217 and Sigma E35
Sigma E325 Tapered Blending brush.
Tapered blending brushes
are also another must have in makeup kits or personal makeup bags. The options on what you can do with them are endless. I use them for smokey eyes all the time, and blending out makeup from smaller areas around the nose and under the eye near the corner of the eye. For a makeup artist it is important to own at least 3 of these. So you have the option of using a dry one, a wet one for blending out concealers, and other cream products like cream eye shadows. Also, another reason why you would like to own more than one so you always have a clean one to blend out a natural smokey and not change the color of your shadows by using a dirty brush from blending a darker part of the shadow with the same brush.
A rather embarrassing picture of myself using a MAC #222 brush to blend around my nose.
#116 MAC blush Brush are also essentials for a makeup kit or personal kit. There are many options for blush brushes. You can use it for blending, and setting makeup.
Powder Puffs.
A final gentle pat from a puff with a little translucent powder to secure makeup before setting with other powders. The puffs can be found at any beauty store. It doesn’t have to be a specific brand just soft, and a little firm.
All brushes are just examples of what you can use for blending. There are many options on what kind of brushes to buy. On Part 3 of this blog I’ll list many of those options.
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For all questions or comments, please email me at Audrey@beautybyaudrey.com