Makeup Brushes 101

Hello Friends! Today we are talking about a makeup lovers best friends and tools, her brushes. You can have all the tips and tricks in the world, but if you don't have good brushes or you don't know how to use them, doing your makeup will take longer, you'll waste product, and in general your frustration level will be higher. So I'm breaking it down into the bare basics for brushes that you need. We're talking 5 brushes that are a staple in any beauty lover's makeup kit.

1. FOUNDATION BRUSH

I know, right now you're like Jancyn what about a beauty blender? Can't that do the job of like two or more brushes? Answer: yes. Depending on your foundation coverage (sheer, medium, full) a beauty blender can be a wonderful thing. Why am I still going to recommend a brush? Because not only can you clean a brush to make it a more hygienic choice (the Godmother of makeup, Mary Greenwell, won't even use sponges), you can also use a foundation brush for liquid highlighter, liquid blush, and as a finishing brush. Woah! That's a lot of uses for one brush.

Which Foundation Brush is for Me?

Again, depending on the coverage you want from your foundation, you're going to choose a brush that will help you attain that goal. Example, if you want a fuller coverage go with a brush that is dense and flat on the top, like #106 BK Beauty Round Foundation Brush. If you want an "I woke up like this" look, go for something fluffier, like #55 Sephora Pro Foundation Brush. Lisa Eldridge swears by a classic flat foundation brush, like the No.100 Chanel Foundation Brush. Whichever you choose make sure it coincides with the makeup look you're going for.

2. BLUSH/POWDER BRUSH

This type of brush is a multitasker in your brush tool kit. This brush can be used for any powder, including blush and bronzer, application. Just make sure you're wiping off your powders in between so you don't mix your finishing powder with your blush...Also, make sure that it is big enough to get your powder job done, but not so big that you'll end up with clown cheeks. My current favorite: #129S Blush/Powder Brush by MAC

3. EYESHADOW BRUSH

For those who love to do eye looks, once you find your sacred eyeshadow brush you'll be blown away with all the uses and looks you can do with this baby. The important thing to remember when using any brush is that you can use all sides of the brush. Different sides will give you different effects. The tip of a brush is different than the side, is different from the side angle. Basically, one good eyeshadow brush will do all the work for you. All you have to do is remember windshield wiper or circle. My all time favorite is: #217 Blending Brush by MAC

4. PENCIL BRUSH

A pencil brush is like a secret brush that doesn't get a lot of love in the brush category, but can really amp up your look and help with the under eye eyeshadow application. The top criteria is to find one that holds its shape, but is soft. The skin around the eye area is very delicate, and when you're working on detail you don't want to drag the skin around your eye. Especially if you're wearing makeup everyday. As I tell my 1.5 year old, gentle touches please. You can use this brush for your inner corner highlight, smoking out your outer third, and laying down shadow on the lower lash line. My current favorite is: #219 Pencil Brush by MAC

5. PRECISION POWDER BRUSH

Another powder brush? Yes friends, and here's why. Because almost all the brush companies have switched from natural hair (squirrel, goat, etc.) to synthetic. It is important to remember that a lot of the new brushes can be used for liquids and creams now as well as powders. Did a lighting bolt just off in your brain? I know, life changing information is powerful. OK, back to the precision powder brush. This brush is teardrop shaped so it's great for getting into nooks and crannies of the face, like around the nose and chin. It's also excellent for concealer application. Dare I say, it is a more hygienic version of the popular teardrop sponge? Would I use it all over my face? No, it's way too small. But, holy moly, does it do a great job under the eye and around the nose for powders and concealer application. My favorite is:

OK my beauty friends that is all for the 5 brushes everyone needs. I will definitely follow this blog post up with Brushes 201 in a few weeks for those who are ready to take their brushes to the next level. Enjoy this final month of hot summer before Back to School and Fall loveliness begin to infiltrate us. Don't forget to check out my YouTube channel for more tips, tricks, and full face tutorials as well.