table of contents:
- how to use makeup brushes: tips from pros and more
- how to use makeup brushes for foundation
- how to use makeup brushes for eyeshadow
- how to use makeup brushes for blush
- how to use makeup brushes for bronzer
- how to use makeup brushes for highlighter
- how to use makeup brushes: subtl's travel makeup brushes are game-changing
how to use makeup brushes: tips from pros and more
have you found yourself wondering how to use makeup brushes? it’s not a secret that makeup application can be confusing, especially for beginners – likely because there are thousands of travel makeup brushes and tools on the market to choose from. but subtl beauty is here to help!
mua nick barose says: "the great thing about using makeup brushes is they let you be quick and not messy.” spoiler alert: that’s one of the reasons we created our mini travel makeup brush set; it includes a blush brush, dual-ended eyeshadow brush, powder brush, and stippling brush.
to dive deeper into how to use makeup brushes, read on (we promise lots of tips from pros!)
how to use makeup brushes for foundation
curious about how to use makeup brushes for foundation? us too! according to nick barose: “the best way to apply foundation on your face is by dotting it in. then, use a makeup brush to paint and blend in every direction," he recommends. "tt's very random – you should go every which way instead of stroking the brush in just one direction, which can cause it to look streaky."
to get a smooth, even base, here is how to use makeup brushes for foundation:
- pick the right brush: most professionals say that if you want full coverage, try a flat, dense makeup brush. for a lighter, airbrushed finish, a stippling brush is the go-to.
- application matters: following mua nick’s tip, dot foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. use your travel makeup brushes to blend outwards in circular motions.
- blend, blend, blend: pay extra special attention to the areas around your nose, hairline, and jawline. if needed, go back with a damp makeup sponge for a seamless finish.
protip: not much of a foundation gal? give the subtl cream concealer a go; it’s perfect to use alongside our mini travel makeup brush set as it's lightweight, while still providing great coverage. our cream concealer is also infused with coffee seed oil to help reduce puffiness.
how to use makeup brushes for eyeshadow
next, let’s tackle the question of, “how to use makeup brushes for eyeshadow.” new york-based mua tobi henney has all the answers on this topic – she says to “think of your lids like a rainbow, seamlessly blending from light to dark to light again. if you watch makeup application videos, you’ll see just how important blending with a makeup brush is when it comes to eyeshadow.”
to get a smooth, even look, here is how to use makeup brushes for eyeshadow:
- base application first: use a shader brush (like the one in our mini travel makeup brush set) to apply a base color all over your lid. for maximum pigment, pat the hue in.
- blend, as always: with a fluffy brush, blend a transition shade into your crease. eyeshadow newbies, here’s why – a transition shade softens the edges and adds depth.
- add depth: use a smaller makeup brush to apply a darker shade to the outer corners and crease of your eyes, creating dimension. blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.
- don’t forget to highlight: grab a small brush to apply a shimmer (or light shade) to your inner corners and brow bone to open up your eyes for a more awake appearance.
protip: eyeshadow can transform your look, and the right brushes make all the difference. so, to get the most out of your eyeshadow and beauty tools, we recommend using the subtl travel makeup brushes. when using them for more intense hues, dampen your brush before applying a shimmer.
how to use makeup brushes for blush
check out this tip from byrdie and mua bob scott on the topic of how to use makeup brushes for blush: “if applying color to your cheeks feels out of your comfort zone, it's okay to start lightly and blend more as you go. you don't need to add a ton of product to get the natural, flushed effect.” with trends like “sabrina carpenter’s blush” going viral, it’s cool to go bold, too, though.
to get a smooth, even look, here is how to use makeup brushes for blush:
- choose a brush: a medium-sized fluffy brush works best for blush; go for ones that aren’t too soft or dense (peep our stak brush bff – it’s free with every purchase!)
- time for application: smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. using your makeup brush of choice, blend upwards towards your temples for a natural, lifted effect.
- layer for intensity: as we mentioned above, going bold or minimal with your blush is a personal taste. for vivid blush, start with a light layer and build up the intensity gradually.
- blend for… a while (“blend” and “makeup” should really be synonyms, right?): use a clean brush to blend the edges of your blush into your foundation for a natural look.
protip: for a minimal-inspired flush, choose a blush shade that matches the color your cheeks turn when you’re naturally flushed. if you haven’t found a blush you love, we recommend grabbing one of subtl’s ultra-creamy lip & cheek shades alongside our travel makeup brushes.
how to use makeup brushes for bronzer
bronzer makeup is a pretty buzzy topic in the beauty community, especially when it comes to the battle of bronzer vs contour (find out the tea on the duo here). as for how to use makeup brushes with bronzer, mua tobi henney tells byrdie that “if you're applying bronzer with a brush, dip it generously into the powder and blow off the excess before the brush touches your skin.”
to get a smooth, even look, here is how to use makeup brushes for bronzer:
- opt for a good-quality brush: a large, fluffy brush is ideal for bronzer makeup. both the subtl stak brush bff and mini travel makeup brush set are sure to come in clutch here.
- let’s apply: apply your bronzer in the shape of a '3' on each side of your face: start at your temples, sweep under your cheekbones, and finish along your jawline.
- don’t forget to blend: a good rule of thumb is to blend the bronzer into your hairline and down your neck to avoid any harsh lines.
- layer for depth: for a more sculpted look (we’re looking at you, kim k.), use a slightly darker bronzer on the hollows of your cheeks, making sure to blend it out.
protip: have you ever tried applying bronzer based on your unique face shape? to learn how, take a look at this in-depth blog which also recommends you a few subtl travel makeup brushes.
how to use makeup brushes for highlighter
last but not least is how to use makeup brushes for highlighter. mua kristine cruz says that highlighter brushes “often resemble an oversized crease brush with fluffy bristles that can be fanned out or come to a slight point. the shape and softness lends itself nicely to blending and diffusing highlighter for a soft glow but can also be used for setting under-eye concealer.”
to get a smooth, even look, here is how to use makeup brushes for highlighter:
- you need the right brush: as kristine recommends, use a fan brush or a small, tapered brush for highlighter (you can find one in our mini travel makeup brush set here).
- application ftw: try applying highlighter makeup to the high points of your face: think the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow.
- blend, blend, blend (again): make sure to blend the edges of your highlighter makeup with a clean brush or damp sponge to ensure there aren’t any harsh lines.
- intensity: start with a subtle glow and build up the intensity of your highlighter as needed. don’t forget you can layer powder highlighter over cream for a dramatic effect.
protip: for an extra pop, lightly mist your travel makeup brushes with setting spray before applying highlighter makeup. not sure which setting spray to use? here is our favorite.
how to use makeup brushes: subtl's travel makeup brushes are game-changing
alas, subtl beauties – we’ve fully covered the topic of how to use makeup brushes for every step of your routine. no matter if you take our tips and tricks from professional makeup artists or opt for your own go-to hacks, make sure to remember that using good-quality makeup brushes does matter; in fact, the brushes you use can impact the overall look of your makeup.
that’s why we recommend our synthetic, cruelty-free mini travel makeup brush set.
check out this video to learn more about subtl beauty’s travel makeup brushes:
before you go, tell us – do you feel comfortable knowing how to use makeup brushes now?