By now, you probably know make-up brushes can damage your skin if you don’t wash them on the reg, but did you realise the brush itself can make or break your complexion?
The trusty tool isn’t ‘one size fits all’. Whether your skin is dry, oily or totally ‘normal’, here’s why investing in the right brush will not only improve the performance of your products, but also make your skin look even more airbrushed…
Related: 8 ways to use your beauty blender
Skin type: Normal
Lucky you! Having normal skin gives you the widest range of options when selecting a make-up brush. Because of this, we recommend going for the best foundation brush money can buy. Look for one that has soft, synthetic bristles and a tapered tip to reach into the nooks and crannies around your nose and mouth. Bonus points if the handle is weighted, for optimal control!
Try: Real Techniques Gold Triangle Foundation Brush or Artiste Foundation Brush #6
Skin type: Dry
Plagued by parched skin? Your average foundation brush won’t cut it (it’ll make your foundation cling to those tiny dry flakes and emphasise them even more). Instead, you should opt for a buffing brush, which will help reduce the appearance of dryness by literally buffing away any flakes as you’re blending your make-up in. For optimum results, use a gentle exfoliating scrub beforehand to help create a clean canvas.
Try: Sukin Revitalising Facial Scrub and Models Prefer Airbrush Buffing Brush
Skin type: Oily
If, like mine, your skin tends to get greasy, you need a brush that can handle products formulated for oily skin types (think mattifying, oil-free and liquid-to-powder ones). Stippling is your go-to technique, as because it involves pressing the product onto your face before blending, it won’t get diluted with the oils on your skin’s surface. Look for non-absorbent bristles (usually synthetic, or goats hair), as they won’t soak up the pigment. A mattifying primer is also a must.
Try: Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer and UBU Professional Stippling Brush
Skin type: Sensitive
If you have sensitive skin, choose a brush with natural bristles, as these tend to have a more forgiving texture than synthetic ones. This one features ultra fine, uncut goat hair tips to allow a smooth application. Finish with a spritz of spring water – it’ll soothe your skin and give your base a spectacularly dewy sheen.
Try: Shu Uemura Natural 18 Brush and Avène Thermal Spring Water
Skin type: Acne-prone
Prone to breakouts? You need an applicator that’ll give you the option of heavier coverage – so you can airbrush away acne and blemishes, without getting that caked-on look. An angled brush is a savvy buy, as it lets you “paint” on the pigment, giving you control over the intensity. Use the pointed tip to take care of imperfections. Alternatively, a concealer brush is also a welcome addiction to your arsenal.
Try: MAC #193 Angled Foundation Brush and e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Concealer Brush
I love my brushes especially nude by nature ones!