IT Brushes—Which to Use?

lovemykitty · ‎03-10-2010

Do some brushes work better for certain products than others? I primarily use the CC cream and the blush, and sometimes Bye Bye Pores. I have a handful of brushes and I want to make sure I’m using the best one for the job. And, most of my brushes don’t have names on them, so that’s no help! 😊 TIA

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

I've noticed many brushes are larger than my face. Could paint backside of a barn.

For liquid coverage I use my hand - for blush a medium size one. I've thrown out those expensive big ones. Use whatever works!

nana59 · ‎05-12-2012

medium sized for powder foundation....angled brush for blush....that's all i have left after purging....i don't wear eyeshadow....eyeliner...or anything else that requires a brush....

tucsongal · ‎03-10-2010

@lovemykitty These are the only face brushes I own. I use the large one for bye-bye pores and the other is a special blush brush that perfectly distributes color—their larger angled brush would make me look like a clown. I’ve had these for years and they’re still in great shape.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@lovemykitty - A makeup artist once told me the best brush for foundation is a dense one, like a Kabuki brush. The fluffy ones are better for powders and blushes, as they don't pick up as much product.

We have a resident expert here, @Shanus . She can give you better advice!

monicakm · ‎03-16-2010

I have many brushes, use most. I agree with @beach-mom . Fluffy brushes for powder and powder blush. A more densely packed brush for foundation regardless of powder or cream. If I want less less foundation coverage, I use a less dense brush. Be sure to prep your face first, including primer. A prepared canvas makes all the difference. But fingers work well too for foundation!

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@beach-mom Thanks for mentioning me. @lovemykitty , I use the two ended IT face brush to apply and blend concealer. I prefer a dense bush for liguid or creams and a fluffy brush for powder. I have a small face and my fluffy brush is an angled or straight blush brush because they're smaller in size. My dense brush is Bobbi Brown's Full Coverage Face brush. It has a short handle and a smaller head. I like the angled face brush from Trish McEvoy or a small blush brush from Bobbi Brown. Good brushes can be purchased at most price points, but I've had these for decades.

After I powder the t zone, I go over the face with a damp sponge to lightly press the foundation into the skin, pick up any extra and it gives the skin a more natural look.

Primer is not always necessary. If you have a lot of texture or need makeup to last 8 hours or need a primer for oily skin, then yes. If I wear a primer, it's usually only the rare occasions I wear my makeup on a "long day" or a special occasion to blur my skin first.

***Primers: If you do have combination skin, you can apply an illuminating primer under makeup in your dry areas and a primer that mattes oily areas. I prefer not using primers because I use layers of serum, moisturizer, spf and sometimes primers can pill under foundation. It's hit or miss to find the correct ones. I use Laura Mercier. She has many to choose from...some with illumination, spf or just a universal primer, but they don't disturb the foundation. Smashbox has a good assortment of primers,too.

Hope this helps with your application.