Back to School Beauty: Choosing the Perfect Makeup Brushes

With the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to gear up for a fresh start—and that includes your makeup game! Whether you’re heading back to class or just looking to spice up your routine, having the right makeup brushes can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about picking out the perfect brushes for your beauty toolkit. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered with tips, tricks, and recommendations to help you slay every look this school year. 

Understanding Different Types of Makeup Brushes

 

Think of makeup brushes like different apps on your phone: each one has a specific job and makes your life a whole lot easier. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which brushes you need in your beauty arsenal:

Foundation Brushes

First up, foundation brushes! These come in all shapes and sizes, but the main ones you'll see are flat, angled, or rounded. Flat brushes are great for a smooth, even application of liquid foundation, while angled brushes can help you get into those tricky corners. Rounded brushes are perfect for blending and buffing. Pick one based on your foundation type—liquid, cream, or powder.

Concealer Brushes

Next, let’s talk concealer. These brushes are usually small and tapered or dense, making them perfect for covering up those pesky blemishes or under-eye circles. The size and shape of the brush help you get into every little nook and cranny. Go for a smaller, more precise brush for those tiny spots and a bigger one for broader areas.

Eyeshadow Brushes

Eyeshadow brushes are your BFFs for creating killer eye looks. They come in a bunch of shapes: fluffy for blending, flat for packing on colour, and angled for precision. If you’re into eye makeup, having a few different types will help you blend, shade, and highlight like a pro.

Blush Brushes

Blush brushes are all about getting that perfect flush of colour on your cheeks. They’re usually rounded or angled to help you apply blush evenly and blend it seamlessly. Choosing the right brush can make a big difference in how natural or bold your blush looks—so pick one that suits your face shape and the type of blush you use.

Contour Brushes

Ready to sculpt and define? Contour brushes are angled or slanted to help you apply contour powder or cream and create those chiselled cheekbones and jawlines. A good contour brush helps you get those lines just right, so you can contour like a pro.

Highlight Brushes

Last but not least, highlight brushes! These are usually small and tapered or fan-shaped, perfect for applying highlighter to the high points of your face like your cheekbones, brow bones, and nose bridge. The right brush will help you achieve that glow without any streaks or patches.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing Makeup Brushes

 

Natural vs. Synthetic Bristles

When it comes to brush bristles, you’ve got two main options: natural and synthetic.

• Natural Bristles: Made from animal hair (like squirrel, goat, or pony), these bristles are often praised for their softness and ability to blend powders. However, they come at a higher price and involve the use of animal-derived materials, which may not align with ethical or vegan principles.
• Synthetic Bristles: Made from man-made fibres, these are usually more affordable and perfect for liquid or cream products. They’re also cruelty-free and easy to clean, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a budget-friendly and ethical option.

Size and Shape

Size and shape aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re crucial for achieving that flawless makeup look.

• Size: Smaller brushes are great for precision work, like applying eyeshadow or concealer. Bigger brushes are better for covering larger areas, like applying foundation or powder.
• Shape: The shape of the brush determines how it applies and blends makeup. Fluffy brushes are awesome for blending, while flat brushes are perfect for packing on colour. Angled brushes work wonders for contouring and defining.

Handle Design

Let’s not forget about the handle! A well-designed handle can make your makeup routine a lot more comfortable and precise.

• Length: Longer handles give you more control and are great for detailed work, while shorter handles are easier to manoeuvre and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
• Grip: Look for handles with a good grip. A comfortable, non-slip handle means you won’t have to worry about your brush slipping while you’re applying your makeup.

No matter what your preference, finding brushes that feel right and work well for your makeup style is key. Keep these features in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a flawless makeup routine that’s uniquely yours. 

Essential Brushes for Back to School

 

Whether you’re heading back to school or just want to streamline your beauty routine, having a set of versatile, must-have brushes can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the brushes you’ll want in your makeup bag to keep things easy, chic, and totally on point:

Basic Set for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to go overboard. Here are the key brushes to kick off your collection:

• Foundation Brush: A good foundation brush is essential for getting a smooth, even base. Whether you go for a flat or rounded brush, make sure it blends your foundation seamlessly.
• Concealer Brush: This one’s a must-have for covering up blemishes and dark circles. Look for a small, tapered brush that can get into those tricky spots.
• Eyeshadow Brush: A flat, dense brush for packing on colour and a fluffy brush for blending are all you need to create versatile eye looks. These two are your eyeshadow BFFs.
• Blush Brush: A rounded or angled blush brush helps you apply colour evenly on your cheeks, giving you that perfect flush.
• Powder Brush: A large, fluffy brush for setting your foundation with powder and keeping everything in place.

 

Our multi-award winning Spectrum 10 Piece Essential Brush Set is an ideal kit that includes all the must-have brushes. 

 

Versatile Brushes for Busy Mornings

For those days when time is of the essence but you still want to look fab, these multi-use brushes are your go-to:

• Multi-Tasking Brush: Some brushes are designed to be used for multiple purposes. Look for a brush that can do double duty, like a powder brush that can also work for blush, like our Oval Foundation
• Angled Brush: Perfect for both contouring and blush, our brush duo is super versatile and great for quick touch-ups.

Travel-Friendly Options

If you’re always on the move, these brushes are perfect for keeping your beauty routine portable and efficient:

• Brush Sets: We offer travel friendly brush sets that include the essentials in a sleek, travel-friendly case. They’re perfect for carrying everything you need in one neat package.
• Mini Versions: Look for mini versions of your favourite brushes—ideal for touch-ups between classes or during after-school activities.

And that’s a wrap on our guide to choosing the perfect makeup brushes for back to school! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current collection, the right brushes can make all the difference in achieving a flawless, effortless look. 

 

Good luck with the new school year! 🎓💖