Topic: Brushes
Do you REALLY need more than one blush brush? Yes!
Different brushes accomplish different finishes based on the type and pigmentation of the blush used. Below are are four common blush brush shapes and how to best work with each of them.
1. Flat top buffer brush: These brushes are generally used for loose mineral makeup, but I find that they work brilliantly with matte pressed blushers. When you want to have a very natural/very organic "I glow from within" look, this brush buffs the color completely into your cheeks. A word of warning though - only use this with matte blush. When used with shimmery, metallic or mineralized finishes, these brushes can accentuate large pores and age you by a decade.
2. Basic rounded brush: These all purpose powder brushes can be used for both powder foundation and level application of any type of blush (loose, pressed, matte, shimmer or cream). I use this to apply full color all over the cheeks and to apply highlighters to the apples of my cheeks. If you have a round or heart shaped face, this especially, may be your most often used brush.
3. Angled brush: Whew - they can be deadly if not used correctly. These are meant to contour gently, NOT like this:
When using this, you want to lightly apply the color at 45ish degree angle (depending on your face shape) and sweep from cheeks to hairline. If you find the color is too harsh, gently go over the line with a kabuki brush to fade it out. Angled blush brushes can also be used to highlight the bridge of the nose and area between the eyes and cheeks - feel for the bone and apply a highlighter there. I also use this to take 5 pounds off my face - make a fish face and put a dark, matte powder in the hollows of the cheeks.
4. Stippling/Skunk brush: This brush is a workhorse and can be used for powder or cream blushes (in addition to liquid foundation). I prefer to use these for highly pigmented blushers - scary ones that can go very wrong if overused. NARS Exhibit A is a bright red blush that walks dangerously on a line between high fashion and clown makeup. The only difference between looking foolish and looking hot is in application and a stippling brush can save you from a world of shame.
5. Kabuki brush: I rarely use this to apply blush, but frequently use it to "calm down" a blush that's too bright or to blurr the lines between blush/highlighter/contour color. If you have an MSF or Shimmerbrick that's too glittery, this can help buff out some of the shimmer. I'll discuss the kabuki more in my section on foundation brushes.
6. Fan brush: Similar to a stippling brush, this can be used to delicately apply pigmented blushes. It can also be used to add subtle highlights to the temples and chin.
I hope this helps someone! Feel free to post any questions below.
