You may have the perfect makeup, but if you’ve ever found that it doesn’t sit on your face the way you want it to, or last as long as you like, your tools could be the culprit. The best makeup brushes can help make all the difference in how your product is applied and looks on your skin. 

Let’s dig into all the types of makeup brushes and how to best use them.

Why Use Makeup Brushes?

While using your (clean) hands works for some products, makeup brushes offer several benefits that will make your life easier.

A More Precise Application

Using a makeup brush can help you apply makeup more precisely and evenly than if you were to just use your fingers. With a brush, you can put on your favorite products with more precision, allowing you to create sharper lines, blend colors more easily, and apply the perfect amount of product.

Control

You have much more control over how much product you apply, and where. You can use a smaller brush for more targeted and full coverage, or if you’re going for something softer and less exact, a larger brush will work. In both instances, this can help you achieve a more natural, blended look without over-applying or under-applying products.

Efficiency

A good makeup brush can help you use less product, as it can pick up and distribute more efficiently than your fingers. This is especially great so your favorite makeup staples can last longer and you don’t have to replenish them as often.

Versatility

There are many different types of makeup brushes out there, and each is designed for a specific purpose (although some pull double- or multi-duty). Having a variety of brushes on hand helps you achieve different looks and styles. A fluffy brush can apply powder products, while a smaller brush is excellent for applying cream products to certain areas. Knowing each brush’s use can give you a wider range of makeup possibilities. 

Hygiene 

Using a makeup brush can help prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs. When you use your fingers to apply makeup, you can transfer oils and bacteria from your skin to your makeup—even if you just washed your hands—potentially leading to breakouts and other skin irritations. A makeup brush should be cleaned regularly to keep it free from bacteria, which will help keep your skin feeling and looking healthier and clearer. 

Different Types of Makeup Brushes and Their Uses

Our Jones Road Makeup Brushes will be your favorite tools when applying products to achieve any look you want. They’re all made of hypoallergenic, vegan fibers and are assembled in Italy. Don’t let their softness fool you; they’ll get the job done, and beautifully at that. 

We also sell each brush separately so that you can create your ideal makeup brush set— whether you are on-the-go and need a simple routine, or you enjoy putting in the time to create more intricate looks and want a tool for each job. Let’s look at some of our most popular face brushes and how to use them to create your favorite looks.

The Everything Brush

The Everything Brush is a must-have in your makeup bag. Its wide and flat shape is perfect when you want to apply an even layer of foundation and other cream or liquid products with more control. It’s also great for layering on powder-based products like bronzer, blush, or highlighter.

The Skin Brush

When you need products to disappear evenly into your skin, The Skin Brush will be your magic wand to get the job done. Blending liquid foundation, cream blush, or cream foundation has never been easier than with this foundation brush, and a little product will go a long way with how evenly and effectively it spreads it across your skin.

The Detail Brush

While a quick swipe of product may be your morning routine, sometimes you need to look at the details to bring your makeup to another level. The Detail Brush is the perfect tool to get your makeup ready for important days or events. It can also be used as a concealer brush, as its firm but soft bristles will give you pliable application for applying product around the nose, mouth, and under the eyes. 

Eye Fluffy Brush

When you want an even wash of eye makeup, or all-over color blending, the Eye Fluffy Brush will give you that straightforward application you are looking for. You know our love for dual-purpose products, and you can use this brush to strategically apply highlighter when you need a little more glow in your look. 

Eye Blending Brush

For elevated eye makeup looks, knowing how to diffuse harsh lines and soften colors is crucial for a seamlessly blended look. It’s easy to achieve that with the Eye Blending Brush. This eyeshadow brush picks up the perfect amount of pigment and blends it easily onto your lid for whatever eye look you’re going for.

The Eyebrow Brush

One of the keys to the no-makeup look is your brows. The Eyebrow Brush gives you the control to groom, shape, and fill your brows for that effortless, ready-to-go look. It’s a truly indispensable tool.. 

The spoolie end of this brow brush will get your brows into place, and the flat-angled side will give you easy application of any powders to your eyebrows. The angled brush can also be used as an eyeliner brush along your lash line or for smudging eyeliner for a smoky eye. 

Taking Care of Your Makeup Brushes

Regularly cleaning your brushes helps them stay in their best condition and prevents the growth of bacteria that may contribute to skin issues. (And of course, don't share your makeup or brushes.) For a more detailed explanation of how and how often to clean your tools, we interviewed our lead makeup artist. All her tips are right here.

And when you're not using your makeup brushes, store them in a closed container separate from your other products. This helps keep them free from dust, particles, and aerosols—especially those that can accumulate if you're applying makeup in the bathroom. Speaking of which, we recommend that you keep your makeup and brushes in another room that isn't the bathroom, which tends to get humid. All that moisture can cause the adhesive holding the bristles together to weaken over time. 

The Bottom Line

If you’ve ever wondered if makeup brushes are worth it, the short answer is yes. When you take care of them properly and learn how to use them to master makeup application, they’re the key to achieving the looks you want.