Makeup brushes are one of those things that tend to be sold in sets. You go ahead and buy it because there are a few in there that you have use for, to realize, how do you use the other ten brushes. There literally are over a dozen different types, with each one having its own purpose. I’ll go over the more common ones to hopefully clear up some confusion.

Foundation Brush

The bristles on a foundation brush are packed tightly. There are two different types, a tapered or dome top brush. A tapered brush gives more coverage, while a dome top brush allows you to buff your foundation in a circular motion for an airbrushed finish.

Stippling Brush

A stippling brush generally contains two sets of bristles and with light and feathery ends. It is more multi-functional than other brushes, which can be used for foundation, blush, bronzer, powder, and highlighters.

Concealer Brush

A concealer brush is a smaller brush that is narrow with soft bristles and a pointed tip to allow for a precise application of concealer makeup. It is perfect for spot correction.

Powder Brush

The bristles on a powder brush are fluffy, long, thick, and dome-shaped, allowing you to apply powdered products. It disperses the product evenly over your face for a flawless look.

Blush Brush

The blush brush is very similar in design to the powder brush, but stubbier to cover a smaller area. It is used to distribute pigments evenly over the cheeks.

Contour Brush

A contouring brush is used to define and sculpt the features of the face. The brush is designed with soft, angled, dense bristles allowing you to highlight certain areas of the face, most commonly the cheek.

Bronzer Brush

A bronzer brush is used to apply products to give your skin a shimmery glow. The bristles are soft, large, with a rounded top. It can be used to apply bronzer on the cheeks or all over the face.

Highlight Fan Brush

The highlight fan brush is flat and is used to add some light-reflecting radiance. Highlighter powder is applied just below the eyebrows or on top of the cheekbones.

Eyeshadow Brush

An eyeshadow brush is small and domed shaped to allow precise application of eyeshadow.

Eyeshadow Crease Brush

An eyeshadow crease brush is small, fluffy, and tapered with the ability to fit into the creases of your eyes. You can contour and layer with this brush for different effects.

Eyeshadow Blending Brush

The eyeshadow blending brush is designed with loosely packed soft bristles with a rounded tip. This brush helps to blend different shades of eyeshadows for a smoother transition.

Eyeliner Brush

There are several variations of a liner brush. Some brushes are small and flat with a straight top to draw thin lines. Another liner brush has a bent tip with small, sparse bristles to draw extra fine lines.

Mascara Brush/Spoolie

A makeup spoolie looks just like the wand in your mascara tube. It is generally used to smooth out the mascara to remove clumps. The spoolie is also used to brush out the eyebrows for a groomed look. Brushing the eyebrows allows a more even application when filling them in.

Lip Brush

The lip brush has soft bristles with a tapered end. The application of lipstick or lipgloss will be more precise with a lip brush. It is also used to blend the lip color with lip liner.