Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro (3 page)

BROW BRUSH

A brush with stiff, short bristles cut on an angle. Designed for applying shadow to the brows. Look for a synthetic/natural blend of bristles, as the 100 percent synthetic brushes are too stiff and don’t deposit color as effectively.

BROW GROOMING BRUSH

This is for brushing brows into place. It has stiff bristles cut straight across, like a toothbrush.

CONCEALER BRUSH

This should have firm but soft bristles that aren’t too hard or scratchy, since the brush will be used on the delicate skin under the eyes. Look for a brush with glossy synthetic hairs, as these slip along the skin. The ends of the bristles should be tapered to help you place concealer in hard-to-reach spots, such as the inner corners of the eyes, and apply stick foundation to cover any redness around the nose.

EYE BLENDER BRUSH

A soft, fluffy, natural-hair brush with long bristles designed to blend eye shadow and eliminate lines of demarcation on the lids after applying multiple shades. It is also great for applying powder to set corrector, concealer, or foundation around the eyes or over blemish cover.

EYE CONTOUR BRUSH

A round, flat-head, natural-hair brush. Short, dense bristles apply a greater amount of shadow in the crease to contour the eye.

EYE SHADER BRUSH

A wide, flat-head brush that can gently sweep eye shadow color over the entire lid, from the lash line to the brow bone.

EYE SHADOW BRUSH

Wide enough to cover about half the eyelid. This brush has natural, soft, rounded bristles with beveled edges that deposit a sweep of shadow across the lower lid without leaving any harsh lines.

EYE SMUDGE BRUSH

A small-head brush with a slightly rounded point. This brush has soft, flexible bristles that help smudge liner to create a smoky look.

EYELASH COMB

This has straight, stiff (often plastic), fine teeth and is designed to separate lashes immediately after applying mascara (while the lashes are still wet). Mascara wands work just as well and are more convenient.

EYELASH CURLER

Look for a basic metal version with rubber pads. An eyelash curler shapes lashes into a natural-looking curl. Replace pads regularly. To avoid breakage, always curl the lashes before applying mascara.

EYELINER BRUSH (ANGLED)/ EYE DEFINER BRUSH

This small brush has very short, dense bristles cut on an angle. It is designed to use with shadow to strengthen thin brows or as an alternative to an eyeliner brush.

EYELINER BRUSH (FLAT)

With flat, dense, synthetic bristles that are slightly rounded at tip, this brush can be used wet or dry to apply a precise line at the lash line.