The Basic Makeup Brush Anatomy

The Basic Makeup Brush Anatomy

Brush Heads - the actual hairs or bristles of a brush. Many types of hair are used for makeup brushes. A common makeup brush can be made of special synthetic or natural animal hair. Usually, manufacturers use squirrel, pony, or goat hairs by carefully cutting or even picking the fallen hairs (cruelty-free production). Manufacturers can also use different blends of hair for larger makeup brushes like powder or contouring brushes.

Nowadays more and more brands prefer to use synthetic materials over natural hairs. Special man-made materials are not worse than natural hair. These materials are nontoxic, have a very soft and smooth texture, and sometimes last longer than natural hair. The most common materials used for synthetic makeup brushes are polyester. nylon and taklon.

The fullest part of the brush or the flattest part (depending on the type) is called a belly. Usually, we use this part of the brush to press powder and eyeshadow on the skin. The end of the brush head is called a toe or point. The toe of a brush can have a different shape and size and the final makeup results usually depend on this part of the brush.

Brush Ferrules - a metal tube that holds the hairs and bristles of a brush, and connects them with the brush handle. The ferrule is usually made of light metals: brass, copper, aluminum, or tin. Ferrule should perfectly fit the head and the handle of the brush, otherwise the bristles will fall out. Ferrule`s heel is a part where the tube gets narrower, it presses and holds all the hair tightly together. A special glue is also used to secure the hair in the ferrule. A part where the ferrule connects with a handle calls crimp.

Brush Handles - a part that is used to hold a brush. A handle can be wooden, plastic, or even metal. The size of the handle can be very different, depending on the manufacturer and the type of brush. Usually, eyeliner brushes have longer and thinner handles, sometimes angeled. This allows makeup artists or makeup beginners to keep a better balance while they apply makeup, without shaking their hands.

Kabuki and some contouring brushes have shorter handles and this allows to have better control over the brush. Brands and manufacturers use handles to express their imagination and sometimes they create a real masterpiece on this part of a brush. Of course, the design of the handle does not affect the final result, but it is always nice to have a beautiful brush set.

Next time we are going to take a closer look at each type of makeup brush and learn how they work with the makeup products and what results they provide. Please follow us!