►The main types and use of eyeshadow brushes
Beginners do not need to buy a full set. You can complete your daily eye makeup by the following 4 basic brush types:Large color brush (flat tongue shape)
Use: Apply eyeshadow to a large area and evenly apply color.
Features: Fluffy bristles and rounded edges, suitable for light color blending.
Medium detail brush (round head/taper shape)
Use: Deepen eye folds and color the triangle area at the end of the eye.
Features: The brush head is small and can precisely control the range.
Small detail brush (pencil head/pointed shape)
Use: Outline the lower eyelid, color the eyeliner and brighten the eye head.
Features: The bristles are tight and suitable for delicate operations
Blending brush (round head/flame shape)
Use: transition and eyeshadow layer fusion.
Features: The bristles are loose and soft, avoid color block accumulation.
Attention: Beginners should not buy "multi-function brushes" or "special-shaped brushes" (such as fan brushes), practice basic techniques first!
►Choose proper hair material
Animal hair (goat hair, sable hair)- Advantages: strong powder holding power, natural smudge, suitable for matte/pearlescent powder eyeshadow.
- Disadvantages: high price, need regular care.
- Recommend for : smudge brush, eyeshadow brush (smooth touch).
Synthetic hair
- Advantages: cost-effective, washable, suitable for cream/liquid eyeshadow.
- Disadvantages: slightly weak powder holding power.
- Recommend for：detail brush, wet eyeshadow (such as concealer brush converted into eyeliner brush).
Mixed hair
- Balanced solution: animal hair + synthetic hair combination, taking into account powder holding power and durability, suitable for beginners.
►Buying tips for beginners
1. Judging the quality
- Touch: Gently sweep the back of the hand , no piercing the skin (especially the smudge brush must be soft).
- Elasticity: Quickly rebound after pressing, and the bristles do not split.
- Density: The bristles of the detail brush need to be tight, and the blending brush can be slightly fluffy.
- Connection：The brush head is firmly bonded to the ferrule, and no glue overflow.
2. Size to suit eye shape
- Single eyelids/double eyelids: choose a medium-sized detail brush with a thinner brush head to avoid swelling.
- Wide double eyelids: use a large eyeshadow brush to quickly fill in color.
- Small eyes: Use a small pencil brush, control the range precisely.
3. Handle length
- Long handle: suitable for desktop makeup, good stability.
- Short handle: portable, suitable for makeup touch-ups when going out (but not easy for beginners to control).
►Cost-effective brands recommendation
Affordable entry-level (US$10-30/pcs)
1. Real Techniques
Recommended model：Eye Shade + Blend Set（3pcs）
Price: about $20 (set)
Features: synthetic bristles, soft, including basic eyeshadow brush, detail brush and blending brush, beginner-friendly.
Suitable for: students with limited budget and seeking practicality.
Price: about $20 (set)
Features: synthetic bristles, soft, including basic eyeshadow brush, detail brush and blending brush, beginner-friendly.
Suitable for: students with limited budget and seeking practicality.
2. EcoTools（Environmentally friendly and affordable）
Recommended model: Eye Enhancing Duo Set (Dual-Head Eyeshadow Brush)
Price: About $10
Features: Bamboo handle + recyclable synthetic hair, double-head design, light and easy to carry.
Suitable for: beginners who pay attention to environmental protection and like simple design.
Price: About $10
Features: Bamboo handle + recyclable synthetic hair, double-head design, light and easy to carry.
Suitable for: beginners who pay attention to environmental protection and like simple design.
3. Morphe（bloggers' favorite）
Recommended model: M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff Brush
Price: about $14 per stick
Features: The synthetic hair is dense and flexible, suitable for precise blending, especially for European and American truncated eye makeup.
Suitable for: Beginners who want to try bold eye makeup.
Price: about $14 per stick
Features: The synthetic hair is dense and flexible, suitable for precise blending, especially for European and American truncated eye makeup.
Suitable for: Beginners who want to try bold eye makeup.
Mid-range (US$30-80/pcs)
1. Sigma
Recommended model: E25 Blending Brush
Price: about $25
Features: synthetic hair, taper brush head, natural smudge border, durable and easy to clean.
Suitable for: Advanced beginners who need a universal smudge brush.
Price: about $25
Features: synthetic hair, taper brush head, natural smudge border, durable and easy to clean.
Suitable for: Advanced beginners who need a universal smudge brush.
2. Zoeva
Recommended models: 227 Luxe Soft Definer (smudge brush) + 234 Luxe Smoky Shader (detail brush)
Price: about $15-20 per brush
Features: mixed goat hair + synthetic hair, brush design fits the eye socket, suitable for daily commuting makeup.
Suitable for: office workers who like natural nude makeup.
Price: about $15-20 per brush
Features: mixed goat hair + synthetic hair, brush design fits the eye socket, suitable for daily commuting makeup.
Suitable for: office workers who like natural nude makeup.
3. IT Cosmetics (Sensitive skin friendly)
Recommended model: Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Brush #7
Price: About $34
Features: Super soft synthetic hair, round head design suitable for base and smudge, no irritation around the sensitive eye area.
Suitable for: Dry and sensitive skin or contact lens wearers.
Price: About $34
Features: Super soft synthetic hair, round head design suitable for base and smudge, no irritation around the sensitive eye area.
Suitable for: Dry and sensitive skin or contact lens wearers.
Designer brand models (both good-appearance and functional)
1. Fenty Beauty
Recommended model: Precision Makeup Brush #210
Price: About $32
Features: taper synthetic hair brush head, suitable for deepening the end of the eye and lower eyeliner, metal brush handle is high-value.
Suitable for: Makeup beginners who pursue a trendy look.
Price: About $32
Features: taper synthetic hair brush head, suitable for deepening the end of the eye and lower eyeliner, metal brush handle is high-value.
Suitable for: Makeup beginners who pursue a trendy look.
►Common Mistakes of Beginners
The more brushes, the better
The truth: 4 basic brushes are enough to complete daily makeup.
Animal hair is definitely better than synthetic hair
The truth: Detail brushes with synthetic bristles are more precise, and cream eyeshadows are more suitable for synthetic bristles.
Expensive brushes must be better
The truth:If beginners are not familiar with the technique, a high-priced brush (such as chikuhodo) may be damaged due to improper operation.
The truth: 4 basic brushes are enough to complete daily makeup.
Animal hair is definitely better than synthetic hair
The truth: Detail brushes with synthetic bristles are more precise, and cream eyeshadows are more suitable for synthetic bristles.
Expensive brushes must be better
The truth:If beginners are not familiar with the technique, a high-priced brush (such as chikuhodo) may be damaged due to improper operation.
►Usage and maintenance tips
- Use by zone: Use different brushes for different eyeshadow colors to avoid color mixing (especially dark and glitter colors).
- Cleaning frequency: Clean once every 1-2 weeks with a neutral detergent (strong alkalinity will damage animal hair).
- Drying tips: Hang the brush head downward to prevent water from flowing into the brush handle and causing unglued
- Storage suggestions: Insert upright in a brush holder to avoid squeezing and deformation.
►Summary:
beginners' eyeshadow brushes:
Basic 4 brushes (coloring + medium + small + blending) + synthetic hair/mixed hair + long handle for easy control = cost-effective entry set, and upgrade the tools after practicing the technique!
