Makeup Brush Guide- Eye Brushes

Hello Glams and Geeks! I hope yesterday’s post was very helpful in giving you a good enough description of each brush and their purpose as well as providing some useful tips and affordable brush options. Today’s post will be much like yesterdays, only that today we will be talking about eye brushes. Since the eyes are the focus of the face, it is very important to use tools that will allow you to pat, blend, and shade your eyes in a way that will make them sparkle a little brighter and be noticed in a way like never before. So, without further ado, let us begin!

Brush: Lid Brush

Purpose: A lid brush, which can go by other terms such as an eye shadow brush or a shader brush, is intended for applying shadow directly to the eyelid. This brush contains densely packed bristles, which allows for more product to be picked up on the brush and applied to the lid.

Tip: When working with shimmery/metallic shades, mist your brush with water, and pat the color onto your lid to pack it on. This will guarantee the best color payoff for your shimmering shades and will make them sparkle and shine brilliantly. I suggest not to use swiping motions (left to right swishes) when applying eye shadow, as this actually swipes away the shadow rather than allows it to be placed on the lid, making for a dull, faded color that barely lasts on the lid and seems poorly done.

Recommendation: Real Techniques Shading Brush, $6, can be purchased online at RealTechniques.com or in stores at your nearest Ulta location.

Brush: Crease Brush

Purpose: The crease brush is intended to help you directly apply color to the creased section of your eyes. The purpose of this is to compliment the lid color, as well as define the shape of your eyes.

Tip: Be sure when using a crease brush to lightly pat your brush onto the surface of your shadow, then, before applying it, tap your brush on the edge of the shadow casing to get rid of any excess product. By doing this, you will be able to keep your crease clean and can build up to your desired color. Too much product applied to the crease makes for a messy application and a harsh color.

Recommendation: E.L.F Cosmetics Essential Eye Crease Brush, $1, can be purchased online at Eyeslipsface.com or in stores at your local Target location.

Brush: Blending Brush

Purpose: The blending brush is meant to blend the lid and crease colors together, making them seem as if they are transitioning smoothly along the space of your lid.

Tip: Always go for a neutral color that compliments and balances both the lid and crease colors. Try selecting a color that seems most like the natural color of your crease when your skin is bare and free of any makeup.  

Recommendation: Sonia Kashuk Pointed Blending Brush #109, $3.99, can be purchased online at Target.com or in stores at your local Target location.

Brush: Smudge Brush

Purpose: A smudge brush is great to have on hand as it can be useful in creating any look. You can use it to apply shadow along the upper and lower lash lines, the inner corners, and in the crease. Its pointed tip makes it easy to get into hard-to-reach spots and transform your makeup.

Tip: To achieve a quick and easy smokey-eyed effect, try using whatever color you applied to your crease and apply it to your lower lash line with your smudge brush. Just go along the shape of your eye, and bring it up to the corner, and into your crease, and blend it in evenly. This will give you a sultry look in 2 minutes or less!

Recommendation: Eco Tools Sharpen and Smudge Duo, $3.99, can be purchased online at EcoTools.com or in stores at your local Walmart, Target, or participating Eco Tools retailer.

Brush: Eye Liner brush

Purpose: This brush is pretty self-explanatory, but to put it simply, it is a brush, either pointed or angled, that is meant to line the shape of your eye.

Tip: Since applying eye liner can be such a pain, I recommend starting at the edge of your eye with the wing. Create the slant extending outwards, without bringing it too high up. Then, go to the inner corner of your eye, and keep the brush right on the lash line, connecting it to the end of the wing. Now that you have this line created, go to the top of the wing, and start to bring it inwards towards the inner corner of your eye. Now, fill in the space, and voila! You have mastered the winged-linger!

Recommendation: E.L.F Cosmetics Studio Small Angled Brush, $3, can be purchased online at Eyeslipsface.com or in stores at your local Target location.

Brush: Brow Grooming Brush

Purpose: The brow grooming brush is meant to tame your brows and prepare them to be shaped or filled in. I recommend finding one that contains an angled brush on the end as this can be your go-to tools to prep and dress your brows with!

*Note: Can't find a double-sided brush? No problem! You can always use your angled eye liner brush to shape your brows as well! This is part of the "Knowing your tools" thing I mentioned in yesterday's post and now you see how being familiar with each brush can come in handy!

Tip: To create a great shape when filling in your brows, first start by dipping the brush end into your preference of brow powder, gel, liner, etc. Begin tracing along the bottom part of your brow, all the way from the base of your brow, to the tail. Next, fill in the tail, and use the excess product to trace along the top part of your brow. Now, you want to lightly apply product from bottom to top on the front part of your brow to fill it in without making it look too obvious. Lastly, use your spooley or comb to brush through your brows, and make them look a bit more natural.

Recommendation: Ardell Duo Brow Brush, $4.49, can be purchased online at SallyBeauty.com or at your nearest Sally Beauty location.


As always readers, thank you for reading this post! I hope you enjoyed reading this whether you are a beginning beauty, a curious artist, or just in the market for some great affordable brushes! Check back tomorrow, same time and place for the third and final part of this review focusing on Other Beauty Tools and Brush Maintenance! Also, if you have not done so already, be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with upcoming blog announcements, quick product reviews and raves, look of the day, beauty tips and inspiration, and much more! Follow me @TheGlamGeekConfessional