It doesn’t matter what kind of powder products you’re a fan of, whether it is translucent or colored powder, a powder brush is the number one must-have for all makeup fanatics. The fluffier, softer, and more flexible this brush is, the better it will perform. But, what else is a necessary feature when looking for a powder brush? Let’s explore.
Things to Consider When Buying Powder Brushes
Quality
If you want a quality makeup look, then it is imperative that you invest in a quality brush set, especially for something as crucial as a powder product in your makeup routine, you need something that will not only last you a long time but give you a flawless, picture-perfect look.
It is always worth it to have one good quality brush rather than three not-so-good quality ones. These brushes speak volumes of durability and take you one step further to a professional makeup look. Of course, no one likes brushes that start losing hair or leave streaks on your face. It is not just super inconvenient but is also costly to keep replacing brushes.
Cost
When we say you need something of good quality, it doesn’t automatically translate to “you need something expensive”. Although price is more often than not an indicator of quality, it is not exclusive to it. Hence, don’t be fooled into buying a powder brush from a premium makeup brand just because it is expensive. There’s a very likely chance that you won’t get even half of what you paid for in quality. This could only work for people who like to own a brand’s collection.
Bristles & build
The first thing you should do when looking to buy a powder brush is gently run your thumb over the bristles to see how soft and gentle they are. The bristles of a good powder brush shouldn’t feel frayed or ragged. Moreover, another thing to watch out for is that the bristles shouldn’t be prone to breaking when you touch them. Bristles being firmly held in place by a ferrule base is the best way for bristles to work their magic without wobbling or detaching. They should also be in good shape so you are able to reach all the nooks and crevices of your face.
Keep in mind that if your brush starts shedding hair and falling apart after only a few washes then it’s likely that it won’t be able to perform too well in the short or long term.
Moreover, if you usually use latex or glue in your makeup then you might not want to get your good quality (read: expensive) brushes dirty. For this purpose, the best brushes are old ones or inexpensive multi-packs you can easily get from the store. Basically, we don’t use nice brushes to do all our dirty work. For anyone who has even a tiny bit of experience with glue and latex, you’ll know that brushes don’t really stay the same after an encounter with these products.
Purpose & use
Before deciding what powder brush to go for, ask yourself what exactly you are looking to achieve with the brush. For instance, a powder brush is not only great at evenly distributing the powder across your face but can also be used to blend the harsh lines of blush and contour. If that is the case then you want something extremely fluffy whereas, for just powder, even a medium fluff density will do.
Continuing on with the idea of multi-purpose brushes, some companies design theirs to be just that. So, it is highly likely that you’ll come across something that is not only great for powder but also works well for blush, bronzer, and the works. This is similar to how a lip brush can also do an amazing job as a concealer brush.
Size & weight
Most brushes are designed to serve their specific purpose. However, you’ll find that they still have different properties when it comes to the size and materials used. This will affect how they feel in your hand so a good quality one will always have a tell. If it feels well balanced then you know you’re holding the right thing.
Another thing to note is that experimenting can be a great thing when selecting a makeup brush, whether it is a powder brush or foundation brush. Trying out different brands will give you the exposure you need to see what works best with your personalized makeup application method and hand size. So visit your nearest department stores and handle as many as possible so you know what each of them feels like. This way, you are more likely to find one that connects with you.
