A Brush with Makeup

How do you choose the perfect brush for your makeup routine? Neelam Keswani, founder of Glamazle, has all the answers

As someone who owns over 500 professional brushes, selecting a few is not the easiest task. Sifting through my collection, I realised I have 14 different applicators for the cheeks alone - and almost thrice as many for the eyes! While this is standard for a makeup artist, if you're looking to create your own personal kit, here are some ride-or-die face brushes I love, and how to use them:

Makeup Sponge - If you like your skin naturally air-brushed, look no further than a trusty makeup sponge. Anything from by-the-dirham wedges available at supermarkets to the revered beauty blender can help diffuse harsh lines and even out texture on the skin.
How to use: Wet sponge until completely saturated, squeeze out excess water, then use to lightly dab the product on the skin. Makeup wedges can be used dry, as can flat makeup sponges. Never rub your sponge around, as it will lead to a streaky finish - dab up and down lightly to even out your foundation, concealer or cream contour.

Powder Brush - A makeup bag staple, it helps you lock your handiwork in place by evenly distributing powder all over the skin, and can be used to quickly brush away excess application. A dense, fluffy brush is ideal.
How to use: Dip the brush into a pan of pressed powder or a jar of loose powder; tap away the excess, and gently, using downward sweeping motions, brush the product on face and neck.

Angled Blush Brush - Softer, fluffy angled brushes are great for applying blush, bronzer and highlighter. Those with stiffer, more densely packed bristles can be used for more controlled contouring. The brush's slanted shape offers precise application for a sculpted look.  
How to use: Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend backwards, towards the ear, using small, circular motions. For contouring, start at the point just below the cheek bone near the ear and diffuse inwards using a backward-forward movement. For highlighting, using a soft hand, pick up powder on the brush and use the angle of the brush to create a C along the brow bone down to the top of the cheekbone.

Fan Brush - A real multi-tasker, you can use it to apply highlighter or clean up loose eyeshadow from under the eyes. Because of its unique shape, a large fan brush is perfect for contouring cheekbones, nose, jawline and forehead. Smaller brushes are perfect highlighting tools.
How to use: For glowing skin, use it to lightly dust powdered highlighter along the top of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. Beauty gurus have recently begun to use very tiny fan brushes to apply mascara to the lower lashes. Use a fluffier fan brush to dust away excess powder for a smooth, even base.

Bronzer/ Contour Brush - This wide, fluffy, round-top powder brush is used to apply bronzer or to contour.
How to use: Apply bronzer in the hollows of the cheeks and on the nose, forehead, jawline, and ear tips for a sun-kissed glow. To blend, use long, swift strokes.
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