Foundation

• The synthetic foundation brush is often used for applying liquid and cream foundation, as its bristles do not absorb as much of the makeup, according to Robert Jones’s “Makeup Makeovers Beauty Bible: Expert Secrets for Stunning Transformations.” This tool resembles a flat paint brush, with a compact arrangement of soft bristles. After the foundation is painted on, it is blended with the brush to produce an even layer. The brush's head is rounded and tapered, which can help work the foundation into the face’s nooks and crannies.
  
  

Powder

• Loose finishing powder, bronzers and blushes are applied to the face with powder brushes. High-end versions of these dome-shaped fluffy brushes are often made from pony and squirrel hair, which are both extremely soft and pliable. Large paddle-shaped powder brushes are used to apply an even dusting of translucent or finishing powder across the face; medium-sized blusher brushes can sweep color across the smaller cheek area. Additionally, there are angular brushes, known as contouring brushes, which can apply the shimmering highlighting powder to the forehead, temples and top of the cheekbones.
  
  

Eye shadow

• Narrow and short-haired, eye shadow brushes are available in different sizes, and are often made from natural hair, such as sable. The larger blending brush helps can be used to sweep the base color across the entire lid and to blend one color with another. The smaller eye shadow brushes are used to add definition around in the crease, while angular brushes can add be used to add color to the lash and brow lines. Additionally the mini-shadow brush can be used to smudge or blend a hard pencil eyeliner line or for applying liquid liner.
  
  

Lip

• Whether synthetic or sable, lip brushes are used to help apply the lipstick with precision. The thin, stiff brush has a tapered edge that is dipped into the pigment or gloss before the color is applied within the parameters of the lip. Additionally, the brush is available with a retractable head, which helps to keep it clean when not in use. Because of the lipstick brush's size, some makeup artist use it as a substitute for applying liquid liner.