Instead of holding your blending brush like a pen or pencil on the ferrule (the metal part on the end with the brush head), try holding it waaay back on the other end instead.
Just to try it.
You might find yourself naturally applying less pressure on the brush head and making nice, soft circles with the bristles.
Sometimes when I hold the brush up near the ferrule, aka the standard way, I press really hard without even realizing it, like, I dunno…I’m trying to literally force the eyeshadow particles into my skin. Holding the brush from the other end, though, encourages lighter pressure, which makes for nicely diffused eyeshadows and gorgeous gradients.
It’s one of those tips I picked up somewhere along the way but promptly forgot about (whoops!), but I’ve started doing it again, and now (again!) blending is a completely different world. I feel like the brush is doing the work now, instead of my fingers and wrist, if that makes any sense. Try it sometime! And let me know how it goes. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
breyerchic04 says
Maybe I’m a control freak, but I feel like that would cause me to put makeup in the wrong place and lose control.
Karen says
It’s pretty easy to control, just as long as you use it for blending, not application. Try it sometime! You might like the results.
breyerchic04 says
Of course I will, but until then I’m skeptical and letting my little control freak flag fly.
Amanda says
I can’t remember the name of the synthetic duo fiber equivalent of this, but I love that brush, to for cream shadows! I should probably pick this one up, too!
Carol in a Page says
I never would’ve thought of this, I’ll definitely try it!
Indya says
Listen, I am so glad for this post because I thought I imagined the whole thing. I happened to do this blending in my foundation and noticed how much better it looked. Also when I blend at a slower speed. Ha! Not insane!
Jessica says
Yes, this applies to painting as well. That’s why many brushes are long-handled. Holding a brush like a pencil is incorrect.
Lauren says
I’m about to try this! I’m very shaky and nervous when I’m in a rush, so I can see the brush flying through the air, but it actually makes a lot of sense!
Lily says
I just did the patting on with a flat brush and this – it totally worked! It did take a bit longer since I had to do it in several layers, but my crease looks so natural and well-blended!