Ferrule size is important to makeup brush function

 The ferrule size of a makeup brush directly affects the density, elasticity, and brush shape of the bristles. This article briefly analyzes the different ferrule sizes and compatible brush types, which can help brands and users accurately match needs during OEM makeup brushes and purchasing.

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►Core parameters and functions

Inner diameter: determines bristle fluffiness and powder collection area.
Length : affects bristles support and elasticity .
Shape: round, angled, special-shaped mouth, corresponding to different brush types.

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►Ferrule sizes and brush types

Inner Diameter（mm）	length（mm）	Applicable brush type	Features	Representative Products
3-5mm	8-12mm	Detail Eyeliner Brush	Tight and dense brush head, precise lines	MAC 210S
6-8mm	10-15mm	Pencil brush	Small area coloring, suitable for  triangle area at the end of the eye	Hakuhodo B005G
9-12mm	15-20mm	Medium Eyeshadow Brush	Evenly take powder and quickly apply base	Sigma E25
13-18mm	20-25mm	Stippling blush brush	Loose brush head, natural smudge	Qingzhi G081
19-25mm	25-30mm	Tongue shape foundation brush	High-density bristles, polished without marks	Artis Oval 7
26-35mm	30-40mm	Round powder brush	Fluffy powder, full face makeup	Chikuhodo Z-9
Angled/special shape	15-25mm	Fan brush, nose shadow brush	Fits facial contours for precise contouring	Sonia G. Sculpt Three

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►Key parameters and selection guideline

1. Inner diameter determines function

＜5mm：Ultra-slim, suitable for precise lines (such as eyeliner and concealer).
6-12mm：Universal eyeshadow brush range, choose tightness as needed (the larger the inner diameter, the fluffier)
＞25mm：Large powder brushes need long ferrules (30mm+) to improve the bristle elasticity.

2. The ferrule length affects the support force

Short (＜15mm)：Stiff bristle, suitable for cream products (such as concealer brushes)
Long(＞25mm)： Soft bristles, suitable for powder blending (like a blush brush).

3. Shape and brush type

Round: basic all-purpose (such as loose powder brush, eye shadow brush).
Angled: fits the curve of the face (such as angled contouring brush).
Flat: precisely controls the range (such as tongue-shaped foundation brush).

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►Process and Pitfall
Stamping:

Integrated stamping ferrule (no welding seam) is more durable, representative brands: Hakuhodo, Chikuhodo .
Low-priced brushes often have welded ferrule, easy to crack and hair loss
 

Copper ferrule vs. aluminum ferrule:

Copper: high cost, strong corrosion resistance (preferred by professional brushes, such as Wayne Goss).
Aluminum: lightweight, suitable for portable brushes (such as Real Techniques).

Hair bundle fixing:

Epoxy resin glue: environmentally friendly, but poor water resistance (avoid frequent soaking and cleaning).
Metal rivets: high-cost, representing top-level handmade brushes (such as Smith Cosmetics).

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►Typical products

Brush Type	Ferrule inner diameter	Ferrule length	Material/Craftsmanship	Brand Model
Detail Eyeliner Brush	4mm	10mm	Copper ferrule + epoxy resin glue	Hakuhodo B531
Blending brush	10mm	18mm	Aluminum one-piece stamping	Sigma E40
Stippling blush brush	15mm	22mm	Copper ferrule+ metal rivet fixing	Chikuhodo Z-4
Flat foundation brush	22mm	28mm	Aluminum ferrule welding + antibacterial coating	Morphe M439

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►Golden rules for purchasing

Eyeshadow brush: inner diameter 8-12mm + 15-20mm length to balance powder collection and blending.
Powder brush: inner diameter ≥25mm + ≥30mm length to ensure fluffiness.

Pitfalls：
Unbalanced ratio of inner diameter to length (e.g., a 20mm inner diameter with a 15mm short ferrule, easily lead to bristle loose).
The welding burrs can easily scratch skin (check the smoothness when purchasing).

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Summary:

The ferrule size is the "invisible skeleton" of the brush function. Only by matching the parameters as needed can you unlock professional-level makeup effects!
 

Brush handle sizes and corresponding brush types

 This article is a brief analysis of makeup brush handle sizes and corresponding brush types to help users accurately choose tools based on applications and operating requirements:

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►Handle Length and Functions

Handle Length	Brush Types	Advantages	Applications
Short(8-12cm)	Eyeliner brush, concealer brush, lip brush	Precise control for detailed operations	Contour the end of the eye, conceal the tear groove, and draw the lip peak
Medium(13-18cm)	Eyeshadow brush, blush brush, highlighter brush	Balancing stability and flexibility	Eye socket shading, cheekbone highlighting, partial contouring
Long(19-25cm)	Powder brush, foundation brush, contour brush	Full face , suitable for large-scale sweep	Full face makeup, foundation polishing, jawline contouring
Extra long(26cm+)	Professional stage brush, body brush	Hold at a distance , avoid blocking makeup view	Stage makeup, body highlight spray

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►Handle thickness and Gripping

Handle diameter	Hand type	Brush type	Operation points
Thin(0.8-1.2cm)	Small hands/fingertip control lover	Eyeshadow detail brush, eyebrow brush	Use fingertips to pinch and hold, suitable for fine lines (such as smokey eyeliner)
Standard(1.3-1.8cm)	Universal hand type	Blush brush, blending brush	Hold with three fingers and sweep with wrist force
Thick(1.9-2.5cm)	Large hands/need grip support	Loose powder brush, flat foundation brush	Wrap the palm and polish a large area using arm strength

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►The perfect match of brush shape and handle

1. Eye makeup brushes

Detail eyeliner brush (short handle + thin handle):
Length 10cm, diameter 1cm, like MAC 210S, can precisely control the curled lines at the end of the eye.

Eyeshadow blending brush (medium length+ standard diameter):
Length 15cm, diameter 1.5cm, such as Hakuhodo J5523, suitable for the natural transition of the eye socket boundary.

2. Face brushes

Tongue-shaped foundation brush (long handle + thick handle)：
Length 20cm, diameter 2cm, such as Artis Oval 7, use the lever principle to evenly spread powder.

Stippling blush brushes (medium length+thin diameter)：
Length 16cm, diameter 1.2cm, such as Qinzhi G081, use short and sharp pressure to avoid heavy hands.

3. Professional/Special Brushes

Fan highlighter brush (extra long handle + flat handle):：
Length 28cm, such as Sonia G. Sculpt Three, sweep the cheekbones from a distance to avoid smudging the base makeup.

Retractable portable brush (adjustable length):
Such as Fenty Beauty portable brush, which is only 9cm when retracted, a great tool for travel makeup touch-ups.

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►Buying Tips

1. Choose by usage habits

Beginners: Choose a brush with a long handle (about 15cm) to balance control and tolerance.

Makeup artists: Prepare a combination of long handle (full face) + short handle (details) to meet different makeup needs.

2. Material and weight

Wooden handle: Good texture but heavy , suitable for desktop makeup.

Acrylic/aluminum handle: Lightweight (such as Real Techniques), suitable for long-term hand-held applications.

3. Pitfalls

Avoid "one-size-fits-all" designs:
Makeup brushes that claim to have "universal handles" (such as 18cm standard handles) often fail to take into account both details and full-face needs.
 
Choose special-shaped handles carefully:
Excessively curved or angular designs (such as hexagonal) may cause grip fatigue, straight cylindrical handles are preferred.

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►Classic handle size reference

Brush Type	Recommend size	Representatives
Powder brush	22cm length+ 2cm diameter	Chikuhodo Z-9
Nose shadow brush	12cm length+ 1cm diameter	Sousoulang HZ-1016
Multifunctional blending brush	16cm length+ 1.5cm diameter	Sigma E40

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Summary：Brush handle determines operation, brush type determines effect

Short handle = precise details (such as eyeliner and lip makeup)
Medium handle = partial smudge (such as eyeshadow and blush)
Long handle = full face control (such as setting and contouring)
 

Choose brush handle according to makeup steps and hand comfort, and match with brush type to achieve twice the result with half effort!

Synthetic bristle diameters and corresponding brushes

 This article is a brief analysis of the diameter range and applicable brush types of synthetic bristles, so that cosmetic brands can better communicate with makeup brush manufacturers during OEM makeup brushes, and users can accurately match tools and makeup needs:

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►Characteristics and core advantages

Material characteristics:
High elasticity, wear resistance, easy to clean, suitable for cream/liquid products (foundation, concealer, lip gloss, etc.).

Limitations:
The powder holding is weaker than animal hair, not suitable for dry loose powder or matte eye shadow.

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►Bristle Diameter and brush types

Diameter（μm）	Brush type	Functions	Representatives
30-50μm	Concealer brush	Firm and precise, covering acne marks and tear grooves	Real Techniques Detailer Brush（RT300）
50-80μm	Tongue-shaped/flat foundation brush	High coverage, polished finish	Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki
80-120μm	Cream Contouring Brush	Apply cream contouring/highlighting over large area	Morphe M439 Dense Buffer Brush
120-200μm	Lip brush	Outline lips,fill in color precisely	MAC 316 Lip Brush
200-300μm	Eyebrow brush/eyelash comb	Comb eyebrows,blend eyebrow cream	Anastasia Beverly Hills #7B Brush

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►Key applications and selection guide

1. Base makeup (liquid foundation, concealer)

φ50-80μm(ongue-shaped/flat brush):
Suitable for thick foundation (such as Estee Lauder DW), through quick polishing to create a seamless base makeup.

Pitfalls: Avoid too fine hair (<50μm), which is easy to leave brush marks.

2. Details (concealer, lip makeup)

φ30-50μm（Pointed concealer brush）：
After applying concealer, use the side of the brush head to tap the edges to avoid sticking (such as Nars concealer + RT300).

φ120-200μm（lip brush）
The firm bristles define the lip curve with precision and are perfect for matte lip lacquers like Pat McGrath Labs Lip Lacquer.

3. Cream contour/highlight

φ80-120μm (round brush)：
After taking the paste, spread evenly on the back of hand and apply in circular motions to avoid caking (such as Fenty Beauty contour stick + Morphe M439).

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►Choosing rules

“Harder ≠ Better”：

Eye concealer: choose 30-50μm (moderate softness)to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
Eyebrow brush/eyelash comb: 200μm+ (high hardness) to ensure shaping power.

Bristle Density:

Foundation brushes: high-density bristles (such as Sigma F80) to reduce the absorption of powder.
Concealer brushes: medium density to prevent the paste from being absorbed by the bristles.

Antimicrobial coating:
For products that frequently contact with liquids (such as foundation brushes), it is recommended to choose silver ion coated bristles (such as the Artis Elite series) to inhibit bacterial growth.

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►Classic combination recommendation

Product	Synthetic fiber	Examples
High coverage foundation	φ70μm + Flat head with dense hair	Shu Uemura small square bottle foundation + Sigma F80
Liquid blush	φ60μm + stippling brush	Glossier liquid blush + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Paste highlight	φ100μm + fan brush	Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlight stick + Morphe M458

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►Pitfalls

Multi-functional brushes
The styles that claim to "one brush for whole face" (such as pointed + flat double-headed brushes) usually have unprofessional functions on both ends.

Ultra-fine synthetic hair (<30μm)：
Easy to split and deform (such as low-quality eyeliner brushes), so better to choose animal hair.

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Summary: 

Synthetic bristles are irreplaceable in the field of liquid/paste products due to their stiffness and durability. Choosing the right brush type according to the diameter can unlock professional-grade tool efficiency!

makeup brush bristle diameters and corresponding brush types

 The bristle diameter of a makeup brush directly affects powder-grabbing power, touch, and applications. Different brush types need to match bristles with a specific diameter range to achieve the best makeup effect. The following is a detailed analysis of common bristle diameters and corresponding brush types, with practical application suggestions:

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►Bristle diameter and features

Dia（μm）	Representative	Touch and function	Applicable brush type
5-15μm	Grey/red squirrel hair	Extremely soft, weak powder holding power, suitable for light blending	High-end loose powder brush, blush blending brush
15-25μm	XGF goat hair, high-quality synthetic fiber	Moderately soft, balanced powder grabbing and smudging	Eyeshadow brush, tongue-shaped foundation brush
25-40μm	Coarse goat, pony hair	Strong elasticity, good powder holding power, suitable for precise coloring	Eyeliner brush, concealer brush, detail eyeshadow brush
40-60μm	Nylon fiber, pig bristle	Stiff and wear-resistant, suitable for paste products	Eyebrow brush, lip brush, cream contour brush

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►Mainstream brush types and compatible bristle diameters

1. Powder brush/setting brush

Diameter range: 15-25μm(animal hair) / 20-30μm(synthetic hair)

Recommended materials: Squirrel hair(18-22μm),XGF goat hair (20-25μm）

Functional highlights:
 

Diameter < 20μm: Pat lightly to set makeup, suitable for dry skin and clear nude makeup (such as Chikuhodo Z-1).

Diameter > 20μm: Rotary polishing, suitable for oily skin and high concealer makeup (such as Sigma F25).

2. Foundation Brush

Tongue-shaped brush:
Diameter 18-25μm (synthetic fiber), such as Real Techniques 200, for a light and smooth base makeup.

Flat brush:
Diameter 25-35μm (nylon hair), such as Artis Oval 7, for high coverage and fast polishing.

3. Eyeshadow Brush

Color brush:
Diameter 20-28μm (goat hair/synthetic hair), such as Hakuhodo B004G, evenly spread color without lumps.

Blending brush:
Diameter 15-20μm (squirrel hair), such as Chikuhodo Z-10, natural border transition.

Detail brush:
Diameter 25-35μm (pony hair), such as MAC 219S, accurately outline the triangle area at the end of the eye.

4. Blush/Contouring Brush

stippling brush:
Diameter 15-22μm (goat + synthetic hair), such as Qinzhi G081, avoid heavy hands.

Angled brush:
Diameter 25-30μm (synthetic hair), such as Fenty Beauty 120, suitable for cheekbone contouring.

5. Lip brush/Concealer brush

Fine brush type:
Diameter 40-50μm (nylon hair), such as Q-24, the paste has strong extensibility.

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►Golden rules for choosing a brush

1. Choose by makeup style

Japanese style transparency: choose fine hair (15-20μm) + round brush (loose powder).

European and American high color rendering: choose coarse hair (25-35μm) + flat brush (dense powder).

2. Adjust according to skin type

Sensitive skin/dry skin: Prefer gray squirrel hair (5-15μm) , reduce friction.

Oily skin/acne skin: Choose antibacterial synthetic hair (20-30μm), easy cleaning.

3. Notes

Too thin diameter (＜10μm): easy to fly powder, only suitable for top-grade loose powder (such as By Terry hyaluronic acid loose powder).

Too thick diameter (＞50μm): only for special purposes (such as stage oil paint brush).

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►High-end bristle diameter reference

Material	Top reference	Dia（μm）	Applications
red squirrel hair	Chikuhodo Z-1	8-12	Lady-level makeup, sensitive skin
Weasel hair	Hakuhodo S103	25-28	Gel eyeliner, cream eyeshadow
Biomimetic nanohair	Hourglass Vanish	18-22(synthetic)	Liquid foundation/cream highlighter

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Summary:

Diameter determines function

• <20μm: Blending, setting makeup - pursuing natural soft focus.
• 20-30μm: General purpose - balance powder collection and comfort.
• >30μm: Precise coloring - suitable for lines and high color rendering requirements.

 
 
When choosing, you can combine the triangle relationship of material + diameter + brush type to accurately match your makeup needs!

USA makeup brush manufacturers

 The USA makeup brush manufacturers’ advantages are brand operation, technological innovation and diversified market strategies. Although most production process is outsourced to Asia (such as China and South Korea), some high-end manual workshops and innovative technology companies are still retained in the country.  

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►Industry characteristics and core advantages

1. Brand-driven and global OEM

High brand concentration:
The US market is dominated by a few leading brands (such as Sigma, Morphe, and Real Techniques), which are produced by Asian makeup brush OEM factories and focus on high-cost-effective professional lines.

DTC model (direct to consumer):
For example, Sigma bypasses traditional channels through official website + social media (Instagram, TikTok) to reduce distribution costs.

2. Technological innovation and cross-border integration

Smart tool development:
Artis: The first “toothbrush-type” linear motor foundation brush (Palm Brush), priced at over $200.
Huda Beauty: Launched a warm brush head (with foundation heating function) to enhance the fit of foundation.

Material Science:
Worked with DuPont to develop antimicrobial synthetic hair(such as Sigma's "Antimicrobial Elite" series), which was approved by the FDA.

3. Inclusive design

Suitable for various skin types:
Special brushes are launched for sensitive skin (such as It Cosmetics' "Heavenly Luxe" series) and dark skin (such as Fenty Beauty's wide foundation brush).

Accessible design:
For example, Haptic Lab launched a tactile makeup brush for the visually impaired (Braille engraved on the handle + vibration prompt).

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►Main production models and representative enterprises

1. Local manufacturing (niche high-end line)

Handmade Workshop

Smith Cosmetics (California):
Handmade goat/squirrel hair brushes, priced at $300-800 per unit, with a custom cycle of 6 months.

Sonia Kashuk (Minnesota):
Cooperated with 3M to develop microfibers, and assembled environmentally friendly brushes locally (the brush handles are made of recycled plastic).

Technological newcomers:

Hourglass (Los Angeles):
The patented "Vanish brush" uses pyramid-shaped synthetic hair, local design + China OEM, and focuses on traceless makeup effects.

2. Brand operation + Asian OEM (mainstream model)

Sigma Beauty：
Designed in California, production is outsourced to China; the "F80 Flat-Head Foundation Brush," sells millions of units annually.

Morphe：
Relying on OEM factories in China and South Korea, the brand quickly distributes products through co-branded products with internet celebrities (such as the Jaclyn Hill suit).

3. Professional cinema brand

Cinema Secrets (Hollywood):
Theater-grade antibacterial brushes for film and television makeup artists, with removable silicone brush heads (for easy cleaning).

Make Up For Ever:
Limited edition artist-branded brushes produced in New York in collaboration with French R&D center.

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►Technical level and production support

1. Combination of partial automation and manual work

Local workshops:
Manual hair selecting and hair transplantation are dominant, with low efficiency but high quality (e.g. Smith Cosmetics has a monthly production capacity of only 500 brushes).

Technology companies:
Introducing 3D printed custom brush handles (e.g. Anastasia Beverly Hills' "laser engraved signature brush").

2. Material and certification advantages

Vegan and environmentally friendly:
90% of local brands have passed Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free certification), and some use recycled aluminum handles (such as Tarte's "Eco Chic" series).

Medical-grade standards:
Brushes are ISO 13485 certified (such as Cinema Secrets) and can enter professional medical beauty channels.

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►Market positioning and competitive strategy

1. Price Tiers

Mass market ($10-50):
Real Techniques, EcoTools (Walmart, Target channels), mainly synthetic hair.

Professional line ($50-200):
Sigma, Morphe, mainly beauty blogger/KOL co-branded models.

Luxury level ($200+):
Artis, Smith Cosmetics, emphasizing the integration of craftsmanship and technology.

2. Marketing Innovation

Subscription services:
For example, BoxyCharm delivers customized brushes + beauty products every month to enhance user stickiness.

Educational bundles:
Buy Sigma brushes and get free online makeup courses (in collaboration with YouTube bloggers).

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►Supporting industry chain and challenges

1. Supply chain dependence

Raw materials:
Synthetic fibers rely on China and South Korea, and animal hair is imported from Japan.

Outsourcing of production:
More than 90% of low-end and mid-end products rely on Asian OEM, and only the design and quality inspection are retained locally.

2. Main Challenges

Cost pressure:
The price of local handmade brushes is 3-5 times that of Asian ones, which makes it difficult to scale up.

Global competition:
Chinese manufacturers directly compete for the US market through cross-border e-commerce (Amazon).

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►Future Trends

Localized production repatriation:
Some brands (such as Sonia Kashuk) have transferred OEM from China to Mexico to shorten the supply chain.

Technology integration:
Develop smart pressure-sensing brushes (such as apps that provide real-time feedback on makeup uniformity).

Sustainable upgrades:
Promote "trade-in" programs (such as Morphe's recycling of old brushes for discount coupons).

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►Summary and suggestions

Advantages of cooperation

Suitable for products that require strong brand endorsement or technological differentiation (such as co-branded smart brushes).
Quickly enter the European and American markets with the help of American brand DTC channels.

Notes:

The cost of local handmade brushes is extremely high (such as Smith Cosmetics), and they are only suitable for ultra-high-end customization.
The local design + Asian OEM model is preferred to balance the cost and premium (such as the Sigma model).

If customers need cost-effective mass production, still need to rely on the Chinese supply chain; but if targeting a technologically savvy or niche group of people (such as vegans or people with sensitive skin), local innovative American makeup brush manufacturers are worth cooperating with.