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.
►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.
Length : affects bristles support and elasticity .
Shape: round, angled, special-shaped mouth, corresponding to different brush types.
►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 |
►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.
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).
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).
Angled: fits the curve of the face (such as angled contouring brush).
Flat: precisely controls the range (such as tongue-shaped foundation brush).
►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:Low-priced brushes often have welded ferrule, easy to crack and hair loss
Copper: high cost, strong corrosion resistance (preferred by professional brushes, such as Wayne Goss).
Aluminum: lightweight, suitable for portable brushes (such as Real Techniques).
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).
Metal rivets: high-cost, representing top-level handmade brushes (such as Smith Cosmetics).
►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 |
►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).
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).
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!
