Diffused Smokey Eyeliner Brush

What a smudger brush is

A short, very dense, slightly domed tuft on a slim eye-brush handle — made to press liner and shadow into the lash line and soften it into smoke.

How it is used. Press into the lash line, then smudge outward and upward in small strokes.

The techniques

Smudge

Soften a drawn line into a haze while the product is still workable.

Press

Press product onto the skin without dragging, so it stays where it is put.

Where we recommend it

• Eyes · the brushThe 1920s face“Short and dense — for pressing colour in at the lash line.”In 1920s Makeup: The Birth of the Modern Face →
• Eyes · the brushThe Roman face“Short and dense — press, then soften the edge before it sets.”In Ancient Makeup: Ritual, Protection and the Painted Face →
• Kohl · the brushThe painted eye of the Nile“For pressing the liner into the lower lash line.”In Egyptian Makeup: Kohl, Malachite and the Manufactured Face →
• Eyes · the brushA face for an occasion“To soften the line into the lashes.”In Indian Makeup: Collyrium, Lac and the Adornment an Occasion Requires →
• Kohl · the brushThe face of al-Andalus“To soften the line along the margin.”In The Islamic World: Kohl, Henna and the Medicine of Adornment →

What it is used with