Whether you buy high end products or drug store makeup, the final effect of the application rests on the quality of your brushes and your expertise. If you’re going to invest in your makeup, start with good brushes that can deliver the best results.
Check out the 10 must have makeup brushes, and find out why some brushes are better than others, along with a few useful tips on using them to make the application look professional. From the right foundation brush to the often ignored spoolie brush for your eyebrows, here are the most important makeup brushes for beginners and pros alike.
The Foundation Brush
When you’re looking for the perfect foundation brush, it’s important to choose a large one that is both flat and firm.
Using it the right way is just as important as investing in a quality one. Dragging it across your face will only create streaks and make you think you’ve wasted your money. For the most natural finish, the foundation brush should be tapped on your skin, not dragged in long strokes.
The Concealer Brush
Definitely one of the must have makeup brushes, the concealer brush can be of invaluable help in covering any imperfections in a subtle way. When you’re buying a concealer brush, look for a tapered head on a medium sized one. Synthetic bristles are the right choice, and they should be both flexible and firm.
The Blush Brush
The dome shaped blush brush is just as important as the first two. Defining and shading and its most important functions, but you can also use it for contouring if you don’t want to invest in an extra brush. Use it in circular motions on the apples of your cheeks for the perfect blush application.
More: Fast and Easy Makeup Tips
The Contouring Brush
If you’re not getting the desired results with a dome blush brush, or you’re really interesting in contouring like a pro, you’ll also need an angled contouring brush. It’s one of the must have makeup brushes because of its slant, which allows you to avoid any streaking, while also lifting your cheekbones. Another excellent use for the contouring brush is creating good definition in the brow bone area.
The Flat Eyeshadow Brush
A small and flat eyeshadow brush is the most useful tool when it comes to making sure you apply the colors in the best way possible. Use it horizontally to get color from your eyelids to your brows. If you’re getting a flat one, you can also use it vertically on your lower eyelids to get a more dramatic look.
The Blending Brush
This small dome brush is the right fit for blending. It’s one of the must have makeup brushes because it’ll come in handy in the eye area whether you’re using a single color or mixing a few together. Designed for perfect blending in the crease area, it can also be used for a smudging eyeliner effect. If you need extra precision, try getting a brush with a very small, pencil-like shape.
The Angled Eyeliner Brush
See also: How to Apply Makeup Without Brushes
When it comes to eyeliner, angled brushes are the best way to apply it, whether it’s a gel or cream. Precision is important when it comes to cat eye makeup and a small, flat and bent eyeliner brush won’t disappoint. It will help get your makeup looking professional with precise and easy application.
The Lip Brush
If you give must have makeup brushes a chance, you’ll never go back to regular lipstick. Besides increasing precision, it also helps with an even, smudge-proof application. For the best results, look for a brush with a tapered point. The bristles should be soft and a longer wand is also important.
The Powder Brush
Big and fluffy, the powder brush isn’t just useful when it comes to setting powder. You can also use it go get a gorgeous look with bronzer. A tapered head is a must for this, making application around the nose and eyes easier. Look for soft bristles that are densely packed.
The Spoolie Brush
Often ignored, the spoolie brush is definitely among the must have makeup brushes. The double ended brush can be used to shape your eyebrows or apply brow filler, but it’s also very useful when you’ve overdone your mascara application and you need to separate your lashes or get rid of clumps.