A good makeup brush can create the illusion of no-makeup makeup — smoothing out unwanted bumps, blending away discoloration, and creating a streak-free finish. Whether your skills rival those of professional makeup artists or lie somewhere south of what the end of the brush holds, a high-quality makeup brush can enhance your overall application.
To help you find your next favorite makeup brush, our testers brought 15 makeup brushes to an in-house glam studio, brushing foundation across their faces to test the best uses for each brush and see where they fell short. After each mini-makeover, they evaluated the brush’s design, application results, and how easy it was to clean.
When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, the right tools are just as important as the products you use. Investing in high-quality brushes can completely transform your application, making the difference between a streaky. Uneven finish and a smooth, professional look. Below, we’ve outlined the top 10 makeup brushes every beauty enthusiast should own to create a flawless look.
Foundation Brush
A foundation brush is key for achieving a smooth, even base. Look for a flat or domed synthetic brush that allows you to blend liquid or cream foundation seamlessly without absorbing too much product.
- Best for: Liquid and cream foundations
- Application tip: Buff the foundation in circular motions for an airbrushed finish
Concealer Brush
A small, dense concealer brush helps you precisely apply and blend concealer under the eyes or on blemishes. The fine tip is excellent for targeting hard-to-reach areas.
- Best for: Cream and liquid concealers
- Application tip: Use a patting motion for full coverage
Powder Brush
For setting makeup with powder, a large, fluffy powder brush is essential. It helps you distribute powder evenly across the face, locking in your foundation and ensuring a long-lasting finish.
- Best for: Loose and pressed powders
- Application tip: Gently dust the powder across your face, focusing on oily areas
Blush Brush
A blush brush is typically smaller than a powder brush and has a rounded, tapered shape that makes it ideal for applying blush to the apples of your cheeks.
- Best for: Powder blushes
- Application tip: Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and sweep blush upward
Contour Brush
A contour brush has an angled shape that fits perfectly into the hollows of your cheeks, making it easier to sculpt and define your face.
- Best for: Contour powders and creams
- Application tip: Blend upwards to avoid harsh lines and achieve a natural contour
Bronzer Brush
A bronzer brush is a bit larger and fluffier, allowing you to apply bronzer without it looking too harsh. It helps create a natural, sun-kissed glow.
- Best for: Powder bronzers
- Application tip: Apply to areas where the sun naturally hits your face – forehead, nose, and cheekbones
Highlighter Brush
A fan-shaped highlighter brush is perfect for applying highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose for a radiant glow.
- Best for: Powder highlighters
- Application tip: Lightly sweep over high points of the face for a subtle shimmer
Eyeshadow Blending Brush
The key to flawless eyeshadow is blending, and a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush is your best friend for softening harsh lines and blending multiple shades.
- Best for: Powder eyeshadows
- Application tip: Use windshield wiper motions to blend colors seamlessly
Angled Eyeliner Brush
For precise eyeliner application, especially with gel or powder products, an angled eyeliner brush helps you create sharp lines or a perfect wing.
- Best for: Gel and powder eyeliners
- Application tip: Use short strokes to build the intensity and thickness of your liner
Brow Brush
A small, angled brow brush is essential for filling in sparse areas and defining your eyebrows with powder or pomade products.
- Best for: Brow powders and pomades
- Application tip: Use short, hair-like strokes for a natural look
Conclusion
Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right brushes in your kit is crucial for achieving a flawless look. Each brush serves a specific purpose, ensuring your makeup is applied seamlessly and professionally.
FAQS
What are the different types of makeup brushes?
There are various types of brushes including foundation brushes, powder brushes, eyeshadow brushes, blending brushes, contour brushes, and lip brushes, each serving a specific purpose.
How do I clean my makeup brushes?
Clean your brushes by gently washing them with mild soap or brush cleaner, rinse thoroughly, reshape the bristles, and let them air dry flat to preserve their shape.
How do I know which makeup brush to use for different products?
Foundation brushes are ideal for liquid products, powder brushes for loose powder, and blending brushes help to create smooth transitions for eyeshadow or blush.
How often should I replace my makeup brushes?
High-quality brushes can last years with proper care, but they should be replaced when they start shedding, losing shape, or causing skin irritation.