Makeup

The 9 Makeup Brushes You Actually Need

A flawless makeup application starts with the right tools. See the makeup brushes that are essential for creating any look you desire

by Anna Jimenez, Allie Flinn

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Makeup Brush No. 1: Foundation Brush The brush: If you are applying liquid foundation, you want to choose a synthetic brush, as synthetic hairs soak up less product than natural hair, says makeup artist Landy Dean. If you want to layer your foundation for more coverage, makeup artist and author of "Beauty Rewind" Taylor Babaian says to choose a brush in a half-sphere shape, like Shiseido Foundation Brush, $30. If you just want a light layer of foundation, use a flat top brush like Sonia Kashuk Kashuk Tools Synthetic Flat Top Multipurpose Brush, $15.79.

Why you need it: Using the correct brush blends and buffs foundation into the skin, resulting in a smooth, airbrushed finish.

How to use it: Squeeze your foundation onto the top of your hand. Dip the brush in, and then buff it into the skin using circular motions. Start from the center of your face and work toward your hairline.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Makeup Brush No. 2: Powder Brush

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products mentioned

Shiseido Foundation Brush

8.0

Sonia Kashuk Kashuk Tools Synthetic Flat Top...

0.0

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation Brush

0.0

Sephora Pro Angled Brush #49

0.0

Real Techniques Blush Brush

9.1

E.L.F. Contouring Brush

0.0

Smith Cosmetics 112 Bronzer Brush

0.0

BeautyBlender The Original BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge

8.8

BUY NOW

Surratt Beauty Classique Shadow Brush Moyenne

0.0

M.A.C. 224 Tapered Blending Brush

9.2

Stila Lush Lip Brush

0.0

Colorescience Pro Makeup Tools - Brush Cleaner Spray

10.0

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Older comments

Very helpful, I've been staring at walls of brushes and then just walking away because I'm too overwhelmed to know where to start.

by LindaDD Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 08:54PM Report as inappropriate

A good assortment of basic brushes but would've appreciated a budget friendly option for each as well. Have found the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to be fantastic for liquid foundation and the RT Powder Brush so ample and soft for powder application.

by inthemiddles Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 07:16AM Report as inappropriate

I am completely clueless about brushes, so this was really helpful.

by jessielynn17 Monday, May 6, 2013 at 01:45AM Report as inappropriate

Good info. And I just learned I've been using the wrong brush to contour my eye crease -- even though I own the right one! Will give it a try with the right one tomorrow.

by purple9a Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:27PM Report as inappropriate

Excellent information! A retractable lip brush is something many women forget, but it makes a huge difference in your appearance. ELF DOES have great brushes--for a song--and I once used only all-natural ones.

by GigiSD Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:18PM Report as inappropriate

i used this set and also pencil brush that so nice

by hiang Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:11AM Report as inappropriate

This helped a lot

by yadijane Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 10:03AM Report as inappropriate

good info. also ELF has lots of good brushes that we not that expensive.

by .flawless. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 07:48AM Report as inappropriate

Only seven? Make-up brushes are my favorite beauty product. Right now, I really am geeking out about Eco Tools.

by Sari Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 07:13PM Report as inappropriate

good article

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 03:28PM Report as inappropriate