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.
Why you need it: If you're still using the puff that came with your powder, you need to switch ASAP. You will use less product than with a puff and it gives a more even, natural-looking finish, says makeup artist Louise Zizzo. Choose one with natural fibers (real hair, usually in the form of sable or pony fibers) to get the best results.
How to use it: "Dip your brush in powder and tap off excess. Then, using a sweeping motion, brush lightly over skin following the natural contours of the face," Zizzo says.
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Makeup Brush No. 3: Bronzer Brush
The brush: An angled brush with no hard edges, says Babaian. Try Sephora Pro Angled Brush #49, $32.
Why you need it: A fluffy, slightly angled brush will give you precision when you apply your bronzer.
How to use it: Swirl the brush in bronzer, tap off the excess and then sweep it upward onto the cheekbones, around your hairline and down your neck for an all-over, even glow. If you're wearing your hair pulled back, be sure to add a hint of bronzer to your ears to make it look natural.
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Makeup Brush No. 4: Blush Brush
The brush: Choose a blush brush that's airy and rounded, says Babaian. Try Real Techniques Blush Brush, $8.99.
Why you need it: Using this type of brush allows you to deposit the color slowly and build up, so you get a natural result, not a blob of color, explains Babaian.
How to use it: Use it to sweep blush onto the apples of your cheeks, moving upwards toward your ear.
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Makeup Brush No. 5: Contour Brush
The brush: If you're contouring with foundation or a cream contour powder, Babaian says to use a large, flat synthetic brush, like E.L.F. Contouring Brush, $6. If you prefer contour powder, use a rounded blush brush with sparse bristles, like Smith Cosmetics 112 Bronzer Brush, $32.
Why you need it: We've all seen photos where contouring has gone horribly awry. Don't be that girl. The proper tools will help you chisel your cheekbones naturally.
How to use it: If you're using a liquid contouring product, use the flat brush to draw a line on areas you want to recede (always moving the brush upward). Be sure to blend well with a separate brush, like the BeautyBlender.
If you're using a contour powder, use the brush to sweep the pigment under your cheekbones, around your forehead and along your jawline. Don't forget to blend, blend, blend.
Most artists will admit that they are nothing without the tools of their trade. Just think: Where would Van Gogh have gotten without his bold brush strokes?
We're not saying that your face should end up looking anything like "Starry Night," but when it comes to good makeup application, the makeup brushes you choose make a big difference. In other words, it's time to graduate past relying on the foam wands included in many eye shadow compacts.
Investing in and using the right makeup brushes and tools will not only help give you a flawless makeup look, but you'll actually save money in the long run. How? Put simply, you'll use less product and your makeup will last longer (i.e. remain germ-free longer) if you keep your hands out of your colors and formulas.
But with a gazillion different brush shapes and materials, it can be difficult to know which ones you actually need. You definitely don't need to tote around an arsenal of every makeup brush known to womankind in order to achieve a gorgeous makeup look.
