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.
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Makeup Brush No. 6: A Makeup Sponge
The brush: A soft makeup sponge like the BeautyBlender, $20.
Why you need it: It's very versatile," says Babaian. "Use it to literally blend foundation after you apply it to your face to smooth any hard lines." You can also use it to blend in your contour and highlight work, and to apply concealer.
How to use it: To prevent it from picking up too much product, get it damp before you use it. Whether you use it to apply foundation or for blending purposes, be sure to dab it -- not wipe it -- on your face, " explains Babaian. "Think: tap tap tap."
Why you need it: This is the brush you need "to apply all-over eye shadow color," says Dean, as it will give your lids a smooth finish and more intense pigment than a fluffier brush would.
How to use it: Sweep shadow over the lids from the inside of the eye, outwards.
Why you need it: "This is the ultimate blending brush for eyes," says Zizzo. It can really get into the crease of your eye and define your lid with precision.
How to use it: "Dip the tip of the brush into your eye shadow using a circular motion and then tap off the excess product," she says. Then, starting at the outer edge of your eye, use the tip of the brush to blend the shadow into your crease using a windshield wiper motion. This will contour your eye.
Why you need it: It's the best-shaped brush for a defined lip and will make a precise lip color application easy, says Zizzo.
How to use it: Line your lips, then cover the brush with lipstick. Start at the center of your lips and blend out to the edges. Use the tip of the brush to define the edges of your lips and seamlessly blend the lipstick and liner together.
Next: The best way to clean your brushes (yes, you must clean them).
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.
