My Makeup Always Looks Professionally Done Thanks to These 9 Brushes (2024)

TL;DR

Which Makeup Brushes Do You Need?

If you’ve got a full collection ofmakeup brushesand know how to use each one correctly, we salute you. Most of us, though, could use a few pointers on which brushes to buy. Makeup brushes are specifically made to target certain areas of the face, so using the wrong brush can throw off your look. From large, fluffy brushes that distribute powder across the face to contour brushes designed to define, there are more than a dozen brush types. Not sure which ones you need? We’ve compiled a complete guide to makeup brushes and tips on how to use them. If you just want a quality set of basic brushes, check out our list of the very best affordable makeup brush sets.

Our Top Picks

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Angled | Intended Use: Liquid or cream foundation | Vegan: Yes

Hourglass is known for its skin-perfecting base products, so it’s no surprise that their foundation brush received our top marks for applying foundation.With its supersoft bristles and angled shape, this brush will help foundation blend into the skin without settling into pores or fine lines. The brush is a great shape—large enough to cover ground quickly but small enough so you can control precisely where to place the base product. We wouldn’t recommend using this brush with powder complexion products, but you’ll love how it blends liquid and cream foundations seamlessly.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor: “I love this brush! It's so soft on the skin and blends makeup seamlessly thanks to the smooth, densely packed bristles. Its teardrop shape gets into nooks and crannies like those around the nose, mouth, and eyes. The result is a soft, airbrushed finish.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Round | Intended Use: Cream and liquid foundations | Vegan: Yes

If you’re looking for a brush to help foundation blend seamlessly with a natural finish, this one from Saie is also a fantastic option. The unique surface of this Saie Foundation Brush is meant to disperse product evenly without waste, meaning you’ll get a smooth makeup application every time. The brush handle is very thick so you may need to practice a bit as you maneuver it, but once you master the grip and pressure you’ll be left with glowy and beautiful skin. Saie less.

Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor: “I'm so picky about my foundation brushes, so when I say I'm obsessed, I mean that with my whole heart. This brush imparts a smooth, streak-free finish that looks like skin, and I experienced zero pilling. Plus, it is a really compact size, so it fits in all of my makeup bags.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Rounded/domed | Intended Use: Cream, liquid, or powder base products | Vegan: Yes

If you’re looking for an affordable makeup brush option that can tackle any base product formula you throw at it, the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush will end your search. Some like using this product to apply foundation, and others may reach for it to blend out bronzer or blush. The domed shape helps this brush glide easily across the skin. One thing to note is that the bristles are more dense on this brush than other brushes we tried. Just be patient and use a light hand as you blend to maximize the smoothness of your makeup look.

Shannon Stubbs, commerce writer: “While the bristles on this brush are super soft to the touch, it blends all formulas easily—no matter if they’re cream, powder, or liquid. The small shape also makes it efficient for blending in specific areas such as contour or blush. It feels gentle on the skin, doesn’t cause any irritation, and creates a smooth, airbrushed finish.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Flat | Intended Use: Cream, liquid, or powder foundation and base products | Vegan: Yes

If you like an airbrushed look for your base products, the Merit Brush No. 1 is about to become your new BFF. Blending with this brush is as easy as it gets—simply apply your product and use the brush to gently buff it into the skin for a super smooth application. The bristles are soft and light and glide across the skin seamlessly. The brush handle is shorter than you may expect from a complexion brush, but it’s easy to travel with. Merit is all about effortless beauty, so it’s no surprise that this brush reflects their core brand values.

Shannon, commerce writer: “This brush is so enjoyable to use simply because it’s so soft. It feels like feathers on the skin and glides super smoothly, blending out cream formulations with ease. The flat top creates a satin-y finish on the complexion, and I love that it is able to smooth out even my thicker formulas that are usually hard to blend. I love the chic look of the black handle and white top, but it does make it a bit harder to clean.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Tapered | Intended Use: Powder bronzer, blush, and highlighter | Vegan: Yes

Looking for a luxe brush to add to your collection? This one from Charlotte Tilbury is extra special as the brush head is hand-pulled into the perfect shape by a master brush maker in Europe, according to the brand. From the crimson brush handle to the rose gold lettering, the brush gives the same elegance you can expect with most Charlotte Tilbury products and packaging. It is ultrasoft, making it great for blending, though it may be too soft to use with some pressed powders. However, when it comes to blending out contour, blush and highlighter, you’ll get that flawless finish every time.

Lauren, senior commerce editor: “This is by far the softest brush I've ever used—plus it's stunning and looks and feels luxe. It’s great for collecting the loose powder and packing it into one place (like the under-eyes), and then sweeps it off post-bake.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Angled | Intended Use: Powder, cream, or liquid eyeshadow | Vegan: Yes

The Rare Beauty Eyeshadow Brush is a small but mighty tool that helps you get the perfect eyeshadow look, whether you’re running out the door or layering on lots of pigment. This brush has a flat side to pack on color and a full side to blend out the eyeshadow, and you can hold it at different angles to accommodate everything from a light wash of color to super vibrant shadows.

Amanda Rosenthal, commerce writer: “This brush was significantly smaller than I expected, but despite its small size, it still packs a punch. The brush is extremely soft and features a beautifully angled curve that hugs onto the eyelid, distributing eyeshadow evenly. As the brand mentions, it mimics the shape of a fingertip, and it even blends better than one. The dense bristles are great for blending at the crease.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Angled | Intended Use: Cream and liquid concealer | Vegan: Yes

No one has mastered makeup quite like Pat McGrath, and it’s no surprise that this makeup artist turned brand founder has some of the best brushes in the game. This concealer brush features a 40-degree slant, so you can be extra precise with product placement and blend evenly. Whether you need seamless spot correcting or a blurred finish under your eyes, your concealer will easily conceal any imperfections. Simply apply your concealer, buff the product in, and then blend it out for a smooth finish.

Caitlyn, associate commerce editor: “I was surprised by how tiny this brush was; it was way smaller than my other concealer brushes both in thickness and in length. It has densely packed, soft bristles that push product into the skin, which is key for concealing under-eyes and blemishes.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Various | Intended Use: Liquid, cream, and powder products | Vegan: Yes

If you’re in need of a total brush refresh or you are just starting to build your brush collection, why not tackle a bunch at once? The Sephora Collection 8-Piece PRO Brush Face & Eye Set has you covered for virtually any makeup occasion. The brush bristles are vegan and super soft and can be cleaned easily between uses. Another perk? It comes in a pouch with an elastic holder for each brush, so you can easily travel with your tools without squishing the bristles. If we could add one brush to this set, we’d choose a contour brush—but for the price, you’ll certainly have the basics covered.

Caitlyn, associate commerce editor: “Wow, I'm obsessed with this set. Because the eight brushes come in an innovative portfolio holder, I took them with me to a destination wedding in my carry-on. The folder kept the brushes intact so that I could achieve a pro-level makeup look while at my hotel. It's the ultimate kit for any makeup level: a concealer brush, a foundation brush, a blush brush, a contour brush, a highlighter brush, an eyebrow brush/spoolie, a crease brush, and an eyelid brush. Not to mention, they are all super soft and great quality.”

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Angled | Intended Use: Cream, liquid, or powder bronzers and blushes | Vegan: Yes

Need versatility in your brushes? The Patrick Ta Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush features a dual-ended format that simplifies application by offering two tools in one. Its curved bristles are perfect for enhancing contours, effortlessly hugging the angles of the face for a natural sculpted look. This brush also allows you to customize coverage, whether you’re going for a subtle effect or more intensity. Storing a double-ended brush can be tricky, so maybe skip the jars or upright storage and keep this one in a drawer or makeup bag.

Caitlyn, associate commerce editor: “This dual-ended brush is what contouring dreams are made of. Both ends are fluffy and incredibly soft, so I was impressed by their sturdiness and blendability. One end is a bit skinnier and more angular, which proved to be great for sculpting my nose and eyes, while the other is longer and fluffier, which was ideal for the hollows of my cheeks and my forehead.”

FAQ

• How do you clean makeup brushes?

  To clean makeup brushes, Greer recommends using an antibacterial bar soap. You can also use a cleansing agent designed specifically for makeup brushes.

• How often should you clean your brushes?

  For all brushes (and especially any brushes used for cream products), Greer recommends cleaning brushes once a week to prevent possible skin breakouts and buildup on your brushes. "The cleaner they are, the better the application and the longer your brushes last," she adds.

• How do you store makeup brushes?

  As long as your makeup brushes are kept dry and clean, feel free to find creative ways to store them. Try a marble or ceramic jar for an aesthetically pleasing option, or inside of a drawer of your vanity that is easy to clean and access. If you prefer to tuck your tools away or take them with you on the go, opt for a brush roll or pouch holder.