To achieve flawless makeup application, you need the right tools. Brush selection can be tricky; it’s daunting to suss out all the brushes on the market and find what you need (and what you don’t). If you’re in need of a new brush or two, or have questions about what brush will work best for you, check out my brush round-up below. These are selections from my own personal collection which I reach for day after day.
MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush ($28): This is a new addition to my collection. I could never quite master the perfect smoky eye, and having tried all different types of shadows, I gave up and headed to the MAC store for some advice. Turns out it wasn’t the shadows I was using it all: my problem was that I didn’t own a proper blending brush. This quickly became one of my all-time faves, as it effortlessly blends shadow to create a professional-makeup-artist effect. You can use it to blend light or neutral shadows, and I will never again attempt a smoky eye without it.
Bobbi Brown Blush Brush ($50): Sized to fit the apple of the cheek and rounded for smooth, diffused application, this brush expertly applies color to the cheek. Ultra-soft bristles fan color out and blend, creating a natural flush. Can be used to apply cream blush, too. I’ve had this brush since 2002, and still use it every day. It hasn’t lost a single hair in 8 years. If you clean it regularly, it will last for years.
MAC 263 Small Angle Brush ($19.50): If you use gel eyeliner, you need this brush. It flawlessly glides on MAC Fluidline and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner with no skips or gaps on the lid. Creates a smooth, fluid line, and allows you to control the thickness. You can use it every day by drawing on a thin line, or give yourself ’60s-esque cat eyes by thickening the line toward the edge and winging out the corners. I’ve had so many people tell me they were never able to use liquid liner, and now they use this brush with gel liner for the same results.
Prescriptives Bronzer Brush ($32): There is something about this brush that applies color lightly and naturally. Long gone are the days of orange-y fake tans from a compact; say hi to sunkissed tawny color that looks real. If you don’t use bronzer, you don’t need this brush; but if you do, you’ll be so glad you have it.
MAC 219 Pencil Brush ($23): This slim, sleek brush is perfect for blending out makeup you’ve already applied, such as too-thick eyeliner or crease-y eyeshadow. You can also use it for spot application of shadow, like in the outer crease. It creates awesome definition, too.
Sephora Flat Eyeshadow Brush (approx. $18-$20): This was included in a kit I got from Sephora about 7 years ago. It’s a flat-sided, wide eyeshadow brush that’s pretty standard for applying color all over the lid. This is the type of brush you want when you’re trying to lay down a base color, or applying a monotone eye look. You can find a similar one here.
MAC Plushlash ($13) is one of the best mascaras I’ve ever come across. I’m a mascara junkie, and I try basically anything that promises to thicken my lashes. This is by far my favorite budget-friendly option. Considering that most drugstore mascaras cost around $8, this baby is a bargain: a high-end mascara at a low-budget price.
The wand is the key: it’s tapered at the top, and flat on the sides. Use the flat side to deposit color on lashes, and then wiggle the brush through to fan them out. It’s densely-packed with tiny bristles, which grab each lash to maximize right down to the inner and outer corners.
