If you look on my vanity, I have an upwards of twenty-five different makeup brushes on display. Some are in repurposed candle jars, others are on my makeup tray, and a few in my cup filled with eyeliners. Despite this robust collection, I honestly use about five on a semi-regular basis, three daily. I’m sure I’m not the only woman who has found herself with more makeup brushes than she knows what to do with. For that very reason, I decided to reach out to Sue Katz, a former makeup artist and co-founder of AmazingCosmetics to see which ones you really need in your beauty arsenal.
Check out these six brushes that every makeup-lovin’ Southerner should have:
A Foundation Brush
“Makeup brushes are key to creating the most flawless and natural complexion,” says Katz. Look for a synthetic brush with densely-packed bristles, like Real Techniques Sculpting Brush ($9, walmart.com), that’s designed to work with both cream and powder formulas. Plus, its angled shape lets you work your foundation into the creases of your face and can double as a contour brush as well. For an extra flawless finish, Katz recommends patting a damp beauty sponge all over your face to finish.
A Concealer Brush
For all those teeny imperfections, cover them up with a concealer brush. “The AmazingCosmetics Concealer Brush ($15, amazingcosmetics.com) is perfect since its small pointed tip lets you apply concealer only where it’s needed,” explains Katz. For the most natural coverage, gently press the applied concealer into skin with your fingertip afterwards.
A Blending Brush
Between bronzer, blush, and highlighter, you need a multi-purpose blending brush. Opt for a domed brush, such as Nars Cosmetics Yachiyo Kabuki Brush ($55, nordstrom.com), that’s designed to define and diffuse color.
A Flat Shadow Brush
Depending on your love of smoky eyes, you probably already have an eye makeup brush you love. But, if you’re looking to pare things down, make sure to hang onto a flat shadow brush like Sonia Kashuk Large Eyeshadow Makeup Brush ($14, target.com). Katz recommends a fuller style like this one since it’s the perfect tool to lay down a base shadow on the lids.
A Domed Shadow Brush
For a more intricate eye shadow look, create dimension with a smaller, domed makeup brush (we like Marc Jacobs The Crease Brush ($36, neimanmarcus.com). Its rounded tip lets you effortlessly blend pigment into your creases and into the corners of your eyes.
An Eyebrow & Liner Brush
Choose an angled brush that can be used for filling in your brows and for eyeliner. “One with nice firmness can be used to make eyeshadow a cake liner, create a precise crease line or smudge under eye for a sultry smoky look,” furthers Katz. For additional bang for your buck, use one that has a spooli on the other end (like Nyx Pro Dual Brow Brush ($10, amazon.com) to fluff up your arches.
