Choosing makeup brushes

Makeup brushes are available in a large variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and price points that range from dollar store to luxury. Building the ideal collection will allow you to create precise, well-blended, beautiful makeup looks. Think of your makeup brushes as an investment and purchase the best quality brushes you can afford.

Quality brushes will allow you to easily apply products without streaking or shedding onto the face when applying makeup, resulting in a more natural effect. Brushes with soft, natural or vegan bristles feel good on the skin and provide a nice finish when applying various powder makeup products. Synthetic bristles work well for liquid and/or cream makeup products.

Well-made brushes will last for years while still producing professional results and are well worth the investment. The assortment of 15 brushes listed below are those most often used by professional makeup artists.

Fifteen must-have brushes for your kit

• Foundation brush

• Concealer brush

• Highlighter brush

• Angled contour brush 

• Powder brush

• Bronzing brush

• Blush brush

• Angled eyebrow-definer brush

• Eyebrow spoolie brush 

• Eyelash separator comb

• Eyeliner brush

• Eye shadow fluff brush

• Eye shadow crease brush

• Eye shadow blending brush

• Lip brush

• Try these moderately priced brands: Sigma, MAC, IT Cosmetics, Sephora