Doing your makeup for a selfie is harddoing it for the Oscars is even harder. For setting makeup, Stiles recommends avoiding stiff brushes. The more often the better; makeup brushes ideally should be cleaned after every use to minimize product build-up and bacteria, but at least once every two weeks is suggested by professionals. Riddle says the small brush is perfect for blending and a precise application of loose powders. Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. Since the bristles are on the side rather than the end, the shape is more reminiscent of a toothbrush than a paintbrush. Our tester loved the soft feel of this densely packed brush. Each tool was tested to see how it performed for foundation application and various blending, buffing, and stippling techniques. It helps to distribute product densely and evenly and is great for softening and blending in areas where you [generally] would require a smaller brush., Beyond the face, Jenny Patinkin says, The Real Techniques Foundation Blender Kabuki is great for applying body makeup because its small and dense and gives good coverage. Synthetic brushes have come a long way, and there are plenty of options to consider that are both earth and wallet-friendly. A lip brush, which Stiles feels is unnecessary. Cosmetics. Virtually every beauty stan agrees makeup brushes are integral to applying a full face. This three-piece set of synthetic complexion brushes from LARUCE are perfect for blending out creams and powders, and contain signature handle designs that won't accidentally slip out of your fingers. makes some really excellent budget beauty tools, and this makeup brush is no exception. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Round/flat | Intended Use: Liquid or powder foundation, buffing | Vegan: Yes. Our tester loved how smoothly her foundation buffed into her skin and appreciated the comfortable feel of the sturdy handle. If you're willing to invest in a high-quality makeup brush, look no further than IT Cosmetics. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. There are brushes for literally every part of your face, so there is no need to use your fingers to smudge your eyeliner or lipstick. The brush is fluffy, flat, and with a gradual point, she adds. Model and entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whitely's beauty brand Rose Inc is behind this set of popular makeup tools, which are designed with rounded and angled edges to fit the contours of your face. Aside from the steep price, we really have no complaints about this makeup brush. This makeup brush from bareMinerals is smaller than average, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go use. Every product goes on effortlessly with this brush.". Dorman recommends this option if you're in need of a full set of basic makeup brushes, but don't want to break the bank. We operate independently from our advertising team. Not all eyeshadow brushes are created equal. I like this dual-fiber one from RMSits dense so you can push it evenly over your complexion and get into the corners around your nose and cheeks. I have used this to apply cream as well as powder products." Feldman says they're a staple both in her professional kit and personal collection, touting them as the best vegan brushes she's ever used. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Kristina is also obsessed with Anastasias Angled Cut Brushs bristles. "Elizabeth Hecht. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. This six-piece set is splurge-worthy and includes the brushes youll get the most mileage out of (for eyes, lips, cheeks and skin). Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Domed | Intended Use: Foundation, tinted moisturizer, diffusing, contouring, stippling | Vegan: Yes. With a stiffer brush, you can end up putting down too much powder, which can cause streaks and look obvious, she says. If you want to contour and sculpt, or take a certain feature (such as your eyes or brows) to the next level, it makes sense to invest in high-performance tools specific to those areas that will deliver results. If you typically use makeup brushes daily or travel with them regularly, it is worth it to invest in ones that are high-quality. Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Round/tapered | Intended Use: Foundation, concealer | Vegan: Yes, "The dense bristles are great for blending in liquid foundation and giving the skin a nice natural finish. This is one of my favorite MAC brushes for that, and its also great for blending multiple eyeshadows on the base of the lid, says Stiles. The most important thing is to find what works for you and invest in quality brushes and most of the time, bristle softness is a major indicator of quality. Try your hand at even the most intensive makeup looks on TikTok with this mix of natural and synthetic brushes for face and eyes, from celebrity makeup artist Ariel Tejada and the beauty aficionados at Morphe. Its perfect for stippling on products as close to the lash line as possible, she says. Jenna Kristina also always uses a metal eyelash comb after she applies mascara. Designed for liquid, cream, or powder foundation, it's round with a sloped head. Cosmetics. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Which means Ive ruined lots of them, but I always replace, she says. The unique head does an incredible job of picking up and buffing out pressed and loose powders, but you can also use it for applying and blending liquid foundation. I like a soft and very fluffy brush for powder, which is key when I dont want to apply a lot of powder. This hand cut, all-inclusive brush set features staples for complexion, eyes, brows, and cheeks, plus a handy eyelash curler and cotton swabs, for the perfect finishing touch to your makeup look. You may opt-out by. I prefer synthetic bristles for concealernatural hair types hold too much product and prevent it from sweeping evenly across your skin. This four-piece brush set makes an ideal gift for makeup enthusiast who doubles as a Rihanna fan, and includes a brush for their foundation, concealer, powder, and highlighter. This set's higher price point is justified by the impeccable quality and luxurious design. I can literally do my entire face with just this one brush, says Cara Lovello. So which brushes are truly the best? Though it might be OK with full-coverage formulas, we found the finished results to be a little streaky. According to celebrity makeup artist Erika La' Pearl, the bristles are what really counts. I carry maybe three or four in my kit., I use this for an all-around blending after Ive applied my foundation and contour, Jessica Elbaum, a makeup artist and hairstylist who currently does hair on Modern Family, says, you can also use it to apply bronzer., Its more effective to use a synthetic bristle for cream blushes, says Elbaum about this slanted kabuki brush. Inspired by traditional Japanese calligraphy brushes, this 3-piece set is just as much a work of art as it is utilitarian. "It is so soft and perfect for applying powders. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The 10 Best Exfoliating Gloves for Smooth Skin, The Best Under-Eye Patches to Hydrate & Brighten, The 12 Best Brushes for All Types of Curls, Get the Look: Hailey Bieber's Glazed Donut Nails, Glossier Is Officially Heading to Sephora, Need Hair Inspo? We also evaluated the design, including the handle, head shape, bristle material, density, and softness. If you're a highlighter fanatic, this brush will make a great addition to your collection. The MAC 217S Blending Brush is a staple for Jamie Greenberg, Busy Philipps and Rashida Jones makeup artist. There's a lot you can do with your fingers and a blending sponge, but when it comes to achieving a pro-level finish, brushes are the name of the game. These signature oval brushes from Artis have been mainstays for professionals for years, and can quickly enhance any makeup technique with just a few swipes. This brush has synthetic bristles, which Lujan prefers. The cleaner they are, the better the application and the longer your brushes last.. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Oval | Intended Use: Liquid foundation, applying, buffing | Vegan: Yes, "I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to build up even coverage where I wanted it. Using high-quality synthetic fibers, this brush is designed to mimic skin-to-skin application. Makeup brush bristles are available in three main categories: natural, synthetic, or a blend of the two. "I use this brush on every client," says Riddle. In order to contour well, you need a brush thats taperedit should be flatter and wider in shape so you can gently build your color in a smaller area. bareMinerals Smoothing Foundation Brush, Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110, Make Up For Ever Buffing Foundation Brush 112, The 11 Drugstore Makeup Brushes That Will Never Let You Down. Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Round/angled | Intended Use: Liquid, cream, or powder foundation | Vegan: Yes, "The angled bristles made this brush easy to get around my nose and under my eyes, and the short, thick handle felt great in my hand. We Tested the Best Makeup SpongesThese 6 Made the Cut, The 16 Best Eyeshadow Brushes for Pro-Level Glam, These 11 Brushes Are Guaranteed to Make Your Blush Look Better, The 14 Best Foundation Brushes That Will Make Application a Breeze, We Tested Loofahs to Find Our FavoritesThese 9 Are the Best, 11 Drugstore Makeup Brushes That Will Never Let You Down, 11 Kabuki Brushes for Flawless Makeup Application Every Time, The 11 Best Bronzer Brushes to Fake a Post-Beach Glow, These 18 Best Concealers That Go Beyond Hiding Dark Circles, The 16 Best Hair Brushes for Your Hair Type, The 17 Best Powders for Oily Skin That Keep Shine Away, 12 Makeup Bags to Keep You (and Your Stash) Organized, The Best Airbrush Makeup for When You Want Seriously Beautiful Skin, The 13 Best Dry Brushes to Exfoliate and Stimulate Your Skin, The 12 Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Brands, e.l.f. Overall, we liked the Lune+Aster Foundation Brush. The fluffy tapered end is ideal for diffusing liquid or powder highlighter as well as precise powder application, Dorman says. A good blending brush allows you to pull off a number of eye looks. You can't go wrong with the versatile, easy-to-clean Buffing Brush from e.l.f. MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush, Best Cruelty-Free: Try This Summer Braid Celebs Love, Willow Smith Channels Her Inner Goddess for MUGLER, The 21 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Beauty Collection, Elite Gifting 8-Piece Holiday Makeup Brush Set, Tiffany Dodson is the Associate Beauty Commerce Editor at. Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Summer 2022? All brushes are not created equal. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush at Ulta, It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 at Ulta, Real Techniques Blend + Blur All Over Brush at Ulta, MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush at Ulta, Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush at Sephora, bareMinerals Smoothing Foundation Brush at Sephora, Best Overall: For this story, she interviewed four makeup artists to gather product recommendations and insight into the various types of brushes. You can also find her work in Elite Daily, MyDomaine, Thought Catalog, and more. Amazon shoppers are raving about this ergonomic 12-piece set from e.l.f, with one writing about how its synthetic bristles are "so soft and don't shed!". The difference between makeup that does what you want it tomake your skin glow, brighten your eyes, lift your cheekbonesversus makeup that falls short of your expectations often comes down to your application technique and, more importantly, your brushes. ", A staple among makeup artists and enthusiasts alike, the MAC 217 is what Dorman calls "the perfect shadow blending brush." Like any beauty tool, the best makeup brushes can vary enormously in price. Real Techniques Blend + Blur All Over Brush, Best for Contouring: And since these natural and synthetic sets are so luxurious, we won't blame you if you decide to scoop up more than one for yourself (and put off cleaning your most-loved brushes a little longer). Im a late convert but I have to say that Real Techniques makes the best concealer brushes. "I love dual ended brushes," says Riddle. Whether you realize it or not, brushes can make or break your makeup. Makeup icon Gucci Westman created this streamlined set of synthetic brushes that include one for foundation, concealer, blending, and powder, plus two eye-shadow brushes, and a smaller tool for the lips. "Julia Fields, Product Tester. By using a larger natural-bristled brush, you cover more surface area quickly with a smooth and seamless application, says makeup artist Jodi Urichuk. In addition to being vegan-friendly, he explains that they're often more durable and hygienic. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. Also, the density of the bristles makes it slightly tricky to clean. Gracie Abrams on Her Laid-Back Personal Style, Jen Garner on How Her Hair Is Healthier Than Ever, 14 Rising Fashion Brands to Shop This Fall, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Did you notice theByrdie Verified seal of approvalat the top of this story? Learn more. In addition to feeling nice against the skin, this makes for ultra-smooth application and blending. "Anything natural hair is amazing for blending; eyes, blush, powder." Though some makeup products may stain the bristles, this brush was generally very easy to clean. If you're looking to live more sustainably, consider this best-selling kit from EcoTools that's made from recycled aluminum and plastic, and even features bamboo handles. All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush, Best Splurge: ", For all brushes, especially any brushes used for cream products, I recommend once a week to prevent possible skin breakouts and buildup on your brushes, says Greer. Bonus: This pick doubles as a lip brush as well, says Stiles, since the rounded tip blends in lipsticks and pencils and helps clean up the edges for a defined mouth. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. You can't go wrong with the versatile, easy-to-clean Buffing Brush from e.l.f. I use it to create hair-like strokes with powder on brows and also for the sharpest pointed cat eyeliner.. It has a tapered brush head and dual usage; one side to place and smooth, and another I use to sheer and blend. This is the best brush for the face. I wouldn't say one is better than the other it really depends on the specific use of the brush.". Learn more. The round, tapered shape is designed for foundation and concealer, but it also works for contouring and buffing powder products. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The right dome-shaped powder brush, for example, will spread particles evenly across your complexion without obvious streaks, while a tapered eyeliner brush will enhance your gaze rather than make you look tired by transferring flecks of dark pigment under your lashes.