The key to good makeup application is the tools you use to put on said makeup.
The issue, however, is which brush do you use for what? When do you use sponges or just your hands instead of a brush? When should you splurge on a brush and when should you save?
We’re going to break down the essential top 10 makeup brushes every girl needs in their beauty kits, as well as when to splurge and when to save.
Foundation Brush
Your foundation brush will be used to apply a liquid foundation. Start at the center of your face and work the foundation outward toward your hairline. Be careful not to use too much foundation as it is easy to accidentally apply too much with this method. Remember, less is more.
SPLURGE: Cozzette P300Angled Foundation Brush, $31
SAVE: e.l.f. Essential Foundation Brush, $2
Beauty Blender
These little sponges are the beauty industry’s version of the best thing since sliced bread. It is such a versatile tool that can be used for a plethora of your beauty needs. One of the uses is for foundation. Wet the sponge for a more sheer look. Another way to use the sponge is to blend in under eye concealer and contouring makeup.
SPLURGE: beautyblender Makeup Sponge Applicator, $19.95
SAVE: Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge, $10.49
Concealer Brush
A concealer brush is key if you have any blemishes you want to cover. The rounded edge of the brush allows you to get into every nook and cranny of your skin.
SPLURGE: It Cosmetics For ULTA Live Beauty Fully Essential Concealer Brush #212, $22
SAVE: Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush, $3.99
Angled Brush
An angled brush is key if you are using a wax and powder combination in order to fill in your brows. Simply dip the angled brush in the wax portion of your kit and fill in your brows for a clean, sleek look. Angled brushes also can be used for eyeliner. To use for eyeliner, dip the end of the brush into a cream or gel based liner. Align the brush with your lash line and simply drag across for a clean look.
SPLURGE: Urban Decay Perversion Angled Brush, $16
SAVE: Ecotools Eye Enhancing Duo Set, $5.99
Smudge Brush
A smudge brush goes hand and hand with the angled brush. You need a smudge brush for the powder portion of your eyebrow kit. Simply apply the powder to fill in any spaces in your brows. Like the angled brush, the smudge brush can be used for eyeliner, too. Use it with a kohl liner in order to create a smokey look.
SPLURGE: NARS #45 Smudge Brush, $28
SAVE: Ecotools Eye Enhancing Duo Set, $5.99
Eyeshadow Brush
Getting a good eyeshadow brush will allow you to apply any shade you may desire as well as any effect you may want to try out. For example, a simple, no makeup look or, on the other end of the spectrum, a smokey eye look. You can’t achieve these looks with just your fingers.
SPLURGE: Make Up For Ever 244 Large Precision Shader Brush, $31
SAVE: e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow “C” Brush, $3
Blush Brush
Unless you are using a liquid blush, you need a brush in order to properly apply your blush. Apply by using short strokes on the apples of your cheeks.
SPLURGE: Clinique Blush Brush, $26.10
SAVE: Real Techniques Blush Brush, $8.99
Angled Powder Brush
This brush can be used for blush and bronzer. If using it for bronzer, sweep it along your hairline, just below your cheekbones and jawline for a glowing look. For blush, much like the nonangeled brush, swirl the brush on the apples of your cheeks and swipe it along your cheekbone.
SPLURGE: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe French Boutique Blush #4, $34.50
SAVE: Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Large Angled Contour Brush #113, $9.99
Powder Brush
The powder brush is another brush that has two uses. The first is for a setting powder. Brush on once your makeup is complete to help your look stay in place. The brush also allows you to get off any extra makeup that might not have been rubbed in or blended in all the way. This will leave you with a fresh look rather than a caked on look.
SPLURGE: MAC 129 Short Handled Brush, $35
SAVE: Covergirl Makeup Masters Blush and Powder Brush, $6.15
Lip Brush
These brushes are great to use when you are going for a fuller lip look. Simply swipe the top of your lipstick with the brush and fill in your lips.
SPLURGE: MAC 316 Lip Brush/Covered Brush, $20
SAVE: Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush, $5.99
Feature Photo via We Heart It