Makeup Artists Reveal Every Essential Brush in Their Tool Kit for Flawless Application

Kicking things off is our top pick for contouring and comes as a recommendation from makeup artist and leading educator at Sephora Shanzey Al-Amin. "The dual-ended design is what makes this one smart because you get placement and diffusion without switching tools," she says. "I use the denser end to place and the softer end to blend out, and the finish is always sculpted without being overdone." It allows for buildable coverage, and the bristles are safe for sensitive skin.

Pros: Buildable, soft, multi-purpose

Cons: Pricey

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Angled, fan-shaped 

Use: All formulas

Customer review: "I’ve been using it with both cream and powder contours, and it blends like a dream. It’s like having two professional brushes in one—super travel-friendly, super efficient. Honestly, it made contouring feel effortless even on days when I’m rushing out the door."

A good brush doesn't have to break the bank, which is why including this Morphe brush was a must. "The shape does most of the work here," explains Al-Amin. "I press powder in rather than sweep it, and this brush makes that technique easy with controlled application without losing any glow or dimension underneath."

Pros: Affordable, gentle on skin, flexible tip

Cons: Bristles may shed over time

Bristle material: Synthetic, silver ion-infused bristles

Shape: Paddle-shaped

Use: Powder

Customer review: "This is the perfect brush to dust powder all over the face and set under the eyes. The brush itself feels very light and fluffy not too soft where it doesn't perform well."

If you're familiar with Makeup by Mario, you know there's no surprise that this is our best cream brush. "This is the brush I reach for when I need a cream formula to actually melt into skin without moving everything underneath it," says Al-Amin. "A tapping and buffing motion and you’re building and blending at the same time, giving that finished editorial look without much effort."

Pros: Buildable, multi-purpose, gentle on skin

Cons: May shed over time

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Round

Use: Liquid, cream, and powder

Customer review: "This is hands down the best makeup tool I’ve bought. It replaces the need for so many other brushes, I use it for almost everything and it works seamlessly. The only brush you need in your bag!"

A concealer brush needs to be just right to pack product into tight areas without looking blotchy or cakey, but this Sephora one gets the job done. "This brush has enough density to give real coverage but still blends without looking heavy, which is the balance that’s actually hard to find in a concealer brush," says Al-Amin. "I use it for under-eye and spot work whenever I want coverage that still reads as skin."

Pros: Affordable, smooth finish, sustainably made

Cons: Some users prefer softer bristles

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Tapered

Use: Concealer

Customer review: "It blends concealer seamlessly, no streaks or weird patchy spots. The bristles are soft but dense enough to actually do something. I feel like it makes my under eyes look airbrushed."

Perfect for blushes (especially cream formulas) is this m.p.h. by Mary Phillips tapered brush. "This fluffy, tapered brush is ideal for cream blush, bronzer or highlighter application," says celebrity makeup artist, Ash K. Holm. "You want dense bristles for cream products to ensure the best application and easy blending."

Pros: Allows dor buildable coverage, soft, blends well

Cons: May shed over time

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Fluffy, tapered brush

Use: Cream

Customer review: "I love the bristles on this brush. They're densely packed and soft while also maintaining their shape. The brush head is actually bigger than I thought it would be and is so good for blending out foundation. It's great for cream products."

Listing just one brush as the ultimate eye makeup brush just doesn't make sense considering all the different sizes and types needed to complete a look. That's why a set like this one from Sigma is the way to go. You'll get seven splurge-worthy brushes for liner, shadow, and brows suited for powder, cream, or gel formulas.

Pros: Multi-purpose, safe on sensitive eys

Cons: Pricey

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Angled, tapered, round, pencil

Use: Powder, cream, or gel

Customer review: "I purchased these brushes around 10 or 11 years ago they are still going strong! Amazing quality but also incredible value. I use them almost every single day and have yet to find better eye brushes."

If you're working with a smaller budget, consider this cream and powder brush from Morphe. "This has an amazing, contoured edge, which makes it so good for powder," says Holm. "It really hugs your skin and disperses the powder flawlessly for a seamless application." You can expect even distribution and noticeable control.

Pros: Budget-friendly, allows for buildable coverage, soft on skin

Cons: Some say it doesn't provide as much control for concealer

Bristle material: Synthetic, silver ion-infused

Shape: Slanted

Use: Cream or powder

Customer review: "LOVE THIS BRUSH! It distributes blush so evenly and beautifully, even when it's highly pigmented. Very easy to blend out - 10/10 would recommend!"

A set that's worth it should cover all the essential bases, right? This set from Sephora has a reputation for doing it all. "Every brush in this set has a reason to be there, which isn’t always the case with sets at this price point," says Al-Amin. "It’s genuinely what I’d hand someone who’s building a kit from scratch." Whether you're a vet or a beginner, you can't go wrong with this travel-friendly set.

Pros: Provides a brush for face and eyes, soft on skin, travel-friendly

Cons: Some say the brushes shed over time

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Angled, tapered, fan, round

Use: Cream or powder

Customer review: "I love these brushes!! They are super soft on my sensitive skin and they are surprisingly good quality for how cheap they are!! I love using the makeup bag it comes with when I travel."

It goes without saying that this brush from Merit pairs beautifully with the brand's products (the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick is my personal favorite). Still, you can pair this brush with other brands, and reap the benefits. Unlike some of the other options on our list, this one can be used with all formula types, making it totally worth the price.

Pros: Soft, compact, travel-friendly

Cons: Some say it loses it's shape over time

Bristle material: Synthetic

Shape: Tapered

Use: All formulas

Customer review: "I was skeptical at first, but this brush has completely won me over. The bristles are incredibly soft and it blends the complexion stick perfectly, leaving a natural finish. It feels high quality, works beautifully, and is absolutely worth it. Highly recommend!"