Years of watching Bob Ross on PBS taught me that great art is easiest to achieve when you have the right tools at your command. It turns out that the artistry of flawless makeup application is no different. Somehow, I always knew that those spongy thingies that came with the compact weren’t quite cut out for the job…

Using the right brush for every step makes your morning beauty routine faster and delivers the polished results you crave. All brushes are not created equal, and so we start with the basics.

Why is it important to use different brushes for different tasks?

The shape, density, and material of a brush combine to create distinct looks:

Dome shaped brushes are best for area coverage, but angled brushes are ideal for definition in brows, eyelines, and blushes.

A dense brush should be used for heavy coverage such as concealer or a strong eyeshadow; choose a loose brush for powder foundation. Blush may be applied with either, depending on the desired result.

Natural bristles of squirrel, badger, pony, or goat hair provide the best results, but synthetic materials can be useful depending on the task. When blending or a sheer result is desired, the natural brushes perform best. Synthetics are good for loading color to a specific zone, like concealer or a bold eyeshadow. Clean your brushes regularly for most consistent application.

What brush is best for each job?

For foundation:


* loose fluffy brush for sheer powder foundation; we like MAC’s 150 brush
* dense domed or flat-topped brush for high coverage foundation; we like MAC’s 180 (discontinued) or adesign’s flat top Kabuki
* stippling brush for liquid foundation; we like MAC’s 187
* small pointed brush for tricky application; we like adesign’s pointed brush

For blush, bronzer, and concealer:


* angled brush for blush and contours; we like MAC’s 168
* small domed brush for bronzer; we suggest MAC’s 129
* small domed synthetic concealer brush; we recommend MAC’s 194

For eyes, try:


* short dome-shaped eyeshadow brush for loading color on your lid; we like MAC’s 239, or use the sponge applicator that comes with your compact
* short dense angled synthetic brush for eyeliner, such as MAC’s 263 or 266
* small fluffy dome-shaped natural brush for creases and blending; we recommend MAC’s 217
* coarse synthetic blend angled brush for brows; MAC’s 263 can pull double duty here

For lips, try:


* small domed synthetic brush; billybBEAUTY’s retractable lip brush is stylishly convenient

How do I care for my brushes?

Natural bristles soften with use, whereas synthetics harden over time. Regular cleaning of your makeup tools not only prolongs their lifespan but is more hygienic for you. You might try a brush cleaner from any number of brands, but a gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo works well for a fraction of the price.

Soak your brushes in a small amount of warm water and a squirt of baby shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. Gently squeeze the water from your brushes with a paper towel, taking care to maintain the brush’s shape. Lay flat to dry.

With proper care, you should expect a quality brush to last you for many years. Our ChickAdvisor members have recommended a variety of tools and brands for every job and every budget.

What are your go-to brushes? Leave your comment here or join our forum discussion.

by Claire Rahn, with Mandy Fok and Joy David-Tilberg