Belle’s Must-Have Makeup Brushes

Foundation. bareSkin Perfecting Brush // This brush from Bare Minerals has a reservoir in the top for your liquid foundation and primer.  It delivers even, build able coverage, and is great for ladies with complexion issues.  One word of caution, however, it is a pain to clean.  For something less expensive, try this Revlon Blending Brush that gives a similar effect.

Spot Concealer. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage // Acne sufferers, you need this.  Add the right concealer, and this brush delivers targeted concealer right where you need it.  There’s no other brush like it.  It is irreplaceable.

Flat Concealer. Bare Minerals Complexion Perfecter // This is technically a foundation brush.  But with its flat shape and angled corners it’s perfect for applying concealer under your eyes or in tight corners.  And if you get acne on your cheeks, use the flat side to stipple on the concealer for a more natural finish.

I searched around, couldn’t find a similar brush in any price range.  Very unique shape.

Powder Brush. Marc Jacobs Face Sculpting Brush // Some makeup artists pooh-pooh powder.  It ages you; it exposes unevenness.  In my opinion, all you need is the right technique and a good brush to prevent that from happening.

This Marc Jacobs brush is dense enough to stipple, fluffy enough to get light coverage.  You can also use it to contour.  For something more affordable, this Real Techniques Angled Brush has similar qualities.

Angled Blush. Sephora Classic Angled Brush // I like to apply blush the Bobbi Brown way–a darker color on the cheekbones, a lighter color on the apples.  This stiffer, angled brush gives me good contour on my cheekbones.  This $3 e.l.f. brush has the same shape.

Fluffy Blush. Bobbi Brown Blush Brush // If you’re going to use her system, you might as well use her brush.  It’s silky, luxurious, and applies just the right amount of color.  In the summer, this brush and a bright, poppy blush is too perfect.  Try this Lottie blush brush.

Highlighter. Sigma Tapered Face Brush // The Sigma line makes wonderful brushes.  Well-made, high-quality awesomeness.  I use this brush to apply my beloved Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.  It gives to a targeted, light coverage that is perfect for highlighters.

No Eye-Makeup Brushes? I just use my fingers to apply eye makeup.  The only eye brush I have is this Revlon Smokey Eye brush.

How to Clean Your Brushes. If I have time for a deep clean, I break out the baby shampoo and this Sigma Cleaning Glove.  If I need a quick cleanup, I just use water and a microfiber cloth to take the color off the brush.  You can also use makeup wipes to clean up brushes between uses.  And to keep your brushes looking newer longer, dry them upside down with this Benjabelle makeup tree.