I’ve posted once before about my makeup routine, but I thought that I would post today, about my favorite makeup brushes. From drugstore to professional quality, I have tried most of the brands on the market.  And these are the handful who I’ve kept around for my daily routine.

(Please note, there are no eyeshadow brushes here. Mostly because I use my fingers or a sponge applicator to apply shadow.  I also don’t use a foundation brush, because I use a teardrop-shaped Beauty Blender instead ($40 for two sponges and cleansing liquid.)

Laura Mercier Concealer Brush ($26)

This concealer brush is the best one on the market.  It has stiff bristles, a fine tip and glides gently across the skin.  Using this brush is like applying concealer with a laser beam.  

You can either buy one on its own, or do what I did and purchase a Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit.  You’ll receive a deluxe sample of primer, tinted moisturizer, concealer, setting powder and two brushes.  At $68, the kit is a great buy, since just the Concealer and Camouflage brushes cost $54 retail. (I use the camouflage brush for under eye concealer because it’s wide and flat.  Also, a good purchase.)

Sephora Perfect Complexion Brush ($19) 

If you wear powder (mineral or otherwise), you need this brush, especially if you have acne or an uneven skin texture.  The brush perfectly contours to your face to evenly apply just the right amount of powder.  For even better results, puff out your cheeks like a puffer fish.  This odd-looking remedy results in a perfectly even skin tone, even if you are hiding imperfections.

 Bobbi Brown Blush Brush ($50)

$50 is a lot to spend for a brush, so I held off on buying this beauty for years. Years.  But now that I own it, I’m so glad I purchased it.

You see, I have a tendency to over apply my blush from time-to-time.  A look that my brother refers to as “The Red Clown Cheeks of Doom.”  But this brush applies the perfect amount of blush every time.  Just smile and sweep the brush across the apples of your cheeks, and you’re done.  It’s nearly impossible not to get it right.

Laura Mercier Finishing Brush ($42)

When my skin is at its best, I don’t need as much powder as the Complexion brush applies.  I just need a light dab of translucent or tinted powder to set my foundation.  This finishing brush gives an airbrush finish that makes it look like I’m not wearing any powder at all.  And if you wear a heavy powder foundation like MAC Studio fix, you need this brush because it prevents the cakey look that sometimes comes from wearing such a powerful product.

Don’t have a lot of money to spend on brushes? The best inexpensive brushes on the market are Sonia Kashuk for Target.  They’re well made, and when taken care of properly, should last for a few years.  Just make sure to wash them regularly with a gentle soap, alcohol will dry them out and ruin them.