Foundation and concealer go hand in hand. So, it makes sense to have just one dual-ended brush in your toolbox to apply both. And we’re always down for a multitasking product! The fluffier end is for applying and blending foundation and the smaller side is for tapping on concealer under eyes or in spots where you want a little extra coverage. “It’s so great for concealer, foundation, and contouring, and the fibers don’t absorb too much product and are easy to clean,” says our tester. “I try to wash my brushes once a week, so I like ones like this that dry quickly.”

• What we’re into: Two brushes in one; creates a streak-free finish; great for travel
• What we’re not so into: Some say that the bristles shed over time
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Domed
• Use it for: Foundation, concealer, contour

“Its unique spiral dome head makes it seamlessly blend powder, blush, or bronzer products for an airbrushed effect,” says Uzo. Think of it as a highlighter brush and blush brush in one. Its shape and blending ability are especially good for highlighting powders and diffusing color higher up on the cheeks since it picks up a controlled amount of product. All this makes application pretty foolproof no matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

• What we’re into: Look and feel of a traditional Kabuki-style brush; multifunctional shape; high quality and soft bristles
• What we’re not so into: Brush head is on the smaller side
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Tapered dome
• Use it for: Powder blush or highlighter

Sometimes the best makeup brush brands may not be ones you’ve seen before. This blending brush from a brand loved by pros is great for someone who’s really into makeup and wants to take their affinity to the next level, says Goodwin. And she’s never without this find, which is her It tool for perfecting face makeup. It’s not too big and not too small, which makes it fitting for all over the eye area, including getting into any crevices.

• What we’re into: Multifunctional size; great for blending around the eyes; brightly colored
• What we’re not so into: Some reviewers say it’s not the softest
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Round/domed
• Use it for: Face makeup, eye makeup, blending

Let’s just say that this brush made for cream or powder shadows is so good that Gita Bass, a celebrity makeup artist, has about five in her kit at all times. Yep, five! For her there’s not much it can’t do when it comes to eyes. “It’s perfect for depositing eye shadow, shading in the creases of eyes, blending liner and shadow, and even highlighting,” she says. Its fluffiness feels great on skin but will also precisely get product where you want it.

• What we’re into: Works with powder or cream formulas; picks up color nicely and blends well
• What we’re not so into: Some reviewers don’t like the synthetic fibers and prefer the previous natural hair version
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Oval
• Use it for: Cream or powder eye shadows

As its name implies, this fluffy brush is made for powder, whether it’s loose or in compact form. With a layered oval shape, it’s known for both how it applies powder and how it feels on skin. “I love this brush because of its blend of fibers that allow me to go over the face effortlessly without oversaturating it with powder,” says makeup artist ShaDara Holmes. And no one’s going for a cakey look.

• What we’re into: Great for the face, neck, and décolleté; big, fluffy shape
• What we’re not so into: Some reviewers find it prickly
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Flat, tapered
• Use it for: Loose or pressed powder products

This vegan brush is a pro pick for its ability to seamlessly apply foundation, contour, or blush. Interestingly, the special design of the bristles is meant to give you the precision and control that you’d have by using your fingertips for a natural-looking finish. “It’s buttery soft and great for blending, but has dense bristles that deposit products beautifully and create a smooth finish,” says Bass. It’s also smaller than many foundation brushes, she says, with a unique angled brush shape. The slightly slanted edge makes it ideal for seamlessly buffing in hard-to-reach corners and along the jawline.

• What we’re into: Ultrasoft yet dense bristles; uniquely shaped bristles
• What we’re not so into: On the smaller side
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Custom angled
• Use it for: Foundation plus cream blush, bronzer, or highlighter

This unique brush makes putting on foundation somewhat of a soothing experience. Instead of a traditional long handle, it has a special ergonomic curved “fin” (as in fish fin) design with grip pads on both sides that make it easy to wield. “I love this brush for foundation. It glides across my skin, and the ultrasoft fibers produce an airbrushed effect. It really is amazing—makes such a difference,” says our tester. And as you can see, it’s large and in charge, so the 200,000 fibers ensure an efficient and effective (not to mention fast) application, whether you’re using it for foundation, blush, or body makeup.

• What we’re into: The easy-to-hold fin handle; covers large surface areas; creates an airbrushed effect
• What we’re not so into: You may need a smaller brush for getting into corners
• Bristle material: Man-made fibers
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Oval
• Use it for: Foundation, blush, highlighter, contour, and setting powder

We couldn’t complete this list without having an outstanding brush-kit pick. What’s so great about sets: You get bang for your buck, then you can experiment with different types of brushes you might not have otherwise tried and figure out which ones you can’t live without. This kit comes with 10, including five different face brushes, four for eyes, plus a makeup sponge. Our tester’s fave? The Putty Primer Brush and Applicator, which has a handy little spatula on one end so you can scoop out formulas that are in pots or jars.

• What we’re into: Comprehensive kit with 10 brushes; affordable; includes a sponge
• What we’re not so into: Doesn’t include a carrying case
• Bristle material: Synthetic
• Vegan: Yes
• Shape: Various