Talk to any professional makeup artist and the first bit of gospel they’ll pass on is that brushes are the most important part of their kit -- even more so than the actual cosmetics, in some cases.
That’s because while the pros can make do with whatever makeup is available, nothing takes the place of high-quality brushes. They ensure that application is smoother or that a cat eye or red lip stays put -- and, more importantly, that it all looks flawless. (As if you needed another reason for getting rid of the dinky applicator that came with your eyeshadow.)
Whether you’re looking for a specialized tool or a comprehensive set, there’s something for everyone’s at-home makeup kit here.
Discover the best makeup brushes to add to your collection, below.
Aptly named the Mr. Right Essential Brush Set from Too Faced has everything you need to feel like a makeup artist. Use the smudger brush with eye shadow to create a killer smoky eye, use the angled brush for precise lines around the eyes, or use the tapered blender brush for a soft, natural look.
As far as a good brush set goes, this one does it all with the touch of luxury. The oval brush heads are designed to mimic the pad of your finger, so makeup application is the closest you can get to using your hands without getting dirty and feels like you're getting a massage at the same time. This makeup brush set comes with a foundation brush that doubles as a blush brush or contour brush, eyeshadow brush, concealer brush and one for eyeliner or the brow.