Face Brushes

Flat Rounded Foundation Brush

I don't often reach for this sort of brush to apply foundation, but I know that this is still the brush of choice for a lot of people.  It works well with liquid and cream foundations to provide a medium to full coverage finish.  I like to use this brush for applying moisturiser and foundation primer on clients.

MAC 190 Foundation Brush

Duo Fibre Stippling Brush

This brush is one that every makeup artist has (or should have!) in their kit.  The stippling brush is great for distributing smaller amounts of product.  Use it for liquid or cream foundation to build up the coverage slowly, or for applying super pigmented blushes.  Smaller duo fibre brushes are perfect for cream blushes.

Mac 187 Duo Fibre Brush

MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Brush

Flat Concealer Brush

A smaller version of the flat rounded foundation brush, this synthetic brush is designed to specifically work with concealers.  It's size and slightly pointed tip means it's good for under eyes, and for getting into harder to reach spots like the corner of the nose.  Wipe off any excess product and use a patting motion to slowly build up coverage where you need it.

MAC 195 Concealer Brush

Buffing Brush

Once you've stippled on your liquid or cream foundation, use this dense brush to really work the foundation into the skin for a flawless finish.  Buff in small circular motions.  You can also use this with powder or mineral foundation for a medium to full coverage finish.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Blush Brush

These come in different sizes, so it's a case of finding which size suits you best.  They're slightly domed to make applying blush on the apples of the cheek and up the cheek bone easier.  These work best with powder blushes and highlighters.  The MAC 116 is a smaller blush brush, which makes it idea for more precise, concentrated blush application.  For a larger blush brush, try the MAC 129.

MAC 116 Blush Brush

MAC 129 Powder/Blush Brush

Tapered Face Brush

A tapered face brush is like a stretched out blush brush.  The more pointed end makes it perfect for contouring, particularly under cheek bones. Again, these work best with powder products.

MAC138 Tapered Face Brush

Angled Contour Brush

This is your other option when it comes to contouring.  The angle makes it perfect for contouring larger areas like the cheeks, jawline and forehead. 

MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush

Flat Blush Brush

This is one of the new comers to the game in terms of brushes.  This dense brush is great for creating a sharper, more defined cheek bone when used with blush.

Illamasqua Buff Up Brush

Fan Brush

Fan brushes have a couple of uses.  The first is that they're a great way to clean up any fall out from dark eye shadows.  The light brush is able to dust of dark specs without smearing them over your skin like many other brushes would do.  Their other use is for pigmented blushes, or super sparkly powder highlighters.  Because the fan brush only picks up a very small amount of product, it means that it can subtly apply products that might otherwise be too dramatic. 

Large Powder Brush

These brushes are soft and fluffy and are used for appying a finishing powder.  They work well as they only deposit a thin layer of product.  You can also use them with powder or mineral foundation for minimal coverage.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Kabuki Brush

Kabuki brushes are denser than large powder brushes, meaning that that pick up and apply more product.  The higher coverage they provide makes them one of the most popular brushes for applying powder foundations.

Bare Minerals Full Coverage Kubuki Brush