The make-up artist approved brushes to add to your kit
Finding the right make-up brush isn’t always easy, not least because we’re overwhelmed by choice, from high-end to budget beauty buys. But it’s a decision that will make or break your look.
A good brush will ensure your products are seamlessly blended and buffed; contouring and highlighting your skin to perfection with no streaky lines or patchiness.
No matter how much you spend on make-up products, without the right tools to apply them, your look will fall short.
Different brushes offer different results, some work best with powder textures such as bronzer and eyeshadow, while others blend creams and liquids such as foundations and concealers.
You’ll also need to consider your budget when adding to your collection, while looking out for tools that are easy to clean and don’t moult. Not all brushes are vegan or cruelty-free either, so be mindful of this as you shop.
We’ve asked eight leading make-up artists to share their favourite brushes to help narrow down your search, with expert advice on why each one is a cult-buy for them. For these professionals, brushes are an essential part of their kit, so we trust that you’re in good hands.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Hannah Martin, freelance make-up artist
"Brushes are an artist's most prized possession as you get so familiar and accustomed to how a brush feels and works that they become like fine-tuned instruments.
"I have many favourites but the brand I love to use most on shoots or on clients is Louise Young. Designed by make-up artist Louise Young, the brushes are vegan and cruelty-free with a really broad range to choose from.
"The LY38 V tapered shadow brush (Louise Young, £17) is my go-to for eyeshadow because it’s tapered so delicately for real precision.”
Kay Montano, make-up artist, Chanel
“My favourite make-up brush is the Chanel dual-ended brow brush N°207 (Chanel, £31). I love a two-in-one product, as they take up less space and speed up application time.
"I find using the slanted edge brush is the fastest way to get a wide, soft lengthening to the outer edges of the brows, and I use the mascara wand to both separate the lashes before the mascara has dried, and brush the brows up.”
Charlene Williams, freelance make-up artist
“I love the Real Techniques 402 setting brush (lookfantastic, £5.99). I have a couple of these, one for myself and the others in my kit.
"This brush has the perfect density for both highlighting and contouring. It’s not too dense or compact so you won’t get harsh or streaky lines when applying product.
"The fluffiness of it also means you get a lovely soft blurred application.”
Dominic Skinner, global senior artist, Mac Cosmetics
“The brush that I can’t live without is the Mac 159S duo fibre brush (Mac Cosmetics, £28). It’s my go-to foundation brush for fashion or red carpet make-up, which is why I have four of them.
"It’s a really unique paddle shape with a feather tip about the size of a £2 coin which means you can’t put too much foundation on your face and you can control the coverage really easily.
"I always use the tip to sweep under eyes and blend out any edges, but if you need more coverage just use the side of the brush and pat the foundation on to hide anything you feel you want to. Plus it’s the perfect size and shape for contouring and buffing in a hint of blush.
"To say I’m obsessed is an understatement.”
Mira Parmar, freelance make-up artist
“One of my absolute favourite brushes is the Real Techniques multi-task brush (Superdrug, £8.99), it’s a must-have in any make-up bag.
"It buffs foundation into the skin beautifully, smoothes blusher on the cheeks, blends bronzer onto the face effortlessly and perfectly applies highlighter onto the cheekbones.
"It’s great on the purse and does what it says on the tin, making it a complete winner in my kit.”
Zara Findlay, pro artist, Bobbi Brown
“I love a multi-functional brush, so my favourite has got to be the Bobbi Brown precise buffing brush," (Bobbi Brown, £27).
"It has an innovative shape with three edges which fit perfectly into any contours of the face. I can use it for foundation, concealer, cream contour, cream highlighter and cream blusher, its uses are endless.
"The slight pyramid point enables you to blend, smooth and apply powder products perfectly leaving your skin flawless and velvet smooth.
"The brush is an extension of your hand, making it the perfect brush for anyone from beginner to pro.”
Cher Webb, freelance make-up artist
“My favourite brush is the BareMinerals smoothing face brush (Feel Unique, £21.59).
"The head of the brush is the perfect domed-shape and you feel in complete control. It's sturdy, effective and buffs and polishes every texture into the skin for a flawless finish.
"From liquid foundations to cream blushers and powders, the application is quick and seamless. It's a make-up bag essential!"
Danielle Roberts, global make-up artist for Urban Decay
“I really can’t do a look without the Urban Decay large blending brush (Urban Decay, £18).
"It’s a large eye brush and slightly fanned so not only do I use it to blow out smokey eyes, but it’s the perfect brush for concealer and highlighting the face.
"It’s my multipurpose make-up brush of choice!”
For more make-up essentials, read our guide to our favourite eye make-up to wear with a face mask
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