The best makeup brushes according to makeup artists, plus what to look for in a brush
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Whether you realize it or not, brushes can make or break your makeup. A good brush is durable, distributes pigment evenly, and blends seamlessly without irritating the skin or causing patchiness. While different brushes are intended for different purposes, there aren’t technically any hard and fast rules. The most important thing is to find what works for you and invest in quality brushes — and most of the time, bristle softness is a major indicator of quality.
Aside from feeling luxurious, the softest brushes will also help your makeup to look its best. “Whether they are natural hair or synthetic you want something that feels soft to touch against the eyes and face — this is going to be key to blending,” says Charlie Riddle, makeup artist and Stila Global Beauty Director. “Any brush that is more coarse is going to make your makeup look more textured and be difficult to blend.”
When choosing brushes, it’s also helpful to consider how often you’ll use them. If you typically use makeup brushes daily or travel with them regularly, it is worth it to invest in ones that are high-quality. “I always look for quality because I wash them so often,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Tarryn Feldman.
