Must have brushes for your makeup bag...

As a makeup artist, I have a variety of makeup brushes, all for a different purpose. I also have multiples of each brush, but that's because I usually have more than 2 clients at one time.
The everyday consumer does not need a multitude of brushes, nor do they need every brush I use.
So, I'm here to tell you which one's, in my opinion, are the one's you really need.

The Stipling brush, also know as the Skunk brush



This brush is used only for foundation. If you are looking for an airbrushed look, this is the brush that will help you achieve that look. When on a job, I don't use an airbrush machine, that's because with this brush, I can use the stipling method and provide the same finish.

Concealer brush




This provides you accurate placement of your concealer. I like the pointed brush the best because it allows you to get closest to the eye and nose area.


Blush brush



This brush comes in many forms (angled, pointed, fluffy). Whichever one you decide to use is fine, just make sure you know how to use it. I usually recommend a regular fluffy one. Unless you know how to use the pointy or angled brush, I would stay away from it.

Fan brush



I like to use this brush for bronzer. It adds a very natural bronzy look to the face because the application of the bronzer is very light.


Eyeliner brush




If you want a thin liner on the top lashes, this is your brush! I absolutely love this brush. You can also use this on your bottom lashes to add some eyeliner, smokey eye effect or sparkle to the bottom lash. This brush comes angled or flat. Either will do the job, it's really just preference. I use both in my kit. The important thing is to make sure the bristles are tapered to a point. This will make the liner thin.


Eyeshadow brush




This brush can be wide or thin. Either will provide you will the same look. One may just take a few stokes less than the other.

Smudge brush



I cannot live without my smudge brush, professionally and personally, I use them everyday. You will use this brush in the crease of your eye to provide your contour color.
This is also the must have brush to have in your bag to achieve the ever coveted smokey eye look.



There are many places to buy brushes, but I will say this, you get what you pay for. With this being said, I have paid for some expensive brushes, and ended up not liking them for one reason or another. I have also bought brushes from Sonia Kashuk's line at Target and love them. It all depends on how the brush hair feels and whether or not it will grab the color.
Another tip for your brushes, KEEP THEM CLEAN. Not only for hygiene purposes, but it will also allow the brush to grab more color. If you notice your brush is not depositing a lot of color, you may want to clean the brush.

My personal favorite place to buy brushes: MAC, Sephora, Target and Michaels. Yes, I am talking about Michaels the hobby store. If you use the high quality painting brushes, they do the exact same thing the "makeup brushes" will do. And for half the price, especially if you use the 40% off coupon.

If I have left out a brush you have a question about, feel free to email me.

Hope you like my choices.