How to Choose and Use the Best Makeup Brushes for Flawless Application

Your ultimate guide to the best makeup brushes out there to elevate your beauty routine.

By Renée Barbin - Director of Education

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to makeup, you’ve probably realized that the right tools make all the difference. But do you know how to choose the right makeup brushes for you, or how to properly use and maintain your makeup brushes?

That’s where Only1’s decades of expertise comes in – below we dive into how to pick high-quality makeup brushes with tips on different makeup brush techniques for flawless application, whatever your style.

The Powder Brush – A circular brush with a curved shape and dense bristles that provides flawless coverage for a seamless finish.

This soft and fluffy brush will help distribute the powder evenly and prevent a heavy or cakey finish. Remember to tap off any excess powder before applying to achieve the desired result.

Large powder brush with dense white bristles, a purple handle, and gold accents on a plain white background.

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Blush Brush – An angled shape brush that provides easy maneuvering around facial contours, making the process easier and more precise.

Applying blush can be a tricky task for many. Designed for a cream-based blush or liquid foundation, this specialized makeup tool ensures accurate placement and a natural-looking flush.

Purple and gold angled makeup brush with dense white bristles on a plain white background.

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Foundation Brush – A circular brush best for blending and buffing your foundation.

This brush’s dense bristles are perfect for applying cream-based and liquid foundation for flawless coverage and a seamless finish.

premium foundation brush with soft bristles, gold ferrule, and purple handle for flawless makeup application

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Contour Brush – An angled brush with soft, dense bristles that provides precise application and minimizes fallout.

Contour brushes – and choosing the right size and type – greatly improves blending. The brush shape should fit nicely under your cheekbone for easier contouring.

Small foundation brush with a purple handle, gold accents, and dense white bristles on a plain white background.

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Concealer Brush – An angled shape brush with an ergonomic hollow greatly enhances the application process, making it smoother and more precise.

These useful little brushes allow you to apply product with precision to the areas of your face that a bigger brush can’t get to (think: underneath the eyes, on either side of the nose, or over a blemish).

Small concealing brush with a purple handle, gold accents, and white bristles on a plain white background.

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Blending Eye Brush – A flat shading brush is essential in any eyeshadow brush collection.

This brush’s synthetic bristles mimic natural hair for a defined and even application on the lid, perfect for shimmer shades or a halo eye look.

Purple and gold makeup brush with white bristles on a plain white background.

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Pencil Eye Brush – An often-overlooked but versatile makeup tool that is essential for any makeup enthusiast.

The Pencil Eye Brush should be used for fine details, such as highlighting the inner corners of the eyes, creating a precise cut crease and for buffing out pencil liner.

Pencil makeup brush with a purple handle, gold accents, and white bristles on a plain white background.

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Smudging Eye Brush – Short and densely packed bristles ideal for detailed work.

The Smudging brush helps create seamless color transitions, perfect for inner corners and defining edges. Essential for various eye makeup techniques, from softening eyeliner to blending eyeshadow.

Dense shading brush with a purple handle, gold accents, and white bristles on a plain white background.

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Angled or Winged Eyeliner Brush – A slanted, angled edge brush which is great for precise control and creating a sharp wing.

Remember to choose a brush with firm, synthetic bristles for the best control and to ensure it doesn’t absorb too much product.

Winged eyeliner brush with a purple handle, gold accents, and fine white bristles on a plain white background.

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Angled Brow Brush – This spoolie brush is essential for grooming your brows and ensuring a polished finish.

This tool is extremely useful for applying a variety of brow products with precision and ease. It makes working with pomades, powders, and waxes a breeze, ensuring precise results every time.

Double-ended eyebrow brush with a purple handle and gold accents, featuring an angled brush on one end and a spoolie on the other, on a plain white background.

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Lip Brush – Apply lip color flawlessly, especially with darker shades for precision.

It allows for accuracy in outlining and filling in lips, as well as gradual color buildup, which is challenging with direct application from the lipstick.

Purple and gold cat tongue makeup brush with white bristles on a plain white background.

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Brush Cleansing Soap – Cleaning makeup brushes is vital for skin health and flawless makeup.

Using a brush cleanser removes oils, dirt, and old makeup residues that can cause skin issues. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria from spreading, extends brush lifespan, and improves makeup results. Choose a cleanser with natural, conditioning ingredients for soft brush fibers.