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If you live in a seasonal climate like I do, you’re probably just as weary of winter by now. Superstitiously, I’m keeping my fingers, toes, and nose hairs crossed that Punxsutawney Phil, the soothsaying groundhog in all his glory, emerges from his hollow lair on February 2 and doesn’t see his shadow (symbolizing an early spring!).
And with the dawn of more daylight, you’re probably a little giddy to brighten up your complexion with colorful new cosmetics. Sure, you loved your winter lipsticks, but it’s time to break out your makeup that sports a more springlike or summer glow.
When it comes to bronzers and blush, you know where to go — hell, your favorite formulas may even be a permanent fixture on your Amazon wish list. But wait, before you check out this online trip, don’t forget your makeup brushes: these bristled tools can also make or break your face.
The best beauticians agree: the paint brush is just as important as the paint. “As a professional makeup artist, I buy the best brushes I can, because makeup application can be affected by the quality of the brushes,” explains Liz Fuller, a makeup artist from the Boston area. “Really good brushes should be able to stand up to frequent use and cleaning/sanitizing and should have a very long lifespan,” she says.
So which brushes should you buy for that springtime confidence boost? We pooled both our experience and customer reviews for some clues. Here are our picks for the best makeup brushes worth the splurge:
Dior Backstage Brush Set
This five-piece makeup brush set has your whole complexion covered. You’ll get a brush for powder, foundation, eyeshadow, eyeline, and lip, all to achieve the professional results of a runway model. The set has a 4.5-star rating, with one reviewer calling the brushes “a steal deal that comes with all different functions of a brush and a practical case with it. Great as a gift for someone who loves makeup as well.”
Rae Morris Personal Set
Here’s an eight-piece set of brushes with soft heads and sleek handles. You’ll get the Deluxe Kabuki, Deluxe Point Shader, Creme Shadow Shader, Pencil Point Shader, Perfect Eyeliner, Brow Definer, Lip Brush, and Mini-Liquid Foundation. Not sure where to start with so many versatile brushes? Rae Morris includes how-to-use instructions for each of the brushes, with top tips like how to create a winged effect and drawing a smoky eye.
Scott Barnes Flawless Face Brush
This face brush polishes powders to a perfect finish, with 100% synthetic, cruelty-free fibers that gently frame the contours of your face. The brush has a 5-star rating, with one reviewer noting, “I’ve been using this brush for about 4 months now and it’s become my favorite powder contour brush. It’s densely packed but incredibly soft, so you can get precision application and easily blend any harsh edges. Highly recommend.”
Morphe x Ariel Signature Look 12-Piece Face And Eye Brush Set
This 12-piece makeup brush set is the latest collaboration between the legendary makeup artist Ariel Tejada and the Morphe line. The cruelty-free bundle includes a setting and bronzing brush, cream contour brush, powder contour brush, blush brush, precision setting brush, crease blending brush, fluffy blending brush, packer brush, smudging brush, dual-ended concealer brush, and soft sculpt signature sponge. There are no customer reviews yet, but who wouldn’t trust the brainchild of Kylie Jenner’s makeup artist?
SHOP AT SELFRIDGES & CO – $112.00
SIXPLUS 15 Piece Professional Makeup Brush Set
This bundle comes with 15 makeup brushes, made of synthetic hair, goat, and pony hair to be soft and smooth on your skin. Plus, this set is sustainable – the brush ferrules are made of recycled aluminum, so the whole package is recyclable. The collection is complete with a magnetic storage box and owner’s manual, so even beginners can beautify with an explanatory guide. These brushes have a 4.8-star rating, with one reviewer calling them “the BOMB!” The self-proclaimed aspiring cosmetologist said, “Wow! My makeup has never looked so flawless. The brushes are immaculate and give the softest, smoothest application. I’m seriously IN LOVE with these makeup brushes.”
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Brush Duo
This brush duo divinely defines the contours of your face with 100% synthetic, cruelty-free fibers. The pair includes the tapered Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Powder Brush and rounded Blurring Blush, which work together to create a flawless face. The brushes have a 5-star rating, with one reviewer noting that “they are perfect with the blush and under-eye blur. I’m not an expert, but they help me make magic.”
SHOP AT PAT McGRATH LABS – $80.00
Hourglass Veil Powder Brush
This versatile veil brush is made with cruelty-free Taklon bristles and is designed for use with Veil Translucent Setting Powder. The double-ended hourglass features one side to set the under-eye area and the other for overall application on the face. Grab this gem quickly, because it’s almost out of stock!
Luxie Dreamcatcher Brush Set
This well-crafted collection includes a wide variety of brushes to beautify everything from your lashes to your lips. The synthetic, cruelty-free bristles are soft and smooth on every skin type, and they come in elegant periwinkle packaging. The brushes have a 4.84-star rating, with one reviewer describing them as “super soft and versatile. Easy to clean. I love the variety you get and they are amazing quality.”
Laura Mercier Glow Powder Brush
This synthetic-bristle powder brush fits the contours of your face to provide the perfect coverage. With its S-curved head, you can swirl the brush to sweep off any excess powder. The brush has a 4.6 star rating and “glides like butter,” according to one reviewer.
Elizabeth Arden Dual-Ended Foundation Brush
This dual-ended foundation brush works with all foundations to brighten your look with the perfect blend. One side is heart-shaped to apply foundation to the contours of your face, and the other has a flattened tip for precise coverage with your concealer. This brush has a 4.8-star rating, with one reviewer exclaiming, “This is my all-time favorite makeup brush! Makeup goes on flawlessly!”
SHOP AT ELIZABETH ARDEN – $34.00
What are your favorite makeup sets this season? Share your recommendation in the comments!
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