10 Must-have makeup brushes
Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, makeup brushes are an important tool for every makeup lover. It’s been said that we reach peak adulthood when we own a full set of makeup brushes (and actually know how to use them!).
![Brush web main](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/brush-web-main-780x470.jpg)
Why use makeup brushes as opposed to your fingers, sponges or other applicators? Good quality makeup brushes make the process of applying makeup easier, they are the hygienic option (when washed regularly) and they help you achieve professional-looking results thanks to their blending and blurring abilities.
But, with so many different makeup brushes on the market, choosing a select few can be quite overwhelming. Knowing exactly which ones to use with which products can be confusing. The truth is, that you don’t need every single brush available. You need a select few to cover the basics, such as foundation, blush and eyeshadow, and then a few others depending on the type of makeup you like to wear, such as an eyeliner brush, concealer brush or highlighter brush.
Because it can be hard to narrow down, Sunpac (SA’s leading distributor of top international brands) shares the top ten makeup brushes every makeup lover should have in their arsenal.
- Foundation brush Perfect for buffing foundation onto your skin, a good-quality foundation brush will be filled with densely packed bristles that allow you to build coverage and blend seamlessly. Try: wet n wild Foundation Brush (R99.99). It has a flat, dense head for expertly applying and blending cream and liquid foundations onto the skin in a streak-free, flawless finish.
- Blush brush A dome shape with long, soft bristles tops the list. This shape allows for light sweeping motions across the apples of the cheeks, resulting in natural-looking pop of colour. Try: Real Techniques Tapered Cheek Brush (R250) which has small, tapered bristles that precisely apply a pop of colour for a natural flush. Its precision brush head allows for buildable coverage and it can also be used for applying highlighter.
- All-in-one face brush Cover all your bases with an all-in-one face brush that can be used with liquid and powder formulas of foundation, bronzer and face powder. Perfect for travel (when your luggage is limited) or when you’re starting (or building up) your collection, an all-in-one offers convenience and affordability. Try: Real Techniques Everything Face Brush (R320) is a multi-purpose tool designed to seamlessly blend your makeup for a flawless glow. The oversized head and fluffy bristles provide light to medium coverage and a smooth finish.
- Concealer brush Concealer brushes are usually small with soft bristles and are designed to apply concealer with precision, especially around hard-to-reach areas such as the inner corners of the nose and underneath the eyes. Try: wet n wild Small Concealer Brush (R64.99). It allows you to precisely apply concealer where you need it, without streaking, to highlight your features and counteract the unevenness caused by blemishes and dark circles.
- Powder brush To apply powder, you’ll need a brush that’s fluffy, soft and flexible, allowing you to sweep the product on lightly and avoid a cakey look. Try: wet n wild Powder Brush (R99.99). It lightly dusts setting powders, blushes and bronzers into the skin for an airbrushed look that is light, even and natural.
- Angled / contour brush
You no longer need to do full-on contouring to achieve more defined cheekbones. Strategic placement of highlighter, blush or a little bit of contouring product will sculpt, heighten and define. Try: wet n wild Contour Brush (R99.99), which is perfectly angled to emphasise your cheekbones and enhance your bone structure in a few sweeps.
- Eyeshadow brush
One of the most important things to do when it comes to applying eyeshadow is to blend, blend, and blend some more. The Real Techniques Tapered Eyeshadow Brush (which forms part of the new Real Techniques Naturally Beautiful Eye Makeup Brush Kit (R480) can be used to apply both cream and powder eyeshadows. It has long, fluffy bristles to ensure a light and precise application of the shadow.
- Crease brush
If you already have an eyeshadow brush, why would you need a crease brush too? While it’s not an absolute necessity, it certainly does make eyeshadow application easier and helps you achieve the enviable cut crease. Try: Real Techniques Instapop Crease Brush, which has dense bristles for seamless, precision blending from the crease of the eye to the lid – perfect to diffuse multiple colours flawlessly. This new brush forms part of the Real Techniques Eye Love Drama Brush Kit (R480).
- Liner brush
Depending on the type of eyeliner look you’re going for, you’ll need either a winged liner brush or a small, tight brush. The Real Techniques Wing Liner Brush creates a defined wing with ease by using liquid or gel liner for a buildable, natural eye look. Alternatively, the Real Techniques Tight Liner Brush features an innovative design that provides the perfect angle to apply eyeliner to the lash and water line. Both of these brushes form part of the new Real Techniques Eye Love Drama Brush Kit (R480).
- Eyebrow brush
We spend a lot of time grooming our eyebrows, so it’s only natural that we’d need a brush dedicated to our brows. A brow spoolie or brow comb works wonders in taming unruly brows. Try: The newly-launched Real Techniques Naturally Beautiful Eye Makeup Brush Kit (R480) features a Brow Duo brush, with a spoolie on one end and a brow comb on the other.
Shop the new Real Techniques brushes and brush kits, as well as the wet n wild makeup brushes at Clicks.