iMag Slide Show

Like any fine art, a good makeup application can transform the canvas of your face from plain to perfection.  But it helps to have the right tools. 

So how much do you need to spend on brushes?  Well, if you apply makeup everyday, it’s worth it to invest some money in a good set of brushes.  With proper care, they can last for years and provide a more even and consistent makeup application.  To help narrow down the endless choices, we went to one of the top makeup artists in the business, Bobbi Brown, for the essential brushes that she cannot live without.

This brush’s firm, tapered bristles make it easy to apply concealer on hard-to-reach areas like the inner corners of your eyes and along the lash line. You can also use this brush to spot-apply cover-up on blemishes.

Bobbi says: “Make sure that the bristles are firm and soft, not hard and scratchy, considering how delicate the skin by your eye area is.”

Use this when you’re trying to achieve medium to full coverage. Make sure the bristles are made of a high-end synthetic material, so the foundation won’t streak, and the bristles won’t swell with age.

Bobbi says: “For a natural look, use your foundation brush to apply moisturizer, and then use that same brush to apply foundation afterwards. The leftover moisturizer on the brush dilutes the foundation, so that it goes on sheerer. I especially like this trick because it allows you to get multiple finishes out of one foundation.”

This ‘three-in-one’ brush is ideal for those just starting to build their brush collection, and it’s also convenient for travel. Use it to apply bronzer, blush, or a Shimmer Brick. (It’s the only brush our beauty expert, Amber Milt recommends for shimmer because the bristles deposit the color in an extremely sheer wash).

Bobbi says: “This ‘utilitarian’ brush has so many uses. It’s perfect for easy makeup application, whether you’re at home or traveling.”

This brush’s small, fluffy bristles pick up just the right amount of eye shadow to sweep across your lower lid.

Bobbi says: “A good quality eye shadow brush will have natural, soft, rounded bristles with beveled edges, to avoid creating any harsh lines.”

The bristles on this small brush are synthetic, dense and curve to a point. The ultra fine tip makes it perfect for a precise application of gel eyeliner.

Bobbi says: “It’s my favorite brush for the precise application that gel liner requires.”

You can purchase Bobbi’s set online, or build your own collection from different brands.  If you can afford it, go for the natural hair brush over a synthetic brush.  While many companies sell brush cleaner, Amber's  super saver secret is to use palm olive dish soap.  She finds it leaves the brushes soft and also helps to break down any oil from your skin.

For more great beauty tips, click here.