The best brushes to take your makeup to the next level

Two brushes are definitely better than one, and this Lancôme brush doesn’t disappoint on either end. You’ve got soft, flowing bristles for natural definition, and the short, tighter shape to get in close for a more precise result – just what you need when applying concealer.

Best for: Contouring and highlighting

The specs: Oval-shaped, natural hair bristles

The review: “I am a huge fan of Lancôme Dual-Ended Cheek & Contour Brush (sometimes even mineral powder and bronzer!). It's just so versatile. It has lovely bristles and gets me from A to B really quickly and I'm off out the door.” Nicole, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $80

If you’re the type who chops and changes between foundation formulas, then you could do with some stability in your makeup kit – and a foundation brush that works with all kinds of formulas is just the thing. This Shiseido brush can help build your foundation to a high coverage, if you so need, and delivers a beautiful natural finish every time.

Best for: Liquid, cream and compact foundations

The specs: Flat, tightly-packed, synthetic bristles

The review: “My favourite is Shiseido’s Foundation Brush, which I have been using for years. It’s a bit pricey but the soft angled brush head makes it quick and easy to apply both liquid and powder foundations with no fuss. The bristles never fall out and its compact size makes it great for on-the-go.” Dina, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $56

Soft, flexible brushes make for a beautiful powder application, which is why we love this brush. Created by one of Australia’s leading makeup artists, Rae Morris, the price tag might be steep, but the brush is worth the splurge. Morris explains on her website that she specifically designed the brush’s shape for when you just want to powder certain areas of the face, such as when you don’t want to powder all over. “I love using it on the nose corner, centre of the forehead, and under the eyes,” she says.

Best for: Powder makeup

The specs: Cruelty-free PTT and goat hair bristles

The review: “It’s perfect for applying powder only in the areas you want due to the elongated pointed shape..… super soft brush for a soft application. I love that it is cruelty-free.” Mia Hawkswell, professional makeup artist

Cost: $150

Also cruelty-free, as well as PETA certified, your conscience will feel as good as your complexion looks. Polished perfection, coming right up.

Best for: Powder makeup

The specs: Short, tightly-packed synthetic fibres

The review: “This is great quality for the price. I actually ended up buying three and use it for many different types of makeup like mineral powder, blush and bronzer. It has a gorgeous soft feel, disperses powders evenly and lightly so I can build up my coverage gradually, and is easy to clean.” Georgia, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $16.95

Another vegan brush, this one may look small but it delivers a mighty outcome. The short, fluffy bristles will bring you that natural glow you want from your blushes and highlighters; a sculpted look with the sweep of a bronzer; and an airbrushed complexion with the help of your favourite powder foundation.

Best for: Finishing powders, blushes and bronzers

The specs: Short synthetic fibres

The review: “My favourite makeup brush would have to be my Napoleon Kabuki Brush, a multipurpose brush that blends beautifully. The bristles are high quality and it distributes my beloved bronzer and blush like a professional. A really gorgeous product and a must for every makeup kit.” Graeme, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $29

Do you like your brushes silky soft and extra bushy? Sweep this one on for size. Like all the Real Techniques brushes, this one feels luxe, without the hefty price tag, and delivers high definition coverage with ease.

Best for: Powder makeup

The specs: Soft, loose, synthetic bristles

The review: “The best makeup brush is the Real Techniques Your Base Flawless Powder Brush. It is a real multitasker so goes with me everywhere. Use it to touch-up any powder products from mineral powders to blush to highlighters – it's a one brush wonder!” Kylie, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $27.99

This vegan brush got a double tick of approval from two of our favourite Australian makeup artists when we asked them what their go-to eye makeup brushes were. Why? Because its small tip allows for a super precise application. If you want to step up your game to pro status, this brush will get you there.

Best for: Eyeshadow

The specs: Densely-packed synthetic bristles

The review: “Being made of synthetic fibres, it’s really great at blending out pencil liners and shadow sticks, and layering powder shadows. It’s even small enough to do pin-point detail such as highlighter on the inner corner of the eye (to brighten) or intense detail in the contour.” Nicola Burford, professional makeup artist

Cost: $17

88,400 hairs – that’s what you’ll find in this brush. Why does that matter? It helps distribute your makeup evenly for a flawless coverage. The flat, tightly-packed shape lets you buff product into your skin so it doesn’t just look natural, but melts into skin for a weightless, undetectable finish.

Best for: Powder and foundation

The specs: Flat, densely-packed, synthetic bristles

The review: “My favourite makeup brush is definitely the Heavenly Luxe Foundation Brush from It Cosmetics. It’s a flat top brush that is densely packed and blends foundation into the skin effortlessly. It is also super soft and very well made, I’ve had mine for years and the bristles never shed (even when washing).” Ruby, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $68

Our most-reviewed makeup brush on Beauty Crew, this one comes with a 4.5 star rating. What makes it such a crowd pleaser is the no-streak natural finish it delivers, and how the bristles don’t hog all the product for themselves (read: they put it where you want it most – on your face).

Best for: Liquid foundation

The specs: Soft, dense, synthetic bristles

The review: “This foundation brush does an amazing job when applying foundation and works nicely with a lot of the foundations that I own. The brush is soft and does not leave streaks and doesn’t absorb much foundation either. It is very durable and the bristles don’t have fall out even when I use it daily. Definitely a good purchase!” Helen, Beauty Crew member

Cost: $19.95

You can’t apply your eye makeup without a little blending and shading, and this MAC brush sets the bar high. This is a does-so-much makeup brush that you will use A LOT. The ultra-soft bristles are a dream on skin.

Best for: Eye makeup (creams and powders)

The specs: Oval-shaped, synthetic fibres

The review: “My all time fave makeup brush is the 217 Blending Brush from MAC, it’s pricey but I have many other blending brushes in my arsenal and none come close to this one! It’s soft so even after an intense blending session, it doesn’t feel scratchy or make my eyelids feel sore. It just diffuses the eyeshadow out really well, and always comes back to its original shape and colour when I wash it.” Bree, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $46

Now that you’ve got your makeup brush kit sorted, DO NOT forget to clean them regularly – here’s how to properly clean your makeup brush…and why you shouldn’t skip this step.

If you’re looking for a new way to get a flawless base, give these new Artis brushes a go. Plus, you need this chic makeup brush holder in your life.

What is your favourite makeup brush in your kit? Share with us your top pick below.

Main image credit: Getty