Because of this, I use makeup brushes almost exclusively, and as a result, I've had the opportunity to test just about every complexion brush that's currently on the market. What I've realized is that purchasing quality makeup brushes is an investment. Less expensive brushes have a tendency to shed, so it's important to be picky when you're out shopping for them. Keeping this in mind, I contacted some of the most well-known create your own makeup artists to find out which brushes they absolutely cannot live without.

What it is that we are searching for

• Usage:Makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring Robin Black says that "the shape and size of the head is what determines where the brush is meant to be used and what types of products it is designed to be used with

• " "The shape and size of the head is what determines where the brush is meant to be used," Black says

• Even the handles can be different, but having a firm grasp on them is essential

• He says that the same principle applies to powder-based products such as blush, eye shadow, and setting powder

• A shorter handle is preferable when working with products that are more liquid in consistency

It is essential that brushes feel soft and gentle, never prickly or irritating, on the skin. Bristle density: The better it feels on your skin, the better it works. You should be able to easily verify this by rubbing the bristles of the brush along the inside of your forearm in both directions. The one and only real exception is that foundation brushes typically have a more dense texture, but they should still have a comfortable and smooth feel to them. Natural bristles, which are known for being extremely soft due to the fact that they are made from animal furs or hairs, enable better blending. The texture of synthetic brushes has significantly improved over the years, as they are typically crafted from nylon or other cruelty-free materials. As a consequence of this, it boils down to a question of one's own preferences.

Best overall makeup-brush set

| Unspecified | Artificial

Because each brush in this set can be used for a multitude of purposes, it is the only set of brushes required to complete a full face. In addition to using them in the studio, I frequently find myself putting them in my bag for use on the go as touch-ups. Because it is soft, using it requires a little more time than when I use my dense foundation brushes; however, I've found that the extra effort is well worth it. In addition, the Tulip Blending Brush can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to the application of lip color, concealing blemishes, and blending eye shadow.

Full face | Unspecified | Artificial

I have had this set of EcoTools brushes for many years, and I have no intention of ever getting rid of them.(An overall rating of 4.7 stars and more than 400 customer reviews on Target. com don't lie, either.)They are not tested on animals and are vegan. They have an extremely plush feel to them, and I adore the adorable storage case that prevents them from getting misplaced in my drawers. The five brushes have a range of uses that are sufficient to cover an entire face's worth of makeup, and the fact that their handles are long and generous while remaining lightweight makes it easy to transport them.

Complexion | Extremely dense | Man-made

In large part due to the fact that you get what you pay for, three of our experts highly recommend Tom Ford's foundation brushes, despite the fact that they are somewhat pricey. Makeup artist Nick Barose says, "I love that they're well made," and he points out that the weighty handles are designed for comfort and control. "I love that they're well made," he says. Makeup artist Tobi Henney admires their ability to blend beautifully, which ensures that you won't be left with any streaks that are easily visible. According to Black, their bristles are made of synthetic material, but you would never know it based on how ultraluxurious they feel. Even though the bristles are white, Black claims that it is surprisingly simple to keep them clean, "even after using them with hot-pink lipstick, electric-blue eye shadow, orange blush, and other pigments."Barose says that the large, wide side is ideal for blending and buffing foundation all over the body because of its size and width."Because of the ergonomic design of the handle, it is always comfortable to hold no matter how you choose to apply foundation or concealer, making this product an excellent choice for those who use both products frequently.

The density of this one is just right for blending eye shadow and smoothing out any lines, but it is still soft and fluffy to the touch. Makeup artist Daniel Martin states that "because this brush is made of synthetic fibers, I am able to use cream formulas as well as powder eye shadows" when referring to the brush in question. Because it is so gentle, according to Martin, you can also use it to blend out concealer around your eyes.)

In a previous version of this article, we named the EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set as one of the best-rated brush sets available at Ulta. This set is available at a price that is more affordable. The double-sided brushes are "all you need to blend, pack, smear shimmers, and put some liner on," according to another reviewer, while one reviewer calls the beginner-friendly duo "definitely the softest brushes I own."

Consider using a painting brush any time you need to create fine lines with pinpoint accuracy, such as when you are filling in brow hairs or trying to get an ultrathin swoop of eyeliner."For almost twenty years, this has been my go-to angle brush for brows and eyeliner, and you can get it at an art store," he says. "It's the perfect size and shape.""This is the greatest!"With a price tag of only $6, it is also the most reasonably priced alternative on our list.

The ability to smoothly switch between bronzer and blush is an essential quality in a good blush brush. It also shouldn't leave streaks, which is an obvious giveaway that your so-called "natural flush" was actually achieved Makeup Private Label a cheek palette. This brush is especially useful in that particular situation. I use it to apply a dusting of blush in the middle of my cheeks, just below my eyes, which, according to a create your own create your own makeup artist, gives a more natural appearance because that is where the sun hits. After that, I remove any excess product Makeup Private Label a paper towel and dip my brush into bronzer. I use this brush to apply the bronzer in the shape of a "3" around my forehead, down the side of my face and beneath my cheekbones, and just below my jawline.

The high quality of this set is complemented by a price that is manageable for most people's budgets, according to Jaikaran. In addition to this, "what's great about this set is that you also get a beauty sponge," which is something that "also comes in handy for applying makeup," according to Jaikaran. Rio Viera-Newton, a beauty writer for Strategist, compared this particular sponge to the original beauty blender and declared that it was "so much better than the original beauty blender."It shouldn't come as a surprise that it has almost a thousand five-star reviews on Ulta, with customers praising both the value and the softness of the product. The Real Techniques Flawless Base Set is a four-brush collection that comes with a matching holder. In addition to providing a seamless application, this set is versatile and affordable. The  brush sets that Morphe sells are extremely popular because they provide excellent value. Because of the shorter handles and the carrying case that is included, they are a convenient option for traveling.