By Josephine Agbonkhese

Who ever made you believe makeup brushes are reserved for the pros?

While the trend may be a quick, easy application using your fingers, some looks require a brush to get your makeup just right. These brushes allow you to create everything from a pared-down face to a red carpet contour.

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While there may be dozens of makeup brushes, having these six brushes in your arsenal and knowing how exactly to use them will make all the difference.

Blender Brush
This tool is quintessential when working with foundations and liquid-based products. For that airbrushed look, work this brush into your bag of tricks, and find yourself employing its capabilities more than you ever thought possible. Think smoky eyes to chiseled cheeks. To use, simply buff out and blend in the areas where added colour correction is appropriate.

Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush
Blush Brush
A blush brush has a feathery feel with ultra-long bristles that are ideal for bringing life back into your cheeks. A softer bristle will create a more subtle flush, and a more densely packed brush will deliver a more potent colour payout. This brush can also be used for your bronzers and powders. Simply smile to find the apples of your cheeks, and sweep the product upwards towards the ears.

Julep Blush Brush: Concealer Brush

What makes this brush better than your trusted sponge is that the bristles can maneuver into those areas your other tools (or fingers) cannot, especially those with fine lines and wrinkles.
Concealer brushes are not only helpful for removing foundation streaks; they hide any signs of a breakout with considerable ease.

Kevyn Aucoin Concealer Brush

Powder Brush
Whether you’re devoted to loose or pressed powders, these bristles will disperse the product evenly over your complexion. This particular branch of brush also happens to be the most widely used, making it a must-own if you don’t already. This tool will also prove to be helpful when working on your finishing touches such as setting powder. Just ensure you’re applying product with large sweeping motions across the face, and buffing where necessary.

M.A.C Cosmetics 134 Large Powder Brush

This is another brush that can work numerous jobs for the price of one. From winged liner to darkened waterlines and straight edges, this tool will be your preeminent show pony. When applying liquid liner, ensure you’re gripping the tool as if it were a pencil, holding it closer to the base rather than the bristles. This technique will take practice, but it ensures a cleaner line.

Sephora Collection Precision Eyeliner Brush

Double-Ended Shadow Brush
This double-duty tool is small enough for blending your shadows and flat enough to pick up the product. Just remember to avoid applying your shadow with a heavy hand, as it’s considerably easier to build colour than it is to subtract. To use effectively, sweep the shadow over the lid, starting from the inner corner working outwards, blending and buffing lightly.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Double Ended Brush

Brow Brush
Brows are having a considerable beauty moment, and this brush will help you fill in those sparse and fine hairs to give you fuller brows. Just work the wand upwards to create a more feathered and natural arch. And by using shorter brush strokes, apply the product up and outwards in short, light strokes.