Did you know that your makeup is only as good as what you apply it with? Using inappropriate or inadequate application tools (such as those spongy eye shadow applicators – throw those away!) do not apply the makeup properly and can actually destroy the “look” you are trying to achieve. That is why it is important to invest in the best makeup brushes you can find. But what are the best makeup brushes and just what makes a makeup brush “the best”?

First you need to make a list of what makeup brushes you will need to properly apply your makeup. The ultimate essentials include:

• Eye shadow brush
• Blush brush
• Powder brush
• Lip brush

Some other great brushes that will improve your makeup application and your look are:

• Concealer brush
• Eyebrow brush
• Eye liner brush
• Foundation brush

Makeup brushes come along with a wide variety of different price points, from very cheap to very expensive. The best makeup brushes may not necessarily be the most expensive, however. Though the best makeup brushes are generally made from natural hair (and are therefore more expensive), many acrylic brushes will do just as good of a job. The added benefit to the acrylic brush is that it is easier to clean than a natural hair brush.

Here are some other things one should consider when shopping around for a makeup brush:

The shape of the brush head: The shape of the brush head should suit the area of the face that the brush is intended to apply makeup to. Some brush shapes are square shaped, angled, tapered, and dome shaped.

The size of the brush head: Again, the size should be appropriate for the area of the face it is meant for. The sizes range from fine/extra small (like an eye liner brush) to extra large (such as a loose powder brush)

It’s all about the bristles: As touched upon earlier, the type of bristles of the brush place a role in the quality of the application. The best makeup brushes are generally made of sable hair, goat hair, or squirrel hair. Synthetic bristles ten to be less expensive and have a shorter lifespan (6 months compared to 2 years). The firmness of the brush and texture should also be appropriate.

The handle size: Though not nearly as important as the above points, you do want to be sure that the handle size will suit your needs (if you need a travel sized makeup brush, you can certainly find these in the stores!)

For the most part, the best makeup brushes are made by boutique makeup companies, like MAC or Sephora. Their makeup brushes are fairly affordable and, if cared for correctly, may even surpass the typical 2 year lifespan!

Which leads us to the most important point: whether you buy the least expensive brushes or the most costly, if you do not regularly clean your makeup brushes and store them in a dry place those brushes that were the best makeup brushes will quickly deteriorate to the worst! Take good care of those brushes and they will be your best friend for years to come.