When I first got into makeup, I’d heard many times that tools make all the difference.  At first I didn’t believe them.  As a makeup novice, I didn’t know squat about colour placement or the basics of blending, so how could I possibly go from amateur to pro by using makeup brushes?

It turns out that even up to this day, even though I consider myself pretty good at applying my own makeup, I need a good set of makeup brushes to create polished look, and easily too!

Case in point: I don’t have a single eye makeup brush in my boyfriend’s place.  I have resorted to using Q-tips and my fingers only, and all of a sudden I am back in twelfth grade, practising my prom look (turquoise and blue eyeshadow, no less!).  Oh the horror!

So, whether you are just starting to get into makeup (warning: you will be addicted! ) or are looking for solid new additions to your makeup brush collection, here are my absolute essentials.  That means that 99.99% of the time, these are the only brushes I will use for my eye makeup.  They are that good, I promise!

Fluffy Shader Brush

This is great for patting on colour all over the lid or brow highlight.  Because it is a fluffy brush and not a stiff flat shader brush, you can apply and blend colour at the same time.  Who doesn’t like a multi-tasking product?  Oh, and who doesn’t like the word ‘fluff’?  Fluff is so fun to say!

Recommendations: Crown C209 Chisel Pointed Fluff Brush ($2-3 at IMATS), Quo All Over Shadow Brush (Canada only, I think $7 at Shoppers Drugmart), MAC 213 Fluff Brush ($27).

Angled Liner / Brow Brush

Another good multi-tasking brush is the angled liner / brow brush.  Look for something that is firm and very tightly packed so you can vary the thickness of your lines easily.

Recommendations: Crown PP11 Taklon Angle Liner Brush ($2-$3 in IMATS), MAC 266 Small Angle Brush ($23.50).

Smudging Brush

My favourite kind of smudging brush is wide with short firm bristles.  They are great for smoking out a creamy pencil, or smudging a dark colour along the lash lines for a smoky eye.

Recommendations: Quo Eye Smudger Brush (Canada only, I think $7 at Shoppers Drugmart), MAC 214 Short Shader Brush ($29.50).

Fluffy Blending Brush

If you have to have just one brush, let this be it.  A fluffy blending brush is essential for flawlessly blending out your eyeshadows.  Look for one that is not flimsy, you want the brush to be firm but soft against your skin.  The MAC 217 is my holy grail!  It also works great for buffing in a cream concealer.

Recommendations: Sephora Collection Professionnel Blending Eye Brush #29 ($20, a MAC 217 dupe according to Donna Marie), MAC 217 Blending Brush ($27).

Tapered Crease Brush

This one is essential for smaller eyes for precise eyeshadow placement.  It also takes a little bit of time to get used to, but you can either use the pointed tip for sharper definition, or apply on its side to blend out your crease colour.  It’s not going to blend as much as a fluffy blending brush because it’s meant to add definition.  Look for some firmness in the brush.  If it is flimsy, it is a no go!  LOL.

Recommendations: MAC 226 Small Tapered Blending Brush ($29, not part of the permanent collection but hopefully they will bring it back soon!).

What Are Your Must-have Eye Makeup Brushes?

See anything I mentioned here?  Any others you would add to the list?