My Favorite Makeup Brushes for a Flawless Application
When it comes to flawless makeup, technique matters — but the tools you use can take your application from good to exceptional. Over the years as a professional makeup artist, I’ve tested countless brushes, and I’ve narrowed my kit down to the ones I truly reach for again and again.
Here’s a full breakdown of my go-to brushes for face and eyes, plus how I use each one. Plus all products are linked here.
Face Brushes
MORPHE | Morphe x Ariel Signature Look 12-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set – A versatile set that covers everything from blending foundation to perfecting your eye look.
SEPHORA | The Total Brush Set – A great all-in-one option if you’re building your brush collection.
MAKEUP BY MARIO | F4 Surreal Foundation Brush – My top pick for buffing in foundation for a seamless, skin-like finish.
MORPHE | M104 Domed Foundation Brush – Perfect for building coverage without streaks.
HAUS LABS | Cruelty-Free Concealer Brush – Works beautifully under the eyes and around the nose for precise concealer placement.
HOURGLASS | Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush – One of the softest concealer brushes I own — blends like a dream.
MORPHE | M132 Angled Concealer Brush – Great for getting into tight areas and sculpting brows with concealer.
SEPHORA | Pro Highlight Brush #98 (I use this for setting powder) – Gives a soft, diffused set to the under-eyes or targeted areas.
SEPHORA | Essential Brush - 05 Highlighter (I use this for setting powder) – Another favorite for small-area powder application.
MORPHE | M164 Small Pointed Powder Brush – Great for precision powdering around the nose and under the eyes.
MAKEUP BY MARIO | F1 Makeup Brush (I use this for cream bronzer or blush) – The perfect shape for blending creams seamlessly.
PATRICK TA | Dual Ended Precision Blush Brush (Fluffy side for powder blush, dense side for cream blush) – Truly two brushes in one.
MORPHE | M242 Slanted Cream & Liquid Bronzer Brush – Makes applying and blending cream bronzer effortless.
MORPHE | M204 Rounded Cream & Liquid Blush Brush – My go-to for cream blush placement.
PATRICK TA | Precision Dual Ended Nose Brush – Ideal for precise nose contouring.
MAKEUP BY MARIO | F3 Makeup Brush (Use for powder, bronzer, and/or blush) – A multi-tasker for face powders.
HOURGLASS | Veil Powder Brush (Use for powder, bronzer, and/or blush) – Luxuriously soft and perfectly shaped for a diffused finish.
MORPHE | M241 Angled Powder Bronzer Brush – Great for sculpting with powder bronzer.
MORPHE | M203 Tapered Powder Blush Brush – Fits perfectly on the apples of the cheeks for a soft blush application.
RARE BEAUTY | Positive Light Precision Highlighter Brush – Targets high points of the face with just the right amount of glow.
MORPHE | M282 Rounded Cream & Liquid Highlighter Brush – Perfect for blending cream highlighter without lifting the base.
Eye Brushes
MAKEUP BY MARIO | EF 2 Makeup Brush – Great for blending shadows in the crease or diffusing color.
SEPHORA | Pro Crease Brush #26 – My everyday crease brush for soft, blended transitions.
SEPHORA | Essential Brush - 09 Crease – Ideal for adding depth to the crease.
MORPHE | M333 Large Rounded Blender Eyeshadow Brush – Fluffs out edges for a seamless eye look.
SEPHORA | Essential Brush - 08 Eyeshadow – Great for packing color onto the lid.
MORPHE | M303 Large Paddle Packer Eyeshadow Brush – For precise, high-impact lid color placement.
SEPHORA | Pro Eye Liner Brush #22 – Thin, precise lines every time.
MORPHE | M363 Angled Eyeliner Brush – Ideal for gel liner or shadow liner looks.
SEPHORA | Essential Brush - Smudger – Perfect for blending liner or smudging shadow along the lash line.
MORPHE | M382 Detail Smudger Eye Brush – For precision work on the lower lash line or outer corner.
These brushes are the backbone of my kit — whether I’m working on a bride, a photoshoot, or just doing my own makeup, they help me get the perfect blend and finish every time. If you’re looking to invest in tools that will truly elevate your makeup game, these are the ones I recommend starting with.
You can shop all my favorite brushes here.
xo,
Caitlyn
