Whether your products of choice are liquid or powder, the Wet n Wild Kabuki Brush delivers smooth, even coverage. Densely-packed bristles provide the same effect as tapping on product with your fingertips — in other words, expect a lit-from-within glow and skinlike finish.
Liquid foundation (especially of the high-coverage variety) leaves you susceptible to streaks — but not when you apply it with Clarins‘ Flat Foundation Brush. Designed with an ergonomic handle and tapered edges to evenly distribute product, this tool guarantees flawless coverage and a natural finish.
Sigma Beauty‘s F70 Concealer Brush makes dark circles go poof thanks to a tapered, flat brush head that expertly spreads and blends product for a barely-there finish. The compact design allows you to spot-conceal hard-to-reach areas, like the inner corner of your eyes, with ease.
You need the help of a solid setting powder to ensure your makeup lasts for hours — and Real Techniques‘ Setting Powder Brush is just the tool for application. The soft bristles dust on product effectively while providing a natural (never cakey) finish; a tapered design allows for precise application on the concentrated areas of your face, a.k.a. your undereyes.
Eye & Brow Brushes
Pigment can be tactically applied thanks to the slightly curved design of E.L.F.‘s Eyeshadow Brush. A sheer tip picks up the perfect amount of product — just enough that you won’t have to shake out any excess — and an ergonomic handle means it fits comfortably in your hand. And at $2, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any complaints.
Pomades, gels, powders, and waxes are all applied beautifully with IT Cosmetics‘ Heavenly Luxe Brow Power. This dual-sided tool contains an angled brush to fill in and define; the other end has a spoolie to brush out the brows and provide a natural finish.
Not to be mistaken for merely an eye & brow brush, the Alleyoop 4-in-1 Makeup Brush is quite literally a multitasker that will complete your carry-on packing situation. Ideal for frequent fliers and post-gym touch-ups, this compact tool is stocked with brushes for eye shadow, blush, and brows, plus a replaceable concealer sponge, the only thing more impressive than this packing-friendly design is the $28 price tag.
Makeup Sponges
When activated with water, the Beautyblender — which has won three Best of Beauty Awards and three Readers’ Choice Awards in its groundbreaking lifetime — expands to twice its size and seamlessly blends foundation, concealer, and highlighter. (Just be sure to squeeze out excess water before taking it to your face.) And rest assured that its beloved reputation is deserved, mostly for the following reasons: no streaks, no orange patches, and no cakey finish. Plus, a contoured tip allows for precise application — perfect for those tricky undereyes.