BRUSHES

Sure! Many of our face powders can be used on top of foundation or bare There’s a reason makeup brushes are an essential part of most makeup artists’ toolkits: Brushes not only make it easy to apply products, but they also help blend your products to create a seamless, streak-free finish. Brushes are especially useful for applying and buffing out powder products, like powder blushes and setting powders. And while it’s true that many makeup products can be applied sans brush (your fingers often make for a great tool), makeup brushes help limit the possibility of transferring dirt and oils from your hands onto your face and can help achieve a fuller coverage.

Makeup is so personal, so it’s hard to tell you exactly how many makeup brushes you need without knowing what your usual makeup routine is. If you don’t wear contour makeup, for example, a contour brush probably won’t do you much good. Generally speaking, though, we recommend having the following in your arsenal: a foundation brush; a concealer brush; a multi-purpose brush for applying and blending blush, highlighter, and powder makeup; a classic eyeshadow brush like our Pro Blending Brush; and an eyebrow brush like our Pro Dual Brow Brush. You may need additional brushes depending on your makeup routine but these are a great place to start.

Brushes aside, there are a few other tools that can help you achieve a flawless makeup look. Sponges are one of our favorites—they’re versatile and can be used to apply and blend a range of products, including foundation, blush, concealer, and even setting powder. Eyelash curlers can be a great addition to your makeup tool arsenal, especially if you have short or straight lashes. And, of course, a high-quality sharpener is a must if you use any pencil products like pencil eyeliner or lip liner.

There isn’t one right way to apply foundation—the best tool for the job depends on a few factors, including the formula you’re using, its finish, and your desired coverage. Generally speaking, brushes provide a more full-coverage application, while sponges can make buildable products easier to blend and buff.

Pro Tip: You can use makeup sponges to apply powders—not just liquid and cream formulas. Simply dab the tapered end into the powder and press it onto your skin.

Many of our foundation brushes are designed to be used with specific products, including the Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation Brush (which pairs perfectly with our iconic Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full-Coverage Foundation) and Total Control Drop Foundation Brush, which is ideal for using with the customizable and versatile Total Control Pro Drop Foundation. Even if a brush isn’t designed to be used with a specific product, its name is likely to tell you what it’s meant for: a powder brush is for applying face powder, a blending eye brush is for diffusing eyeshadows, etc. If the name isn’t providing enough information, you can read the product page for any NYX Professional Makeup brush to learn its uses. You can also check out The Expert NYX Professional Makeup Guide to Makeup Brushes for a full run-down on types of makeup brushes we offer and what they do.

Makeup brushes don’t expire, but they can lose their bristles and become stiff with use over time, especially if they’re not cared for properly. Aim to clean your brushes at least once per week using a designated brush cleanser but do so gently to avoid damaging the bristles. After washing your brushes and letting them air dry completely, store them somewhere safe and dry, like a designated brush holder or in a cup in your bathroom cabinet (bristle side up). If you’re doing all of that but still feel like your brush isn’t working as well as it should be, it might be time to replace it.