Sali Hughes, beauty columnist, has identified five essential makeup brushes she cannot do without, based on a friend's query about her kit. She emphasizes that while brushes are often overlooked, they are the most inquired-about items in her makeup application videos.
Must-Have Brushes
Hughes' top pick is a fluffy concealer brush, such as Hourglass's Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush (£40) or Sculpted by Aimee's Concealer Duo Brush (£14). This brush allows for light, tappy blending, uses less concealer, and can fix makeup mishaps like smudges or caking.
For foundation, she prefers a chubby, dandelion-headed brush like Saie's The Base Brush (£26). She advises that if the brush leaves marks, you are using too much product or the brush needs washing with Fairy Liquid.
Powder and Eyeshadow Tools
A fluffy powder brush for bronzer, face powder, and blusher is next. Make Up By Mario's double-ended F2 (£33) offers two sizes for application and touch-ups.
For eyeshadow, Hughes relies on Vieve's Eyeshadow Blender Brush (£23-£24), available in two sizes; she chooses the smaller size for her small eyes.
Final Essential and Bonus
A small smudge brush, like MyKitCo's (£19), is useful for under-eye shadow, blurring lip liner, and smudging eyeliner. She notes that all MyKitCo brushes are excellent.
As a sixth tool, Hughes uses a disposable mascara spoolie for brows, which is free from makeup counters and lasts years.
