All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

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Even the best makeup routine can’t produce the glorious results you’re expecting without proper, high-quality tools.

4 makeup brushes overlapping on a pink background

Source images: Courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells forAllure

and high-end options from the likes of Hourglass, Chanel, and Patrick Ta.

It’s that easy.

“I used to be loyal to my Beautyblender (still love it!)

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush foundation brush with brown chrome handle and white and brown bristles on light gray background

but this has quickly become my go-to,” sayscommerce editor Sarah Han.

This fluffy wonder is ideal forpowder blushandcream blushformulas for a flushed-from-within look.

Consider it your go-to tool for any and all powder andcream formulas.

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush light pink and gold angled concealer brush on light gray background

That’s not the case.

“This is my go-to brush for every cream product in my kit,” says makeup artistFiona Stiles.

“The different lengths of the hairs make blending seamless and easy.”

Chanel Blush Brush N°110 black fluffy makeup brush on light gray background

(It’s also proof that good options abound at the drugstore, too.)

Stiles agrees with using a smaller brush for setting powder.

“you might’t control your coverage if the brush is too big and fluffy,” she says.

Sephora Collection Pro Bronzer Brush #88 black stippling bronzer brush on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

The bristles are both fluffy but firm, making it ideal to deposit color and blend.

“It’s the perfect brush for a control freak like me,” says senior news editorNicola Dall’Asen.

The tapered shape also makes it a dream for getting into the crease of the eye.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush double-ended rose gold fluffy brush on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge pink makeup sponge on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

MAC 159 Duo Fibre Blush Brush black and silver stippling blush brush on light gray background

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Looking for more tools of the trade?

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 double sided silver and black makeup brush on light gray background

Real Techniques Setting Brush fluffy brush with pink handle and black bristles on light gray background

Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush black and silver fluffy highlighter brush on light gray background

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush 12 Dual-Ended Firm Angled Brush double-ended black and silver eyebrow brush on light gray background

MAC 217 Synthetic Blending Brush black and silver eye shadow blending brush with white bristles on light gray background

Half Magic Pyramid Eyeshadow Brush silver eye shadow brush with triangle shaped bristles on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Jane Iredale Detail Brush pale wood eye shadow detail brush on light gray background

Sonia Kashuk Retractable 2-in-1 Lip Makeup Brush No. 401 black lip brush on light gray background