The 5 makeup brushes you really need, plus application tips

4. Clinique blush brush, $34
Swirl this brush in powdered blush and tap off the excess. Smile, then apply to the roundest part of your cheeks in a circular motion and finish (without adding more powder) in an upsweep along your cheekbones toward your hairline.

This brush is also better than fingertips for sweeping away eye shadow that falls under your eyes while you're applying it. As well, you can use it to apply bronzer.

5. The Body Shop line softener foam-tip brush, $10
Dip this brush into shimmery light shadow (white or champagne for pale complexions, gold for deeper complexions), tap off the excess, then dab it in the inner corner of your eyes. This is a favourite makeup-artist trick that brightens your eyes and makes you look fresh and awake – perfect for Monday morning. And Tuesday morning. And... well, every morning.

You can also use this brush to smudge eyeliner, whether it's shadow or pencil.

Brush tips
To avoid icky product and bacterial build-up, you need to keep your brushes clean. Do it for the sake of your skin and for the sake of your wallet (good, regularly cleaned brushes last for ages). If you use your brushes daily, wash them every couple of weeks with gentle shampoo (follow with a tiny bit of conditioner on natural hair brushes) and lay them flat to dry. Try dishwashing liquid to get lip and concealer brushes clean.

Finally, here's a money-wise tip: the best time to buy a brush collection is in the two months before Christmas. Many cosmetics companies package their full-size bestsellers in sets and offer them at great prices. So get out there and brush up. You'll love the results.

Check out these top makeup tips from real women.

Janine Falcon is senior editor, Beauty, for Canadian Living Magazine.

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