Brushes With Greatness: 12 Makeup Tools You Need Now

“Basic” tends to get a bad rap, but while Sonia Kashuk’s party of five brushes ($17; target.com ) may seem simple, the effect they create is anything but. Whether you opt for a smoky or minimalist eye, the multi-tasking minis blend both looks with ease, while the larger brushes perfect and even out your complexion.

We love the flawless finish a dusting of loose powder imparts on our faces; we’re not fans of the antiqued finish it gives the inside of our makeup bags. Thanks to its refillable base, Jane Iredale’s brush ($35; janeiredale.com) leaves the cleanup process out of your primping routine. Simply unscrew the hollow end, pour in the loose powder of your choice, and the tool will dispense an even amount of product in one quick sweep.

Swap your traditional bristles for this silicone-tipped version ($6; ulta.com), whose firm applicator ensures the smoothest line possible, while the tapered point allows even cat-eye novices to create a sharp, graphic wing.

Bare Escentuals’ version is the ultimate game-changer ($28; bareescentuals.com). Just like a classic flat-top brush, it imparts an even veil of color, but the concave bristles keep the product from slipping and sliding all over your face.

You know that tricky inner corner under your eye that concealer always seems to miss? With its curved head, Tweezerman’s contour concealer tool ($18; tweezerman.com) won’t ever leave that area overlooked again.

Just like the classic Beauty Blender, these smaller versions ($18 for two; sephora.com) leave your foundation looking like the work of an airbrush machine, and are especially great for targeting those difficult areas a foundation brush can’t quite reach. Even better, they work overtime in the highlighting and contouring department to buff out harsh lines.

We know the struggle of your favorite lip gloss nearing its final few swipes, but the sponge-tipped applicator is too short to get the product all the way at the bottom. Enter Swoon’s Lip Gloss Pick Up Artist ($15; sephora.com), which spans the length of the bottle to ensure your gloss is good to the last drop. Plus, the non-absorbent silicone wand allows you to use the tool over and over again.

Different areas of your face may need different amounts of product, but Smashbox’s adjustable face brush ($39; smashbox.com) allows you to cover every one without breaking out your full makeup kit. With one twist, you have a full-coverage tool for sweeping on an even layer of foundation. Click it a second time if you prefer to let your natural complexion peek through. Give the tool a third and final twist for the full Kabuki brush, which is perfect for applying loose powder.

The precise bristles on this retractable brush ($27; sephora.com) make it ideal for applying fall’s darker hues, and we especially love how it fits into even the tiniest clutches for any last-minute touch-ups.

The bristles on Anastasia’s brush ($18; anastasia.net) may be flat, but the firm texture will keep your arches on point. Its super-straight edge distributes product exactly where you need it, while the spoolie brush helps to diffuse the color, making the dreaded Sharpie-esque brow a thing of the past.

Use the dense end to sculpt specific areas, then buff out your handiwork with the fluffy dome brush to give your skin a natural, almost-naked finish ($26; urbandecay.net).

The key to flawless coverage? Cle de Peau Beaute’s first-ever foundation brush ($45; nordstrom.com). The synthetic bristles help you blend like a pro as they spread both cream and liquid formulas for a smooth, even finish.