Beauty columnist Sali Hughes has unveiled her definitive guide to the best makeup brushes, highlighting that the right tools can transform your makeup routine. In her latest column, Hughes stresses that investing in high-quality brushes is essential for achieving a professional finish and ensuring the longevity of your cosmetics.
Why Brush Quality Matters
According to Hughes, the difference between a mediocre makeup application and a flawless one often comes down to the brushes used. She notes that cheap brushes can shed bristles, absorb too much product, and fail to blend properly, leading to uneven coverage. In contrast, well-made brushes distribute product evenly, allow for buildable coverage, and last for years with proper care.
Top Brush Picks by Sali Hughes
Hughes recommends a curated selection of brushes for different purposes. For foundation, she favors a dense, flat-top kabuki brush that buffs liquid formulas seamlessly into the skin. She cites the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush as a budget-friendly option that performs exceptionally well. For concealer, she suggests a small, tapered brush that can precisely target blemishes and under-eye areas, such as the Sigma E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush.
For powder application, Hughes advocates for a large, fluffy powder brush that picks up just the right amount of product without caking. She mentions the Beauty Blender Power Pocket Brush as a travel-friendly choice. When it comes to eyeshadow, she recommends a set of three essential brushes: a flat shader brush for packing on color, a fluffy blending brush for crease work, and a small angled brush for precision lining. Her go-to blending brush is the Mac 217, which she describes as 'the gold standard' for creating soft, diffused eye looks.
Brush Care and Longevity
Hughes also emphasizes the importance of cleaning brushes regularly to maintain their performance and prevent bacterial buildup. She advises washing brushes at least once a week with a gentle shampoo or brush cleaner, and reshaping them after washing to preserve their form. 'A well-cared-for brush can last decades,' she says, 'making them a worthwhile investment.'
In her column, Hughes also touches on the environmental benefits of buying quality brushes, as they reduce the need for frequent replacements and cut down on waste from disposable applicators.
