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Makeup brushes can be both the bane, and the joy, of a beauty lover’s existence. There are so many sparkly, mesmerizing, and Harry Potter-inspired options to choose from, yet there lies the problem. Most of us have an arsenal of brushes — either scattered across a vanity or neatly tucked away in decorative jars — but only a few actually get used.
It's no wonder you've been collecting them. Peek in any professional makeup artist's kit and you'll soon realize it takes a lot of tools to create the looks many of us strive to copy — including some clever brushes you may have discounted in the past. But decoding a killer tool kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or mysterious. In fact, there are likely some useful brushes right under your nose that just may change your makeup routine for the better. (Remember that 32-piece kit you bought last year? It's time to use it!)
Ahead, a look at the makeup brushes you’ve most likely been ignoring, but should highly consider putting to work.
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Nose Contouring Brush
Those after a chiseled look know that the nose is, by far, the most challenging area to tackle — but there's an easy solution. See that oddly-shaped brush, second from the right? That's a nose contour brush and it just may be your new best friend.
This tool allows you to create and blend a perfect V at the tip of your nose. Simply dip or swirl into your product and use the sides of this tool to draw thin, straight lines down your nose.
BH Cosmetics 131 Nose Contouring Brush $20 set, available at BH Cosmetics.
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Detail Fan Brush
Love a glowing look? This is for you. In fact, when you’re obsessed with highlighter it’s essential to get into the hard-to-reach places. You can precisely accentuate the tip of your nose and Cupid’s bow with a mini fan brush.
Sigma Beauty L04 Lash Fan Brush $15, available at Nordstrom.
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Pointed Powder Brush
We’re not done highlighting yet. Those that love an intense shot of shimmer along their cheekbones will love using a pointed precision brush. It's ideal for applying blush, yes, but this pointed brush also deposits highlight exactly where you want it — and even blends edges without losing the dramatic effect.
Sephora Collection Pro Precision Powder Brush #59 $38, available at Sephora.
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Flat Liner Brush
What the heck is this one for? More than you think! Use a flat liner brush to quickly apply eyeshadow along the lashline to emphasize the eyes — without the hassle of a pens or pencils. Or, build the color by blending it out towards the crease for an increasingly-smoky eye look. You can also use this brush to line your lips with shadow for a matte finish.
Morphe Brushes M432 Flat Liner Definer $3.99, available at Morphe Brushes.
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Double-Sided Eyeliner Brush
Drawing precise lines with an eyeliner brush requires a hand steadier than a brain surgeon's — but with a little practice and the right brush, you'll earn a degree in the art of lining in no time.
Yes, you can use this brush for the perfect kitten flick — and you should — but you can also make your eyes appear larger with an easy hack. Dip the tiny brush into any shadow you like and smudge a thin line under your lashline with quick, thin strokes. We know what you're thinking: It’s so crazy that it just might work.
Tarte Etch & Sketch Double Ended Bamboo Liner Brush $15, available at Sephora.
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A Retractable Lip Brush
A lip brush is a lip brush, right? Wrong. Pick up a version with a cap, or retractable tip, to make on-the-go application a breeze. Why? All you do is load the brush with your product, pop the top on, and stow it in your purse or pocket. No need to tote the tube.
Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush, $2.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
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Eyeshadow Smudger
You probably haven’t touched this kind of brush since high school. Sponge brushes never seemed to deliver on our eyeshadow performance goals goals back then, yet they can do wonders for blending eyeliner today. Use this brush to hop on the smudged makeup look, whether it be your eyes or your lips, and take it back to '90s grunge in snap.
The Body Shop Smudger Brush $11, available at The Body Shop.
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