The Make-Up Brushes Industry Experts Swear By

Space NK Brush 203, £18

Although, this is meant to be used for highlighting, it’s also perfect for blush and contouring because it’s not too big – which means you really get your money’s worth. The slanted edge also helps you achieve even results, while the soft and flexible bristles means you never deposit too much pigment in once place. 

Available at SpaceNK.com

Real Techniques 402 Setting Brush, £5.99 (was £7.99)

These are brilliant to use with concealer, blush and powder, as the bristle heads are densely packed and really hold onto product. Plus, the brush doesn’t fray fast like others on the market. It’s also small and easy to use – which is key because it helps create detail and a more refined complexion. 

Available at LookFantastic.com

Beauty Pie All-Over Face Powder Brush, £40

While all three of these are top on my list, this would be my pick if you could only afford one. It’s super lightweight and distributes bronzer, blusher (and most formulas for that matter) directly onto the skin with a soft, airbrushed finish. It’s a great price point and cruelty-free, too. 

Available at BeautyPie.com

Zoeva Luxe Highlight Brush (105), £15

It’s brilliant for highlighting the cheekbones and high points of the face, but this brush does so much more. It has delicate, feathery light bristles that never tug the skin, while the tapered head is great for precision. You can use it to blend eye shadows out and, as it’s so soft, it’s great for a soft-focus finish, or when you want your eye make-up to look more diffused and smudged. 

Available at BeautyBay.com

Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hake Brush, £59

This is the brush when it comes to applying foundation. It doesn’t matter what product you use; this will make any formulation glide onto the skin, leaving behind a flawless, creamy finish. The 100% animal-friendly synthetic bristles are an added bonus.

Available at FeelUnique.com

Tom Ford Bronzer Brush, £83

This is expensive, but the synthetic bristles don’t ever drop, and are also easy to clean. It’s just the right size and bristle length for blending bronzers and blushes – and all textures and formulations. The wide head means you can cover larger surface areas, too, and it’s great for accentuating cheekbones with cream or powder highlighters, as well. 

Available at HarveyNichols.com

MAC 217 Blending Brush, £21

Everyone should try this brush. It’s brilliant for applying powder shadows (creams can always be done with your finger) and highlighter too, as the bristles are loose and flexible, making application seamless and lightweight. 

Available at Selfridges.com

Real Techniques Powder Brush, £11.99 (was £12.99)

Base and concealer can usually be applied with your fingers, but if there’s one brush to use, it’s this powder brush that can be used for setting make-up and for bronzers, too. Top tip: If you pinch the tip of the blush, you can use it for blush too. 

Available at Boots.com

Zoeva Winged Liner Brush, £9

Eyeliner brushes are great for liquid liner novices or those who want more accuracy. This pointed brush makes light work of defining your eyes with gel and liquid textures, and can be used to fill in your brows, too. 

Available at ZoevaCosmetics.co.uk

Clinique Foundation Buff Brush, £29

The Clinique Buffer Brush is one of the most versatile and handy tools to own. It’s sturdy and effective, while the densely packed brush hairs create the perfect canvas,seamlessly. It works amazingly well with liquid textures, gel formulas and also powder. 

Available at Boots.com

My Kit Co 3.1 My Line & Fill Brush, £17

This is an absolute life saver and the perfect shape to create a flawless, perfect lip. It’s been designed to enable textures and lip shapes to work in harmony. The brush hairs are packed in closely so there’s never any sprouting, either.  

Available at MyKitCo.uk

MAC 219S Pencil Brush, £21

The Mac #219 brush is my favourite for blending eyeshadows seamlessly. It fits perfectly into the crease of the eye and also works a dream with liquid concealer. Plus, unlike other brushes, it washes up like brand new when you give it a good clean. I've had this in my tool belt for over ten years and it always performs beautifully.

Available at JohnLewis.com