Face Forward: Makeup Kit Essentials Part Deux [Brushes]

The proper brushes must haves for every makeup kit. Brushes work better than sponges because they don’t absorb the makeup and the also carry less oil and bacteria. Good brushes can last you for years if taken care of properly. Brushes also allow you to apply your makeup more evenly and control how much product you are using. Here are my must have brushes.

Concealer Brush: This a brush that has stiff bristles that allow you to evenly apply and build you concealer. They come in different sizes but it's generally a small brush that works wonders in covering imperfections and dark circles. I recommend Mac 195 Concealer Brush ($22 at www.maccosmetics.com) or the Revlon Concealer Brush ($9.99 at www.ulta.com or your local drug store)

Foundation Brush: The foundation brush is like the concealer brush only larger. The bristles may also be a little softer than those of the concealer brush. A good foundation brush allows you to apply your foundation evenly so that you achieve a natural look. I recommend Mac 190 Foundation Brush ($32 at www.maccosmetics.com ) or NYX Foundation Brush ($8 at www.nyxcosmetics.com)

Blush Brush: For blush application a good fluffy angled brush works best. It allows you to apply the blush in a way to contour your face and cheek bones. My favorites are Mac 168 Contour Brush ( $32 at www.maccosmetics.com) and Sonia Kashuk Large Angle brush. ($9.99 at www.target.com)

Eye Shadow Brush: This brush allows you to apply eyeshadow by effectively building color. A good eye shadow brush will allow you to add as little or as much color as wanted or needed. My picks are MAC 213 Fluff Brush ($22.50 at www.maccosmetics.com ) and Sonia Kashuk Large Eye Shadow Brush ($9.99 at www.target.com)

Eye Shadow Blending Brush: This brush is best when you are wearing more than one color eye shadow on your eye. The brush usual has soft dome shaped bristles. It allows you to BLEND the colors and to get rid of harsh lines. My favorites are the MAC 217 Blending Brush ( $22.50 at www.maccosmetics.com ) and the E.L.F. blending brush ( $1 at www.eyeslipsface.com)

Full Face Brush: This fluffy face brush has many uses. The most important is to BLEND your foundation. This brush allows for effective blending of your foundation at the neck and hair line. It can also be used to add a pressed powder finish to your makeup. I recommend the MAC 129 Powder Brush ($34 at www.maccosmetics.com) and the Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ($19.99 at www.target.com)