By now, many of us may be familiar with the basics of makeup brushes [1] and might even have a few favorites stashed in our makeup bag. After all, great makeup isn't just about the products you use — it's also about the tools used to get your look. Beauty brands are constantly debuting new versions of classics, but lately we're seeing a slew of new innovations that look quite different from what we're used to. We did a little investigating to see what the deal with these unique brushes was, and it turns out that while some are made for specific purposes, you can get everyday use out of most.
From a vintage-inspired brush to a lambswool pouf, here are seven brushes out there that are anything but ordinary.
The finishing touch for a face full of makeup is a gentle buffing with a tool that wasn't used to apply makeup. This lambswool-puffed one will perfect makeup by giving it an airbrush-smooth finish that's flawless. It also works as a vehicle for translucent powder and even a powdered blush.
Laura Geller Lambswool Paddle Soft Focus Make-Up Blender [2] ($17)
If you've been toying with the idea of tightlining or simply looking for a traditional eyeliner applicator, you'll want to check out this one. Each side on the ergonomic brush is firm enough for precise application but soft enough to glide without irritation — and whether you use powder or a gel formula, application is a breeze. The fine tip is ideal for a cat eye or lining the lower lashline, while the fan side makes tightlining effortless when used in a sweeping motion.
It Cosmetics Tightliner 10-in-1 Dual-Ended Brush #13 [3] ($24)
Sephora's Pro Contour five-brush lineup can intimidate most, but the one standout is the Kabuki #82. The most unique-looking all-in-one sculpting tool of the bunch shades, contours, and highlights your entire face. The curved shape of the bristles makes blending in any direction seamless, and it also allows the bristles to fit into facial grooves — like hollows of the cheeks, jawline, and under-eye area — to help with your application process.
Sephora Collection Pro Contour Kabuki #82 [4] ($38)
Whether you're a makeup-lover who isn't afraid to get creative or a budding artist looking to build out your kit, this brush is one to check out. It's precut into eight thin sections and made for use with cream and liquids, like MUFE's colorful Aquarelle [5] range. This unusual mini fan boasts silky-soft bristles that glide easily to create eight thin lines for your work of art.
Make Up For Ever 402 Artistic Fan Brush [Array] ($20)
Glamour aside, this faux-hair brush is designed to be the only finishing product you'll want to use after applying all your makeup. It's designed to look like the ones Hollywood makeup artists used in the 1930s, and its longer bristles allow it to softly dust off excess powder or absorb excess shine for a beautiful and flawless complexion.
Bésame Cosmetics Boudoir Long Hair Finishing Powder Brush [6] ($50)
Not only is this round-tip brush ergonomic, but the shape of each fiber is made to provide a soft but focused application. Each CosmeFibre — the synthetic fibers the brushes are packed with — has a tapered end, which is what makes blending a smoky eye or crease-contouring with this a dream. It's also a good tool to consider when contouring small areas like the sides of your nose and along your hairline.
Artis Elite Mirror Circle 1R Brush [7] ($35)
This large fan brush is not your average lightweight wispy one used for a dab of everyday highlighter. The supersoft, wide-reaching bristles are great if you're looking for a top-notch body brush that will get a lot of usage. It covers a lot of real estate, making it ideal for applying powder on your décolletage, chest, and beyond.
It Brushes For Ulta Velvet Luxe Empress Fan Brush #324 [8] ($48)