Smudge Brush

Product Information

When traveling, carry brushes separately from other makeup to protect the bristles from bending and fraying.

Applying eye makeup is all about technique, but while getting it right takes practice, anyone can learn to do it: you'll just need the right tools—and by that, we mean eyeshadow brushes, of course. These instruments are crucial for defining, shading, and blending your way from everyday to pro-level glam. Eyeshadow brushes are used to both deposit and blend makeup," says Gita Bass, a New York-based celebrity makeup artist. "They help to create precise lines and graphic shapes, diffuse washes of color, and blend out any lines for a more natural or smoky finish."

Apply eyeliner to the roots of the lashes. Now that the waterline is done and the color has been smudged into the lash line for that tight-line effect, move on to applying eyeliner to the roots of the lashes on both your top and bottom lashes. "Keeping closer to the lash line makes for an easy smudged liner look that works on most eye shapes," adds Ferreira. For added control, also use pointer finger with a light touch on handle, this will act more as a "guide" during application. Eye makeup application also focuses on a much smaller area than, say, applying foundation or highlighter, so brushes provide greater control in terms of the depth and definition. How many eye makeup brushes do you need?

Alyssa Kaplanis an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tons of experience using all different types of eyeshadow brushes and eyeshadow formulas, and is a personal fan of many items on this list. To gain additional insight and recommendations for this story, she consulted with Gita Bass, a New York-based makeup artist who's worked with clients like Elizabeth Olsen, Emmy Rossum, Laura Dern, and more. Hold brush with a loose grip, close to the end of handle and lightly pinch between thumb, pointer and middle finger.

Makeup application is an art form, but that doesn't mean only those born with artistic abilities should try their hand at it. Most people who wear makeup have dabbled with eyeshadow—it's been around since the dawn of cosmetics, after all—but if it's not already part of your everyday getting-ready routine, applying it can be a little intimidating. All my artistry is in the brush. I believe women need just a few key brushes to achieve a perfect finish, so my range is edited down to eight essential brushes, which work perfectly with my formulas. It is make-up made easy!