If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
Behind every flawless celebrity glam moment is a magician-like makeup artist who has spent years perfecting their craft to make stars look and feel their best. But what’s behind the MUA? In addition to A-list experience, these artists are backed by a carefully curated selection of beauty products and tools that have their coveted seal of approval. Who better to help us pinpoint the best makeup brushes than the pros?
“Being an Emmy-winning makeup artist has been a whirlwind adventure filled with lights, cameras and countless faces to transform,” shares Julia Jovone, a seasoned MUA who has spent years working with Hollywood elites including Shonda Rhimes, Lovie Simone, Alfonso Ribeiro, Tracy Morgan, Jeffrey Wright, 50 Cent, Tika Sumpter and more. “From working on the sets of movies and TV shows to getting A-list celebrities ready for their red carpet events, my job is to make sure they look flawless in every frame. There are two makeup brushes that have become the backbone of my makeup kit, and I can’t imagine my work without them. They are the tools that help me bring out the best in my clients, enhancing their beauty and boosting their confidence. From the red carpet to the silver screen, these brushes have become my partners in creating magic.”
Related Stories
Read on to learn more about Jovone’s prized bristled essentials, plus more of the best makeup brushes for every use from Hollywood’s top beauty pros — including one of the only foundation brushes that graces Rihanna’s face.
best foundation brush
NARS Ita Kabuki Brush
$40 at Nars
$40 at Nordstrom
Jovone has one more favorite: “When it comes to achieving a flawless foundation application, I love the NARS Ita Kabuki brush. Its soft bristles and perfect density allow for seamless blending, ensuring that the foundation melts into the skin, creating a natural and radiant finish. It’s like airbrushing, but with a brush in my hand.
Best Splurge Foundation Brush
Chanel Les Pinceaux De Chanel 2-In-1 Foundation Brush
$50 at Chanel
$50 at Violet Grey
Another tint tip comes from Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee, who exclusively shared with The Hollywood Reporter that applying skin tint with a brush makes a “massive difference because it breaks open the particles and blends the hydration with the color.”
Staying on theme, we recommend Chanel’s Les Pinceaux de Chanel 2-In-1 brush, which is a tapered foundation brush that adapts to facial contours for a smooth, even application of fluid, cream, and powder formulas.
Best Powder Brush
E.l.f. Flawless Face Powder Brush
$7 at Target
The Flawless Face powder brush from E.l.f. is an affordable multi-tasker that belongs in every kit. The flat side is great for finishing your look with your favorite powder, and the skinny side is ideal for contouring with blush and bronzer.
Best Blush Brush
NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush
$40 at Nars
$40 at Nordstrom
“The NARS Yachiyo brush is my go-to tool for creating the perfect cheek definition,” Jovone exclusively tells The Hollywood Reporter. “Its unique design allows me to effortlessly sculpt and contour, adding depth and dimension to my clients’ faces. Whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a dramatic effect, this brush never fails to deliver impeccable results.”
Best Foundation Brush for airbrush finish
Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110
$34 at Sephora
$34 at Ulta
“This Fenty Beauty foundation brush is my secret weapon for a flawless, airbrushed-like finish when it comes to applying foundation,” reveals Priscilla Ono, Fenty Beauty global makeup artist (and Rihanna’s official makeup artist). “It’s so dense but has a really cool soft feel and rounded shape. It works really well with liquid formulas to apply, blend and diffuse foundation on the face.”
Best concealer brush
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Concealer Brush
$18 at Sephora
Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch concealer brush is a Sephora best-seller for a reason. The cruelty-free bristles are sculpted into a pointed shape for precise blending and buildable coverage.
Best Brow Brush
KVD Beauty No. 70 Pomade Brow Brush
$20 at Sephora
“My favorite makeup brush is the KVD Beauty No. 70 Pomade Brush,” reveals celebrity makeup artist Anthony H. Nguyen, known for mastering the glam of Adele, Rita Ora and Kylie Minogue. “It’s the perfect angled brush to create the sharpest, most precise, and fine-winged liner!”
Best eyeshadow brush
Smashbox Shadow Blending Brush
$24 at Smashbox
$24 at QVC
One of the best eyeshadow blending brushes we’ve tried is this vegan one by Smashbox. The dome-shaped brush is great for building layers, especially if you’re using highly pigmented shades.
Best Fan Brush
Trish McEvoy No. 62 Fan Brush
$39 at Nordstrom
$39 at Trish McEvoy
When creating Sofia Richie’s legendary wedding look, celebrity MUA Pati Dubroff revealed that she used a fan brush to apply a sun-kissed tint balm on the star, “because you don’t want to deposit too much even though it’s pretty light.”
Although she didn’t spill the exact brush used, Trish McEvoy’s No. 62 fan brush is a highly rated fave for its full, curved, fan-shaped head that provides sheer coverage.
best Sculpting Brush
Patrick Ta Precision Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush
$45 at Sephora
$45 at Patrick Ta
Rounding out our list is a true multitasker by a renowned celebrity MUA: Patrick Ta’s precision sculpting brush. Created by Hollywood favorite Patrick Ta (clients include Gigi Hadid, Alix Earle, Lori Harvey and more), this dual-ended brush allows you to apply both cream and powder to sculpt and shape with ease. Use the angled end to apply cream-based formulas and switch to the fluffy end to set and blend powders, blushes and bronzers.
Best lip brush
Sephora Collection Pro Lip Brush No. 85
$18 at Sephora
Yet another affordable and high-performance pick, Sephora Collection’s Pro lip brush No. 85 boasts a tapered point for precise lining with liquid lipsticks.
 - Shopify South Africa)