Shopping for cosmetic brushes can be a little daunting, with the myriad options out there. But finding the right brush can really make all the difference in your makeup application. The average person doesn’t need every brush that’s available, and can usually use one brush for more than one purpose. When Sephora recently sent me their PRO Brushes collection, I tried them all out and narrowed them down to my favorite essentials. I’m a big believer in the idea that there’s no wrong way to use a brush, as long as it’s working for the individual in whatever way they see fit – but if you’re searching for some new brushes to add to your makeup kit, here are a few of my recommendations (and how they’ll be most useful).

Best for concealing with a flawless finish:  SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Airbrush Concealer Brush #57

This brush is densely packed with soft, synthetic hair that is ideal for blending creams and liquids. I use it in small, light, circular motions to blend out concealer under my eyes (I usually go over it with my ring finger or a damp sponge after) or on blemishes. I used to use a flat concealer brush, but found the product would just end up sitting on top instead of blending in with the surrounding area, so I switched to this brush. Use a very light hand – barely brush the bristles against your skin, or else you’ll just wipe the product off.  

Click through to see the rest of my SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO brush picks and how I use them!

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Best for chiseled cheeks: SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Angled Blush Brush #49

I have a ton of brushes just for my cheeks which is probably unnecessary, but I usually just travel with one or maybe tw0 (the other being a duo-fiber stippling brush). I go with the angled blush brush because it’s great for multi-tasking: you can sweep blush along your cheekbones, contour beneath, highlight on top, contour the jawline and hairline, etc. Works with both powder and cream, but I prefer this with powder. For cream, I often prefer blending with my fingers because it warms it up and helps it sink in…and I like something more exact for application. Which leads me to…

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Best for contouring and highlighting with precision: SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Contour Highlight Brush #80

The tapered tip of this duo-fiber brush (natural at the base and synthetic at the top) makes it ideal for precise contouring and highlighting – especially with creams and liquids. This is also great for concealer and blending, so if you’re looking for one brush to cover all those bases, this is a good option. Just make sure to clean between uses, because you don’t want to mix your contour shade with highlighter and concealer! That would make a muddy mess.

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Best for fine-tuning a statement lip: SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Angled Lip Brush #84

I have a lot of lip brushes, and they’re usually the exact same design: flat, small brush with a slightly rounded edge. They work just fine, but this one is a game changer. The angle contours to your lip line, giving precise edges – which is essential with a statement lip. Use it on its side to fill, then turn it to get that sharp edge.

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Best multi-tasker: SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Tapered Crease #19

If I could only have one brush for eyeshadow, this would be it. Not because it’s great at depositing color (it isn’t), but because it’s excellent at blending it. That may not be its intended purpose – it’s meant to sweep color in the crease – but I love a multi-tasker. If need be, I can pat some shadow on my eyelid with my finger, but then I’ll use this brush to contour the crease and then blend the heck out of it. The natural bristles make this best suited for powder.

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Best for filling and shaping brows: SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Brow Brush #20

I will go outside without a lick of makeup on…except for my brows. I don’t like going out without my brows filled in, if I can help it! A stiff angled brush that’s not too thick is a necessity for shaping and filling your arches and tails without them looking painted on. Start with a sharp pencil for defining and filling your brows, then use the brush to distribute color and simultaneously blend it in seamlessly.

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This post was sponsored by Sephora. All opinions are my own.