The 7 Best Contour Brushes of 2019

IT Cosmetics is known for making some of the best brushes in the beauty biz, and their Velvet Luxe Soft Focus Sculpting Brush is certainly in the top ranks. The super dense sculpting brush is specifically designed to apply and blend makeup along the curves and angles of your face, delivering loads of definition, especially when you use the brush at an angle. It works equally well with cream or powder makeup, and the ergonomic, custom molded design of the handle makes it a cinch to use. The ultimate multitasker, this brush can handle your every contouring need.

When it comes to brushes on a budget, you can’t beat e.l.f. Cosmetics. The densely-packed, soft bristles are great for evenly applying powder to ​skin, making it perfect for getting a sharp contour and blending that sculpted line. Use the flat edge for sweeping contours and the curved corners for an exact application. An added bonus: In addition to contouring, this brush can also be used for blending, highlighting, and stippling. Plus, animal lovers can rejoice, since the soft bristles are vegan friendly.

A dual-ended contouring brush means it has twice the power! Made just for brushing on bronzer, blush and highlighter, the big, fluffy brush on one side is meant for buffing and blending cheek powders, while the other is for precise sculpting with the smaller, exacting brush. Use its more petite size to your advantage to really work those cheekbones for a slimming look.

If you’re wondering why we’re celebrating this brush's angled bristles, it’s because they can pick up more product than a traditional brush, making it easier to carve out your contour in the most accurate way. Use the pointed side to access hard to reach spots, including around the eyes and nose. It brings on high definition with all makeup formulas, including blush, bronzer, foundation, and concealer.

Ecotools is a fitting name for a PETA certified brand whose products are completely vegan, made from recycled aluminum, have packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable, and their makeup brushes feature handles made of renewable bamboo. Even better, this brush is just as good for your face as it is for the planet. Made with 60,000 bristles to deliver a full, smooth application, the brush can be used wet or dry. Its oval bristle head is designed for precise placement of blush and contouring makeup. To get a sheer look, dampen the bristles first.

Synthetic bristles tend to grab onto formulas better, and no one does synthetics better than avowed animal lover Kat Von D. This two-in-one eyeshadow brush has a tapered end for defining and a domed end meant for blending, meaning that it will help you achieve the best smoky eye you can imagine. Though it’s meant for the eye area, it can be used anywhere you want to get a sharply defined look. The vegan bristles are incredibly soft and have gradient tips for extra blending power. Another reason to spring for this brush? It comes with a cool hard coffin case to store it in.