The 6 Best Makeup Brushes for Contouring

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 ​the 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.

We’ve yet to go wrong when buying anything from the namesake line of the beloved British makeup artist to the stars, and this brush is no exception. The versatile brush can be used for blush and contouring since it’s made to be utilized for any sculpting effect. The tapered end helps you work the hollows of your cheeks and temples, plus sweep highlighter across your cheekbones, nose, and even the cupid’s bow of your lips for a pucker that pops. Handmade by master brush makers in Europe, it’ll also be the star of your vanity with its rose gold and deep red design. But it doesn’t just look pretty — the ergonomic wood handle makes the application a cinch.

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.

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.

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 smokey 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.