Are you always on the lookout for the next best makeup tool, whether it's the cult Beauty Blender or the return of the retro oval brush? Are you hooked on watching makeup tutorials and noting how your favourite artists and bloggers create looks with their arsenal of brushes? Are you slowly but surely building up your own well-curated collection of applicators? Or are you at a loss where to start – 'What is this egg-shaped thing and what am I supposed to do with it?' Or perhaps even a sceptic?
The world of makeup brushes and sponges can seem overwhelming. With so much on offer, it's hard to know where to begin. So we're here to give you a head start with our current favourites. Click through to see the heroes our makeup bag would be nothing without.
Pixiwoo's Sam and Nicola did us a huge favour by putting their combined expertise into a line of fantastic makeup tools. They use these in all of their makeup tutorials, so you can learn all the tips, tricks and best uses.
We love this super-dense foundation brush, which spreads liquid base like a dream without soaking up the product.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, £11.99, available at Look Fantastic
Have you ever seen such a satisfying angle? This nifty little guy gives on-point precision when applying liquid or gel eyeliner; we even use it to tightline as it tackles that tricky edge with ease.
Zoeva 317 Wing Liner Brush, £8, available at Selfridges
When it comes to base application, we like our brushes thick and stubby. With easy grip and efficient slanted bristles for buffing, this bareMinerals brush is ideal for powder foundation.
bareMinerals Bare Pro Core Coverage Brush, £24, available at Selfridges
This painterly tool is all you need to create the freshest cut crease ever. It's a great multi-tasker, doubling up as an eyeliner applicator.
My Kit Co. 1.12s Pro My Tapered Crease Brush, £12.50, available at Selfridges
These brushes are cruelty-free and vegan, and the best thing? All profits go straight to Kohl Kares, which provides free consultation to transitioning transgender folk and recovering cancer patients.
This is a multipurpose trio. Use the circle to buff liquid foundation or bronzer, the rectangle to apply eyeshadow or liner, and the square to blend concealer or lipstick.
Kohl Kreatives The 3ss3ntials, £34.99, available at Kohl Kreatives
Who would we be if we missed out the cult hero? Its secret: an open-cell structure that blends without soaking up valuable product. The point has revolutionised foundation application, making tricky corners easy to reach.
Beauty Blender Nude, £15, available at Net-A-Porter
We love NYX makeup, and their brush line is really affordable. This one gets lipstick looking pro.
NYX Professional Make-Up Pro Flat Detail Brush, £8, available at ASOS
We like our eyes to look lived in, and this Nude by Nature smudge brush takes our kohl liner from extra-polished to sexy cool.
Nude by Nature Smudge Brush, £16, available at ASOS
Whether you're into cut-glass contouring or a subtle bronze, this is the brush your cheeks need. The pointed brush allows depth but the super-light bristles are ideal for soft-focus highlighting, too.
Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush, £35, available at Charlotte Tilbury
EcoTools are a steal – four brushes for around a fiver?! They don't skip on quality either: they're soft, long-lasting and environmentally sound. These are ideal for on-the-go and won't take up too much room in your makeup bag.
EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set, £5.99, available at Feel Unique
This brush is so fine that it's ideal for drawing those faux hairs precisely onto patchy eyebrows.
Models Own Makeup Brush Brow, £6.99, available at Models Own
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
My Gym Instructor Wears This £7 Eyeliner & It Never Smudges