A good quality make-up brush can make the difference between fresh, natural skin and a flat, cakey finish; a sharp winged eyeliner or a smudged mess. While some extol the virtues of using solely one’s fingers (and there can be merits to doing so), digits have their limits. Brushes offer better control, a precise finish and a more straightforward way to buff bronzer or powder onto the skin. When regularly cleaned, they can be more hygienic, too.
Kraum Micro Brush Set, $149 © Lauren Coleman
“Much like an excellent pen elevates the quality of handwriting, a well-crafted make-up brush can transform your application technique,” says Annie Kreighbaum, a former Glossier employee and founder of Kraum, a new five-strong collection of finely tipped, artisanal make-up brushes. Made in Japan’s Kumano, where brushes have been made since the Edo period, these ultra-fine versions are good for hyper-detailed eyeliner, spot concealing and drawing realistic brow hairs.
Make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes – whose clients include Dua Lipa and Lily Allen – also recommends a smaller brush. “They fit into the face’s nooks and crannies, while a lot of bigger brushes don’t allow you to do the work.” Her approach to fresh make-up lies in how you prime the brush before applying to the skin: work the product into the bristles first, then execute.
