Sali Hughes on beauty: the five makeup brushes I can’t do without | Makeup

My girlfriends have a habit of rifling through my makeup bag when we’re together to see what’s new, and last month one complained about how much precious space was taken up by brushes. These are very boring, I do understand, and I consequently rarely write about them. And yet, whenever I post a makeup application video online, they are invariably the products I’m asked about most.

My friend made me wonder which brushes, if I were allowed only, say, five, would I regard as must-haves? It has been a game only I would find enjoyable, but here is where I have landed:

A fluffy concealer brush, like Hourglass’s Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush (£40), or the well-priced Concealer Duo Brush (£14) by Sculpted by Aimee, is the most important in my kit and one I would never leave home without. Not only does it allow for a light, tappy blend and less concealer to achieve a blurry, soft camouflage, but it’s also the brush I immediately reach for if anything at all goes wrong, makeup wise, such as runs, smudges, hard lines, caking or separation. It magically smooshes everything back together.

I have a separate foundation brush, though use a sponge if you prefer. My weapon of choice is always a chubby, dandelion-headed brush, like Saie’s The Base Brush (£26). Remember that if your foundation brush leaves marks in your makeup, you are either applying too much or it needs a good wash (I use Fairy Liquid).

Next, I need a fluffy powder brush for bronzer, face powder and blusher. Make Up By Mario’s double-ended F2 (£33) offers two sizes in one, meaning I always have a tool for the job, whether applying or touching up.

I can get away with one eyeshadow brush small enough to get into the socket line, but big enough to fluff everything seamlessly together, and for this I can rely on Vieve’s Eyeshadow Blender Brush, available in two sizes, at £23 and £24. (My eyes are small and so I choose accordingly. Size up if you’re blessed.)

A small smudge brush may seem gratuitous, but MyKitCo’s one (£19) is so useful for applying under-eye shadow, blurring harsh lip liner and smudging eyeliner until soft. In fact, every brush the brand makes is marvellous.

I don’t count what is technically a sixth – a mascara spoolie for brushing up brows – because I invariably use a disposable one swiped from any makeup counter. They are free, and one will last me years.