Highlighting has become an essential step in many makeup routines, adding a touch of luminosity and dimension to the face. To achieve that coveted glow, you need the right tools – and that’s where makeup brushes for highlighting come in.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best makeup brushes specifically designed for highlighting, ensuring you can achieve a flawless, illuminated look with ease.
1. Real Techniques Setting Brush
The Real Techniques Setting Brush is a versatile tool that excels at applying powder highlighters with precision. Its soft, tapered bristles effortlessly pick up and deposit product onto the skin, allowing you to build up the intensity of your highlight gradually.
The compact size makes it perfect for targeted application on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
Pros:
- Versatile brush suitable for highlighting, setting, and blending.
- Soft, synthetic bristles that blend product seamlessly.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a larger brush for all-over highlighting.
The Real Techniques Setting Brush is a staple in many makeup enthusiasts’ collections for its versatility and performance.
Whether you’re setting your under-eye concealer or adding a touch of highlight to your cheekbones, this brush delivers professional results without breaking the bank.
2. Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush
Achieve a lit-from-within glow with the Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush, specifically designed for precise highlighting on the cheekbones.
The soft, fluffy bristles effortlessly glide over the skin, depositing just the right amount of product for a radiant finish. The unique shape of the brush hugs the contours of the face, ensuring seamless blending and a natural-looking glow.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for highlighting the cheekbones.
- Soft, synthetic bristles that blend product seamlessly.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some other options.
The Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts for its ability to deliver precise, luminous results. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a blinding highlight, this brush has you covered.
3. Morphe M438 Pointed Contour Brush
The Morphe M438 Pointed Contour Brush is a multitasking brush that works beautifully for both contouring and highlighting.
The tapered shape and densely packed bristles allow for precise application of highlighter to the high points of the face, creating a sculpted, radiant look. The synthetic bristles are soft yet firm enough to blend product seamlessly without streaking.
Pros:
- Multifunctional brush for contouring and highlighting.
- Soft, synthetic bristles that blend product seamlessly.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- Some users may find the brush too dense for subtle highlighting.
The Morphe M438 Pointed Contour Brush is a versatile tool that belongs in every makeup lover’s collection. Whether you’re sculpting your cheekbones or adding a pop of highlight, this brush delivers flawless results with ease.
4. e.l.f. Cosmetics Highlighting Brush
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Highlighting Brush is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. The soft, tapered bristles are perfect for applying powder or cream highlighters to the high points of the face, creating a luminous, radiant glow.
The sleek, ergonomic handle provides comfortable control for precise application every time.
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Soft, synthetic bristles that blend product seamlessly.
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable control.
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a denser brush for more intense highlighting.
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Highlighting Brush is a budget-friendly option that delivers impressive results. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a seasoned pro, this brush makes it easy to achieve a beautiful, radiant glow.
5. Wet n Wild Pro Brush Line Tapered Highlighting Brush
The Wet n Wild Pro Brush Line Tapered Highlighting Brush is designed to deliver a precise application of highlighter for a natural-looking glow. The tapered shape and soft, synthetic bristles allow for effortless blending and seamless application, ensuring your highlight looks lit from within. The sleek, black handle adds a touch of elegance to your makeup collection.
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Soft, synthetic bristles that blend product seamlessly.
- Sleek, ergonomic handle for comfortable control.
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a denser brush for more intense highlighting.
The Wet n Wild Pro Brush Line Tapered Highlighting Brush offers professional-quality performance at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re highlighting your cheekbones or brow bone, this brush makes it easy to achieve a radiant, luminous glow.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Makeup Brushes for Highlighting
Selecting the best makeup brushes for highlighting involves considering various factors to ensure they meet your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
Brush Shape and Size
Consider the shape and size of the brush, as it determines the type of highlighting effect you can achieve. Tapered or angled brushes are ideal for precise application on specific areas of the face, while larger, fluffy brushes are suitable for a more diffused, all-over glow.
Bristle Material
Opt for brushes with synthetic bristles, as they are soft, durable, and cruelty-free. Synthetic bristles are also less likely to absorb product, ensuring maximum pigment payoff and minimal wastage.
Density and Softness
Look for brushes with densely packed yet soft bristles, as they allow for seamless blending and buildable coverage. Brushes that are too dense may deposit too much product at once, while brushes that are too soft may not pick up enough product for effective application.
Handle Design
Consider the design and ergonomics of the brush handle, ensuring it provides comfortable control and easy maneuverability during application. Brushes with sleek, ergonomic handles are preferred for precise and effortless highlighting.
Brand Reputation
Research the reputation of the brand and read customer reviews to ensure the quality and reliability of the makeup brushes. Established brands known for their expertise in makeup tools are more likely to deliver satisfactory results.
Budget
Set a budget for your makeup brushes, keeping in mind that higher-priced options often offer superior performance and durability. However, there are plenty of affordable brushes available that provide excellent results without breaking the bank.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance, as proper care prolongs the lifespan of your brushes and ensures hygienic application. Look for brushes that are easy to clean and dry quickly to minimize downtime between uses.
Conclusion
Choosing the best makeup brushes for highlighting is essential for achieving a flawless, illuminated look with ease. Whether you prefer a precise, targeted highlight or a soft, diffused glow, the right brush can make all the difference in your makeup routine. Each product in our selection offers superior performance and quality, ensuring you can glow with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I use a highlighting brush?
To use a highlighting brush, dip the bristles into your favorite highlighter and tap off any excess product. Then, lightly sweep the brush over the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, to add a radiant glow.
2. Can I use a highlighting brush with cream highlighters?
Yes, many highlighting brushes are designed to work with both powder and cream highlighters. Opt for a brush with synthetic bristles, as they are better suited for picking up and blending cream products seamlessly.
3. How often should I clean my highlighting brush?
It’s recommended to clean your highlighting brush at least once a week to remove any buildup of product, oil, and bacteria. Use a gentle brush cleanser or shampoo to clean the bristles thoroughly, then allow the brush to air dry before using it again.
4. What is the difference between a highlighting brush and a fan brush?
While both highlighting brushes and fan brushes are used for applying highlighter, they have different shapes and functions. Highlighting brushes typically have tapered or angled bristles for precise application, while fan brushes have flat, fanned-out bristles for a softer, more diffused glow.
5. Can I use a highlighting brush for contouring?
While highlighting brushes are primarily designed for applying highlighter, they can also be used for contouring in a pinch. However, contouring brushes typically have denser, more angled bristles for sculpting and defining the face more effectively.
