Your well-meaning aunt got you a deluxe set of makeup brushes...last Christmas. But the whole kit has just been sitting in the back of your closet because, well, you don't know how the hell to use them. (To be honest, most of us don't.) That's why we consulted the pros (and our 16-year-old cousin, who, according to her Instagram account, is basically a makeup artist) on some brush basics. 

FOUNDATION BRUSH

When to use it: To apply liquid or cream foundation.

How to use it: In small, circular buffing motions. Always start at the center of your face and blend outward.

Why you use it: The densely packed bristles pick up foundation easily and distribute it evenly onto your

skin so you get a smooth finish.

BLUSH BRUSH

When to use it: To apply powder or cream blush (though you can also just use your fingertips for the latter).

How to use it: In short, sweeping motions. Start at the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards toward your ears.

Why you use it: The soft, fluffy bristles and slightly domed shape of the brush deliver a more concentrated (and precise) application of color.

ANGLED CONTOUR BRUSH

When to use it: To apply powder or cream bronzer.

How to use it: Suck your cheeks in and place the angled tip of the brush head right under your cheekbones so that it's pointing downwards before sweeping it up toward your ears. 

Why you use it: The angled head fits the natural hollows of your cheeks, and the soft, dense bristles pick up your bronzer and deposit it onto your skin with minimal fallout. 

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