STROKE OF GENIUS

It's a fabulous feeling to have a kit full of make-up brushes, just like an artist would. We get expert intel on which brushes we really need - and how to make them last a decade.

- CHRISTI NORTIER

It follows that to 'paint your face', you need the right brushes. But with so many new styles of not just make-up tools, but also looks, it's hard to know what's essential to have in your arsenal - and what to use it for. 'When I started in make-up, we had just a handful of make-up brush styles,' recalls Mokgadi Shogole, a MAC National Make-up Artist. As time has passed, new styles have been introduced because people wanted more to play with. Whether you want an au naturale look or are going glam, there's a brush (or two, or three) for that.

THE BARE NECESSITIES

We asked Mokgadi to narrow it down for us, but first he had a word of advice: 'I always say to people: it all depends on the final look you want. If you're aiming for a natural look, then choose brushes that are quite fluffy because they'll pick up less product and make blending easier,' he says. He adds that those who seek simplicity can opt for a dual-fibre brush, which works well with liquid, cream and powder make-up. But, he maintains, having a set of essentials swings open the doors to creativity.

Mokgadi recommends a foundation brush, concealer brush, powder brush and blush brush for the face. The foundation and concealer brush might look similar, but the concealer brush will have tightly packed bristles, to pick up more product. The blush brush can also be used to apply highlighter, he adds.

For the eyes, it's crucial to have a fluffier and more rigid brush. 'This ensures you can pack a good dose of colour on the lids,' says Mokgadi. 'And the eyeshadow blending brush is there to do just that: blend the product so it appears more polished. Have a few of these brushes so you can swap between colours more easily,' he advises.