There are some things we just can't live without. And if you love to wear makeup, the right makeup tools fit right into this category. If you want to up your makeup game and start creating flawless, professional looks, you may wonder what the absolute essentials are. At Wander Beauty, we like to keep things simple and effective, and the tools we’ve created follow this premise, which is why we’re sharing them with you today.

From contouring and blending to curling and perfecting, let’s take a look at the best makeup tools to help you achieve whatever look you're going for, wherever you wander.

Foundation brush

Foundation brushes give you that airbrushed look. They help you achieve the most professional results – free from streaks and discoloration – making them a must in every woman's makeup bag. Not only does applying your foundation with a brush give you a flawless finish, but it also prevents the oils and bacteria on your fingers from clogging up your pores.

For perfect results every time, we recommend the Round Trip Dual Foundation Brush. This dual-ended foundation brush features a classic tapered flat brush for a smooth, even application on the one side, and a kabuki brush for blending and buffing on the other. The vegan fiber bristles are soft and dense, making them suitable for use with liquid, cream, gel, and powder formulas. They are perfect for use with our Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation and Wanderlust Powder Foundation.<product>1,2,3</product>

How to use

When applying liquid foundation, dot the foundation from the center of the face outward. Use the flat brush to buff the foundation in large circular motions, moving from the center of the face outwards in an upward direction. If any areas need more coverage, apply another dot of foundation to the area, then stipple the product using the kabuki brush by making small dabbing motions.

To create a mattified look with powder after you’ve applied a liquid foundation, swirl the kabuki brush in your powder, tap off any excess, then pat onto your face and buff onto the skin using small circular motions.

Blending cushion

Blending cushions or makeup sponges allow you to blend your foundation, whether liquid, powder, or cream, to achieve a natural, skin-like finish. This application tool prevents too much product from sitting on the surface of the skin, making it ideal for building up coverage and creating a seamless no-makeup look. Because of their absorptive quality, sponges work best with lightweight formulas. They can also be used to absorb excess product if your foundation appears cakey.

The Wander Cushion is a reusable cloud-like applicator, expertly designed to limit product waste. It can be used on the face and larger areas of the body, both dry or damp, depending on how much coverage you want. The flat side is ideal for covering large areas, while the pointed edge makes it easy to cover smaller areas around the nose and eyes. The result is a streak-free, perfectly blended look.<product>4</product>

How to use

For best results, dampen the sponge and squeeze out any excess water. Then dot your foundation onto your face and bounce the sponge gently onto the face, blending from the center outwards and upwards in a patting motion.

We recommend washing the sponge after every use with warm water and a gentle cleanser.

Blush and bronzer brush

An angled brush is undoubtedly the best bronzer brush, and it's ideal for contouring too. Large and plush, angled brushes hug the curves of your face to add warmth and radiance to your complexion while defining your cheekbones, jawline, and temples. They help diffuse the blush or bronzer in a seamless, sweeping motion.

The Round Trip Dual Blush and Bronzer Brush is a multitasking must-have. This dual-ended tool is designed to create that extra dimension and blends in blush and bronzer seamlessly. The tapered blush brush has multi-length bristles that deposit color evenly, while the angled bronzer brush is used to create precision contours. The soft, synthetic bristles can be used with a variety of formulas and are suitable for sensitive skin.<product>5</product>

How to use

To apply bronzer or contour, swirl the angled brush in your bronzer of choice, then glide in an upward sweeping motion along the hairline, below the cheekbones, and under the jawline.

For blush, swirl the tapered brush into your blusher of choice, then apply to the apples of your cheeks and blend up into your cheekbones in a circular, buffing motion.

Eyeshadow brush

From dramatic smokey eyes to more natural, wide-eye looks, eyeshadow brushes are your best friend when it comes to creating your desired look. These brushes can be used with both cream and powder formulas. To apply your eyeshadow with precision, you’ll need a small, dense brush and a long, fluffy brush, so it's best to own both.

Luckily, when you buy Wander Beauty’s Round Trip Dual Eyeshadow Brush, you’ll get both in one double-ended brush! This super-soft eyeshadow brush features cruelty-free synthetic bristles with a precise shader brush on one end and a fluffy blending brush on the other.<product>6</product>

How to use

Smoothly blend your favorite eyeshadow into the eyelid.

Other makeup tools worth trying out

• Gua Sha stone/Jade roller
• Eyelash curler
• Eyebrow brush

Discover the best makeup brushes and more at Wander Beauty

Glow with delight the next time you open your makeup brush bag by purchasing all your essentials in one! Our Round Trip Brush Trio makeup brush set features all three of our favorite dual brushes to help you create a flawless look. Discover this and more of our favorite makeup accessories.<product>7</product>

You can also find out how often you should clean your makeup tools and other helpful advice from our experts at The Wanderess Edit.