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Best Makeup Brush No. 9: M.A.C. 224 Tapered Blending Brush, $32
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*

Why it's great: Users consider this product from M.A.C. Cosmetics one of the best makeup brushes on the market, thanks to its "tapered bristles," which create a "seamless eye shadow look." One reader says that it "deposits color lightly and provides a balanced application." Another says, "The brush bristles are fabulously soft."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for M.A.C. 224 Tapered Blending Brush here.

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*At time of publication

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Best Makeup Brush No. 8: M.A.C. 239 Eye Shader Brush, $25
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*

Why it's great: The dense bristles on this eye shadow brush are just part of the reason readers consider this one of the best makeup brushes. They say this "little workhorse" expertly blends shadows, and is also great for lining lower lashes or applying highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes and under brow bones.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for M.A.C. 239 Eye Shader Brush here.

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*At time of publication

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Best Makeup Brush No. 7: The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush, $16
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*

Why it's great: According to readers, "the price is right" on this high-quality makeup brush. The bristles are soft and "densely packed," which makes the brush "easy to use" and excellent for applying loose shadows. "A good product doesn't have to cost a fortune," says one reader.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush here.

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*At time of publication

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Best Makeup Brush No. 6: Real Techniques Powder Brush, $9.99
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*

Why it's great: This product earns a spot on our best makeup brushes roundup, because, say readers, it's a "steal" for the price and works better than higher-priced brushes. It has "fluffy, soft bristles" and "works like a charm." And unlike many fluffy brushes, shedding isn't a problem. "You get far more than what you pay for," raves one reader.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Real Techniques Powder Brush here.

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*At time of publication

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Best Makeup Brush No. 5: BareMinerals Light Stroke Brush, $20
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8 *
Why it's great: Users rank this as one of the best makeup brushes because "it's the perfect size and helps apply eye shadow perfectly." Readers also say the brush's soft dome shape is particularly "great for spot coverage, for foundation and eyes" and claim that you can "feel the quality" of its superior bristles. According to readers, this makeup brush will also stand the test of time, because they "do not have any shedding problems with it" and "still looks perfect even after a few washes."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for BareMinerals Light Stroke Brush here.

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*At time of publication

Having the best makeup brushes in your beauty bag can make all the difference in your makeup routine. Just like a great artist uses a brush to create a museum-worthy painting, we wield our makeup brushes to create perfectly contoured and blended makeup masterpieces.

Indeed, the best makeup brushes can help us create everything from a dramatic smoky eye to an airbrush-like finish with our foundation -- while the wrong one can leave us looking like a blotchy mess. But what should one look for when choosing a makeup brush?

Our readers have tried and tested just about every foundation, eye shadow and contouring brush on the market and ranked them with just about every beauty need in mind. Whether you're looking for a budget makeup brush, a cruelty-free option or one that will withstand constant usage without shedding a single bristle, we have you covered with this comprehensive roundup of the best makeup brushes for every makeup fanatic (or newbie).

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BY ALLIE FLINN | SHARES
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