We asked makeup artist to the stars, Fiona Corrigan Robertson, why brushes are to makeup artists (and to any mere mortal who uses makeup) what a spanner is to a mechanic – a must have tool of the trade!

Makeup brushes are used to define, blend and make you look flawless. The right brushes and technique can be the difference between looking like a cover girl rather than a drag queen. Brushes are easier to control than your fingers. So, all you need is a little bit of nous about which brushes and how to use them. We’ve done all the hard work for you by calling in the expert – a woman who makes up the faces of some of the most famous people in the world!

BB: How important are the right brushes to makeup application/technique?
FI: The right brushes are really important for applying makeup, especially when it comes to blending and creating precise outlines.

BB: What are the essential brushes every girl needs to create flawless looks?
Fi: Your basic kit should have: a foundation brush; a blusher brush; an eye shadow brush; an eye shadow blending brush; a flat eyeliner brush; a smudging brush and finally, a Lip Brush.

I’m bringing out the ultimate brush set with these seven must-haves plus a makeup chart on how to use them and all housed in really cool silver tin. It will be out in summer and called Smudge, so watch out for it!

BB: Describe why you must have each brush and how you use it?
Fi: Applying your makeup in the right order and having the right brushes will make the difference to how the final effect will look.

Start with foundation and dab a little on the back of your hand, then using a foundation brush, apply it with light-handed downward motion feathering out to the outer edges of your face. The brush will be helpful in giving you that blended, flawless look, but be sure to blend well along your jaw and hair line.

Secondly, smile sweetly into the mirror and sweep blusher across the apples of your cheeks (the soft spongy area that pops up when you smile); blend upwards and outwards towards your hair line. The slanted angle and size of the blusher brush will help you with precision. The softness of the hairs will mean an even application with no blotchiness, which often happens with course haired brushes. These angle blusher brushes are also great for applying shimmer and bronzers.

Next, apply your favourite eyeshadow by dabbing it on with an eyeshadow brush in upward strokes as you run it along the lash line. Blend with a deeper shade using a blending brush in back to front “C” strokes on the outer corners. Using a flat eyeliner brush (these are the easiest type to use as they allow you finite precision), dip the edge of the brush into a darker shade (than that of the eye shadow) and dab along the top lash line from corner to corner. Then, using a smudge brush, blend the eye shadow and liner together.

Lip brushes are great to use when using lip gloss pots (less messy than using fingers)

BB: Is there a big difference between brush quality/effects?
Fi: Yes, most definitely. Low quality brushes will not only feel harsh and a little bristly on your face and eyes, but they won’t last that long as the hairs usually start falling out from the time you start to use them.

BB: As an everyday consumer, what do you need to look for when buying brushes?
Fi: Very soft but firm bristles that are full but not too dense. A shorter length handle is preferable as it is easier to use. The longer handle brushes are good if you are applying on someone else (that’s why professionals use this type).

BB: Anything you should steer clear of when buying brushes?
Fi: Sparse, coarse, dense hairs.

BB: What’s the best brush/s you’ve ever used?
Fi: The Smudge Me makeup brush from the line of makeup brushes from SMUDGE, which I personally designed. Unfortunately, you will have to wait to try it out as it is not available until the summer. It’s perfect for blending eye shadow as well as eyeliner.

BB: Do you have to spend a fortune for good brushes and if so, is it a makeup investment or can you get good quality at reasonable prices?
Fi: Unfortunately, you can’t get good quality brushes at reasonable prices and that’s why I decided to meet that gap in the market by bringing out my own line of brushes. Smudge offers good quality that is reasonably priced! Follow my guidelines when shopping for brushes and you should do ok.

BB: Your ideal brush would be?
Fi: I haven’t invented it yet!

The Bellaboo Crew put a few brushes to the test - here's two of our faves!

Bloom Lip Brush
This brush ACTUALLY brushes to create the perfect pout. It manages to layer your lipstick and/or lipgloss without making it cloggy and out of place.

RRP: $25.00
Kristina rating: 3/5

Bloom Bronzer Brush
This brush is very stylish looking and works very well in spreading bronzer evenly over cheek bones. It is in a silver case with a lid, and you pull the lid off and slide the silver part down to reveal the brush, then simply push back up to conceal it. Very handy to put in your handbag and the case protects the brush from damage.

RRP: $35.00
Jess: 5/5

Playboy Stay The Night Brush Kit
What is there not to love about this too nifty compact brush set that has an adorable name and packaging? You get a Blush Brush, Eye Shadow Brush, Crease Crush, Concealer Brush and Lip Brush all packaged in a too handy carry case that fits neatly in your bag so that you are equipped to look amazing no matter where you are! Note to the clever Playboy people, would be handy to have something that pointed out which brush was for what. To the total novice, there’s a little guess work to decipher the diff between, say, an Eye Shadow Brush and Crease Brush?

RRP: $29.95
BB rating: 3/5