The Best Brushes To Use To Nail The Strobing Trend

While fall is known in the makeup world as a time for matte formulations and moody colors, that will definitely change this year with the addition of strobing and highlighting to our everyday routines. Here are the best brushes for strobing, so you can look glowy all season long.

Strobing or highlighting is a makeup technique that makes your skin look luminous, lifted, and healthy. It's not a new trend — in fact, according to Forbes and makeup artist Stephen Dimmick, the technique has been around since the 1930s. Whoa!

But how can you really nail the dewy look? Like any makeup technique, it starts with the quality of tools you are using. It's silly to buy a $40 highlighter and not go the extra mile to buy quality brushes that apply the product evenly and efficiently. According to makeup artist Beau Nelson, “High quality makeup brushes are designed to last for years,” and they "make application easier and more professional looking.”

Here are my top picks for professional highlighting brushes, plus why you need them in your life.

1. Real Techniques 300 Tapered Blush Brush

Real Techniques 300 Tapered Blush Brush, $15, Amazon

Highlight is best applied along the tops of the cheekbones, so you want a precise brush. A small blush brush, like this one, keeps products from going all over your cheeks.

2. Sigma F35 Tapered Highligher Brush

Sigma F35 Tapered Highligher Brush , $25, Amazon

Sigma is one of my favorite brands for makeup brushes, because they last forever. This is an ultra-precise soft fluffy brush.

3. Morphe S13 Deluxe Angled Brush

Morphe S13 Deluxe Angled Brush , $4, Amazon

A slight angle to this brush will concentrate the highlight right on the apple of the cheek or above the brow bone and softly sweep it backward. It's a crazy cheap price for a high quality brush.

4. Makeup Geek Rounded Blush Brush

Makeup Geek Rounded Blush Brush, $10, Amazon

A great brush if you want to apply highlight all over — the cheekbones, brow bones, chin and cupid's bow.

5. MAC 184 Duo Fibre Fan Brush

MAC 184 Duo Fibre Fan Brush , $25, MAC

If you're worried about going heavy-handed on the strobing, this brush is great for you. The fan is perfect for soft, lightweight application.

6. e.l.f. Studio Ultimate Kabuki Brush

e.l.f. Studio Ultimate Kabuki Brush , $10, Target

This is a fluffier, softer version of the NARS Ita brush, and works great for powder highlights.

7. Ecotools Skin Perfecting Brush

Ecotools Skin Perfecting Brush , $13, Amazon

A small, dense brush for applying exactly where you want to.