What Is A Smudge Brush, And Why Do You Need It In Your Makeup Brush Collection?

So, what exactly is a smudge brush? This eyeshadow tool features short, densely-packed bristles that are used for precise application. Because the smudge brush is also wide and flat, it's perfect for smudging out said carefully applied product. Typically, it's used to blur eyeshadow along the lower or upper lash lines, creating a smokey eye look.

Besides this, the smudge brush can also be used to apply shadow to the inner-eye corner or to define the edges of the eyes, making it pretty versatile overall. The detailed work of this eyeshadow brush is what qualifies it as necessary for your collection. As Janice Daoud, celebrity makeup artist and LARUCE beauty ambassador, tells Real Simple, "The best and most necessary eye makeup brushes are small eye-detailed brushes."

When it comes to how to use this tool, all you need to do is dip the brush into your desired shade and apply the product along your lash line, using back-and-forth motions to blend it out. For blurring eyeliner, use small strokes to smudge the applied product, dampening the brush with water if necessary.