Let us be the first to admit that the number of brushes that exist for a single makeup product, technique, or finish can be overwhelming. Sephora carries nearly 100 eye-brush options alone. And once you pull the trigger on a specific shape, material, and brand, what exactly do you use them for? Well, that’s where Marlena Stell aka Makeup Geek comes into play.

In her video, “Top 10 Makeup Brushes Every Girl Should Own,” Stell talks about the essential brushes that, yes, every girl (or boy) should have, what they're used for, and how to use them. (We already know how to clean them—thanks Jeanine!) While we're all for a good finger smudge, we've learned from experience and from makeup artists backstage that using a brush can make all the difference, whether in the visibility of your foundation or the crispness of your eyeliner. Stell tends to favor her own line of products, but she does admit that most brushes resembling Makeup Geek's examples will be totally fine alternatives. We’ve always felt that MAC knows what’s up in the brush category, but many a company produces excellent brush work, so if you’ve found one you love, no need to switch it up. (And, also, tell us your favorites in the comments. Please.)

First, a cheat sheet of her essential brush picks:

1. Flat Stiff Brush

2. Stiff Dome Brush

3. Pencil Brush

4. Soft Dome Brush

5. Bent Liner Brush

6. Duel Ended Lash Brush

7. Blush/Contour Brush

8. Cheek Highlighter Brush

9. Foundation Stippling Brush

10. Flat Foundation Brush

BONUS!: Beauty Blender

Take a look at Makeup Geek’s video and discover why using a foundation brush to apply eyeshadow is a rookie move:





[1] Photo by Emily Weiss backstage at Rochas Fall 2012; [2] Photo by Emily Weiss backstage at Thakoon Fall 2013.