Friday Faves: The One Makeup Brush Every NorthStar Needs In Their Kit

Hello, my beautiful NorthStars, and welcome back to the NorthStar Luxe blog!

On this week's Friday Faves, I’m pulling back the curtain on a tool that I consider my secret weapon. As a professional makeup artist and a busy mom to four amazing daughters, I don't have time for single-use products. My makeup kit—and my personal makeup bag—is curated with tools that are efficient, effective, and versatile.

This is the one brush I use on every single client, every single day. It’s a non-negotiable for me, and after you read this, I know it will be for you, too.

Introducing the Game-Changer: The Angled Brush

While many brands have their version of an angled brush, my holy grail is from Sonia Kashuk. Specifically, I recommend the Sonia Kashuk Professional Angled Brow Makeup Brush with Spoolie (Number 301) or the Sonia Kashuk Professional Angled Eyeliner Makeup Brush (Number 246).

Sonia Kashuk Professional Angled Brow Makeup Brush with Spoolie Number 301

So, what makes these brushes stand out?

• The Bristles: The bristles are short, dense, and perfectly firm. This gives you ultimate control whether you're stamping on a sharp line or softly filling in a brow.

• The Handle: The handle has the ideal length and thickness, feeling balanced and comfortable in your hand for precise application.

• The Difference: The only real difference is that the #301 brush includes a built-in spoolie, which is a fantastic tool for grooming and blending your eyebrows.

The Secret to Perfect, Natural-Looking Brows

If you want to achieve brows that look naturally full and perfectly symmetrical, this is the tool. I almost always prefer using a powder for brows because it delivers a softer, more natural finish than pencils or pomades can.

Using the #301 angled brush, I dip it into a brow powder and use light, feathery strokes to fill in any sparse areas. The sharp angle of the brush allows me to create realistic, hair-like strokes. Afterwards, I use the spoolie on the other end to brush through the brows, blending the powder seamlessly and perfecting the shape. The result is always flawlessly defined, yet believable, brows.

Mastering Eyeliner: From a Soft Smudge to a Sharp Cat Eye

This is where the versatility of this brush truly shines. For a crisp, precise eyeliner look, I use the #246 angled brush with a gel liner. The firm bristles allow me to get the liner right into the lash line for a fuller look and to create a razor-sharp wing.

Pro Tip for a Softer Look: Do you love the idea of liner but want something less intense?

1. Apply your gel or pencil liner as usual.

2. Take the clean, dry angled brush and gently smudge along the line. This diffuses the color for a beautiful, smoky effect without any extra product.

3. For an even softer look, skip the liner altogether and just press a dark eyeshadow along your lash line with the brush. It’s a game-changer!

How to Finally Achieve the Perfect Cat Eye

The cat eye is one of the most requested—and feared—makeup techniques. This brush makes it foolproof. Here’s a little trick I teach my NorthStars:

1. The Stamp Method: Take the #246 angled brush and dip it into a dark eyeshadow.

2. Get Steady: Rest your elbow on a counter to stabilize your hand.

3. Stamp It: Look straight into the mirror and literally "stamp" the angled edge of the brush onto the outer corner of your eye, angling it up towards the end of your eyebrow. This creates a perfect template.

4. Trace and Fill: If you like the placement, you have your guide! Now, dip the same brush into your gel liner and simply trace over the eyeshadow stamp, connecting it to the rest of your lash line.

Which One Should You Buy?

You don't need both! My recommendation is simple:

• If you plan to use it for eyebrows and eyeliner, get the #301 with the spoolie. The versatility is unmatched.

• If you only need a dedicated brush for eyeliner, the #246 is your perfect match.

Best of all? These professional-quality brushes are incredibly affordable and easy to find at Target.

At NorthStar Luxe, my goal is to empower you with the skills and tools to feel confident. If you’ve been struggling with your brows or just want to master your eyeliner technique, I’d love to help you with a one-on-one lesson.

Now I want to hear from you! Comment below and tell me your favorite way to apply eyeliner—are you a gel, liquid, or pencil fan?

Keep Shining!

Sonia Kashuk Professional Angled Eyeliner Makeup Brush Number 246