As any artist will tell you, good paint is only as good as the brush it's applied with. The same goes for make-up brushes. In fact, the key to make-up perfection can be unlocked with the right tools for contouring and shaping. That's why there are specific brushes for each part of your face, including the eyes, brows, lips, cheeks, and so on.

So, welcome to Part I of FabSugar's detailed look at make-up brushes. Today's installment: powerful powder brushes. When buying a powder brush, the most important thing is finding a soft, full head that feels fluffy but not too dense. The goal is providing an all-over dusting of loose or pressed powder, and if the brush is too hard, you'll risk looking splotchy. (A powder brush can also double as a blush brush if need be, because the soft, round head is great for sweeping on powder color, too). Here are my picks for the best powder brushes.

Body and Soul Cosmetics Large Powder Brush is a capra-bristle brush that is contoured and tapered in all the right areas for a delicate application. It's ideal for gliding loose or pressed powders over the skin, and it's super soft and it won't irritate your face. Buy it here for $55.

The Benefit Cosmetics Bluff Puff is a huge brush with a tiny handle. It's got soft, natural bristles that are specifically designed for the application of loose powder. Buy it here for $20.

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The Stila Double-Sided Illuminating Powder Brush 24 is flat so that it gently lays powder onto the surface of your skin. The tip is angled to set under-eye concealer (a really great feature). Use the full side of the brush to powder the larger, t-zone area of your face, and use the smaller side to add highlighters and shimmer powders to the bridge of your nose, your upper cheekbones, and your temple area. Buy it here for $50.

The Sephora Kabuki Brush is perfect for those of you that like heavy powder coverage. It's another short, super fluffy brush that is great for travel and for multiple uses. You can use this brush to bring powder into your cleavage and clavicle areas too. Buy it here for $22.