“Bacteria and germs live everywhere, especially on your hands,” says Shana King, professional make-up artist and founder of adesign brushes. “Using a properly maintained brush reduces the risk of bacterial infection which causes skin irritations.” The most important brushes to start with, says King, are the kabuki brush, the foundation brush, the blush brush, the lip brush, the eye shadow brush and the eyeliner brush. For more info, visit adesignbrushes.com