Choosing makeup brushes can be overwhelming, whether you’re a professional makeup artist, enthusiast, or just a basic everyday makeup wearer. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! As a makeup artist, I often get asked about brushes, so I decided it’s time to share my thoughts in this blog post.
Less Is More. (You’ve heard me say this a lot)
Sure, having a huge collection of brushes might be fun, but the truth is, you can get by with just 2-3 brushes. Even as a professional, I’ve had success using just a couple of brushes for quick applications. You don’t need to invest in every brush you see in makeup tutorials. In fact, many professional makeup artists, including myself, often use their (clean) fingers instead of brushes. If something you already own works great, there’s no need to buy something new.
So, let’s talk about the brushes you actually need to have in your makeup kit.
Choosing the Right Makeup Brushes
Brushes are an essential part of your makeup kit, and choosing the right ones can make a world of difference. Here are some tips to help you find quality brushes that will improve your makeup application:
1. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Invest in quality brushes. Remember, you don’t need a lot of brushes; you just need the right ones. A high price point doesn’t always mean high quality. Look for brushes that feel sturdy and have soft bristles. Taking care of your brushes and cleaning them regularly will ensure they last a long time.
2. Avoid Buying Sets
Avoid purchasing brush sets. They often contain brushes that you won’t even use. Instead, focus on buying individual brushes that you actually need. It’s a more cost-effective approach and prevents wasting money on unnecessary brushes.
3. Know Which Makeup Brush Does What
When choosing your brushes, do your homework and decide which products work best for you. Don’t just rely on YouTube videos or blog posts. Experiment and find what works for your unique needs and preferences.
Makeup Brush 101
Now, let me empower you with some knowledge about popular types of brushes and their uses. Here are some of the most common makeup brushes you’ll come across:
- Stippling Brush: Perfect for buffing liquid, cream, or mousse foundation.
- Foundation Brush: Use this flat brush to apply liquid foundation.
- Powder Brush: Large and fluffy, ideal for applying powder over liquid foundation.
- Setting Brush: A smaller version of the powder brush, perfect for setting powder.
- Fan Brush: Thin and flat, used for applying highlighter, blush, and bronzer.
- Blush Brush: Medium-sized brush for applying and blending blush and bronzer.
- Angled Cheek Brush: Slanted brush for blush, bronzer, and contouring.
- Lip Brush: For precise lipstick application, but not necessary for everyday makeup wearers.
- Eyeshadow Brush: Flat brush in various sizes for applying eyeshadow.
- Crease Brush: Slightly angled brush for precise eyeshadow application in the crease.
- Blending Brush: Small, fluffy brush for blending different eyeshadow colors.
- Eyeliner Brush: Angled brush for applying gel eyeliner or eyeshadow as eyeliner.
- Eyebrow Brush: Comb on one side and a spoolie on the other for grooming brows.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. Pick the brushes that suit your needs and skip the ones you don’t find necessary.
Which Makeup Brushes Do Beginners Need?
If you’re a makeup beginner looking to build a basic makeup kit, I recommend the following brushes:
- 1 brush to apply foundation (or a quality beauty sponge)
- 1 brush for contouring, blush, or highlighting (like a setting brush)
- 1 eyeshadow brush
- 1 eyeliner brush
- 1 eyebrow brush
These brushes will cover your essential makeup needs without overwhelming you with unnecessary options.
How to Take Care of Your Brushes
Once you invest in brushes, it’s essential to take proper care of them. Here are some tips for maintaining the quality and longevity of your brushes:
- Wash your brushes using a mild cleanser. Baby shampoo works great for cleaning brushes. It’s gentle yet effective.
- For makeup sponges, use a dedicated cleanser. I recommend using Beauty Blender cleansers for sponges.
Cleaning your brushes regularly and storing them properly will help them last longer, keeping your makeup application flawless.
I hope this post has demystified the world of makeup brushes. Remember, makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty, and the right brushes can make all the difference. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me using the Ask Setareh form on my website.
Happy brushing!
PS: Want more insights about makeup brushes for beginners? Check out this video I’ve recorded on the topic!
PPS: If you want to know more about washing and sanitizing your brushes and the rest of your makeup, grab a copy of my free Makeup Sanitation Guide!
