Essential Makeup Brushes That Every Beginner Should Have

By Ann Nicole Ng

Good makeup brushes are as important as good beauty products. When I was first getting started in makeup, I was searching for appropriate, affordable and good quality makeup brushes to buy and was instantly overwhelmed. Nowadays, companies produce every type of makeup brush imaginable, and as consumers, it can be difficult for us to discern whether we need everything that is marketed to us. I remember asking myself questions like,

“Buying individual brushes is such a pain. Should I just invest in that 30-piece brush set?”

“Oh dear, there are soooo many eye brushes out there and they all look so different! Which ones do I really need?”

Now that I have become more familiar with makeup brushes, the conception of this list is fairly easy. I basically included every makeup brush I always bring with me when I travel (when there is space/weight constraint and therefore a need to exercise selectivity) and they happen to be the ones that are essential in helping me create a full face of basic makeup.

So if you are a beginner in makeup and you’re lost in finding out which makeup brushes you should invest in first, you have come to the right place.

FACE

Beautyblender

I know that this is not a makeup brush, but this is the easiest tool to apply and blend foundation, concealer and cream products on your face. Simply wet the egg-shaped sponge, squeeze out all excess water and start blending! Unlike a dense foundation brush, the Beautyblender prevents foundation from being applied too heavily, which can create a cakey finish on your face. I will always be loyal to my Beautyblender, but if you want a more affordable option that has a similar function, check out Real Techniques’ Miracle Complexion Sponge.

Beautyblender ($32)

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($16)

Real Techniques Powder Brush

I use this brush to apply a dusting of powder to set and mattify my face after foundation and concealer application. It’s big, fluffy and soft, so it does the job very well and quickly.

Real Techniques Powder Brush ($23)

Real Techniques Blush Brush

This brush is a great multi-tasker, I like using it for both blush and bronzer. It has an unusual tapered shape and it’s moderately dense without being too fluffy, so it’s easy to concentrate the brush on areas you wish to apply product on. To prevent the blush and bronzer colours from mixing together on the brush, I use the narrow sides of the brush to apply bronzer, and the top to apply blush.

Real Techniques Blush Brush ($18)

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush

I love this one specifically for contouring. It has a wide, angled shape that helps create a defined yet natural contour application easily. The thick density of this brush also allows for all powder/cream/liquid products to blend perfectly on the skin.

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush ($23)

Morphe M510 Brush

This is a wonderful highlighting brush. It is made of real hair bristles, so it has the ability to pick up the right amount of highlighter in one swipe and blend it beautifully on skin. Its narrow shape also makes it easy to concentrate highlighter application on the high points of the face.

Morphe M510 Brush (USD 8)

EYES

Sigma E40 Tapered Blending

No matter what look I choose to do, this brush will be the first one I use on my eyes. Its long, fluffy bristles make blending a breeze. I use this to apply transition shades (for many of us, this is the first step for eyeshadow application) or to sweep some bronzer in the eye crease to make the eyes a bit more deep set. This brush is also a great one for nose contouring!

Sigma E40 Tapered Blending ($24)

Sigma E25 Blending

This brush is denser and more precise than the E40. I use it to blend in darker shades to create more dimension; whether it be the outer “V” or the lower crease of my eyes. It is also made of real hair, so it does not pick up as much pigment as synthetic brushes — which is great in providing a softer eyeshadow look.

Sigma E25 Blending ($23)

Sigma E30 Pencil Brush

Do not underestimate the power of this tiny brush, it can drastically transform your eyeshadow look, making it look more complete. I use this to blend out shadow on my lower lash line for a smokier effect, as well as apply highlight on the inner corner of the eyes and under the brow bone.