When you’re starting out with makeup there’s a lot to learn, so you’re going to want to keep it simple when it comes to tools and techniques.
Simple, and effective.
When buying makeup brushes it’s helpful to establish what types of brushes you actually need to achieve the makeup look you’re trying to create.
So, we’ve put together a list of the most important
makeup brushes (and in my opinion the best makeup brushes) for achieving any basic makeup look under the sun.
These are the
staple makeup brushes you need in your collection.
What do makeup brushes do?
Different types of makeup brushes have different purposes, but generally makeup brushes are designed to apply and blend in makeup to achieve different finishes and effects.
This list of high quality makeup brushes is designed to explain how these brushes work differently to apply
foundation,
blush,
contour,
highlighter and
eyeshadow.
For a base that just glides right on after primer, try buffing in your foundation with the elf Ultimate Blending Brush. This multipurpose makeup brush is designed to blend in everything from liquid, to powder, to mousse. It’s a dense synthetic brush, with a dome head that can blend product in seamlessly when you use broad circular motions. It can also be used with blush and bronzer making it an essential makeup bag staple if you like to pack lightly.
Stipple in cream products To maintain a dewy finish, some cream and liquid products work better when they are lightly dispersed and stippled onto the skin. The elf Small Stipple Brush is a Youtuber-favourite for a reason. This lightweight synthetic brush has two layers so you can layer colour lightly for a seamless, airbrushed result. This bargain brush really stands up in terms of quality and will not be replaced from my makeup stash anytime soon.
A big fluffy brush for all over powder Everyone needs a good fluffy powder brush that can cover a lot of area and blend in any harsh lines. We recommend the INIKA Vegan Powder Brush, which is a large, synthetic brush perfect for applying pressed and loose powders to the face and body. Simply dip this prush into your preferred powder, tap off any excess and swirl on to apply. This brush can also be used to blend out any messy blush or bronzer.
To sweep blush seamlessly across the cheeks you need a fluffy, slightly tapered brush to create precision. The Real Techniques Blush Brush is the ultimate blush brush, using synthetic bristles to disperse pigment softly onto the cheeks. This brush makes applying blush easier, as you are less likely to get overly pigmented results.
Contouring is the art of chiseling your cheekbones, or shaping your face using a 3 motion to frame your profile. For this purpose we strongly recommend the Nude by Nature Contour Brush 04. This ergonomically designed brush uses soft synthetic fibres tapered to apply contour with precision. It helps to apply the product evenly and smoothly and blends the product in for a soft, chiseled look.
The Real Techniques Setting Brush is a multipurpose brush designed to apply powder very precisely. This makes it the perfect brush for applying powder under the eye, highlighting the high points of your face, or even concentrating contour. It has soft Talkon bristles that are perfect for buffing out even the most pigmented colours.
To create a defined crease you need a few tools. The Real Techniques Perfect Crease Duo comes with two good makeup brushes that work to create a defined look. The Crease Prep brush works to layer a neutral shadow on the base of the eye, while the Defining Crease Brush has long fluffy bristles that help with the precise application of shadow to that area of your eye.
Apply concealer with expert precision The Spectrum A18 Oval Concealer Brush is a small, flat heard brush with a rounded tip designed for expert precision. ideal for applying concealer on targeted areas like blemishes, this prush is also perfect for uder the eyes, nose and mouth. It has flexible, Talkon bristles, which are synthetic, cruealty free and gentle on sensitive skin. We recommend this brush for use with all cream and liquid products.
A kabuki brush is a versatile tool, perfect for applying mineral makeup and other liquids and powders. The Aspect Minerals Kabuki Brush is the best kabuki brush as its a vegan, synthetic brush that has triple milled fibres to pick up every last pigment. It also layers products lightly for a buildable approach. It blends like a dream and provides a seamless finish.
While these brushes are chosen at a beginner price point, many of these have become staples in my own brush collection because of their quality and versatility.
If you’re still not sure where to start we also stock many
beginner-friendly makeup brush sets that come with a range of useful brushes to suit your needs.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Makeup Brushes<p>There’s been a makeup brush revolution in recent years. Long gone are the days where you’d use your fingers or those dinky sponges that come with eyeshadow compacts. With the ability to elevate your look from passable to flawless, makeup brushes are exactly what you need to mimic the that professional finish.</p>
<p>Adore Beauty stocks a wide range of makeup brushes to choose from, whether you’re looking for high quality natural hair bristles, or if you’re looking for vegan synthetic bristles. You can also shop from a range of makeup brush accessories, including makeup brush cleanser and brush cleansing tools from Sigma and Palmat.</p>
<p>It’s also easier than ever to choose a tool that matches your budget - though makeup brushes are an investment, technological advancements from companies like Real Techniques and elf Cosmetics means that you can get a five star makeup brush on a budget.</p>
<p>For people who are looking to build a complete brush set, there’s no need to put in hours of research. Many brands, like Sigma, Real Techniques and Nude By Nature have all created the perfect minimal brush set that ticks all the boxes. Just choose your price point and you’ll have your whole face covered - usually these sets contain all the makeup brushes you need for your eyes, foundation, powder and brows. If you’re not starting from the ground up and already have a few brushes, you can also buy specific brush sets for the eyes or face. Sigma and Real Techniques both offer makeup brush kits that are created to get the perfect highlight and contour, or a total eye makeup look.</p>
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<h2><span style="font-size: small;">Which is the best makeup brush for total beginners?</span></h2>
<p>This question really depends on what you struggle with the most. If you could only have one makeup brush or tool, many makeup artists would recommend a blending sponge. This versatile tool makes it super simple to blend out foundation and apply powder, while also blending away excess product. <a title="Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/real-techniques/real-techniques-miracle-complex-sponge.html">Try the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge</a> for an affordable day to day sponge, or the <a title="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/napoleon-perdis/napoleon-perdis-pro-makeup-blending-sponge.html " href="Napoleon%20Perdis%20Pro%20Blending%20Sponge%20">Napoleon Perdis Pro Blending Sponge</a> for something a bit more precise.</p>
<p>In general, it’s highly recommended to get a brush for powder - you’re looking for something big and fluffy, like the <a title="Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/sigma/sigma-f30-large-powder.html%20">Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush</a>, or the <a title="Real Techniques Powder Brush" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/real-techniques/real-techniques-powder-brush.html">Real Techniques Powder Brush</a>. Usually these brushes can be also used for powder and bronzer - if they’re too large for the area you’re applying makeup too, try holding the brush at the bristles to create the right shape for you.</p>
