Beginner Makeup Brushes Guide: Which Brushes You DO and DON’T Need
If you’re new to the world of makeup, the variety of brushes available can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there, standing in the makeup brush aisle with no clue what kind of brush I actually needed.
It took some trial and error, experimenting with different types of brushes and brands, and watching countless online tutorials, but I’m confident I’ve narrowed down all the must-have brushes a beginner should have.
I’m here to break it all down for you. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what brushes to use, how to use them, and even how to care for them so they last you for years. Let’s dive in!
Why Do You Need the Right Brushes?
The first thing to understand is that your brushes can make or break your makeup routine. The right tools can take you from streaky foundation and uneven eyeshadow to a flawless finish.
When I first started experimenting with makeup, I used my fingers for everything—and while it got the job done, the results weren’t exactly Instagram-worthy. Investing in a few good brushes completely changed my makeup game.
For beginners, having the right brushes means smoother application, less wasted product, and a more polished look.
Plus, brushes designed for specific purposes—like blending, contouring, or highlighting—help you achieve that professional touch even if you’re just starting out.
Breaking Down the Brush Collection
When you’re starting out, you don’t need a massive brush collection. A few essential brushes can cover most of your needs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of all brushes a beginner should have. I also have a more narrowed down version later in the article, if you don’t want to invest too much right at the start.
Face Brushes
1. Blush Brush
This one’s a must-have for adding color to your cheeks.
Look for a medium-sized brush with soft, fluffy bristles.
I use mine to gently sweep blush onto my cheeks in circular motions for a natural look.
Pro tip: Start with a little product and build up. It’s easier to add more than to take away too much.
2. Flat Foundation Brush vs. Kabuki Brush
If you’re using liquid foundation, a flat foundation brush works wonders for smooth application.
On the other hand, a kabuki brush with dense, soft bristles is perfect for buffing and blending cream or powder foundation.
I use my kabuki brush in small circular motions to achieve an airbrushed finish.
3. Powder Brushes
For setting powder or loose powder, a large, fluffy powder brush is ideal.
It helps you dust on just the right amount without looking cakey.
Pro tip: I lightly tap my brush to remove excess powder before sweeping it across my T-zone.
4. Highlighter Brush
Want that lit-from-within glow? You need a highlighter brush.
A highlighter brush is perfect for applying shimmer to the high points of your face—think cheekbones, brow bone, and the tip of your nose.
5. Angled Contour Brush
This brush makes contouring super easy, even for beginners.
Use it to define your cheekbones, jawline, and even your forehead with either cream or powder products.
It’s my go-to for adding some dimension to my face.
Eye Brushes
1. Blending Brush
A good blending brush is key to achieving a soft, smoky eye.
The fluffy bristles make it easy to blend out harsh lines for a seamless finish.
2. Shader Brush
This brush is your best friend for packing color onto your eyelids.
Use it with shimmery or matte shades to build up intensity.
3. Eyeliner Brush
If you’re working with gel or cream eyeliner, an angled eyeliner brush helps you get a precise line.
I also use it to smudge eyeshadow along my lower lash line for a softer look.
Pro tip: I also use my eyeliner brush with dark eyeshadow to get that winged look, when I don’t feel confident enough for liquid eyeliner.
4. Brow Brush
A dual-ended brow brush with an angled tip on one side and a spoolie on the other is a game-changer for defining and shaping your brows.
Lip Brushes
A lip brush might seem unnecessary, but it’s amazing for precise application, especially with bold colors.
I use mine to define my cupid’s bow and ensure my lip color stays within the lines.
It also helps you control the amount of product you’re applying, which is especially useful if you’re mixing shades or using a liquid lipstick that can get messy.
Plus, using a lip brush can make even budget-friendly lipsticks look more polished and professional.
Which brushes do beginners need?
For beginners, you don’t need every single brush mentioned. Here’s a simplified list of essential brushes to start with:
Face Brushes:
- Blush Brush – Perfect for applying blush or even bronzer for a pop of color or definition.
- Kabuki Brush – Versatile for applying and blending liquid or powder foundation.
- Powder Brush – Ideal for setting makeup with loose or pressed powder.
- Highlighter Brush – A small, fluffy brush works great for adding a subtle glow to the high points of your face.
Eye Brushes:
- Blending Brush – A must-have for creating smooth, blended eyeshadow looks.
- Shader Brush – Great for packing color onto the eyelid.
- Brow Brush – A dual-ended brow brush with a spoolie for shaping and angled tip for filling in brows.
Optional but Nice to Have:
- Lip Brush – Helpful for precise application of bold lip colors.
- Angled Contour Brush – Useful if you want to try basic contouring.
- Eyeliner Brush – For precise lines with gel or cream eyeliner.
This smaller collection gives you the tools you need to handle basic makeup application without feeling overwhelmed.
As you gain confidence, you can add more specialized brushes to your collection.
Choosing the Right Brushes for Different Products
The type of makeup you use matters when it comes to choosing brushes. Here are some tips:
- Liquid Products: Use synthetic bristles for smooth application. They don’t absorb as much product as natural bristles, which means less waste.
- Powder Products: Fluffy bristles work best for even distribution without clumping.
- Cream Products: Denser brushes like flat-top kabuki brushes or small synthetic brushes work great for blending creams seamlessly.
Application Techniques for Beginners
Using the right brushes is only half the battle—the technique matters too.
Here are some beginner-friendly tips:
- Circular Motions: For foundation and blush, small circular motions help blend everything evenly.
- Light Tapping: Tap off excess product before applying to avoid going overboard.
- Use Less Product: It’s better to build up product gradually. Less is more when it comes to a natural look.
- Back of Your Hand: I always dab liquid or cream products onto the back of my hand before picking them up with a brush. It helps control how much product ends up on my face.
My final advice is to learn from the pros. Watch YouTube tutorials or follow celebrity makeup artists on TikTok for tips. Their techniques are often beginner-friendly and super inspiring.
Building Your Brush Collection: Beginner-Friendly Brush Brands
You don’t need to buy a 20-piece brush set right away. Start small with versatile brushes, like a kabuki brush, blending brush, and angled contour brush.
If you’re on a budget, look for brush sets with synthetic bristles—they’re cruelty-free and work just as well as natural bristles.
Some of my favorite affordable brands include e.l.f., Kiko Milano, and Real Techniques. Their brushes are high-quality and perfect for beginners. Another great option is EcoTools, known for their eco-friendly, soft bristles and versatile sets.
If you’re looking for something slightly more advanced but still affordable, consider BH Cosmetics brush sets—they have a wide variety to suit different needs. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can expand your collection with more specific brushes.
Caring for Your Brushes
Clean brushes are essential for a flawless makeup look and healthy skin. Here’s my routine for keeping them in top shape:
- Warm Water and Gentle Cleanser: Wet the bristles (not the handle) and use a mild soap or brush cleaner.
- Remove Excess Water: Squeeze out the water gently without pulling on the bristles.
- Reshape and Dry: Lay your brushes flat to dry with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This helps them maintain their shape.
I clean my brushes once a week to prevent bacteria buildup. It’s a bit of a chore, but totally worth it for smooth application and clear skin.
Beginner Makeup Brushes Guide: Final Thoughts
Starting your makeup journey with the right brushes can make everything so much easier. With a few essential tools, some practice, and a little patience, you’ll be creating flawless makeup looks in no time.
Remember, even professional makeup artists started somewhere, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Now grab your brushes and start practicing—you’ve got this!
2 Comments