There are so many different kinds of makeup brushes it can be hard to know what to do with all of them, especially when just dipping your toes in the world of makeup. I’ve had lots of requests to do this post so I thought I would break it down to basics with makeup brushes 101, and talk about the essential brushes you should pack in your makeup bag. These are my suggestions for the minimum brushes you would need for a full polished look, although there are some ways to cut corners which I talk about in the video.
I’m thinking of making this a 2 part series, so if you like this post and would like to learn more about what to do with an expanded amount of makeup brushes please leave me a comment below.
Watch the Video
Makeup Brush Essentials
Foundation Brush
You have at least 3 options for a foundation applicator: foundation brush, blending sponge, or silicone applicator. I personally prefer and recommend a dense flat top foundation brush because you get to keep a lot more of the product when compared to a blending sponge that absorbs some of that expensive foundation.
Blush Brush
You also have 3 options when shopping for a blush brush. I recommend a fan brush for beginners, and a dense angled flat brush for those who want to play a bit more. You can also use a more traditional fluffy tapered brush.
Multi Purpose Brush
A lightly dense smaller tapered brush will save you from buying several brushes. You can use it for contour, highlight, or even concealer.
Powder Brush
A big fluffy brush is great for setting powder and blending your face products.
Related Post: How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes at Home
Shadow Brush
A basic medium density small tapered brush can be used for many of your eye shadow needs. You can pack shadow on your lid, brush it along your brow bone, or even apply powder to your crease.
Blending Brush
A blending brush is a must for eye shadow application. After applying your eye shadow you should always blend it out with a nice fluffy blending brush.
Spooly Brush
A spooly brush is great for getting your brows in place, but you don’t need to buy a brush! Next time you’re finished with your mascara and want to throw it out, remove the wand, wash it out, and bam, you’ve got a new spooly brush to tame those brows!
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There ya have it, your makeup brushes 101 crash course about your makeup brush essentials. If you’d like to learn more about a broader range of brushes please let me know in the comments below!
xo Jannine
Such a helpful post! I really need to buy myself some new makeup brushes!
Thanks Nancy. I hope you now have some great tips for your makeup brush shopping!
xo Jannine
This was such a helpful post! I typically do my makeup with whatever brush because I don’t know the difference, haha. Hopefully now, I’ll use all the right brushes!
Linda
I totally feel ya Linda! I’m happy to help, good luck! <3
xo Jannine
I feel so lost when it comes to makeup brushes. There are so many!! This was super helpful in suggesting which ones are needed.
I’m so glad you found it helpful <3
xo Jannine
This is a great post! So many people are confused by the amount of brushes out there so this is awesome!
Thanks Tabitha!
xo Jannine
This made makeup seem so simple! Which is great! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
http://www.amyemarieblog.com
Thanks Amye <3
xo Jannine
Thanks for the tips. It’s always so overwhelming!! Cant wait for your next article :o)
Thanks Mandy, I’m so glad you found it helpful!
xo Jannine
I’m way bad with makeup brushes, I use the same brush for multiple things lol
Sometimes you just need to make things work 🙂 I hope you found it helpful.
xo Jannine
Very helpful post!Thank you!
Thanks!
xo Jannine
This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Samantha!
xo Jannine
love this informative post! thanks so much.
Courtney Bentley || http://www.starsystemz.com
Thanks Courtney, I’m glad you loved it 🙂
xo Jannine
My makeup brushes are so nasty, I need new ones! thanks for the tips
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
New makeup brushes can be fun to play with 🙂
xo Jannine
Fantastic post!! I always get so lost with makeup brushes! I just got a blending brush and it is a GAME CHANGER! Will def add the Spooly one on the list too – such a fun name! xx Shannon || http://www.champagneatshannons.com
Blending brushes are like the holy grail!!! No makeup look will ever be the same!!
xo Jannine
Great post. Thank you for sharing!
Molly | https://www.eyeconicsociety.co.uk/
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Awesome Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
No problem. Happy to help 🙂
xo Jannine