Here Are 11 Makeup Brushes You Will Actually Use
Makeup brushes are the unsung heroes of any beauty routine and are what truly make a difference in how good my makeup ends up looking on myself and of course, on my clients. My makeup brushes are comparable to a sous chef’s favorite knives or a PGA tour golfer’s favorite golf clubs! If you want to be the best at something, you’re gonna need the right tools.
Elevating your application game can go from amateur to expert with the correct brushes. If you're a seasoned makeup aficionado who likes the finer things in life, you’ll probably love the breathtakingly luxurious 17 piece Hourglass set, $670. Or, if you are just starting to build your collection and want to start with the more affordable e.l.f. collection, $58, knowing what brushes to use for each makeup category can make a world of difference.
Of course, being a professional makeup artist myself, my collection of brushes stands at over 100+ brushes I’ve gathered over the past 20 years. I might have 8 different eyeliner brushes, but each one serves its own purpose and could range from angled, to pointed, flat, black handle, pink handle, etc. Brushes are “my thing” and I like options.
TL;DR
Jennifer shares The 11 Makeup Brushes You Will Actually Use
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Here Are 11 Makeup Brushes You Will Actually Use
Makeup Brush Guide
Instead of making things complicated for the average makeup wearer, I have decided to share with you just the TOP 11 MAKEUP BRUSHES I’d grab if I wasn’t allowed to use the other 100+ I own. I can create an entire look - from simple to super dramatic, using every single one of these and they all have a specific purpose.
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Here’s my guide to help you navigate the world of makeup brushes, focusing on the essentials for both face and eyes. And lucky for you ladies, they’re a mix of varied price points - from the affordable to a few luxury ones.
Oh and if you’re looking to take advantage of some things during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coming up soon, maybe add to cart one of the Kusshi Leather Makeup Organizers here,$184, or their signature machine washable organizer here, $69, to store your new brushes and makeup in! The color combo options are the cutest.
FACE BRUSHES
Brush 1
Foundation Brush: SEPHORA COLLECTION #64 PRO DIFFUSER,$34. I never recommend applying foundation with fingers - it always looks streaky to me and I can’t stand the mess on my fingers! To get a flawless base application, this brush has varying bristle lengths which keeps foundation from settling in pores for the smoothest complexion finish. The soft hairs can build coverage while treating easily irritated skin gently, making this brush perfect for texture and sensitive skin. Use all foundation brushes in a hashtag motion to get the best results.
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Brush 2
Powder/Bronzer Brush: BK BEAUTY 104 TAPERED POWDER, $36. A large, fluffy brush is essential for setting your makeup with loose or pressed powder and for bronzing the face and neck. It evenly distributes product without leaving behind cakey residue. The bristles of this brush make for a light airbrushed effect. I used it along with the Gucci Sun Kissed Glow Bronzer, $65, in shade “light” here in this post. If you want a luxurious Tiffany blue compact with a buttery bronzer, this is for you!
Brush 3
Blush Brush: MORPHE V106 PRECISION BLUSH BRUSH, $18. I see way too many women using too large of a brush for blush. Blush is going in a very tiny area - the cheek! So opt for a smaller-sized, fluffy brush with very rounded edges for applying blush. This shape helps blend color seamlessly onto your cheeks for a natural flush.
Brush 4
Cream Blush Brush: RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH BLUSH BRUSH, $23. Once again, I don’t even like using my fingers for my beloved cream blushes! This brush is specifically for cream and liquid blush formulas. It easily applies pigment-rich formulas with a sheer touch for a soft and diffused look. Its uniquely shaped angled brush hugs every curve and mimics the bounce of your fingertips for a controlled application. I used it along with the Rare Beauty liquid blush in shade “Happy,” $23 here for this look. Her liquid blushes are super duper long lasting and very pigmented - a touch goes a long way!
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Brush 5
Setting Powder Brush: Real Techniques Powder Setting Brush, $8. I’ve been using this brush for forever and for good reason - it gets almost a perfect 5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews! It provides a controlled dusting of powder for a precisely natural finish wherever you apply it. I use it to specifically apply my setting powders under my eyes and around my nose and mouth. It also is small enough to easily apply your powder highlighters beautifully! This is the ultimate utility brush every gal should own.
Brush 6
Concealer Brush: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Dual Ended Concealer Brush, $21 (on sale). Hear me out on why you’d need a double ended concealer brush like this one. The flat and tapered end of the brush is for effortlessly smoothing and dotting concealer under your eyes, around your nose and other hard-to-reach spots. Then flip to the round and fluffy end to buff away imperfections for your most airbrushed finish. It truly delivers your most natural-looking, beautiful results every time! It also has two caps for each side for storage.
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EYE MAKEUP BRUSHES
Brush 7
Eyebrow + Spoolie Brush: Anastasia Beverly Hills Angled Brow Brush #12, $20. This brush is the essential tool for precision application of your cream or powder brow products. The angled cut brush on one end is perfect to fill-in arches and create perfect hair strokes and even can double for applying liner. The spoolie end distributes and blends products evenly for a more natural look.
Brush 8
Blending Brush: BK Beauty #202 Defined Brush, $16. This fluffy tapered shaped brush is key for blending eyeshadows seamlessly. I love this for all over shadow shades and to soften harsh lines and create a smooth transition between colors. It’s a very versatile brush.
Brush 9
Detail Brush: Morphe M709 Pointed Packer brush, $10. This small, precise brush is for applying eyeshadow to smaller areas of the lid, highlighting the inner corners of your eyes, or even applying concealer to small areas. This brush is essential for packing shimmery shadow onto your lids as well. Its flat, dense shape allows for maximum color payoff and precise application.
Brush 10
Dome Crease Brush: Morphe M321 Bullet Crease Brush, $6. A rounded bullet shaped brush is designed for the crease area and helps add depth and dimension to your eye makeup. It allows you to precisely apply and blend eyeshadow in the crease for defined color placement.
Brush 11
Eyeliner Brush: Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Liner Brush, $36. I have owned this liner brush for over 15+ years now! It’s lasted me that long and I use it all the time. Whether you prefer gel or powder eyeliner, a small fine-tipped brush is essential for creating precise lines close to the lash line. It’s also great for filling in eyebrows with powder or pomade.
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The rest of my outfit details: Square neck knit Amazon tank, $20, wearing a medium. Love that the straps are just wide enough to cover a regular bra strap. // Wide leg white Amazon linen pants, $35, wearing a small. Very stretchy waistband // Buxom plump shot lip serum in “Fuschia You,” $24 // Similar white beaded hoops, $25. // Not shown, my Sam Edleman Layla sneaker that I’m obsessed with. These are THE most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn, $110
There you have it - my most important tools for a full face! Investing in a few essential brushes tailored to your needs can elevate your beauty routine to new heights. Whether you're blending eyeshadow or sculpting cheekbones, having the right tools makes all the difference. Be sure to buy yourself this quick brush cleaner to use when you don’t have time for soap and water. And if you need some new luxury makeup to add to those brushes, check out my Splurge-Worthy Makeup Post here. Happy brushing!
Stay tuned for next week's post - it’ll be a good one. I’ll be diving into the best beauty exclusives you should be shopping for during the biggest sale of the year - the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
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Thank you so much Jennifer for all the info you provide! It is so useful and I hated learned a great deal from your posts!
Glad to hear you are finding my posts useful Mary! I hope to keep inspiring you all with new makeup tips, tricks, and products!
Jennifer is so helpful with her makeup tips and advice. Love it and always take time to read her posts. ♥️
I do appreciate you taking the time to read my posts and that you’re finding them helpful Cindi! If there’s anything else you’d like to see my cover beauty wise, I’m all ears here in these comment sections!