The number and type of makeup brushes that exist can be dizzying. Which bristles are best? Why are there so many blending brushes? What’s the difference? Well, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of five of our favorite essential brushes to either add to your kit or get you started!
Foundation Brush
While we live in the era of the makeup sponge, we can’t forget a tried and true foundation brush. Aside from our hands, brushes have been used by industry professionals for years. They’re sanitary and can be used long-term on multiple clients as long as proper sanitary measures are taken. Everyone loves a good sponge, but everyone should have a densely packed kabuki onhand just in case.
Try the Hourglass Foundation Brush
Price: $46.00
All-Over Powder Brush
A big, fluffy brush is necessary for setting foundation, wiping away loose powder and fallout from eyeshadow, and even blending and blowing out bronzer. These kind of brushes are large, but not too dense. This allows them to create a veil of powder rather than packing on pigment.
Try the Morphe Deluxe Powder Brush
Price: $25.00
Domed Eyeshadow Blending Brush
This brush is essential. Honestly, you could probably have eight of these and would still find a need for more. Like the powder brush, these bristles are less dense, but create a beautiful wash of color for those important transition shades or creating that seamless blend between two colors. Stock up on these!
Try the Sigma E37 All Over Blend Brush
Price: $17.00
Eyeshadow Packing Brush
Pigmentation is the basis of all eyeshadow palettes, and to get the most pay off, you need a good packing brush. Whether it be trying to get the most of that matte red or trying to make that gold metallic pop, this dense brush is a high priority need for any kit.
Try the Morphe E14 Oval Shadow Brush
Price: $8.00
Highlighting Brush
Highlighting is the trend that has been taking the beauty world by storm over the past few years, and the key to a blinding highlight is the brush. The goal is to have a seamless, blended highlight—the wet look. In addition to choosing the appropriate color, application is everything. You don’t want a stripe but you also don’t want it to be so blown out that it pulls features that you may be trying to hide. So, a brush with longer, flexible bristles allows the brush to hug the shape of the cheek bone for direct application but also blend the edges to avoid a stripy look.
Try the Kat Von D Highlighting Brush #4
Price: $32.00
We would love to hear from all the MUAs out there. What are some of your essential brushes in your kit? Let us know in the comments below!