People ask me all the time why I have different types of makeup brushes in my kit. The answer is simple because I need them. I understand how confusing it is for a beginner because how do you find a use for each and every one of these brushes, right?
My friends seem to be baffled to find out I have tons of brushes in my makeup collection. Okay, maybe they don’t weigh a ton, that’s an exaggeration but it is quite a sizeable amount. But considering I am a makeup artist and I work with different clients and models, sometimes multiple people in one day, I need a good, complete set of brushes to work efficiently – and no, it’s not an excuse.
Build your kit fast: compare three beginner-friendly brush sets side by side and grab the one that fits your routine and budget.
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Last update on 2025-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Types Of Makeup Brushes Every Beginner Should Own
The right tools change your makeup application – every time. It makes it more efficient to put a product on your face, it creates a better finish, and it affects even the way you pick up and deposit the product.
To make it less confusing, I’ve listed down some of the basic types of makeup brushes any makeup beginner should own.
Ready to step into the world of makeup? Here’s a list of the essential makeup brushes for beginners.
Foundation Brush
A foundation brush helps you create a flawless base for your makeup. There are two kinds of foundation makeup brushes on this list the first one is the flat foundation brush:
Personally, I like putting a liquid foundation with this type of flat brush and blending it with a sponge to take away any streaks.
Another kind of foundation brush is this type of flat foundation stippling/buffer brush, you can apply a liquid, cream, or even powder using this type of foundation brush. I also like using this after I apply foundation with the flat brush to lightly blend the product on my skin.
Powder Brush
One of the most important types of makeup brushes to have in your arsenal is an all around powder brush. Use this for setting product on your skin by dipping in powder and lightly dusting it on top of the product. Although, I have a slightly smaller-sized powder brush because my face is small, so it’s important to get a powder brush that is suited to the size of your face.
- POWDER BRUSH: This large, plush brush has soft, curved bristles perfect for picking up to just the right amount of powder for an even application
- WET N WILD BRUSHES: Discover our line of fun and precise brushes, the perfect helpers for your flawless makeup!
Last update on 2025-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blush Brush
When choosing a blush brush, take note of the “give” of the bristles, it should not be too firm that it will deposit the product in more concentration therefore giving you a pop of color on the cheeks, but it should be able to bend slightly and be a bit fluffier to create a diffused blusher application.
Contour Brush
A good contour brush will be able to give you a sculpted look to your face without the harsh lines, although it will also depend on how heavy-handed or light-handed you are.
Fluffy Eyeshadow Brush
It’s a good idea to have in your kit a generic fluffy eye brush that can deposit product on your lid and can double as a blending brush. I have a few couple of these types of makeup brushes in my kit because I always find some use for them, especially as an extra blending brush.
Blending Brush
The beauty of having a proper blending brush is that you can blend away harsh lines or products together efficiently, brushes that are not made for blending will take forever to blend eyeshadow pigments. Also, it’s advisable that the bristles are made of natural hair not synthetic.
- SOFTENS DRAMATIC EDGES: The e.l.f. Blending Eye Brush expertly blends multiple eye shades while softening dramatic edges and fine lines.
- NATURAL FINISH: Use after shadow and liner application to create a natural finish to any eye look.
Last update on 2025-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crease Brush
A crease brush is a smaller tipped eye brush that deposits pigments on the crease area. It can get a little harder to apply a concentrated amount of product in the crease because of the narrow area that it is in.
Angled Eyeliner Brush
Angled liner brushes are types of makeup brushes that have flatter and finer contact points. It can pick up cream or liquid products easier. I like using the angled liner brush to create a perfect wing and to fill up the line on the upper lash, it gives me better control of the product as well because of its angled edge.
- Discover NYX Professional Makeup: try all our Pro makeup & Beauty products, from eyeshadow palette, liquid eyeliner & eyeliner pencils, mascara &…
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Last update on 2025-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Eyebrow Spoolie
An important tool to have when grooming your eyebrows is a spoolie. I like combing my eyebrow hairs down and filling in from above the brow line and brushing the hair up after to create a natural-looking filled in brows.
When choosing what to get between the different types of makeup brushes, price does not always mean performance, there are definitely makeup brushes out there that perform similarly if not better compared to luxury brands, always test and take note of how it feels on your skin.
Watch this video by Emily Quak about makeup brushes for beginners:
Having the right makeup brushes is as important as taking care of them, I love using this vertical makeup brush drying stand whenever I have to clean my brushes.
If you find this list helpful, make sure to read this article that’ll help you get on your way to becoming a makeup geek: DIY Ring Light
Let me know what you think of this brush guide in the comments below. You can also share your makeup brush collection on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I’d love to see them!
