6 Essential Makeup Brushes
8 Must-Have Pieces for Fall
Have you heard the saying “you’re only as good as your tools”? In some ways I think that can be an accurate sentiment, and when it comes to makeup brushes it can certainly play a part in the success of your makeup application and longevity!
Before we get into the six brush types I use most, here is a helpful rule of thumb: tightly packed bristles tend to work best with liquid and cream products, while looser, fluffier bristles work best with powders. Brush size matters too! A smaller brush gives you more control and precise placement, while a larger brush offers more forgiveness and creates a softer, more diffused finish.
I’ve listed all of my tried-and-true favorites for each category below!
1. Foundation Brush
My go-to: Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush
Use it for liquid or cream foundation and concealer.
A foundation brush buffs liquid and cream products into the skin without absorbing as much product as a sponge can. The Sephora Collection PRO Flawless Airbrush #56 is great for liquid or cream foundation. I like to blend the product using small circular motions for a smooth finish.
Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush
A separate concealer brush is optional. The Sephora Collection Essential Concealer Brush #02 works well for targeted concealer application, but I usually prefer using my fingers.
2. Bronzer + Contour Brush
My go-to: Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush
Use it for cream or liquid contour and bronzer.
Bronzer and contour can share a category, but the right brush still depends on the product’s formula. Choose a dense brush for a liquid or cream product and a fluffier brush for powder.
I like the BK Beauty 101 Contoured Foundation Brush for cream contour or bronzer. The angled shape fits naturally beneath the cheekbone and offers controlled placement.
The Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush is a good option for liquid or cream bronzer and contour, especially if you want one brush that can do several jobs. Just remember to clean it before switching to a different color product!
Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Snatch + Sculpt Contour Makeup Brush
3. Blush Brush
My go-to: BK Beauty 106 Round Foundation Brush
Use it for liquid, cream, or powder blush.
The right blush brush depends on the formula you use. A denser brush blends liquid and cream blush, while a looser brush applies powder blush more softly.
The Sephora Collection PRO Blush Brush #99 works with liquid, cream, or powder blush. You could also use it for cream bronzer or contour, but do not use the same brush for blush and bronzer without washing it between products. Otherwise, the leftover pigments can muddy the color.
The Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush is, again, a very versatile choice. It works beautifully for liquid or cream blush!
The BK Beauty 112 Small Angled Face Brush is another great option for cream or powder blush. Its smaller angled shape makes placement easy and controlled.
The BK Beauty 106 Round Foundation Brush is technically a foundation brush, but I personally love using it for blush.
Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Tapered Cheek Makeup Brush
4. Eyeshadow Brush
My go-to: Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush
Use it for cream and powder eyeshadow.
If I could recommend only one eyeshadow brush, it would be the Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush. The flat side applies cream shadow, and the fluffier side applies and blends powder shadow. You could also use the flat side for concealer and the fluffy side to set concealer with powder. This brush is the GOAT, and I have not found a true dupe for it!
For a traditional powder-shadow brush, the BK Beauty 202 Eyeshadow Brush is one of the best I have used.
Budget-friendly option: Morphe M332 Medium Rounded Eyeshadow Brush
5. Smudger Brush
Kate’s go-to: BK Beauty 204 Eyeshadow Brush
Use it for eyeliner and precise eyeshadow placement.
A smudger brush has short, tightly packed bristles, so it places product exactly where you want it. Use one to apply cream eyeliner, concentrate eyeshadow along the lash line, or soften a liner for a smoky effect.
The Sephora Collection Essential Smudger Brush #10 is great for cream eyeliner or concentrated eyeshadow placement. The BK Beauty 204 Eyeshadow Brush is another excellent smudging brush.
Budget-friendly option: Morphe M382 Detail Smudger Eye Brush
6. Powder Brush
My go-to: BK Beauty 103 Bronzer Brush
Use it for setting powder, pressed powder, and powder bronzer.
The Sephora Collection PRO Flawless Light Powder Brush #50 is a great option for setting powder, pressed powder, or even powder bronzer.
The Sephora Collection PRO Bronzer Brush #80 gives powder bronzer a soft, diffused finish. Neither of these brushes is designed for liquid or cream products.
If you want a larger brush specifically for bronzer, the BK Beauty 103 Bronzer Brush gives powder bronzer a soft, diffused finish.
For powder bronzer, the BK Beauty 103 Bronzer Brush or Sephora Collection PRO Bronzer Brush #80 creates a softer finish.
Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Ultra Plush Powder Makeup Brush
Once you find the right brushes that work with your makeup routine, not only will it save you time and energy, but you’ll also begin to notice that your makeup will look better, last longer, and give you a final result you’re happy with!
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