If it’s one thing I’ve learned from being a makeup artist, it’s that a good set of makeup brushes is key to taking your makeup application to the next level. But with so many brushes out there in different sizes, shapes and materials, I know how difficult it can be to know exactly which ones you really need. I filmed a youtube video a while back about my must-have makeup brushes, but thought it was time to update my list with my current faves and where you can get them now!
1. FOUNDATION BRUSH
One of the most important makeup brushes you need in your collection is a really good foundation brush. One of my favorites for everyday use is the IT Cosmetics double ended brush. One end is perfect for applying my light to medium coverage foundation and the other is great for concealing smaller areas of my face. I definitely prefer to use a good foundation brush like this one over a beauty blender because I feel a brush holds less bacteria and doesn’t make me break out as much. If you’re on a budget, this e.l.f. stipple brush is a good option for a smooth foundation finish.
2. BLUSH BRUSH
CC: Tom Newton
The next brush you need is a rounded blush brush like this one from Estée Lauder. I call this brush my multitasker brush because you can use it to add color to the apples of your cheeks and you can also use it to play up your bone structure with bronzer. Just don’t forget to clean it before you switch products!
3. HIGHLIGHTER BRUSH
You guys know I love my highlighter, so of course I need a great brush to apply my new Cali Glow highlighters! I always reach for my Sigma tapered highlighter brush to give me a gorgeous, sun kissed glow for daytime and a high-impact shimmer for nighttime. I’ve also linked two other affordable options below!
4. BLENDING BRUSH
Blending your eyeshadow correctly is sooo important when it comes to getting a smokey eye like the pros. That being said, you definitely need a high quality blending brush like the MAC 217 brush. Tons of makeup artists have this one in their arsenal to achieve perfectly diffused and blended shadows.
5. PENCIL BRUSH
Another brush I always recommend to people who love wearing bold eye makeup is the Hourglass domed shadow brush. I use this small, precision brush to add color to my lower lash line to really make my eyes pop. It’s also ideal for shading the crease and outer corner of your eye for a smoked out nighttime look!
6. FLUFFY EYE BRUSH
CC: Tom Newton
Lastly, I can’t live without a fluffy eye blending brush like the MAC 224S tapered blending brush. This brush helps me smooth out any harsh lines and edges when I apply multiple eyeshadows and really gives me that professionally blended look.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to streaks, uneven blending and harsh contour lines, these makeup brushes are the way to go. Building a collection of good makeup brushes is so important when it comes to getting flawless makeup!
What questions do you guys have about makeup brushes? Ask away below!
52 Comments
Are the Eld brushes really good? I’ve never tried them but you can’t beat that price.
I have a few Elf brushes and do love them, specially for the price you can’t beat it. In fact my favorite contou me brush is from them and I paid $6 for it! You should try them! You won’t regret!
Hey babe!! They’re a perfect alternative from something like the MAC brush I linked above at such an amazing price. Try them and let me know what you think!
I have a brush addiction!! This did not help!
OMG, this is hilarious!! I definitely support your addiction. Which one of these brushes do you already have?!
Omg Sona I love you so so much. I don’t know why I didn’t think asking about what brushes to use lately because I have couple brushes and really don’t know what brush goes with what. This post helped me so much. Going to get some brushes now to take it with me to Armenia next month hehe ?
Awww, so happy this was helpful!! It makes it easier to narrow down if you have lots of different brushes but don’t know what to do with them. Love ya babe!
Sonaaaa!! Excellent post, I love the way you explain everything.
Saludos desde Perú.
Thanks love for the support always. Glad you liked this post!
This post is great! ?? Thank you!! ?
Love the info ! Which one brand can I go to , to pick up makeup brushes. Are the smash box brushes good ? Thanks :)
I started working at Macys as a makeup artist and all the brushes we have are Smashbox and they are AMAZING. Really soft, they don’t shed, plus they’re so pretty with those red tops! The only reason why I haven’t bought any of them yet is because I have a makeup brush problem, I own too many already lol. But I know I won’t resist for much longer.
Oooh, as far as brushes go Smashbox is amazing as well as IT Cosmetics or Sigma.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the ones I linked above! They’re at all different price points too depending on your budget.
Hope this was helpful babe!
You seriously rock, Sona! I will always appreciate time after time the affordable + luxury you put into your blogs. Thank you! #24hrclub
You’re so sweet Olivia! Love ya babe and love your support. Couldn’t do it without you!!
Sona! This post has been a great help, especially now that I am looking for the right makeup eye brushes. #24hrclub
Awww, good!! Check out the ones I linked above and let me know which ones you go with!
Great post! I have the It cosmetic foundation brush because of one of your videos!! It is a great brush and i use it all the time! Love love it! Gonna have to try the highlighter brush for my new #caliglow #Zuma highlighter! What what!! :) #Sonafam #24hrclub
Work it girl! IT Cosmetics has some great brushes, I am so glad you enjoy it as much as I do!!
I own the IT Cosmetics foundation brush because of your recomendation and I really love it!!! I agree, the Elf brushes are cheap but pretty great!
So glad you love the IT Cosmetics brush, you can’t go wrong with those!
Wow great recommendations, loved the fact that you have added drugstore options in the list to each category. ❤️
Thank you sona for your recommendation and giving us prices and choices that’s really helpful ❤️❤️
Of course babe! It can be helpful when shopping for different kinds of brushes. Let me know which ones you end up trying!
I actually bought some of these brushes after you recommended them in some of your videos. This post is amazing, maybe your next product lunch should be blush and brushes :) #24hrclub #snapchatfam #instafam
I’m so glad that you loved these recommendations!! Thanks for the love and stay tuned for the next launch!
Awesome brushes. ?❣ It cosmetics double ended brush is the best for foundation and concealer.
Brushes have made our life so easy. Using a good brush really make a difference in makeup. ❣
#snapchatfam
Literally!! Brushes make such a huge difference, that’s why they’re so important. Love that you have the IT Cosmetics brush!
Love this post, thank you for the recommendations!!! ? I actually love the morphe Y6 brush, I use it to apply foundation and concealer and it give me a flawless look. I definitely recommend it!! ? #24hrclub #snapchatfam #instafam
This is a super fav blog post of mine now . Super helpful . I’ve used some of the elf brushes and they are honestly great value for money for us beginners .
#simplysonalove
#24hrclub
Agreed babe. ELF has so many different options for a great price!! Glad this post was a fav for you.
love this post. (: It’s a combo of both high-end and drugstore brush options. It’s nice to spend less on brushes as compared to makeup products but still get a great product. Sigma tapered brush is the best for applying highlighter, I’ve heard about it a lot but i use 501 by morphe. It’s nice too. #snapfam
Sigma is amazing!! You can’t go wrong with those brushes. :)
Great post, definetly love a good foundation brush over a beauty blender xx
Awesome post, love your contents and your youtube videos ,you always give good tips
Love you, Yasmin xx
Love ya babe, thanks for your support.
Great selection of brushes, can’t be more agree with you !!
I love the affordable options. On my budget Morphe brushes and real techniques are my favorites. But I’m thinking of get your double ended foundation brush because it lets your skin so flawless. #24hrclub
Morphe has some great choices! The IT Cosmetics double ended brush may be pricey at first on a budget but it’s nice to have a brush such as that one that will last awhile!
I am missing some of the brushes you mentioned so now I have to do some eye line shopping!!!
Hi Sona! What brush do you use for your gel liner? #24hrclub
Any angled brushes, such as the MAC 263 Small Angle Brush or there is an ELF one too that is a cheaper option!
I have such a brush addiction. You should try Smith Cosmetic Brushes their brow brush is insane and I love their blending brushes. What are your thoughts on beauty blenders?
I love how the Beauty Blender blends my makeup but I noticed that when I was using it there was a lot of product that it was soaking in, so I usually use the foundation brush for everyday and my Beauty Blender for special occasions!
excellent post!mac’s 217 is my fav. too!!
Right?! It’s such an amazing brush. Can’t live without it!
Wonderfully informative post! As a makeup artist myself, it’s one of my most asked questions! I agree with all of your suggestions! I also am one of the few that prefer a foundation brush to a beauty blender. Though I do keep them on hand as they can be helpful for loads of other tasks as well!
Great minds think alike. :)
It’s nice to be able to narrow down to the brushes you really need!
This is very helpful. I tend to overpack brushes, but not using half of it. This is truly informative. Thank you!?
Sona I cannot live without some of the ones you mentioned above. I also, per usual, appreciate the afforsable option that you offee. Thank you so much!
Smith brushes are my go too! Did you know Mac is moving to synthetic? I’m curious of the quality will stay the same as 217 is one of my staple blending brushes! Also I use the Sonia Kashuk flat blending brush I think was 9 bucks that I love more than my IT airbrushed!
Thanks for this post I always wanted to know what brushes you used !! I have the big fluffy brush froM It I love it. Now I need to get the foundation one. Love your blog so helpful
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