The 5 Makeup Brushes Every Beginner Actually Needs and Totally Worth the Buzz

If you’re new to the makeup game or just looking to refresh your brush collection, this guide is for you. If you're restocking your makeup kit this summer, with the perfect skin tint, breathable concealers and bronzey eyeshadow palettes, then don't forget to refill on your beauty tools - highlighter brushes, foundation beauty blenders  and powder puff pockets. These tools are a makeup artist's must haves, the one's responsibility for a smooth application and flawless technique. A high quality brush is like a fairy godmother's wand, magically and a worthwhile investment. 

Picasso always had a sharpened  palette knife for his cubist murals, and Monet and his team of Impressionists always made sure to have their impasto paints when in 'en-plain-air'. Similarly, when it comes to makeup, an artist must be equipped with the highest quality of brushes and foundations to canvas their skin. Each brush carries out a particular function, designed to blend out the shadows on the crease or into the cracks of your skin. 

If you're starting out in the world of makeup, getting to know the different types of brushes and brands available, let us help you. Here are 5 brushes and sets that are worth investing in:

1. Buff and Contour the Surface 

To start off all work of art, you have to glaze its surface. A large flat end brush with fine bristles is the perfect to shape for billable coverage. A good contour brush has a precise end, allowing for a more sculpted look, dipping deep into your cheek bones. Woolworth's beauty and Sorbet have the best 2-in-1s on the market.

2. Base and Crease the Lids 

Once your canvas is prepped, the eyes come in. There are only two eyeshadow brushes that you need when starting out and that is a crease brush and a base brush - in other words, a small and fluffy one. The small, detailed brush will allow you to add shadows and shades into the corners and folds of your eye. The fluffy one will spread the product all over your lids and blend out the harsh edges. Real Techniques makeup brushes are the best place to start.

3. Eyebrow Care Brushes 

Be it a spoolie or a small angled brush, your eyebrows need its fill. There are no other brushes that can replace the work of these tools. While many come as a dual end like Benefit's Powmade Eyebrow Brush, you can always find these separately. A spoolie will comb the hair follicle in your choice of direction and the angled brush will add the fill and detail that you need.

4. Powder/Blush Brush

Nothing says “done” like a touch of powder or blush to set your face and add color. A fluffy, medium-sized brush lets you apply powder evenly and blend blush without harsh streaks. For beginners, this is a must-have for creating dimension and a natural glow. Look for soft bristles that feel nice on the skin, comfort is key when you’re still learning your application rhythm.

5. All Round Essential Kit

If you're looking to invest in your first set, then look no further than the five holy grails - buffer brush, bronzer brush, tapered highlighter brush, concealer brush and a blending brush. These five pieces are suitable for any and all events, and perfect for on the go. Lottie London and Real Technique stock the most luxurious kits for all first timers. 

A brush collection doesn’t need to be complicated to be complete. These five cover all the bases: base, blush, eyes, liner, and touch-ups. Whether you’re just starting out or streamlining your current lineup, focus on quality over quantity. Great brushes don’t just make your makeup look better, they make you feel more confident doing it.

Once you master these, you can slowly build your collection with specialty brushes (hello, fan highlighter and contour detailers). But for now? Keep it simple. Keep it smart. And most importantly, have fun with it.