10 Must-Have Makeup Brushes and Their Uses

Makeup brushes are a must-have for anyone passionate about makeup. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, there are key brushes you should have in your collection to make applying cosmetics easier. The right brushes can give you professional results, whether you're aiming for a flawless complexion or perfectly blended eyeshadow. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones to choose and how to use them effectively.

"When selecting your makeup brushes, always prioritize comfort, followed by an application test," advises celebrity makeup artist and LARUCE Beauty ambassador, Janice Daoud. "The application test will help you assess how well the brush picks up, deposits, and blends the product. If the brush performs well, it's the right one for you." No matter what brushes you pick, remember that regular cleaning with a good makeup brush cleaner is crucial.

However, achieving this can be more challenging than it seems, especially given the wide range of brush types, shapes, and designs. From large, round face brushes to precise eye brushes, if you're struggling to navigate all the options, we're here to guide you.

We consulted with celebrity makeup artists to gain insights into the various types of makeup brushes, their specific uses, and which ones are absolutely essential for any collection.

A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Makeup Brushes

Foundation Makeup Brush

Your foundation serves as the base of your makeup look, so it's important to choose a high-quality brush that works with both liquid and powder formulas. Opt for a soft yet slightly dense brush with enough surface area to cover your face. Anisa Telwar Kaicker, CEO and Founder of ANISA Beauty, emphasizes that a foundation brush is key to achieving everything from full coverage to a subtle, natural "no-makeup" look. "The right foundation brush sets the tone for a healthy complexion," she explains.

Powder Makeup Brush

Whether you prefer translucent or colored powder products, a powder brush is an essential tool. "The fluffier, more flexible, and softer the bristles, the easier it will be to blend and achieve a smooth wash of color from any product," explains celebrity makeup artist Melissa Hurkman.

Concealer Makeup Brush

Much like a foundation brush, a concealer brush is key to creating a flawless base for your makeup. These brushes are typically smaller, designed to target and conceal areas of discoloration, such as under the eyes and around the nose and mouth.

Blush Makeup Brush

As Daoud mentions, a blush brush is a crucial tool in any makeup collection. She explains that a blush brush can be used for multiple applications, such as applying blush, bronzer, and face powder. Its versatility lies in its ability to distribute products evenly and precisely, since it's smaller and more controlled than a powder brush.

Contour Makeup Brush

Contour brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They're designed to carve and sculpt the face, adding dimension. Angled contour brushes are particularly popular for shaping and defining the contours of the cheeks. These brushes are perfect for makeup enthusiasts who are confident in their application skills.

Highlight Makeup Brush

Daoud explains that highlighter brushes are ideal for those who are experienced with makeup and wish to have every brush type in their collection. These brushes are typically small and tapered to target the high points of your face. A rounded brush like this is easy for beginners to use. Another variety of highlighter brush is the fan brush, which is perfect for sweeping powder highlighter across the cheeks, nose bridge, and other prominent areas of the face.

A Guide to Eye Makeup Brushes

Eyeshadow Crease Brush

According to Daoud, a must-have eye makeup brush is an eyeshadow crease brush. These brushes are soft and tapered, designed to reach the crease and create depth in the eyes. Beauty experts often use this brush to apply a transition shade when creating bold or colorful eye looks.

All-over Eyeshadow Brush

For beginners, a rounded, fluffy all-over eyeshadow brush is ideal. As the name suggests, it is perfect for covering the entire lid with a single wash of color. If you're still perfecting your blending skills or prefer a more simple look, this is the brush to rely on.

Short Eyeshadow Brush

"The best and most essential eye makeup brushes are small, detailed brushes," Daoud explains. A compact shadow brush, also referred to as a smudger brush, is perfect for adding a highlight to the inner corners of the eyes, blending eyeshadow along the lower lash line, or defining the edges of the eyes.

Angled Eyeliner Brush

There are many types of eyeliner brushes available. An angled eyeliner brush is perfect for achieving a sharp, winged eyeliner look. However, you can also find pointed eyeliner brushes, similar to a pencil, which may be easier for beginners to handle.