10 Best Make-Up Brushes for Beginners

Updated 5 years ago

For any novice, getting started in the world of makeup can be overwhelming. To start with, you will have an endless selection of products to use. There are also tons of brushes that are available, making it hard to decide which one is the best. With this, keep on reading the rest of this post as we walk you through some of the best makeup brushes that have been designed with the needs of beginners in mind.

The quality and final look of the makeup will depend mostly on its application. While the technique is the most important, the brush that is used will also assume a critical role. Start with the more affordable brushes before you work your way up to the more expensive ones. It should be made of the right materials and should be easy to use.

Buying Guide: Our Top Picks for Beginner-Friendly Makeup Brushes

Do not be baffled by the plethora of options that will confront you. Here are some of the top products that should be on the radar of every beginner.

Real Techniques Cruelty-Free Blush Brush

Real Techniques has been one of the most popular brands for beginner makeup brushes because they are affordable and high-quality. This blush brush is no exception. It has soft bristles that will be gentle upon making contact to the skin. It is made of synthetic bristles that are more durable compared to their natural counterparts. They also have extended aluminum ferrules for easier application, which will be less frustrating for beginners. It has Ultra-Plus bristles that will not scratch the face or the makeup. It also does not cause product build-up and streaks.

BareMinerals Beautiful Finish Brush

This is a patent-pending brush that is known for its luxurious and soft bristles. The benefit of the latter is that the application will be quicker while the coverage is even and controlled. This is perfect for makeup newbies who do not have the patience! In terms of construction, it comes with a distinct convex center and waved synthetic fibers. Because of this innovative design, it will deposit more makeup while requiring less effort on your end. It will easily pick up even loose foundation and will feel soft once applied.

E.L.F. Studio Kabuki Face Brush

This is another beginner-friendly makeup brush that you should include on your list of choices. It is a travel-sized brush that is compact enough to make it portable. It is made of synthetic hair, which is not only durable, but also gentle and soft on the skin. Whether you are using wet or dry makeup, the brush will be super-absorbent. Whether you want light or full coverage, using this brush will help you to end up with a flawless finish. It also has the perfect size to provide you with complete control during the application of makeup.

E.L.F. Small Tapered Brush

Made by the same company as the product mentioned above, this is another makeup brush that is ideal for beginners. The price is hard to match, especially considering the fact that it is from a trusted makeup brand. It is made of anti-bacterial and synthetic hair, which will be excellent whether it is used in wet or dry makeup. It is well-loved because of its tapered head, making it easy to apply makeup to small crevices of the face. It is a precision brush that works well when it comes to contouring.

DuCare Foundation Kabuki Brush

This soft, silky, and dense brush is another perfect option for those who are just starting to discover the wonderful world of makeup. It is made specifically to be used with liquid foundations. The high-density fiber will provide even coverage quickly. The handle of the brush is made of eco-friendly wood, which adds a luxurious appeal to the brush. If you are unhappy in any way with the use of this brush, you can return it to the manufacturer within 30 days after purchase and you will be provided an unconditional refund.

EcoTool Eye-Enhancing Duo Brush Set

This set is a bargain, especially considering its exceptional quality. It has phenomenal reviews, providing an assurance that they are indeed great! Even without prior makeup experience, these brushes will make it almost effortless to come up with different makeup looks. The brushes that are included in this set are designed specifically to shade, define, blend, and smudge. Each brush has its own function. Recycled aluminum and plastic are used in the construction of the brushes, making them eco-friendly. Meanwhile, it has handles made of bamboo. Even the packaging is made of recycled paper.

Missame 10-piece Face and Eye Makeup Brush Set

The makeup brushes included in this set are made of premium synthetic hair, which is preferred by many compared to natural fiber because it is longer-lasting. The bristles are strong enough to make sure that they will not shed, even with prolonged use. The handles, on the other hand, are made from beautiful solid bamboo. It has regular-sized brushes that are ideal for daily use for every beginner. The brushes come with a stylish black bag to protect from external elements that could damage them.

Lamora Makeup Eye Brush Set

The value for money that you can enjoy with this eye makeup brush set is unbeatable. It already comes with seven essential brushes that can be easily used by any makeup newbie. Whether it is for applying an eyeshadow or an eyeliner, among others, there is a brush that is right for you. Each brush is made using a high-quality and cruelty-free material. It is used even by the pros, but given its price point, it will be a perfect choice even for beginners! For your peace of mind, it is also good to know that the manufacturer is offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Beauty Junkees Foundation Makeup Brush Flat Kabuki

If you are new to foundation brushes, this is one product worth considering. It has dense bristles that are made from synthetic fibers, providing an assurance that it will be long-lasting. To add, this will also make the application of a foundation a lot quicker. Whether it is for liquids, creams, or mineral cosmetics, among others, you can expect this brush to be exceptional. It has a solid wood handle, which is great not only for aesthetics but also for comfort and stability during makeup application.

Zoreya 8-piece Travel Makeup Brush Set

You do not need to spend a fortune when it comes to makeup brushes, especially if you are just starting out. This will make a good choice because it is affordable, yet it already comes as a set. It has everything that most people will need for basic makeup, which includes a powder or blush brush, foundation brush, eyeshadow brush, brow brush, and lip brush, among others. There is a convenient case that keeps all the brushes organized and protected from dust and dirt. The company all offers 100% satisfaction for their brushes.

What Makeup Brushes Should Beginners Have

As a beginner, you need only the basic makeup brushes, which include those that are briefly mentioned below:

  • Foundation Brush: This is important for creating a smooth base before the application of a makeup. They generally exist in two types – flat and stippling or buffer brush.
  • Powder Brush: It is an all-around brush that comes with long and fluffy bristles. It can be used for setting makeup on the skin as well as for light dusting.
  • Blush Brush: The bristles of the blush brush should not be too firm. Otherwise, it can lead to the deposits of makeup. It should be able to blend slightly to be able to diffuse the color. An angled blush brush will be good for slants or contours.
  • Kabuki Brush: The defining feature of this brush is the retractable design. It comes with dense bristles and will be perfect when it is used in loose powders. It will also be good for the even distribution of the makeup on the face.
  • Eyeshadow Brush: Aside from being used as an eye makeup brush, this is also multifunctional as it can double as a blending brush.
  • Concealer Brush: A concealer is a must when it comes to makeup to hide blemishes and imperfections. The right brush will ensure proper coverage to the areas that should be concealed.

Tips for Using Makeup Brushes

There is a lot to learn when it comes to using brushes and makeup techniques in general. Below are some of the most important things that every beginner should know.

  • When using a foundation brush, you should start in the middle part of the face. Blend the makeup in an outward direction, which will prevent the appearance of harsh lines.
  • If you are applying a concealer, make sure to choose a brush with soft and fluffy fibers. This will be effective in lightening the concealer, especially if you are using a heavy corrector. The concealer brush should also have a rounded tip so that it can be used even around the eye area.
  • For a foundation brush, a good choice would be one that is angled. This will ensure that no part of the face will be left untouched. If it is flat, the contoured parts of the face will most likely be missed.
  • When applying the brush to the face, do not apply too much pressure. As much as possible, the bristles should not be bending when they touch the skin. This will give you a fresher and flushed look.
  • Do not use a single makeup brush for everything. Each brush should have a specific use.

A Quick Guide for Choosing Makeup Brushes for Beginners

Before we end this post, the rest of this section will provide some tips that will be helpful when choosing from the makeup brushes that are available on the market.

Start with the Basics

The most important tip is to invest only in the basics. You are just beginning with makeup, so you do not need to have the fancy brushes. Some of the basics that you will need include a foundation brush, eye makeup brush, and an eye contouring brush.

Go for Sets

If value for money is what you are looking for, it would be best to buy makeup brush sets rather than an individual brush. Take note that each brush is made for a specific purpose. You should not use them beyond such. If you buy sets, you will have almost everything that you will need, which also often come with a convenient pouch or carrying bag.

Give Drugstore Brands a Chance

Drugstore brands can also be promising, so do not instantly ditch the idea of buying them if you need beginner-friendly makeup brushes. Their best benefit is perhaps their price, making it great for an entry-level brush. Once you have mastered the basic makeup skills, you can consider investing in more expensive makeup brushes.

Pay Attention to the Material

Even if the price is an important consideration, this does not mean that the quality should be compromised. Take a look at the materials that are used, especially for the bristles of the brush. Brushes with real hair are best for dry makeup. They can soak when used in wet makeup. Nonetheless, for most beginners, synthetic fibers will be good enough, especially because they are more durable compared to their counterpart. Pay attention as well to the material of the handle, which is often made of wood.

Check the Quality

Before you decide on which makeup brush is best to purchase, you should test its quality first. Rub the brush against the skin. A high-quality makeup brush must be soft and should not scratch the skin. When brushing, see to it as well that the bristles do not easily fall off, which will be an indication of its durability.

Wrap Up

Even if you are a novice when it comes to makeup, there is no excuse to choose the wrong brush to use! You need to invest in the basic makeup brushes with high-quality bristles. They should be affordable, but the quality should never be compromised. Keep an eye on the products mentioned above, making it easier to do makeup like a pro even when you are a complete newbie!