Makeup

The 7 Makeup Brushes You Actually Need

A flawless makeup application starts with the right tools. See the makeup brushes that are essential for creating any look you desire

March 14, 2011 | by Anna Jimenez | 143 COMMENTS

Blush/bronzer brush The brush: A soft, medium-sized dome-shaped natural brush. Try Avon Ergonomic Blush Brush, $5.99.

Why you need it: A blush brush that is ultra soft and has long bristles, so as not to "disturb foundation or irritate the skin," is ideal for giving color and life to the cheeks, says Dean.

How to use it: Use the brush to sweep blush and bronzer upwards onto the cheekbones -- from the apple of the cheek up towards the ear.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Eyeshadow brush

6 of 11

products mentioned

MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush

10.0

Mally Natural Hair Powder Brush

9.0

Avon Ergonomic Blush Brush

9.3

Sonia Kashuk Tools Eye Shadow Brush

9.8

MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush

9.7

EcoTools Bamboo Angled Eyeliner Brush

9.0

Mary Kay Retractable Lip Brush

7.8

Colorescience Pro Makeup Tools - Brush Cleaner Spray

10.0

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View old comments

Very helpful, I've been staring at walls of brushes and then just walking away because I'm too overwhelmed to know where to start.

by LindaDD Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 08:54PM Report as inappropriate

A good assortment of basic brushes but would've appreciated a budget friendly option for each as well. Have found the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to be fantastic for liquid foundation and the RT Powder Brush so ample and soft for powder application.

by inthemiddles Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 07:16AM Report as inappropriate

I am completely clueless about brushes, so this was really helpful.

by jessielynn17 Monday, May 6, 2013 at 01:45AM Report as inappropriate

Good info. And I just learned I've been using the wrong brush to contour my eye crease -- even though I own the right one! Will give it a try with the right one tomorrow.

by purple9a Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:27PM Report as inappropriate

Excellent information! A retractable lip brush is something many women forget, but it makes a huge difference in your appearance. ELF DOES have great brushes--for a song--and I once used only all-natural ones.

by GigiSD Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:18PM Report as inappropriate

i used this set and also pencil brush that so nice

by hiang Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:11AM Report as inappropriate

This helped a lot

by yadijane Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 10:03AM Report as inappropriate

good info. also ELF has lots of good brushes that we not that expensive.

by .flawless. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 07:48AM Report as inappropriate

Only seven? Make-up brushes are my favorite beauty product. Right now, I really am geeking out about Eco Tools.

by Sari Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 07:13PM Report as inappropriate

good article

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 03:28PM Report as inappropriate

This was a great article, I was just thinking about getting good brushes and I didn't know where to start. Thank you!

by Misselizabeth Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 07:00PM Report as inappropriate

This is an outstanding article!! Such excellent tips and good information here.

by tallredamanda Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 01:22PM Report as inappropriate

brushes...brushes...and more brushes

by Mommy_of_Ethan Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 06:00PM Report as inappropriate

Helpful article! I don't really own any brushes and I'm looking into buying some to help with my makeup.

by tulipsarebetter Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 03:24PM Report as inappropriate

Nice info

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:18AM Report as inappropriate

Good to know!!! I was thinking about buying a huge brush kit, glad I now know a lot of them are not as important as others, saved me some money!!

by morgan_ledford Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 02:03PM Report as inappropriate

I have the basics, but having good brushes are important.

by nicky22 Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 09:43AM Report as inappropriate

I love my makeup brushes, I have so many and duplicates of my favorite ones.

by MizzPink Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 06:56AM Report as inappropriate

i have mostt

by aishak55 Friday, December 14, 2012 at 06:36PM Report as inappropriate

I have most of these. Maybe another shadow brush...

by SensitiveRoszel Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 09:28PM Report as inappropriate

great advice, I have to get all of these. I need to step it up

by Alyssababy Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 09:45PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely true! I have so many unnecessary brushes haha

by michellefuentes Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 11:59PM Report as inappropriate

I would really like to try the Mac shadow blending brush. Any feed back?

by Ydabney Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 10:22AM Report as inappropriate

Great article !

by milenaa87 Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 03:44PM Report as inappropriate

Its great to finally know what brush is for which

by xxLovelyVixen24xx Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 05:00PM Report as inappropriate

Great article. There are so many different types, brands, and quality brushes to choose from. If anyone knows of a "starter kit " of brushes that would be good to know too.

by flirtygirl214 Friday, July 6, 2012 at 04:34PM Report as inappropriate

Great article on makeup brushes, even though they were eensive. Go to Sally's Beauty for quality brushes. Say a former makeup artist

by jeanie_windsor Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 07:50AM Report as inappropriate

Great article... now I really need to buy me some brushes!

by yestfl Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 01:21PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the tips!

by raquel_raygoza Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 07:23PM Report as inappropriate

I have every type of brush, not necessarily the exact brand. I just recently purchased an angled eyeliner brush and still getting used to it in applying eyeliner. I prefer a fine liner brush. It's just easier for me to use!

by darkangel81 Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:53AM Report as inappropriate

Depends on how creative you want to get with your makeup!

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 08:14PM Report as inappropriate

I need to get more brushes!

by jola64 Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:19PM Report as inappropriate

I love (and own) most of those brushes already! However, I do not own an "eyeshadow blending brush" (the flower-shaped one, lol), and I almost wish I did now because it looks very useful! I LOVE my slant-tip eyeliner brush, and I'm surprised that they didn't include a brow/lash comb/brush combo type brush that come in most beauty tool kits & grooming kits! It seems almost essential to have perfectly combed brows & de-clumped lashes! I honestly do not use a blush/bronzer brush, as my arsenal of daily products do not include such things! For anyone in need of quick beauty tools I suggest Essence of Beauty travel tool set, it's only $5.00 at CVS (not in the beauty aisle! It's found on an end-cap-like display! along with primer, mini kabuki, etc.) The quality of the brushes is definitely worth the $5.00, and it includes a brow comb/brush combo, smudger, eyeshadow brush, angled eyeliner brush, and concealer brush! I love mine :)

by KathrynMarie Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 03:41PM Report as inappropriate

Great article! I need to invest in some really good brushes AND I need to be better at remembering to clean my brushes regularly (sad, because I do already own a good brush cleaner).

by tallredamanda Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 05:15AM Report as inappropriate

I really need new brushes... Good to know the proper way to use some of them!

by CCochran Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 09:25AM Report as inappropriate

I love MAC...one of my favorite makeup brands but, do not waste your money on their makeup brushes. The bristles fall out so quickly...Crown Brushes are the best!

by www.KeepMeBlushing.com Monday, April 2, 2012 at 06:59PM Report as inappropriate

Good synthetic brushes work as well as natural ones and are cruelty free. Ecotools has a nice selection of brushes that are economical and planet friendly. They dry quickly, too. Being made of Taklon, you can use them dry or wet. They're all I use these days - personally and professionally.

by TinkerBelles Friday, March 30, 2012 at 01:53AM Report as inappropriate

I can't live without my blush brush or eyeshadow brushes.

by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 09:55PM Report as inappropriate

The eyeliner/brow brush is totally awesome! And if you walk your brush it does give you a perfect straight line!! Great tip!!

by brendalea Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 02:06PM Report as inappropriate

I never realized how great eyeshadow brushes work until I bought a 18pc makeup brush set from Amazon! I always used the little sponge thingy that came with the shadow. The brush gives you a smooth more even look!

by brendalea Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 02:01PM Report as inappropriate

This is a must have powder brush for me! It is great for your final dusting of finishing veil!

by brendalea Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 01:50PM Report as inappropriate

This is a really great brush for blending foundation!

by brendalea Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate

I had no idea that the material that a brush is mad of realy mattered! Guess ya learn something new everyday! haha! Thanks a bunch!

by brendalea Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

These are really good brushes! Some of them are really expensive, but brushes are worth it.

by SummerOrchid Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 05:36PM Report as inappropriate

Super helpful tips!

by erica_mendez Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 01:36PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the tips... and for cleaning the brushes! It was helpful but some of these products you picked are expensive... however, I might go for other similar cheap products!

by teema Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 04:29AM Report as inappropriate

helpful tips - particularly what types of brushes and types of bristles (natural vs. synthetic). but i do love my flat, tapered end foundation brush from lancome - i've had it for years and it's held up well (thanks to regular cleaning as this article recommends!) provides flawless coverage with minimal product.

by jenstar313 Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

Good suggestions, although it does not mention a fan brush.

by CaroleVonAllten Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 12:09PM Report as inappropriate

Ooh i was just in the market for some new brushes! thanks for this great article! i found it very helpful!

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:21AM Report as inappropriate

great clarifications and suggestions. the IT cosmetics brushes should have been on that list.

by princessmarta1 Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 07:38PM Report as inappropriate

Mac's 224 is not only good for contouring but I find that it works very well for fluffy off tiny flecks of mascara etc

by ShanthiDevi Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 06:08PM Report as inappropriate

Mac's 224 is not only good for contouring but I find that it works very well for fluffy off tiny flecks of mascara etc.

by ShanthiDevi Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 05:45PM Report as inappropriate

This article is so important! If you don't have the correct brushes, you cannot achieve a professional look! And, thank you for the tip on cleaning my brushes!

by powerwoman033 Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

This is essential information for people who are starting to realize that applying liup gloss from a pot with your fingers isn't a great idea! Two questions: the article doesn't specify what type of makeup these brushes should be used with. Is a sponge the best way to apply my cream blush? Is a foundation brush designed to be used with liquid foundation? (Please give information about applicators and and liquid/cream/gel makeup). Also, you don't mention the combined eyelash comb/eyebrow brush. My eyelash comb is essential to separating my eyelashes after applying primer and mascara. I groom my eyebrows before applying pencil with my eyebrow stencil.

by jctkrause Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 09:24AM Report as inappropriate

I really love my kabuki brush for powder! It's bigger and covers more. It also works really well to blend bronzer and blush together for a more natural look.

by chealy215 Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 05:40PM Report as inappropriate

I am nothing without my tapered blending

by eatinglipstick Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 01:39PM Report as inappropriate

This had some great tips, I loved the end where it tells you how to clean your brushes. I have a bunch of cheap brushes that I plan on upgrading soon, and now I'm glad I know what to look for in a brush.

by mrselliott08 Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 09:13AM Report as inappropriate

Oh my gosh I bought these bhumi makeup brushes. I have never felt anything as soft as these brushes. They are so easy to use!

by sexyme Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 08:37AM Report as inappropriate

Oh my gosh I bought bhumi makeup brushes. I have never felt anything as soft as these brushes. They are so easy to use!

by sexyme Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 08:23AM Report as inappropriate

It's nice to know which brushes you will actually use- particularly with the saleswoman looming trying to entice you to buy everything and anything.

by Coffee_Black Friday, January 27, 2012 at 06:44AM Report as inappropriate

great tips ;D

by 4getu123 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:17PM Report as inappropriate

I own probably 40 brushes including 2 Mary Kay new sets I never opened. Now that I know what to use them for..I can go Brush crazy. And I appreciate the how to clean them because I didn't know ! !

by mim Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 11:03PM Report as inappropriate

Have you tried Bhumi Makeup Brushes? I found it at bestbeautyproductstoday.com for 30% off. I want to order it but want to hear your reviews.

by bestbabe Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:37PM Report as inappropriate

Thank You for Summing up the 7 brushes you ACTUALLY Need!! I have lots of random brushes here and there in my different makeup bags/kits that i have accumulated across the years, yet, i hardly ever use most of them b/c i don't really know what purpose they serve. I know brushes are the "Key" to Creating a Face you Desire...but, i think we are overwhelmed b/c there are soo many different ones! I plan on purchacing a really good Set of Brushes, but, im glad i came across this article so i know the 7 most important ones to really focus on first. I am also glad to know the textures, Sizes, bristles, fit, Etc. also play a major role in prioritizing my investment!!

by CoutureCutie Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:09AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for this article! Great suggestions!

by celinedejesus Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 08:19PM Report as inappropriate

These certainly are the brushes I use most often when I apply makeup. And including brush cleaner in this roundup was a great idea.

by Jewelrydesigner Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 07:53PM Report as inappropriate

I totally agree! I love using my new Bhumi Genius Face brush with any mineral powder. The brush holds the product and applies it flawlessly giving me amazing coverage! And they are synthetic but feel just like animal hair, making them easy to clean with any mild cleanser.

by maraB87 Friday, December 30, 2011 at 04:47PM Report as inappropriate

Greater Starter Kit!

by islands4me Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 07:38AM Report as inappropriate

Great range of brushes!

by MissXu Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 08:24PM Report as inappropriate

Ive never bought brushes bc I know theres a gillion different types, now i know where to start!

by freddy420 Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 08:09PM Report as inappropriate

cool article. thanks!

by venenumletalis Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 06:30PM Report as inappropriate

Really useful! All the different brushes out there had me pretty confused before I read this article.

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 04:27PM Report as inappropriate

I love that angled eyeliner/brow brush! I'm laughing at myself because I never thought to use a brush to apply foundation other than powder. Wow! I need a brush now.

by smithshirley Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

Using brushes make your make-up application almost fool proof .The important think to remember is ALWAYS KEEP THEM CLEAN AND GERM FREE!!

by karen_jean_thomas Monday, December 19, 2011 at 06:49PM Report as inappropriate

I love my brushes. And I love the new egronomic brushes from Avon.

by tiffany_gallehugh Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 01:13PM Report as inappropriate

Great article, I didn't know there were so many different types of brushes.

by StephieRawx Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 02:09AM Report as inappropriate

pretty good article... very informative.. thank you so much really appreciate it

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:52PM Report as inappropriate

I have almost all the brushes listed here but from different brand. I have some from sigma and its works well. Would love to try MAC brushes too.

by Kaps Friday, November 18, 2011 at 02:31AM Report as inappropriate

Pretty good article. I personally use an antibacterial soap to clean my brushes. I have a few of these brushes already. I just might purchase the few I don't have.

by BreakinMe Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 11:58PM Report as inappropriate

I think the most important part of the article was cleaning your brushes. I think I'll go out any buy a couple of new brushes. Thanks for the article.

by Maggie0215 Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 12:19PM Report as inappropriate

i always have a hard time choosing what brushes to use

by andyv1217 Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 09:17PM Report as inappropriate

thanks for this article i have now idea how to choose a good brush.

by selle_lou Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 03:16PM Report as inappropriate

i had no idea which brush was which

by jenna_marks Friday, November 4, 2011 at 01:55PM Report as inappropriate

I like the brushes from CVS The Essence of Beauty

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 05:38AM Report as inappropriate

On the run, I usually like to skip brushes, but I must say these suggestions are great and I really like to use them!

by MissXu Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 02:22PM Report as inappropriate

I use the sigma flat top foundation brush and it works really great! Cheaper than most foundation brushes!

by rakista051 Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 08:47PM Report as inappropriate

I definitely need the eyeshadow brush, blending brush, and the powder brush (if small enough can also act as a blush brush)

by janellelora Monday, September 5, 2011 at 08:56PM Report as inappropriate

Ecotools brushes are great!

by vfalkow Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 09:52PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not into brushes so much. I can do everything with my fingers and always had great results,no need to spend money on something that I actually don't need. Honestly,I think this is just another product beauty industry forced on us to buy,buy,buy. How could we possibly have managed to do everything so many years ago without all those brushes,I wonder?

by selma Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 05:14AM Report as inappropriate

Great guide! :)

by queenofthegreen Friday, August 19, 2011 at 04:28AM Report as inappropriate

I love tokidoki brushes!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:52PM Report as inappropriate

I clean my brushes every week :)

by Flicky_95 Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:48AM Report as inappropriate

I use Ecotools . . .cheap and very effective!

by zelda_nneka_abadom Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 03:40PM Report as inappropriate

I love my MAC brushes they are awesome and last for years!

by RoleModel Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 12:11AM Report as inappropriate

I love love love my brushes. I like all the things you can do to blend!

by LittleBunny Monday, August 1, 2011 at 06:09PM Report as inappropriate

I only use Mark brushes, and I clean my brushes about once every month.

by MissPurple Monday, August 1, 2011 at 01:06PM Report as inappropriate

To clean my brushes, I wet them under the tap, and put a dab of baby shampoo in my palm and swirl it around til it lathers, then rinse it til the water runs clear. This is much more thorough and less expensive than brush spray or brand name cleaners. You can use clear anti-bac hand soap if you are uncomfortable using baby shampoo.

by veryvanilla Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 11:15PM Report as inappropriate

natural hair brush!?

by riley_beach Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 02:34PM Report as inappropriate

eco-tools!

by eatinglipstick Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

useful to know about these. I do to love mac brushes.

by maribel_madera Friday, July 15, 2011 at 05:22PM Report as inappropriate

i like mac brushes

by MissTyra Monday, July 4, 2011 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

What brushes do you like? I am really liking the ecoTools brushes and like the ultimate brushes sold by many online mineral makeup companies.

by ljac Monday, July 4, 2011 at 11:46AM Report as inappropriate

good to know.

by vanillasummer Monday, July 4, 2011 at 10:16AM Report as inappropriate

Useful to know. I think that a brush counts almost more than "the thing" on the brush.

by kariro Monday, July 4, 2011 at 06:53AM Report as inappropriate

Not a big fan of the angled eyeliner brush. I use one of the super fine pointy brushes to put on eyeliner. It gets extremely close to the lash line and doesn't leave me with a huge line to clean up if I mess up.

by sweettpea29 Monday, June 27, 2011 at 01:31PM Report as inappropriate

I know I have too many brushes. I have 2 and 3 of some of the same brushes. I guess its good to know that I"m always prepared :)

by msbrown822 Monday, June 27, 2011 at 11:50AM Report as inappropriate

helpful

by aguifra14 Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 05:03PM Report as inappropriate

I know i have too many brushes

by DTD009 Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 07:31PM Report as inappropriate

Great article! Glad to see the Sonia Kashuk Tools brushes mentioned - I have several (powder, blush, concealer, foundation) and they are fantastic quality - the black curved handles are also very nice to hold and very attractive! I'd like more, I don't have any of the eye brushes - I try to buy them when Target puts all Sonia Kashuk stuff on sale!

by dark_beauty Monday, June 13, 2011 at 08:16AM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad to finally have someone really lay it out for me

by katiespeaking Friday, June 3, 2011 at 06:10PM Report as inappropriate

I got some really soft brushes included in bare minerals make up kits. But also, eco tools have some really soft brushes that are inexpensive.

by Mysterylady Friday, May 20, 2011 at 09:36AM Report as inappropriate

Elf brushes seem to be just as good as very expensive MAC

by odie Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11:33AM Report as inappropriate

i love the cheap brushes forecotools too :)

by kenya Friday, April 22, 2011 at 01:38PM Report as inappropriate

MAC 227. It blends perfectly without fading so no re-application necessary. It took about 5 minutes off of my make up application with more matte shadows. It helps with bold lines and contouring. Takes 5 minutes off your application and although expensive does the work of three brushes. Fantastic.

by BlackFleur145 Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:19AM Report as inappropriate

they are all expensive..ecotools a great brushes

by kiofairy Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 08:01PM Report as inappropriate

Have all of them and they cost much less than 2 MAC brushes combined. Sigma makes great brush kits

by debjosh Monday, April 11, 2011 at 03:04AM Report as inappropriate

This is a great outline for the brush beginner or seasoned pro! Less is more when it comes to brushes because we often end up with too many brushes that we don't use. Great article!

by RoleModel Friday, April 8, 2011 at 11:30PM Report as inappropriate

Good brushes and good brush cleaner are key! But they don't have to be expensive. ELF and Ecotools make a lot of different inexpensive and good brushes.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, April 8, 2011 at 09:25PM Report as inappropriate

I have more brushes, but I find myself sticking with 3 or 4 most of the time. Have you tried any BE brushes?

by alictasia Monday, April 4, 2011 at 05:43PM Report as inappropriate

This is a great starter kit for brushes. I have a lot more than this right now. I'm big on having multiples of eye brushes so I don't have to constantly wash them. I also have to use a duo fiber brush most of the time for blushes because I'm so pale.

by robinbird_22 Monday, April 4, 2011 at 05:16PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips for beginners!

by loofo Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

Awesome guide. I need to start using brushes more often. Right now I just use an eyeshadow brush and I hardly ever wear foundation but when I do, I use a sponge applicator. I used to use a foundation brush, but I stopped when it started to streak. I just need to try a different brand other than the one I have. Thanks for this!!

by starrkissed Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 10:23AM Report as inappropriate

Wow! this was very helpful

by doana_marcellus Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 09:29AM Report as inappropriate

great tips for beginners!

by amanda_michelle_sullivan Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 03:38PM Report as inappropriate

I never use a lip brush. I guess I don't put that much emphasis on lipstick because it doesn't stay on me too long. Great article though

by Aphrosie Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 11:45AM Report as inappropriate

Great tips! I just wish that Sonia Kashuk was available in Canada.

by all_the_words Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 11:25AM Report as inappropriate

Great information! The MAC 224 is awesome by the way and a total must have for anyone whether they are a pro or not. I think a pencil or smudge brush is also another brush must have. Another thing about cleaning brushes, when you swirl your brush in the solution, dont go past the metal casing or all the way down to the base of the bristles also, I think they forgot to mention this =)

by makeupbyjanalyn Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 09:18AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for a good article. I have too many, LOL, but my daughter is just getting into makeup and this is a good guide for her.

by Agrimony Monday, March 28, 2011 at 02:32PM Report as inappropriate

Some brushes can be costly! Glad to see an avon one in there... I have a foundation brush from Mark & I love it! I thought I might as well give it a try- glad I did :)

by martha85 Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

thanks (: now i know i have way to many brushes!

by ChocolateChip Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 07:22PM Report as inappropriate

Despite the fact that natural brushes might work better than synthetic brushes, I don't want to use it because it contributes to animal cruelty. I just don't believe that the animals should have to suffer for my makeup.

by Shee Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 08:24PM Report as inappropriate

i like the price, i just dont like spending so much $ on a brush especially cause i use my fingers a lot and dont use brushes much

by judyangel101 Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

Makeup brushes are super expensive, so it was nice to see some low priced brushes in the article

by Jamcelhinney Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate

I love makeup brushes but hate how some of the really good ones can be so expensive. One of my fav eyeshadow brushes is made by elf and was only a $1

by kellabella Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 09:19AM Report as inappropriate

I liked that the author included brushes within all price ranges.

by volta Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:42AM Report as inappropriate

I found that TokiDoki has awesome brushes for eye shadows, the one for eye liner is fantastic, it gives me a flawless thin line every time and even does thicker lines perfect too, much better then any pencil I've ever used!

by Bon_Bon Monday, March 14, 2011 at 10:27PM Report as inappropriate

Ecotools has some of the best brushes!

by Isis04 Monday, March 14, 2011 at 08:51PM Report as inappropriate

Very good tips! I was also happy to see that the brushes didn't just come from one specific company. :)

by missiongirl87 Monday, March 14, 2011 at 07:33PM Report as inappropriate

I did not know that Natural brushes are better for dry products and synthetic fibers are good for wet cosmetics. My stippling brush is definitely one of the most important ones I own; I do not know how I ever used foundation without it. Instead of the blush brush I use a fluffy angled brush, you simply cannot contour without an angled brush! I have also used the eyeliner/brow brush for my lips because I like the tiny tip for lining my top lip.

by pynkNymphette Monday, March 14, 2011 at 07:28PM Report as inappropriate

The general information was excellent and accurate, and it was nice to see good brushes in a range of prices. But I took off a star because I can't believe you could do a story on essential makeup brushes without even mentioning Trish McEvoy's superb brushes!

by Jewelrydesigner Monday, March 14, 2011 at 06:59PM Report as inappropriate

I need to buy that blending brush!

by f3n Monday, March 14, 2011 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

good tips!!

by aly7 Monday, March 14, 2011 at 03:57PM Report as inappropriate

intersting, didnt know i could use the brow liner brush to line my eyes, will definitely try it for that sharp defined look

by yetunde Monday, March 14, 2011 at 01:06PM Report as inappropriate

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