Updated 1/19/21

Do you find all the options for makeup brushes confusing, even overwhelming? You’re not alone. Do you love having a streamlined makeup case with just the makeup and tools you need? We hear you!

In this post, we’ll share the short list of brushes to keep in your bag if you’re a clean makeup minimalist. We’ll also decode why certain brushes work so well for applying certain kinds of makeup so you walk away with a deeper understanding of how brushes work. 

The right ones go a long way… so let’s brush up, shall we?

First, why use makeup brushes?

Bottom line, brushes are a quick, mess-free way to apply your makeup in an even, gorgeous way. Sure, you can use your fingers instead, but that works best for creamy and liquid products (like liquid foundation) rather than powders (like powder blush or bronzer). And it also involves scrubbing your hands afterwards. Brushes offer balanced, streak-free application for all kinds of products without hassle. Perfect for the gal who likes to grab-and-go!

They come in all shapes and sizes because different bristle lengths, density, and shapes allow you to deposit makeup in a way that suits that particular area of the face.

The 5 foundational makeup brushes for everyday

Pulling off a glowy 5-minute face can come down to just 5 brushes: one each for foundation, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, and concealer. Having each of these in your bag will allow you put on a full face of makeup without having to clean brushes in between applying different products – but they still fit inside a small, transportable makeup bag.

Brush #1: Foundation

  • Why foundation: Foundation evens out your skin, covering any redness or discoloration 
  • Characteristics of a good foundation brush: large in bristle surface area with denser bristles
  • Why this works well: The large bristles allow you to spread product across your face quickly, and the denser bristles minimize streaking
  • We recommend: Vapour Beauty Foundation Brush

Brush #2: Blush

  • Why blush: once you even out your skin with foundation, you want to bring life and dimension back into your face with a flush of color
  • Characteristics of a good blush brush: fluffy and soft with less dense bristles
  • Why this works well: the less dense bristles allow you to pick up a light amount of product; then swirl it onto your face in a subtle looking rather than harsh way
  • We recommend: Alima Pure Blush Brush

Brush #3: Bronzer

  • Why bronzer: worn either alone on top of foundation or paired with blush, bronzer gives a gorgeous sun-kissed look
  • Characteristics of a good bronzer brush: fluffy and angled
  • Why this works well: The fluffy bristles allow you to pick up a light amount of product; angled bristles allow for easy contouring along your cheekbones
  • We recommend: Alima Pure Sculpting Brush

Brush #4: Eyeshadow

  • Why eyeshadow: wearing 1-3 shades of shadow helps your makeup look complete
  • Characteristics of a good eyeshadow brush: small, fluffy, and domed
  • Why this works well: the bristles are forgiving yet structured enough to apply pigment to the lid, crease, and brow bone
  • We recommend: Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Eyeshadow Brush

Brush #5: Concealer

  • Why concealer: tones down redness or discoloration, and when applied to the under eye area can make your eyes look brighter
  • Characteristics of a good concealer brush: longer, soft-feeling bristles
  • Why this works well: soft bristles allow you to gently, comfortably apply product to the delicate under eye area
  • We love: Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Conceal/Buff Brush

And that’s it! 

What if I’m 100% new to brushes, or prefer fewer for budget reasons?

If you want to get used to using brushes one by one, or don’t want to pay for five of them at once, here are just two brushes to opt for that’ll cover your needs in the shorter term.

Brush #1: Versatile Allover Face Brush

  • Use for: foundation, blush, bronzer, highlighter (buff against a towel to clean when using it with different products)
  • Characteristics: fluffy with large surface area
  • Why this works well: the bristles are structured enough to distribute foundation, but forgiving enough to 
  • We love: Jenny Patinkin Allover Face Brush

Brush #2: Allover Eyeshadow Brush

  • Use for: eyeshadow
  • Characteristics: small, fluffy, and domed
  • Why this works well: the bristles are forgiving yet structured enough to apply pigment to the lid, crease, and brow bone
  • We recommend: Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Eyeshadow Brush

Once you’re up and running with these two brushes, consider adding the other ones over time.

Putting it all together

Hoping this sparked new excitement and confidence about using makeup brushes! With a little know-how, not to mention luxe, beautifully crafted brushes, your everyday morning makeup application can become a moment of joy.

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Shop the story:

✨ Vapour Beauty Foundation Brush
✨ Alima Pure Blush Brush
✨ Alima Pure Sculpting Brush
✨ Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Eyeshadow Brush
✨ Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Conceal / Buff Brush
✨ Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan All Over Face Brush
✨ Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Eyeshadow Brush