How Many Makeup Brushes Do You Actually Need?

The more you know, the fewer you need to buy.

“What if we were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three to four makeup brushes and do all the looks with those brushes, which ones would we bring?”

Of course, we assume this deserted island has powder, blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow, or we make our own from the colorful plants nearby.

When we teach makeup application to our students, a common question and concern surrounds makeup brushes. Which ones to have? The more, the merrier? Am I truly a makeup artist if I don’t have hundreds of different brushes?

The search for the best makeup brush for different techniques starts becoming analysis paralysis – an inability to decide on the best brushes to get because of too many options. Also, there is so much information online and on social media that is given by the people selling the products, so the truth is often skewed so that you’ll purchase more products. This certainly happens with makeup brushes.

Kat DeJesus is one of our Aesthetics instructors who has specialized in makeup since 1999. She has some incredible advice for simplifying your makeup brush toolkit.

Kat shares, “I now use way fewer brushes than I did when I started.” Over the years, she’s created ways to keep her makeup applications looking flawless, save time, and reduce the tools needed. She says you must shift how you look at brushes and use them in multiple ways, not just believe what you read online or from the makeup brush companies.

“I’ve always loved finding different ways to use the same brush. Even just changing where you hold it on the handle can shift the pressure and intensity.” Kat says.

PRO TIP
Holding the brush closer to the bristles gives you more control and pressure, which helps if you’re light-handed. If you tend to be heavy-handed, holding it further back softens your touch and helps prevent streaky or patchy application.

You can also turn and use the bristles in different ways by analyzing the way the brush is shaped. For instance, a blush brush that is soft, fluffy, and paddle-shaped can be turned on its side to be used for facial sculpting instead.

Another great tip that Kat recommends is to use one brush for multiple products and/or for different areas of the face. Try challenging yourself to do a full-eye look using just one or two brushes. 

When creating multiple shades on the same client, begin with the lightest color and work toward the darkest, wiping excess product from the brush between shades. Brushes must be properly cleaned and disinfected before they are used on another client.

Learning to work efficiently with a smaller brush kit can be especially helpful for future makeup artists, but proper sanitation between clients must always remain the priority.

Here are Kat’s top three makeup brushes to add to your toolkit.

1. Oval-Shaped Eyeshadow Blending Brush

Suggested Brush:

MAC 217S Synthetic Blending Brush

Why this is a desert island must-have:

• The perfect size and shape for blending eyeshadow with ease
• Works beautifully with both powders and creams
• Can be used to contour smaller areas of the face, like the sides of the nose
• Great for blending under-eye concealer without making it look heavy or cakey
• A true multipurpose brush that earns its spot in any kit

2. A “Kitty Paw” Complexion Brush

Suggested Brush:

Real Techniques Seamless Complexion Brush

Why this one’s a favorite:

• Dense, soft, and rounded to hug the curves of the face
• Made with synthetic fibers so it doesn’t soak up too much product
• Gives the bounce of a sponge with the control of a brush
• Keeps hands clean while blending creams and liquids with ease
• Ideal for foundation, cream blush, bronzer, contour, highlighter, and even spot concealing
• Truly a “one-and-done” complexion brush

PRO TIP
Keep one with a little leftover foundation on it nearby. It’s perfect for erasing makeup mistakes or blending something down quickly.

3. Flat, Tapered Lip Brush

Suggested Brush:

Smith Cosmetics #304 Detailed Lip Brush

Why I always keep one of these in my kit:

• Perfect for clean, precise lip application
• Amazing for spot concealing blemishes or redness without layering on too much product
• Great for cleaning up mini makeup mistakes like mascara smudges or uneven eyeliner
• Small but powerful – this little brush can seriously multitask