The Only 6 Brushes You Need In Your Make-Up Kit

Whether you’re the dab-and-run kind of girl when it comes to makeup, or like spending hours perfecting your look no matter how busy your morning may be - there’s no denying the fact that a good set of brushes is key to doing your makeup most efficiently. But the sheer number, sizes, and types of options out there can not only have your makeup kit overflowing and in desperate need of some spring cleaning but can also leave you more prone to making major mistakes with, and throwing off, your overall look (ahem, anyone else guilty of using their shadow brush to fill in their brows?). The latter is especially true if you’re just starting out on your makeup journey. We’ve put together a list of 5 must-have makeup brushes, the most essential of all essentials, that are all you’d ever need in your arsenal to achieve a flawless look each time you step out. While there are several more you could add, for the sake of simplicity and maximum efficiency, here are the ones that truly deserve a spot on your vanity.

1. Foundation Kabuki Brush

Once you’ve cleansed, toned, and primed your skin, you’re prepped for foundation. Liquid or powder, a good kabuki brush will give you a flawless look. If you’re using it to apply a powder product, start by swirling it in the product, tap off the excess, and swirl onto the skin. If you’re using a liquid foundation, add a dollop to the back of your hand, swirl the brush in it and begin buffing onto your skin. This brush does a good job of evenly spreading product across the face and that’s perhaps the reason why it’s a favourite with most beauty vloggers and makeup artists. 

We recommend: https://www.nykaa.com/nykaa-kabuki-brush/p/669983?pps=1&productId=669983&ptype=product&skuId=669488

2. Powder Brush

Depending on whether you’re more of a setting powder type of person or a powder foundation type of person, you’ve got to choose a powder brush that gives you the best finish. For the former, a soft, fluffy brush will do the trick and give you a natural look by preventing you from caking too much on (nobody likes that gray-white cast that powder foundation can leave). For the latter, opt for a large brush that you can use to buff in your mineral foundation.

Powder brushes are generally thick and full-fibered. We recommend a synthetic option over natural ones. The latter holds on to colour and might leave you agonizing over having to clean it too often. Not to mention you might end up using too much product with a natural brush.

To use a powder brush, dip it into the product, loose or pressed, and swirl in circles until you’re sure you’ve coated the brush. While applying, start from the middle of your face and work your way out as the brush gives you an even coverage. This brush is an important tool for beginners and a mainstay for the experienced. In a pinch, you could use this brush to apply your blush as well.

We recommend: https://www.nykaa.com/bronson-professional-powder-brush/p/539271?ptype=product&productId=539271&skuId=539271&pps=1

3. Multitasking Eyeshadow Brush

As stunning as eye makeup can look, it can be quite intimidating for a beginner and time consuming for someone who’s on the move all the time. To keep things simple, go for a double-ended multitasking eyeshadow brush. It consists of a fluffy brush on one end that will pack on the pigment and the other end has a small, tapered shader to help you blend and shape the curve of your eye. The shape of your crease brush can also be important towards the kind of look you want to achieve, such as a cut crease or a softer definition.

We recommend: https://www.nykaa.com/the-body-shop-double-ended-eye-shadow-brush/p/113894?ptype=product&productId=113894&skuId=113894&pps=18

4. Blush Brush

Smaller than a powder brush and dome-shaped with long, very soft bristles, this brush helps add that flush of colour that will make your complexion look healthier and give you that fresh-faced look. Pick your blush brush according to how you’d like to apply brush. If you go for a light wash that’s just about there and apply it on your apples then get a smaller brush but if you like a deep colour and like covering all of your cheekbones then a larger brush is what you should go for.

We recommend: https://www.nykaa.com/pac-dense-multi-use-brush-214/p/134590?ptype=product&productId=134590&skuId=134590&pps=1

5. Contour Brush

A makeup trend that’s stood the test of time, contouring and contouring brushes can seem intimidating at first but with the right one in your arsenal you’ll have defined facial features in no time. Keep it simple to begin with and grab a brush that has soft, fluffy bristles on an angle, ideally one that fits perfectly into the hollows of the cheeks to add definition and adds product with minimal wastage. A good option is one that’s smaller than a face brush but bigger than an eye brush. Play with a few if you’re confused and see what you’re comfortable with because the right one will make all the difference as you blend.

We recommend: https://www.nykaa.com/nykaa-blendpro-contour-makeup-brush/p/437389?productId=437389&pps=1

6. Concealer Brush 

Holy grail brush for most people, beginners and experts alike, a good concealer brush will help you tackle certain areas of your skin like blemishes, scars, brown spots, broken capillaries, and under-eye circles, even areas that bigger brushes can’t get to like underneath the eyes and on either side of the nose. Grab a synthetic brush (especially since concealers can be in both liquid and cream form and can clump on natural bristles) with a tapered head and bristles that are both firm and flexible. This will ensure that you achieve extra precision when you’re doing your makeup.

We recommend: https://www.nykaa.com/pac-dense-concealer-brush-219/p/134581?ptype=product&productId=134581&skuId=134581&pps=1

And there you have it! A surefire way to ensure you’ve got the right tools for the trade. Have these in your kit and your makeup routine will want for nothing more. Be sure to clean your brushes and switch them out regularly to keep bacteria, dust, and grime from doubling down on it. Happy shopping!