Makeup Brushes: What do I really need?

If you wanted to sit down and do a full face of makeup with a brush for each step you'd have:

1. Primer Brush (Most people use their fingers though) 
2. Foundation Brush/Sponge 
3. Concealer Brush (Or Same Sponge ^^) 
4. Powder Brush (Or Puff or Sponge)
5. Contour Brush
6. Bronzer Brush 
7. Blush Brush 
8. Highlight Brush 
9. Possibly a Blending Brush (I use my powder brush) 

PLUS any eye/lip brushes you'd use... but that'll be another post. 

That seems a little crazy, especially if you're just getting into makeup, so what do you really need to get started? 

1. Beauty Sponge if using liquid/cream foundations

Beautylish

I really suggest investing in a makeup sponge, like a Real Techniques Sponge ($5-$11) or Beauty Blender ($20). A sponge is great because you can use it for foundation, concealer, powder, cream blush, cream contour, cream highlight... are you noticing a trend? Beauty sponges can be used damp or dry and can be used in a multitude of ways. I use this for 90% of liquid or cream foundation application and 100% of concealer application. Over time you may try different brushes for foundation application, but to begin this is a great and easy way to apply foundation. 

OR


2. A Buffing Brush if using powder foundations
This Real Techniques Core Collection ($18) has my favorite buffing and contour brush ever. It also has a pointed foundation brush and concealer brush that are also great brushes to have. A buffing brush is important when using powder because it allows you to work the product into your skin and look as natural as possible.


And that's really all you NEED to create a flawless base, the rest is really optional although recommended so your face has color and dimension. Some people (like me...) wear as much as they can fit on their face, others only like blush or bronzer. It takes time and a little experimenting to decide what you like.

Here is a list of 5 types of brushes with affordable options to begin experimenting!

1. Powder Brush/Puff - If you're oily a good powder brush for touch ups is key
         ELF Selfie Ready Powder Brush $6
         Real Techniques Powder Brush $10 - I'd buy 100 of these just to cuddle while I sleep it's so good(I also use this for bronzer) 
2. Blush Brush 
          ELF Blush Brush $3
          Real Techniques Blush Brush $9
3. Contour Brush
          ELF Contour Brush $6
          Morphe M141 $4.99
4. Bronzer Brush
         ELF Complexion Brush $4
       Morphe Bronzer Brushes $5-$18
5. Highlight Brush 
          ELF Highlighting Brush $3
          Morphe M310 $4.99

As you play around with different products and looks you'll slowly collect brushes that work best for how you like to apply your makeup, but these are great brushes to begin with!


Remember, it's just makeup. If you don't like it, wash it off and start again.