I can’t even begin to tell you how many different makeup brushes I’ve accumulated over the years, ranging from drugstore brands to high-end products, most of which I don’t really use.
Makeup artists are perhaps the only people that need tons of makeup brushes. They need to be able to do all these fancy and elaborate looks, but someone like you and me, now we don’t need more than a few basic brushes.
Here’s the list of makeup brushes that the average makeup wearer must have:
1. Foundation Brush (or Sponges)
Honestly, I don’t like using foundation brushes, I have like four of them (all from brush sets), and I prefer to use sponges or my fingers. But if you’re inexperienced or you simply want a fast, even and flawless application, then a foundation brush is a great brush to have.
2. Concealer Brush
You can always use your fingers to apply concealer, but a concealer brush gives a more precise application and it’s perfect for under eye concealing or spot touch ups.
3. Blush Brush
I can’t find a reason why not to have a blush brush. A lot of powder blushes don’t come with a blush brush and when they do they’re often too small and useless.
So for a natural, flawless application, it’s definitely worth investing in a good blush brush.
4. Bronzer Brush
You can use your blush brush to apply bronzer, but just like every powdered makeup, it tends to stay in the brush. So unless you’re okay with constantly deep cleaning your blush brush to remove all of the powder left by your blushes and bronzers, then I suggest you get a brush to use only for your bronzers.
When I used to apply my bronzer with my blush brush, I was never satisfied with the results that I got. The shade of my blush was always mixed with my bronzer and I just didn’t like how it looked.
I started using separate brushes for my bronzer and blush and I couldn’t be more convinced that one brush strictly for bronzers is the way to go. The shades are truer to their intended colors and I don’t have to deep clean my brushes as often.
5. Eyeshadow Brushes
No makeup wearer should be without a medium size eyeshadow brush. It’s a great brush to use when applying eyeshadow to your eyelid and the tip of the brush can be used to sweep shadow along the crease.
You will want to have a few of these brushes: the more the better. For starters, at least two is perfectly fine. Use one for light shades and a second one for darker eyeshadow shades.
6. Lash & Brow Groomer
This brush is perfect for shaping the brows, separating lashes, and removing any clumps of mascara or debris from your lashes. This is the easiest and least expensive brush.
7. Large Powder Brush
If you wear makeup at all, I recommend you get this one because it’s the only way you can get a light and even powder application. It’s VERY important to evenly distribute powder, because it’s the one makeup product that will help set your makeup, remove any shine from your face and create a smooth base for all of your other makeup.
8. Lip Brush
This brush is used for blending lip liner, lip colors and for lipstick application. Your lip brush should have a cap or be retractable so you can take it with you for touch ups.
You can also use Q-tips to apply your lipsticks and glosses but keep in mind that your lip makeup might not look as good.
**Brush sets:
Brush sets are a good alternative to accumulate your basic makeup brushes, just purchase one with the brushes that YOU need and you’ll be ready to work on your makeup. 
