Top 10 Must-Have Makeup Brushes

Today, I want to share with you my 10 must-have makeup brushes for your face and eyes. I've included several brushes in each category to give you options in different price points or they have slightly different characteristics. I want to make sure y'all have options ha. At the end of the day, you don't need any of these brushes. But it really makes makeup application so much easier and convenient.
Products Used/Mentioned:
Foundation:
*1. It Cosmetics Dual Ended Brush: bit.ly/3oWu4zC
*2. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: bit.ly/3aarKwk
*3. e.l.f. Buffing Foundation Brush: bit.ly/3BdMS0N
*4. Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush: bit.ly/39voonS
*5. Beauty Blender: bit.ly/39EZkcS
Concealer:
*1. Real Techniques Setting Brush: bit.ly/3mrzGiv
*2. Rare Beauty Concealer Brush: bit.ly/32iWAQ8
*3. Spectrum x KJH 08 Brush: bit.ly/30mnCI7
Bronzer & Contour:
*1. Ulta Beauty Bronzer 21 Brush: bit.ly/2JmoUKN
*2. Fenty Beauty 125 Face Brush: bit.ly/37IZNuW
*3. Anisa Beauty Bronzer Brush: bit.ly/3nRvvz0
Blush:
*1. It Cosmetics Airbrushed Blush Brush: bit.ly/3cIRH7W
*2. Real Techniques Blush Brush: bit.ly/3ByV8IN
*3. Flower Beauty Precision Blush Brush: bit.ly/3aBj16O
Powder:
*1. Real Techniques Powder Brush: bit.ly/3BGkYui
*2. Real Techniques Setting Brush: bit.ly/39m8HPl
3. Japonesque 713 Brush: bit.ly/2XeaHH2
Highlight:
*1. ABH A23 Brush: bit.ly/3lDX0KK
*2. It Cosmetics Airbrush Flawless Highlight Brush #140: bit.ly/3az33Kd
Eyeshadow Crease:
*1. MAC 217 Brush: bit.ly/3mRPkDX
*2. Sephora 27 Crease Brush: bit.ly/3FM35g4
*3. e.l.f. Crease Brush: bit.ly/3mP2v8H
*4. Sephora 24 Pro Crease Brush: bit.ly/3aBhzRC
Eyeshadow Packing/Flat:
*1. MAC 242 Shader Brush: bit.ly/3ax3AMX
2. Natasha Denona 6 Shadow Fluff Brush: bit.ly/2YLlyZQ
*3. Spectrum x KJH 20 Brush: bit.ly/30mnCI7
*4. Rare Beauty Eyeshadow Brush: bit.ly/3FKZGyk
Eyeshadow Liner:
*1. Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush: bit.ly/2PqV8HQ
*2. ABH 12 Brush With Spoolie: bit.ly/3tLWCw5
*3. MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush: bit.ly/3mOUTDe
*4. Spectrum x KJH #23 Brush: bit.ly/30mnCI7
Eyeshadow Detail:
*1. Sephora 18 Pro Shadow Brush: bit.ly/3v74Uzk
*2. Sigma E36 Blending Brush: bit.ly/3BHQwjM
*3. Spectrum x KJH 21 Brush: bit.ly/2U1WRG8
4. Natasha Denona 4 Eyeshadow Mini Brush: bit.ly/2Xehsso
*Affiliate link from RewardStyle.
FTC: not a sponsored video

[@kaylarose9446]

I absolutely love Real Techniques. Their brushes are so high end in performance, but the cost is so affordable.

[@kimberleykirk8047]

I don't like the RT brushes bcuz you can't see what the brush is for on the handle like ELF brushes.

[@deniece0821]

My beloved mama once told me years ago: “Take good care of your brushes and they’ll take good care of you.” She was right!🥰I have some that are 5-10 years old and still work great!

[@amaniann8233]

I have a BareMinerals concealer brush that I've had since 2011 and it still performs! Lol

[@kat-napzzz]

The rare beauty concealer brush is so awesome for concealer and really gets into the under eyes perfectly. I find myself using it daily.

[@henrydumbsuswindsor3556]

Oh I’m looking for a good one … I’ve never got on well with those flat concealer brushes

[@OnthelevelwithTracyToffton]

Ulta had that brush for $17 last year. I was so excited to get a $48 brush for 17 bucks. It is hands-down my most used brush in my brush arsenal! Love you Mila!!

[@marjoriecook7556]

Thank you! I’ve wanted to learn about brushes for a while now. Love that you gave such a breadth of options, too!

[@miiaproductions]

I love using the real tecniques deluxe crease brush for concealer too ✨ Works great, and I feel like it is a bit big for the crease anyways (at least for me) 😊

[@CarrieP1981]

Same, it's huge for a crease brush.

[@hp2736]

Your content is always SO GOOD! LOVED your brush video!

[@yfisher11]

I have real techn blush and setting brushes for 4 years (in old design with black bottom part) and they are still in great shape!

[@lindseyle7461]

Thank you!!! I’ve been waiting for you to talk about make up brushes .. so excited to finally see it!!!

[@margaret-beatrizhighamcabr5296]

Awesome video, always appreciate your input on makeup related stuff!!

[@CoyoteWildFlower]

Excellent timing, just getting back into makeup and setting up my tools. You explained very well for even a beginner like me to understand. I'm an artist and know how important good brushes are.

[@moriganna67ify]

I am the same and tell people. Makeup is lan art. Wth respect for all they painting only we use powders and creams, and our face is the canvas. Treat both with care and they will last. I too am an artist.

[@lookitsgrandma]

IT Cosmetics makes great brushes and Bare Minerals have a few that are excellent, too. If I ever hit the lottery, I'm buying a full set of Wayne Goss's brushes, though. They are to die for!

[@faithscheetz5361]

No they're not. I have his eye set and it's trash. Over hyped. I never reach for them

[@lookitsgrandma]

@@faithscheetz5361 Sorry to hear that! I have one of his foundation brushes and love it.

[@maryastark8075]

@@lookitsgrandma I was gifted a set of 12 of Wayne's brushes from a friend in the UK over 7 years ago. Have no idea of the cost, am in NYC. I also like them. After countless washings they maintain shape, softness and texture. For travel I use both Elf & have some IT brushes that came with their CC cream on sale. Honestly, the only possible difference is longevity. It used to be that reasonably priced brushes did not come in a big variety of sizes & shapes. This has not been true for well over a decade. Too much hype regarding designer names. Even brushes that claim to be "made in the USA" are just that....but the raw products & materials used are imported from mainly China & other countries. Every makeup influencer is pushing brushes lately, supposedly for "mature skin". Mom is 56 and a makeup artist. She laughs, and says....fraud. Her go to are Elf brushes. Especially for eyes. She will use only once per client. No brush ever manufactured can stand up to proper disinfection, as per my mom's NY spa. I have a young daughter, and sincerely hope that this craziness for "anti-aging" and bankrupting make up will come to an end. The marketing is designed to create insecurities, then prey on those who are set up to lose their confidence and seek that magic to reverse all that they are told is wrong with them. Total manipulation. Hope everyone sees through this nonsense. ❤️❤️❤️. Btw, mom keeps super glue on hand Incase brush handles separate, from the brushes due to washings.

[@lookitsgrandma]

@@maryastark8075 The market is ridiculous! I love the fancy frou-fou products same as the next person but some of the claims are just ridiculous and the prices are mind-boggling. Now, that said, I'm currently working on a Glossier skincare vid. Extra long work week here but I'd like to get it posted by Thursday. 🤞🏼

[@whoanelly7444]

I’ve had some nice Mac brushes they last for a longtime but real techniques makes some really soft and inexpensive brushes!

[@LauraLVTGW]

Wonderful video!! Very informative and detailed. Now I know how to use those "extra" brushes that come in a kit.😊. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and all your hard work. 💖💖 Would love a video on cleaning them!

[@Marbiotic]

I’ve found myself doing all my makeup with different size of dome brushes hahaha Don’t know why I love this shape so much 💖💕

[@heels2flats]

This was a great video! I have many of these in my regular rotation. I have to agree with the real techniques small setting brush being perfect for a natural under eye concealer application, I do the same on light makeup days.

[@brendakearns8995]

Thank you for your detailed video of what brushes are for what. I learned a lot. 💯💋

[@monicapatton1405]

Your makeup looks beautiful here, would love a tutorial on it 😍

[@LadyLoriBeautyOver50]

I use Anisa Beauty brushes for both my skincare & makeup..(I have both of her entire sets Skincare & Makeup). I use other brushes but they’re mostly eyeshadow brushes and I prefer the Farah brushes & Luxie. You have some great brushes!! 👍🏼🖤♥️

[@amytrumbull156]

I have and love the heavenly luxe brush and it’s fantastic…. I use both ends and the concealer side is so perfect, whether I use liquid or cream concealer. I am using the Nars concealer in the little tub…it’s a cream and this brush puts it on perfect.

[@onewhisper22005]

I do too! I had been using it for years and was going to get another one but ended up seeing one that looked like an exact dupe on Amazon for $10 so figured I’d try it out and so glad I did! It is an exact match for the look and feel of the hairs. The only difference I can notice is the foundation end is slightly bigger, which I actually don’t mind 😂 I can’t tell a difference between using them! I just switch back and forth between the 2 now so it saved me having to pay the cost of the It one again!

[@SummerLuvinAlai]

This was such an awesome and informative video. Thanks for the time for making this!

[@bernadettez1967]

Every It cosmetics brush I have gotten I love. I got the foundation brush and the blush brush with a purchase on QVC. It comes with the foundation or blush and it is free.

[@onewhisper22005]

I got a foundation brush on Amazon for $10 that I had been loving and was surprised to find it is a dupe for the Rare Beauty foundation brush! I had no idea Rare Beauty had one shaped like that! They unfortunately don’t have a concealer one 😂 But, the Rare Beauty ones aren’t priced too bad. I have the dual ended It Cosmetics brush and love it! Ive had it for years and was going to get another one but then saw a dupe for it on Amazon so I got that to try and it’s like the exact same except the foundation end is slightly bigger, which I don’t mind 😂 When using them, I can’t tell. So, I just go back and forth between the 2 and it saved me having to buy a second It one! Yay! I also have the Fenty brush that I looooove too! I gotta check out some of the other brushes you mentioned! Seems we love the same brushes!

[@saracristina]

the last one by natasha denona i love using that one for my water line when I use eyeshadow for eyeliner it works perfect

[@candyyyjai]

Hello from Hong Kong!! I really love the way u shared!!! The best one, the alternatives with lower price!!! I love it ❤❤❤❤❤

[@KaGaertner]

Heyy Milanaa, thank you for the tips! I miss your hair related videos ! :D xx

[@SymphonyTaylor]

Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations! 🙏🏼✨

[@aubreybondoc]

I just want to say that this video is really helpful. Thank you for your effort.

[@pinkprincess7161]

I love how informative you are! and my my, you are so gorgeous

[@dawnmitzel6419]

Thank you so much for doing this one!

[@marilynwrixon4011]

Amazon has 2 brushes comparative to Rare beauties which i love Enzo Ken slanted under eye small concealer $8.88 brush & slanted oval today large foundation brush $10.99 very impressed with both

[@dinasilva2982]

It's not avaiable 😞

[@Kittykatt96]

@@dinasilva2982 it’s available now

[@javanesemystic]

Thank for making this video 🙏🏼🙏🏼 product recommendations aside, you explain what to look out for in a good brush, which is so helpful. Have a beautiful rest of November 🍁🍂🧡💫✨

[@m.newton556]

I like her presentation! Very nice and informative

[@nadynemotherofcatz]

You must try the 101 BK Beauty foundation brush! It is an absolute game changer! Also Angie from Hot & Flashy just put out a brush set with them. Her concealer brush is a smaller version of the foundation brush! They are revolutionary!

[@jillymac0613]

Came here to say I LOVE the BK Beauty 101 brush! Also, I’ll probably be buying ALL the brushes… I am always happy to have new brushes! 💸💸

[@Zori-tranquility]

😂

[@AllyKit]

If only the 101 was a bit smaller and another color. For some reason I really dislike maroon.

[@arielle_abarca]

​@@AllyKitI'm so glad they made a smaller version! The 109 is the perfect size!! And is just as good as the 101! 😊

[@Rocast1425]

Totally ❤

[@manjireegadgil2205]

Awesome video. Was waiting for a makeup brush video. Can you also share your best/fav of each like fav blush for a full face

[@Verbsdescribeus]

double ended brushes are my absolute favorites :D

[@cindyarana1734]

Amazing video. You did such a great job! Thank you for uploading this video I really need some new brushes.

[@miagrace802]

Thank you! Tried the Real Techniques Setting Brush (402) for concealer and loved it. I usually use the Real Techniques 217 Expert Edge Large for concealer under the eye, but the Setting Brush 402 did a better job and I could use it on other areas without switching brushes. Great tip! The 402 Setting Brush is great for under eye powder and nose contour too. I have one I use just for nose contour. For under eye setting powder, I prefer the Real Techniques 421 Soft Accent for under eye powder setting with the 402 Setting Brush a close 2nd. The Real Techniques Expert Face Brush 200 is great for foundation as recommended in the video. For buffing foundation in after it or for more diffuse application I like the Real Techniques 213 Foundation Blender even better (handle-less brush, the smaller of the 2 and not the angled kabuki which is awful for foundation or application of powder products but great for a final blending after blush, contour, highlight on the cheek, but not one I'd rebuy.) Even if I apply with the Expert Face Brush 200, I still buff with this. It's better than the handled version (blend and blur foundation brush), which is also good but this is easier to control. The 400 Real Techniques Blush brush is great. I tend to reach for it for darker blushes or to add a touch more color, but I reach for the Real Techniques Instapop Blush more for it's diffuseness on application The Real Techniques powder brush is great too. Especially for shimmer powder. I usually buff with the Real Techniques Instapop face (not blush) brush or use for more full coverage like RCMA powder because it buffs so well. I end up reaching for it more than the regular one.

[@carrieswank]

I love your videos. I’m the oldest and my mom didn’t wear makeup. (I grew up in the late 90s, before you could how to be a makeup artist on KZbin.) So, had to teach myself, but I’m still not comfortable in my skills. Your videos are informative and your looks are more natural and practical. Sure these MUAs on KZbin are beautiful and crazy skilled. But, I’d feel crazy uncomfortable walking into a PTA meeting or a parent teacher conference with very dramatic eye looks. But your looks are stunning yet classy. Thanks for that’

[@-nellie-m3711]

Check out LisaJ on KZbin, she’s actually a makeup artist and does some beautiful neutral looks, not out there in your face makeup looks. Very pretty makeup for the everyday beauty that enjoys makeup.

[@amytrumbull156]

I recommend watching Angie on her channel Hot and Flashy here on KZbin. She’s a mature woman and her skills are fantastic, she’s a wonderful teacher and someone could really learn from basic to advanced makeup application skills from her. Her recommendations on anything, be it foundation, powder, brushes, blushes, lipstick, etc are all amazing. I hope you love her!

[@MrsLoretta]

Milani, you look so pretty!!! That lipstick is so nice on you!! I have a lot of the It and Real Technique brushes and I am happy with them..Hugs and Love Loretta

[@deborahmitchell1595]

Electric rollers are back in style. Can you please do a tutorial on how to use them?

[@islandbirdw]

I LOVE Sigma F80 Air AND F80 ( they differ slightly). I never could use the RT200 for foundation. I found it a bit too stiff and too small. The F80 air is a duo fiber and is awesome IMO.

[@moriganna67ify]

Wet n Wild m ELF and ColourPop have similar brushes for those who are looking for super affordable brushes. I love 💘 your content.

[@allisonlink6311]

I enjoy quite a few of the brushes you mentioned. I have moved to mostly BK Beauty brushes...so high quality and elevate my application...highly recommend.

[@dianebeckett1697]

Thank you so much for this information! Rey helpful

[@gracew9357]

it’s taken me so long to realise that the real techniques make up sponge soaks up so much of my foundation. I used to blame the foundation (I use the maybelline 24hr full coverage) for not adding any coverage. I defo will start using one of these instead !

[@BabelSpeak]

Wow! Its like I met a brush twin 😅We sure have a lott of the same brushes, it's almost eerie 😂 Good choices 😉

[@jasminacevedo5254]

I have a few of those brushes, need to try the Fenty brushes. Video suggestion: have you heard of Alamar Cosmetics? They seem really nice.

[@catalinarandle6420]

Phenomenal! Used way too many times ☺️

[@missbeaussie]

The joy of unscripted content 🥰

[@JacobsProudMadre]

Thank you for this!!!!

[@monicapatton1405]

The MAC smudge brush has been my favorite for at least 15 years

[@betsyjoseph5988]

Christmas gift this year- KJH makeup brushes 😁

[@emma-victoria933]

I'd love to see you try out bodyshop make up and brushes..including skincare.

[@CutestHeidi]

I have most of these and agree!

[@janreding9384]

I like the first round the real techniques I like the small flat one for the concealer and the fluffier one I love for highlighting so there you go great video

[@fionakarbel258]

THANK YOU!

[@dazereigh]

Best foundation and cream brushes are Sonia G and BK Beauty, I’ve tried so many and nothing comes close for me. Same for powders with the addition of Rephr.

[@monicamomney8756]

Nice work ❤

[@cristinac6025]

I LOVE IT Cosmetics brushes

[@JulieNick28]

I just saw an ad for the The Shark HyperAIR™ - please review!!!! VS the Dyson Air :)

[@FifiRich392]

Wow i love

[@lupitaa3lc]

Iam only using two brands when it comes to brushes. Iam with real techniques. And e.l.f. cant ask for more. And my make up looks gorgeous.

[@sugerless20]

I'm wondering if you've tried luxie brushes? I think there might be a mistake in your description for concealer brushes. When you talked about the real techniques deluxe crease brush the description said concealer brush & the link takes you to a different brush than in the video. Hope you can clear that up. What brush would you use for press foundation?

[@hoangin16]

I'm glad that all my Real Techniques brushes appeared

[@Littlewings1211]

Perfect timing! My sister mentioned makeup brushes before her birthday in July but we had all bought her gifts already so I am probably going to get her some for Christmas instead. I keep looking at full sets from Amazon and I don't know whether they would be cheaply made or of poor quality. I love my Real Techniques brushes but I find that some of them are too big for my face - like the crease brush that you suggested for a concealer brush is far too big for my eyes. Some of their face brushes are huge! 😂 They are fantastic quality for the price though. Same with the e.l.f brushes. Question - if someone were to get you makeup brushes would you prefer a set where you may get a bunch of brushes and a case or whatever but the quality may not be quite as good or would you prefer someone to get you a handful of decent quality brushes that may not match or come with a case etc? I need help deciding which way to go for my sister!

[@fionadarragh1004]

I have the Real Techniques Face Brush Set & in it you get: Foundation Brush, Powder Brush, Concealer Brush, Blush Brush and a Beauty Blender. I also have Real Techniques Eyeshadow Brush Set too. In my opinion they are good quality and can't go wrong with the price of each set. I think if you were to buy as a gift 🎁 for Christmas 🎄 that would be a really great set or sets to purchase. Hope this helps you out!

[@nadynemotherofcatz]

Checkout BK Beauty, Angie from HotandFlashy just released a set with them. They eye brushes are great for smaller eyes.

[@Littlewings1211]

@@fionadarragh1004 @Fiona Darragh tbh that was where my mind was going. Those are the two sets I first bought and then topped up my collection with the Sam and Nic's favourites set (or something like that), the other eyes set (with the metal comb 😍) and single brushes like the 102 triangle concealer brush (LOVE that brush). I suppose if I got her the base sets (face and eyes) she could get the rest herself. I am terrible at gifts though, I want to give them it all and end up spending a fortune! Thanks for the suggestions ☺️

[@Littlewings1211]

@@nadynemotherofcatz are they expensive brands? I don't have a lot to spend (otherwise she'd be getting something like a nice Sigma/MAC set lmao!) I will definitely look into those though - damn hooded eyes with no space! Haha!

[@veronicamacdonald3599]

Personally, I would rather get decent brushes that work well. A pretty case and matching handles & all are great, don't get me wrong. But, what's really important is how well they work (And that they fit in your budget. And how I feel when using them. And how ethically the materials were sourced. And... 😉).

[@theresagauley6061]

You might want to try the Tati beauty blenders. Really very good.

[@jenniferforeman1599]

They say that the shop miss a beauty blenders are exactly if not better than the blendaful original one

[@bettyhall5732]

Ty, you were quite information.

[@frankdearr2772]

great, thanks for sharing :) 👍

[@mamsam13]

RT bruhes r best, i love them

[@Vivienvixen]

I really like your selections and have many of the same ones. What really bugs me though is how large(diameter) the real technique brushes are. Makes them hard to store efficiently and hate to travel with them...thx for your time.🙂

[@nadynemotherofcatz]

I need a recommendation for a bronzer brush. I have tried a few and never found one I liked.

[@asianseyesRpretty2]

The setting brush at 8:40. You can soak a paper towel in alcohol and rub the end of the brush to get rid of the stickiness.

[@ooo1655]

What is the best angled concealer brush, please?❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aysungundogdu8797]

The video is really good

[@DewiRahayu2PJ]

Which do you prefer between Eco tools and Real techniques brushes? Because I want to buy one of them but I don't know yet which is better.

[@dalenderocha2561]

You should try Sedona Lace!

[@cathyincolorado1432]

Does the Heavenly Lux foundation brush work with sheer foundation?

[@radhika.b_]

Hi.. I'm a huge fan of you. I watch every video. I have a request for you. Could you please review the Miniso brand's makeup products? They are really very budget friendly and some of those products are actually good. Could you please review them?

[@hacersleo2826]

You are absolutely right, I ended up buying makeup brushes from artreebeauty

[@Arree1969]

I found the Ít cosmetics dual end for half the price at Walmart. Actually very much the same.

[@lauramarie4632]

Lovvvveeee yooouuu

[@IOANNA333]

I was expecting to find some Wayne Goss ones here.

[@cristinagabor3941]

Which brush is best for cream blush or bronzer application

[@JapanShopBrazil]

Imo unicorn brushes official dollskill was the best set, but been 4 years they never restock it

[@magnoliatree123]

Never been this early! God bless the rest of your pregnancy mama 🥰

[@dhannaselk8993]

I would love to send you a set of the brush’s my company sells 😍

[@SuErgeneli]

I legit use a single fluffy brush for my eyeshadow but recently I'm super into cream eyeshadows and really struggling to find the right brush to apply the color and blend the edges with the same brush I really don't wanna invest in two separate brushes for it - does anyone have a suggestion?

[@margaritadelacasaesperon6107]

For base i love 3D sigma and real techniques are very good choice.bye

[@beehumblewithmevicky2792]

No Mac I can't believe it love my 170!

[@katherineklevenow1808]

Do those brushes have natural or artificial bristles? Did you cover proper care and storage? How do you clean them? A well cared for brush will last a long time.

[@miagrace802]

Real Techniques brushes should be artificial. Don't know about the others though.

[@katherineklevenow1808]

@@miagrace802 Thanks

[@michellecaudill7936]

I’m surprised you don’t use any natural hair brushes or reference brushes which I am a huge fan left my roofer brushes do you love my Bobby Brown brushes and some of my Japanese ask but it’s in Luxi and some moda’s I really like to

[@bayramaslan7429]

I couldn't agree with you more

[@astrid565]

Greets from Germany Mainz ♥️

[@xyzbeforme]

HI What color are your nails on this video? very pretty, not exactly white but not beige either...I appreciate any feedback you provide

[@miri668]

Me encantas

[@bhudd154]

How often do you clean the brushes?

[@deniece0821]

I clean mine at least once a week. Sometimes twice. It just depends on how much I’ve used them. It’s usually just once, though. Saturday has become my laundry and brush cleaning days. 🤣

[@itsmslmg5255]

How do you store dual-ended brushed when you're not using it?

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

One Rt mini expert face brush will do the job

[@Noor-ci7mx]

I'm confused. Should I get Rare beauty concealer brush or Real Technique 242

[@luismiguelgarciacanan5245]

Me gustan las brochas