Which Great Makeup Brush Sets Are Best for Beginners?
Finding the best makeup brushes can be a frustrating task, especially when you are a beginner just starting out in makeup. Sure, you can use your hands or a sponge to apply your makeup – but using great makeup brush sets can be a game changer in how your makeup turns out.
In this blog, we will cover our top picks, essential makeup brushes and tips and tricks to help you start your makeup journey with confidence.
What essential makeup brushes do I need as a beginner?
Unless you’re a professional makeup artist, you don’t really need a big collection of makeup brushes – just a small selection of brushes that are high-quality and soft. This will ensure that your application is easy, seamless and long lasting. Let’s dive into the essential makeup brushes you need to have in your collection:
- Foundation Brush: A good quality foundation brush is super important for how well your base makeup turns out. There are many types of foundation brushes on the market to choose from, all with different features that will give you a variety of results. Denser brushes like kabuki brushes and flat-top brushes, will give you a smooth medium to full coverage effect. Whereas, a stippling brush or a fluffier brush will create a sheerer finish with less coverage.
- Concealer Brush: Everyone needs an angled concealer brush in their collection. Concealer brushes also come in a variety of shapes and densities to cater for different effects, leaving you with your desired finish. At Invogue, we love an angled concealer brush with ultra-dense bristles to really pack that concealer on and hide those dark undereye circles and imperfections.
- Powder Brush: A powder brush is an essential makeup brush that needs to be in your makeup bag. They can be used to apply any type of powder products which makes them versatile. The fluffier the brush, the better it will be to set your face and create a smooth, airbrushed finish.
- Bronzer or Blush Brush: With a bronzer brush you can use it to apply bronzer and also blush to achieve your desired look. To bronze your whole face, we recommend choosing a good quality, tapered, fluffy brush. These brushes are easy to use and enable you to diffuse products quickly and effectively compared to denser bronzer brushes.
- Eyeshadow Brushes: When it comes to applying eyeshadow, you’ll need a small selection of brushes that are used for different stages of applying eyeshadow. The first one being a flat brush that is used to pack shadow on the eye area and then a blending brush is essential for diffusing harsh lines. The last brush is a smudge brush, used for adding detail to the eye area, or creating a winged effect with eyeshadow.
How many sets of makeup brushes should I have?
Ultimately, when it comes to building a collection of great makeup brushes, buying specially curated makeup brush sets can be a quick and easy way to expand your collection. You could have the option of buying brushes separately and building up your own set, however this can sometimes work out to be more expensive. Choosing a brush set means all the work has been done for you and covers all the essential makeup brushes to start off with in your makeup journey. There isn’t a limit to how many brushes you can have but having one set of essential face brushes and another for eyes is a good starting place.

How to pick a great makeup brush set?
Choosing a great makeup brush set requires considering your specific needs, the quality of the brushes, and the types of brushes that are in a set. By paying attention to these details, you can find a set that enhances your makeup application and lasts for years. Typically choosing a set isn’t too difficult as there are so many available these days. From basic face sets, to essential eye brushes, to sculpting and contouring sets, there is something for everyone.
We recommend looking for makeup brush sets that feature vegan and cruelty-free brushes as these are not only ethically produced but often offer excellent performance. Additionally, choosing well-reviewed and established brands can ensure you get reliable quality and durability. By investing in a thoughtfully chosen makeup brush set, you can elevate your makeup routine while enjoying your overall application process.
Does it matter what makeup brush I use?
Quality matters when it comes to your essential makeup brushes, however that doesn’t mean you need to buy brushes that are super expensive. Look for brushes made of synthetic materials, as vegan and cruelty-free brushes are long-lasting, much easier to clean, and are suitable for all skin types. Another detail is to look for brushes that are made from high-quality materials as they last longer and they won’t shed which can be frustrating when applying your makeup.

Tips for beginners on essential makeup brushes
- Buff your foundation in circular motions to create an airbrushed finish that looks much more softer.
- For setting makeup, lightly tap over the face. Never buff or move the brush too hard on your face as this can remove the foundation underneath and can end up in a patchy result.
- Using the right brushes for every part of your makeup can make your job so much easier. Use face brushes for your face and eye brushes for your eyes.
- Get to know your skin type as this can help you decide what products are suitable for your skin and how to use brushes in a way that will give you the best outcome.
- Make sure to clean your essential makeup brushes at least once a week. Dirty brushes don’t perform well and will damage them in the long run, so make sure you look after your brushes!
Great makeup brush sets with Soinvogue
When you are first starting out in makeup, you don’t need a ton of brushes to get great results. That’s why investing into the best makeup brush sets can be a great starting point to get the most essential makeup brushes you actually only really need.
At Soinvogue, we have a variety of great makeup brush sets for you to choose from like our Buff and Blend Set, Eye Blending Set, Sculpting Set and many more! All of our brush sets are made with cruelty-free and vegan-friendly materials and are super affordable which won’t break the bank when you’re starting your makeup journey. Shop our great makeup brush sets and build your collection now!