Which Professional Makeup Brushes Do Makeup Artists Use?
A good set of professional makeup brushes can make a real difference to how your makeup looks and feels. The best professional makeup brush kits don’t just help speed things up, they give you more control, better results, and a smoother finish. And with a few tips on how to use them, even small changes in technique can go a long way.
In this blog, we’re sharing the professional makeup artist brushes we recommend, plus the simple tricks that can help you get the most out of every product in your bag.
How Do I Choose the Best Professional Makeup Brush Kits?
With so many options available both online and in stores, choosing the best professional makeup artist brushes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. The key is to focus on what you actually need. Think about the type of makeup you wear most often, then build your kit around the essentials: foundation, powder, blush, concealer, and eyeshadow brushes. Look for value sets that include a mix of these at a better price, and if you get the chance, test them in-store to get a feel for their texture and density. A good brush should feel soft but structured, with enough flexibility to blend well without losing shape.
Key Features of a Professional Makeup Brush
When looking to make up a brush kit, it helps to know what sets professional makeup artist brushes apart from the rest. A well-made brush isn’t just about looks, it should perform well, feel comfortable in your hand, and last through regular use. Here’s what to look out for:
High-Quality Materials:
The best professional makeup artist brushes are made from durable materials, often with synthetic bristles and sturdy handles. Not only do they hold their shape better, but they’re built to last, saving you money in the long run.
Variety of Brushes
A proper professional makeup brush kit will include a good mix of shapes and sizes for both face and eyes. From foundation and powder to smaller eye-detail brushes, variety is a sign the collection has been carefully thought through to suit different makeup styles.
Super Soft Bristles
Quality brushes should feel soft and gentle on the skin. A quick swirl across the back of your hand will help you judge the texture, if any bristles fall out, it’s a sign to move on.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Many of the best professional makeup brush kits are now vegan and cruelty-free, which reflects the brand’s values as well as its quality. It means you can build your makeup routine with tools that align with your ethics.
How Much Should I Spend on Professional Makeup Artist Brushes?
If you’re a makeup artist looking for top-quality tools, it’s easy to assume you’ll need to spend a small fortune. Some high-end makeup brushes can cost anywhere from £20 to over £100, and that’s for just one brush. But building the best professional makeup brush kits doesn’t have to drain your budget. There are plenty of more affordable options that still deliver on performance and durability. Instead of focusing on the price tag, look at the materials used, how well the brushes are put together, and what real users have to say. These details will help you find quality tools that suit your budget and hold up to regular use.
Makeup Brush Maintenance: Cleaning and Care Tips
Keeping your professional makeup artist brushes clean is essential if you want them to last and perform at their best. We recommend giving them a proper clean at least once a week, not just to maintain the bristles, but to avoid spreading bacteria that can lead to irritation, clogged pores, or breakouts. A little regular care goes a long way in protecting your skin and your brushes.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Thankfully, cleaning them is quick and simple. Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water, then gently massage in a mild soap or brush cleanser. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. We recommend using a cleansing mat if you have one, the textured surface helps lift makeup residue faster and saves your hands from doing all the work.
The better you look after your brushes, the longer your professional makeup brush kit will serve you well.
Expert Tips for Using Makeup Brushes Like a Pro
How you use your professional makeup brush can have a different effect on how your makeup turns out. Makeup brushes are specifically made to target certain areas, so if you choose one that is the wrong shape or brush for what you are trying to achieve then you may have a bad outcome. That being said, a brush is only ever as good as the artist, so we are here to tell you our top tips and tricks:
Prep Your Skin
Always apply makeup to clean, moisturised skin. Without proper prep, makeup won’t last as long, and it can even lead to issues like dryness, irritation, or breakouts. A well-prepped base gives your brushes something to glide over.
Don’t Skimp on Primer
Primer smooths out the skin and gives your makeup something to grip onto. With so many types available, from hydrating to mattifying, there’s something for every skin type. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Use the Right Brush for the Job
Using the correct brush can save you time and give you a better finish. A concealer brush won’t cover your whole face efficiently, just like a powder brush won’t work for precise eye blending. Having the right tools speeds things up and improves your results.
Blend – Then Blend Some More
For foundation, start at the centre of your face and work outward, blending into the hairline and down the neck. Buff out any harsh lines or patches. One of our favourite tips: check your makeup in natural light. It’s the best way to spot areas that need a bit more blending.
Pat Your Powder to Set
Once your base is done, lock it in with powder. Use a patting motion rather than sweeping or buffing, it helps set your makeup in place without moving everything underneath.
When to Use Your Professional Makeup Artist Brushes
Not every step in your routine needs a brush, but knowing when to use your professional makeup artist brushes can make a real difference to how your makeup turns out. Brushes give you more control, precision, and a smoother finish, especially when working with liquid or powder products.
Use your brushes when you want to:
- Build coverage gradually: foundation and concealer brushes help you layer product without it looking cakey.
- Blend seamlessly: eyeshadow, contour, and blush brushes are designed to soften harsh lines and create a more polished look.
- Target specific areas: smaller brushes are perfect for detail work, like applying highlight to the inner corners of the eyes or defining the lips.
Sponges or fingers can work well for some steps, but for precision, control, and a more professional finish, your brushes are the tools to reach for.
Want Brush Sets That Actually Do the Job?
If you’re building your set or just looking for brushes that really perform, we have the best professional makeup brush kits! Designed for precision, comfort, and a flawless finish, they’re the kind of tools you’ll reach for every single day.
Check out our full range of makeup brush sets, from contour and highlight sets to eye blending sets, there is something for everyone.
Best Professional Makeup Brush Kits FAQs
Do high-quality makeup brushes make a difference?
Yes, high-quality makeup brushes definitely make a difference, both in how your makeup applies and how long it lasts on your skin. Well-made brushes pick up and distribute products more evenly, blend more smoothly, and give you greater control over your application. They’re also typically more durable, gentler on the skin, and shed less than cheaper alternatives.
What do professionals use to clean makeup brushes?
Professionals usually clean their makeup brushes using a gentle brush cleanser or mild soap, like baby shampoo, to remove product buildup without damaging the bristles. They often use a textured cleansing mat to help lift out makeup and oils more effectively. For quick disinfecting between clients, isopropyl alcohol is sometimes used. Brushes are always rinsed with lukewarm water, reshaped, and left to dry flat to maintain their quality.
How do I know if my makeup brushes are good quality?
You can tell if your makeup brushes are good quality by checking a few key things. The bristles should feel soft but still hold their shape, with no shedding when you run your fingers through them or swirl them on your hand. The brush head should be securely attached to the handle, with no wobbling or loose parts. Good brushes also pick up and blend product evenly, without leaving streaks or patchy areas on the skin. If your brushes feel comfortable to use, last through regular cleaning, and deliver consistent results.
What is most important when buying professional makeup artist brushes?
The most important things to consider when buying makeup brushes are bristle quality, brush shape, and how they feel in your hand. Soft, densely packed bristles that don’t shed are key for smooth, even application. The shape of the brush should match the job, think tapered for precision, fluffy for blending, and flat for packing on product. Finally, the handle should feel comfortable and sturdy, giving you control while you apply.
How often should makeup brushes be replaced?
Makeup brushes don’t need replacing often if they’re good quality and well cared for, in fact, they can last for years. That said, you should consider replacing a brush if the bristles start to fray, shed excessively, lose their shape, or feel scratchy on the skin. Brushes used for cream or liquid products may wear out faster than powder brushes.
How many brushes does a professional makeup artist use?
A professional makeup artist typically uses anywhere from 20 to 40 brushes, depending on their style, the type of makeup they specialise in, and the complexity of the look they’re creating. This usually includes a mix of face brushes (like foundation, powder, blush, and contour), eye brushes (for blending, lining, and detailing), and smaller precision tools. While they might not use every single brush in every session, having a wide variety ensures they’re prepared for any skin type, technique, or product.