8 Makeup Brushes You Actually Need

Do you know the difference between a primer and a concealer? If you said yes, then that was too easy! The real question is, do you know the difference between a Fan Brush and a Crease Brush? Stumped you yet?

Updated for 2026 with current brush recommendations for face, eyes and brows.

The world of makeup brushes can be slightly confusing, not to mention expensive, that’s why we’ve put together our list of eight brushes that you actually need rather than all the ones you think you need. For our latest vegan brush guide, see here.

1. Liquid Complexion Foundation Brush for Liquid & Cream Foundation Makeup Application

Have you ever applied liquid foundation only to discover that it’s not blended properly around your nose, chin, pores and fine lines? There’s a simple fix for this and it requires nothing more than a Liquid Complexion Foundation Brush (formerly Foundation Brush)! You need the firmness of the brush to press product into your skin.

This is also a great brush to apply any type of primer. Some primers contain ingredients to add texture to the skin, so it’s important to ensure makeup is blended correctly with a firm foundation brush rather than a stippling brush.

Additionally, this brush is perfect for applying cream blushes. First, use a patting motion to apply colour before turning over the brush to the clean side and continue to pat the product until all the colour is easily distributed.

2. Multiuse Blending Brush for Cream and Powder Makeup Products

This brush does exactly what the name implies – it blends and it blends well! Our Multiuse Blending Brush (formerly Blending Brush) works beautifully with cream, liquid and powder products - perfect for primer, foundation and blush.

If you have applied your powder foundation and it’s feeling somewhat heavy, you can spritz your Multiuse Blending Brush with Hydration Spray and buff your foundation to sheer out the coverage and blend away any build-up of product.

Our other must-have complexion blending tools… The Handi Brush, the perfect companion for PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation, and the Powder Complexion Brush - a great tool for applying loose powders like Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder for a smooth, even finish.

3. Fluffy Eye Brush for Soft Eye Makeup Application

Getting the eyes right is often the most difficult step, as it requires more precision and care than foundation. This Fluffy Eye Brush (formerly Deluxe Shader Brush) is great for applying an eye shadow base colour, or a simple single colour wash. The fibres help colour to be evenly deposited and distributed; using a pressing motion as opposed to a sweeping motion will also help avoid fallout.

4. Crease Brush for Eye Shadow Makeup Blending

The Crease Brush is a soft tapered brush that fits into the natural contour of the eye and is the ultimate blending brush for smaller, more delicate areas – it takes all the hard work out of blending eye shadow with the soft tapered brush designed to blend colour.

Traditionally used for powder-based products, you can also try using it with wet or cream products such as concealer. This is the perfect brush to blend and feather the edges of concealer under the eyes or around hard-to-reach areas such as the nose or mouth.

You can also use it to pick up loose or pressed powder and set cream-based products such as concealer. Using a sponge or a firm, flat brush to set concealer can result in a build-up of product that can look heavy and can accentuate fine lines.

You can also use the Crease Brush to contour parts of the face such as the sides of the nose. Because the fibres are soft and tapered you can gradually build and blend colour so you’re left with a subtle natural look.

5. Fan Brush for Blush, Bronzer & Shimmer Powder Application

Our Fan Brush (formerly White Fan Brush) is the perfect tool for applying blush, bronzer and shimmer powders. Picking up just the right amount of product, it gives you control of the powder and allows for easy application and subtle blending when applying to the cheeks and contour areas of the face.

6. Smudge Eye Brush for Precision Eyeliner Application

Our Smudge Eye Brush is ideal for gel or liquid liners as the bristles are firm and rounded, so you can create soft lines and the perfect eye definition. 

BONUS: The Lip Brush is another precision tool that helps blend lip liner and sharpen the outline for a precise finish, particularly with bold colours.

7. Eye/Brow Brush for Eyeliner and Brow Makeup Application

Sometimes it can be a little tricky to accurately apply liquid liner to the lower lash line however, by using the Eye/Brow Brush (formerly Angle Liner/Brow Brush) you can simply press product into the roots of the lash rather than trying to apply a precise line along the lashes. This brush is perfect for detail and shaping for eyeliner and brow makeup application

You can also use this brush and your complexion colour in powder, concealer or foundation to clean up any messy edges from around the mouth after applying lipstick.

8. Cheek Brush for Powder & Liquid Blush Application

Last but not least, this medium-sized, ultra-soft, semi-dense cheek brush (formerly Dome Brush) is perfect for applying blush to the apples of your cheeks. You can also use it to highlight the high planes of the face with a highlighting powder or one of our PureBronze Shimmer Bronzers – just swirl the brush around in little circular motions.

You can also use this brush to blend away any streaks that can sometimes be left from liquid or cream foundations. You can also use it for contouring and for applying bronzing powders or creams; the soft fibres pick up just the right amount of product leaving a seamless finish on the skin.

Learn more about our full range of brushes here.