Hey there! Let’s talk brushes—because if you’re a makeup artist (or aspiring to be one), you already know how important having the right tools is. Think of brushes as your magic wands. With the right ones, you can create flawless, jaw-dropping looks. And trust me, not all brushes are created equal. So, let’s break down the 10 essential brushes every MUA needs in their kit. Grab your coffee (or tea), and let’s chat! ☕✨
- Foundation Brush
A good foundation brush is non-negotiable. Whether you prefer a flat brush for painting on foundation or a dense kabuki-style brush for buffing, this is your go-to for creating that flawless base. My personal favorite? A flat-top kabuki brush—it blends like a dream and works for both liquid and cream formulas. Oh, and don’t forget to clean it regularly because foundation brushes can hold on to a lot of product. - Concealer Brush
Next up, the concealer brush. You need one that’s small and precise, perfect for those hard-to-reach spots like the inner corners of the eyes. A flat or slightly domed concealer brush works wonders for covering blemishes and blending under-eye concealer seamlessly. - Powder Brush
A big, fluffy powder brush is a must for setting makeup. It evenly distributes powder across the face without disturbing your hard work. Opt for one that’s soft and doesn’t shed because no one likes random brush hairs stuck to their client’s face, am I right? - Blush Brush
The blush brush is your secret weapon for adding a flush of color to the cheeks. Go for something mid-sized with a slightly tapered or rounded head. It helps you place the color exactly where you want it without going overboard. - Angled Contour Brush
Want those cheekbones to pop? An angled contour brush is a lifesaver for sculpting and defining the face. It’s perfect for applying bronzer or contour powder in all the right places—cheekbones, jawline, and even the nose. - Fan Brush
Let’s talk about that glow. ✨ A fan brush is essential for sweeping highlighter onto the high points of the face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow. Plus, it’s great for dusting away any fallout from eyeshadow. - Eyeshadow Blending Brush
If you’re doing eye makeup, you need a fluffy blending brush in your life. This is your go-to for creating seamless eyeshadow looks. Use it to blend transition shades or soften harsh lines. Pro tip: Have a couple of these on hand because you’ll use them a lot! - Flat Shader Brush
For packing on color, especially shimmery or metallic shades, a flat shader brush is a must. This brush picks up pigment beautifully and lays it down with intensity. It’s perfect for creating bold eye looks. - Angled Eyeliner Brush
If you’re working with gel or cream liners—or even powder for a softer look—an angled eyeliner brush is essential. It gives you precision and control for sharp, clean lines. Bonus: It’s also great for filling in brows. - Lip Brush
Finally, let’s not forget the lip brush. Whether you’re creating a crisp red lip or blending out a bold ombré effect, a lip brush gives you that precision you just can’t get from applying lipstick straight from the tube. It’s also more hygienic when working on clients.
Pro Tips for MUA Brush Maintenance:
Keeping your brushes clean is just as important as having the right ones. Dirty brushes can lead to patchy makeup and, worse, irritated skin. Make sure to deep clean your brushes regularly (once a week is a good rule of thumb) and spot-clean between clients. Use a good brush cleaner or a gentle soap, and let them air-dry completely before using them again.
Bonus Brushes You Might Want to Add:
Detail Brush: Great for precise work, like adding inner-corner highlights.
Stippling Brush: Amazing for applying cream blush or blending out cream contour.
Brow Spoolie: An absolute must for grooming brows and blending out brow products.
There you have it—10 brushes that every MUA should have in their kit (and then some). Whether you’re building your first kit or looking to upgrade, investing in high-quality brushes is one of the best things you can do for your craft. So, what’s your go-to brush? Let’s swap tips! 🎨🖌️
