What Makeup Brushes Do You Actually Need?

If you are on a budget or just getting into makeup, the world of makeup brushes can be confusing and expensive. I spoke to professional fashion, celebrity and editorial makeup artist Lynsey C Reilly, who has worked with the likes of Rita Ora, about what makeup brushes you actually need, her favourites and her tips on looking after them…

There are makeup brushes for everything and of every shape & size. For those on a budget or wanting to keep their makeup bags small, what type of brushes are actually necessary for a good makeup finish, and what can you do just as effectively with your fingers?

If you really want to go without makeup brushes these days, you can. There are cream and liquid products for every area of the face now, so if it’s something you want to avoid, it’s achievable. If you just want to keep brushes to a bare minimum, I’d suggest two eyeshadow brushes - a flat brush to apply the product and a fluffy brush to blend. A stippling brush or Beauty Blender sponge for your foundation will also give you flawless coverage. So, three brushes are really all you need!

Do you think people should do more makeup with their fingers and rely less heavily on brushes and sponges?

I think it’s good that people are getting interested in brushes now, but I can see where they might get roped into feeling they need to buy a new brush for every new foundation or new brushes for new eyeshadows. It’s not necessary. Take care of your existing brushes and they should last you for years.

What are your top 5 favourite makeup brushes on the market?

1 - Real Techniques Bold Metals 203 tapered shadow brush.

2 - Real Techniques Bold Metals 301 Flat Contour brush.

3 - Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt brush.

4 - Not technically a brush, but it’s the same idea - the amazing Beauty Blender sponge.

5 - Morphe M310 Fan Brush.

What budget brands/high street brands do you think are producing really good quality brushes?

Real Techniques are definitely the best high street brand out there. Their range is wide and varied, they’re excellent quality, they come in cool colours as well as their sleek Bold Metals line. Real Techniques are really gorgeous and affordable.

What brushes would you recommend for someone just getting into doing their own makeup with greater interest?

For this, I’d again go with Real Techniques. You don’t have to break the bank but you’ll still get a really high quality brush. They also do really cool sets to get you started. It’s the first brand I’d go to if I was just starting out.

Do you have any tips on how to use brushes properly, or how to clean your makeup brushes?

As far as using your brushes properly goes, don’t be scared to switch things around. An angled eyebrow brush can also be used for eyeliner for example. Keeping your brushes in good condition is the main thing - clean them around once a week by washing them in Fairy Liquid. A lot of top makeup artists use this method as it really breaks through the oil that is left behind in your brushes. Plus, it’s handy as it’s a household item.

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