Whether you’re makeup newbie or have a full-on obsession like I do, we all need the right tools to apply our products. With so many sizes, shapes, bristle types, and brands, finding the perfect makeup brush for your needs (and your budget) can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, The Beauty Bar has you covered!

Before we dive into brush types, I’d like to briefly cover some of the best brands to purchase makeup brushes from. Keep in mind, high quality makeup brushes are an investment. If you care for them well, they can last for years. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are also quite a few affordable makeup brush lines that are good quality for the price. Here are some great options at all different price points:

Luxury: Kevyn Aucoin, MAC, Sigma, Makeup Forever, Sephora Collection
Budget-Friendly: Morphe, Real Techniques, Coastal Scents, Sonia Kashuk, e.l.f. Studio, Eco Tools

Another important point to consider when purchasing a makeup brush is the material it’s made of. Most brushes fall into one of two categories: synthetic or natural. Synthetic brushes are created with man-made materials. They are typically much softer and more flexible, which makes them ideal for liquid or cream products. On the other hand, natural brushes are generally made of animal hair. Natural brushes are far more fluffy and light, which means they’re perfect for applying powders.

Now, rather than tell you about every makeup brush and its use, I put together this handy little graphic. Needless to say, there are a whole lot more makeup brushes out there than the ones you’ll find below. However, I hope that this guide will serve as a starting point for anyone looking to begin or expand their collection.

Now that I’ve shared my guide to makeup brushes, I want to hear from you! Tell me all about your must-have makeup brushes and brands in the comments below!

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Sarah Breden | Editor In Chief

Sarah is a full-time college student and aspiring digital strategist with a passion for the beauty industry. When she’s not hard at work in the office or the classroom, Sarah enjoys home decorating, vintage shopping, and spending time with family. She couldn’t live without laughter, online shopping, mac & cheese, and mascara.

Twitter: @SarahBreden | Instagram: @SarahBreden