The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes
Quick answer: For everyday makeup you only need a few tools: a foundation brush or sponge for your base, a small tapered brush for concealer, a fluffy brush for powder or blush and a tapered brush for highlighter. Choose soft synthetic bristles, which are easy to clean and pick up cream and powder evenly. Our most popular pick is the Thin Lizzy Blurring Brush, designed for streak-free, even coverage with liquid foundation.
Walk past any makeup counter and you'll see dozens of brushes, but most of us use the same four or five every day. The right tools make foundation look smoother, stop blush going on too heavy and keep your hands and towels cleaner. This guide covers which brushes you really need, what each one is for, how to use them in order and how to keep them clean.
Which Makeup Brushes Do You Really Need?
- Foundation: a dense brush or a blending sponge for liquid foundation, or a soft, fluffy brush for mineral powder.
- Concealer: a small, tapered brush to place product exactly where you need it.
- Blush: a fluffy, domed brush that diffuses colour softly.
- Highlighter: a tapered brush that places a little light on cheekbones and other high points.
- Powder: a puff or a large, soft brush to set your base.
What to Look for in a Makeup Brush
- Soft synthetic bristles: they don't soak up as much liquid product, they're easy to wash and they feel gentle on mature or sensitive skin.
- The right shape for the job: dense for coverage, fluffy for a soft wash of colour, tapered for precision.
- A comfortable handle: easy to hold steadily, especially for detail work around the eyes.
- Bristles that hold their shape: so the brush still works the same after plenty of washes.
Our Picks
1. Blurring Brush: Best for Liquid Foundation
Best for: applying liquid foundation for anything from a soft, dewy finish to full coverage.
The Blurring Brush has a velvety texture that feels soft on the skin and gives streak-free, even coverage. It blends foundation so it looks smooth and seamless, and takes the guesswork out of liquid foundation.
- Velvet-touch texture
- Streak-free, even coverage
- Customise from sheer to full coverage
2. Blending Sponge: Best for a Seamless Base
Best for: pressing in liquid and cream foundation, concealer and cream products.
Made from silky soft, latex-free foam, the Blending Sponge spreads makeup evenly with no streaky bits and helps minimise product wastage and mess. Dampen it before using it with cream and liquid products for even, all-over coverage.
- Latex-free foam
- Works with liquid, cream and powder
3. Flawless Fibre Brush: Best for Mineral Foundation
Best for: loose or pressed mineral foundation and other powders.
A silky soft, ultra-fine multi-tasking brush made with soft synthetic fibres and no animal hair. It picks up powder well and disperses it evenly for a smooth finish.
- Cruelty-free, no animal hair
- Works with loose or pressed mineral foundation
4. Concealer Brush: Best for Precise Coverage
Best for: placing concealer on small areas such as around the nose and over spots.
A tapered brush head lets you apply just the right amount of concealer exactly where you want it. The ultra-fine synthetic bristles help create a seamless finish.
- Tapered head for precision
- Ultra-fine synthetic bristles
5. Flawless Finish Blush Brush: Best for Soft Colour
Best for: blush and other powder makeup.
A full, fluffy, tapered dome head applies powder makeup smoothly and evenly, for a soft, natural flush of colour. It's made with soft, high-quality synthetic bristles and is easy to clean.
- Fluffy, tapered dome head
- Soft synthetic bristles
6. Flawless Finish Highlighter Brush: Best for Highlighter
Best for: placing highlighter on cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the cupid's bow.
The tapered head gives full but precise application, so you place just the right amount of highlighter on high points. Ultra-fine synthetic bristles help it blend in seamlessly.
- Tapered head for precise placement
- Easy to clean, cruelty-free
7. Powder Puff: Best for Setting and Body Powder
Best for: pressing powder onto the face and applying powder to the body.
This plush puff applies Thin Lizzy powders smoothly to face and body. It's ideal for using 6 in 1 Professional Powder on the body for an all-over golden glow that doesn't look streaky or cakey.
- Soft, plush finish
- For face and body
How to Use Your Brushes, Step by Step
- Foundation: dot liquid foundation over your face, then glide the Blurring Brush back and forth in long, continuous strokes. For mineral powder, swirl the Flawless Fibre Brush in the lid, tap off the excess and buff in small circles.
- Concealer: use the Concealer Brush to place a little product where you need it, then pat the edges with a damp sponge or your ring finger.
- Set: press a light layer of powder over the T-zone with the Powder Puff.
- Blush: smile, tap the Blush Brush into colour, then sweep from the apples of your cheeks up towards your temples.
- Highlight: with the Highlighter Brush, lightly touch the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and your cupid's bow.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
- Wet the bristles only: rinse under lukewarm water, pointing the bristles down so water doesn't run into the handle.
- Wash gently: swirl the brush in your palm with a drop of gentle shampoo or mild soap until the lather runs clear.
- Rinse and reshape: squeeze out the water and smooth the bristles back into shape.
- Dry flat: lay brushes flat or bristles down on a clean towel to dry. Rinse sponges until clear and let them air-dry.
Wash foundation and concealer tools about once a week, and powder brushes every couple of weeks.
Choosing a foundation to go with your brushes? Read how to choose a foundation, our long-lasting foundation tips and our guide to compact powder vs face powder.
What Customers Say
"This is a fantastic brush, had put off trying as I thought it wouldn't be that good but it's the best foundation brush I've ever used. So easy to use & blends perfectly."
Rachel D., verified customer (Blurring Brush)
"Found this sponge very easy to use and with advancing age also easy to grip"
Diane E., Thin Lizzy customer (Blending Sponge)
"Soft and easy to use for applying colour to cheeks."
Mrs L. E., verified customer (Blush Brush)
Read all Blurring Brush reviews →
Read all Blending Sponge reviews →
Read all Blush Brush reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blurring brush used for?
A blurring brush is designed for liquid foundation. Dot foundation over your face, then glide the brush in long, continuous strokes to blend it into an even, streak-free finish.
What brush should I use for highlighter?
A small tapered brush, such as the Flawless Finish Highlighter Brush, places highlighter precisely on the high points of your face so it looks soft rather than stripy.
Is a brush or a sponge better for foundation?
Both work well. A brush is quick and gives even coverage, while a damp sponge presses product in for a soft, seamless finish. Many people use a brush to apply and a sponge to blend the edges.
How do I clean my Thin Lizzy Blurring Brush?
Wet just the bristles with lukewarm water, lather gently with a mild shampoo or soap, rinse until clear, reshape and leave it to dry flat.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy makeup brushes in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
You don't need a drawer full of brushes for good makeup. Start with a foundation brush or sponge, then add a concealer, blush and highlighter brush as you need them, and keep them clean so they keep working beautifully.
