Affordable Makeup Brushes For People Who Don’t Really Know What They’re Doing

With Clumps of Mascara approaching almost 10 years of cranking out content (I mean, DANG! Should we throw a party or what?), I figured it was time to refresh a post about beginner makeup brushes for those who are on the Makeup Brush Struggle Bus.

Because yeah, I’ve written about them before but that was yearssss ago and a lot has changed in that department. What hasn’t changed are my unpopular views about makeup brushes though. Are you ready?

• You don’t need a lot of makeup brushes.
• You don’t need expensive makeup brushes. 
• Actually, you can use your FINGERS instead of brushes. 

I kid you not. I can do a ton of work with just my fingers. Ohmigoodness…if your mind is in the gutter like mind, let’s move on to the top two bullets and talk about my favorite and AFFORDABLE brushes for beginners. 

In chatting with some of the ladies in the Clumps of Mascara Lounge, I realized that most of them just want simple brushes. They aren’t contouring or cranking out looks that require 12 for just one eye. Nope. They’re like me. They want simple brushes for simple techniques without breaking the bank.

These will cover it, girl.

EcoTools Six Piece Starter Set ($12.99, here) 

I stan for EcoTools. I’ve been using their brushes for yearssss and they are STILL some of the best I’ve come across. This Starter Set has gone through a ton of redesigning over the years but what hasn’t changed are the quality of the brushes and how freaking cheap they are. If you’re someone who needs the basics and doesn’t want to figure out what each brush does, this is the Set for you. You can literally do your entire face with just these 6 brushes. AND EcoTools has listed their functions at the bottom of the handles. So thoughtful, right? 

Crown Brush 10-Piece Basic Brush Set ($29.99, here)

I introduced my Mom to Crown Brush this year at The Makeup Show and she lost her mind. “How are they THIS cheap?” They are cheap and they’re also really good. The quality of the brushes are ah-mazing as they manufacture to other brands. However, they keep their costs low because they love us like that. Crown Brush has a ton of brush sets but their 10-Piece Basic Brush Set is stellar because it gives you so many options. It also comes in a darling little carrying case making the brushes perfect for compact travel.

e.l.f. Brushes ($1-$12, here)

e.l.f. is the brand that I send all newbies to. If you aren’t ready to spend a whooooole ‘lot of money on makeup brushes but you also want brushes that are of decent quality and will get the job done, e.l.f. is it. Their Kabuki brush is one of my favorites for applying my powder foundation. 

Real Techniques Flawless Base Set ($19, here)

I think foundation brushes are soooo confusing. Why do they make them so complicated? Brush for foundation? Oh, but what kind of foundation are you using? You’ll need a concealer brush, too. And a brush for a highlighter. Definitely a blush brush. Forget ALL of that garbage and use one of these brushes from this Real Techniques set. They’re practical and even if you don’t know which brush to use, chances are you won’t mess up with whichever one you pick. 

I think that about covers it. What brushes are you using and loving these days?

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