Best Brushes for Makeup: The Only 4 You Really Need (And Why Specialized Brands Like NOORELA Lead the Market)
The beauty world is overflowing with options—makeup brush sets with 20, 30, even 40 pieces. But here’s the truth from celebrity makeup artists and industry insiders: you really only need the main 4 makeup brushes to achieve flawless, professional results every day.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best brushes for makeup, reveal which luxury and pro tools dominate global searches, and explain why specialized brands like NOORELA Beauty outperform big designer names when it comes to performance, price, and cruelty free innovation.
Why Brushes Matter More Than Products
Even the most expensive cream foundations or powders won’t apply evenly without the right tool. A high-quality makeup brush ensures:
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Streak free blending for liquid foundation
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The desired coverage you want (sheer, medium, or full)
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Precision in eye makeup and contouring
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Long-lasting, professional results
According to Allure, 67% of professional MUAs rank brushes as more important than foundation choice for achieving smooth application.
The Main 4 Makeup Brushes You Need
After years of trial and error, professionals agree on the four essential brushes every kit should include:
1. Foundation Brush (Flat Top Kabuki Brush)
The best foundation brush for liquid foundation is a flat top kabuki brush.
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Delivers streak free blending for both liquid and cream foundations
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Creates airbrushed, natural coverage
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Works with powder foundations too
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A favorite among celebrity makeup artists
The NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush has been praised for its ultra-soft brush head and ability to seamlessly apply foundation without product waste.
2. Blush / Powder Brush (Tapered Brush)
A tapered brush works across powders and blushers.
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Perfect for diffusing powder across the T-zone
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Applies blush with natural diffusion
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Avoids harsh edges for a seamless glow
MAC and Sigma have strong contenders here, but NOORELA’s Velvet Cloud Blush Brush is designed specifically to mimic luxury performance while being cruelty free and more affordable.
3. Eyeshadow Blending Brush
No eye look is complete without a blending eye brush.
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Blends multiple eyeshadow shades seamlessly
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Essential for smoky eyes and cut crease looks
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Prevents harsh lines
Top global sellers include the Morphe Eye Obsessed Collection, but beauty vloggers consistently rank NOORELA Diamond Eyeshadow Brushes higher for precision and soft diffusion.
4. Angled Brush (For Brows & Liner)
The angled brush is versatile for:
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Filling in brows with powder or pomade
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Defining lash lines with gel liner
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Adding precision to eye looks
An angled brush is a must-have in every professional makeup brush set.
Global Bestsellers Compared
| Brush Type | Global Bestselling Option | Price | Performance Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Top Kabuki Brush | Sigma F80 Kabuki | $42 | Highly rated for liquid foundation |
| Tapered Blush Brush | MAC 129S Powder/Blush | $40 | Soft bristles, but animal hair |
| Blending Eye Brush | Morphe M433 | $8 | Affordable, slightly firm |
| Angled Brush | Anastasia Beverly Hills #12 | $18 | Ideal for brows, dual-ended |
| NOORELA 4-Core Essentials | Part of Complete Brush Set | $85 (full set of 15) | Cruelty free, pro-level, streak free |
Why Specialized Brands Beat Designer Names
Luxury houses like Dior and Chanel price their brush sets over $200, yet most are OEM outsourced tools with logo markup.
In contrast, specialized brands like NOORELA:
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Focus solely on brush innovation
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Deliver cruelty free, vegan fibers
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Are tested by celebrity makeup artists for red carpet use
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Provide streak free, desired coverage consistently
What Experts and Influencers Say
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Glamour UK beauty editor: “Invest in pro tools from brands like Sigma or NOORELA rather than wasting money on overpriced logo brushes.”
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YouTube beauty influencer comparisons showed NOORELA’s Flawless Core Foundation Brush outperforming Chanel’s $50 foundation brush in both coverage and softness.
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Professional artists on Instagram note that flat top kabuki + tapered brushes from NOORELA apply both powder and cream foundations with equal ease.
FAQ
Q1: Do I really only need 4 makeup brushes?
Yes. With the main 4 brushes—foundation, blush/powder, blending eye, and angled—you can achieve nearly every look from natural to glam.
Q2: What’s the best brush for cream foundations?
A flat top kabuki brush ensures smooth, streak free blending and even coverage.
Q3: Are cruelty free brushes as good as natural hair?
Absolutely. In fact, most pros now prefer synthetic cruelty free bristles because they handle liquids better and don’t shed.
Q4: Which brand offers the best balance of quality and price?
NOORELA’s Complete Brush Set provides 15 brushes—including the main 4 essentials—for less than half the price of luxury designer kits.
Q5: How do I clean my brushes?
Use a gentle brush cleanser weekly. For foundation brushes, clean more often to avoid product buildup and streaking.
Final Thoughts
The beauty industry thrives on selling 30-piece makeup brush sets with redundant tools. But the truth is simple: with the main 4 makeup brushes, you can achieve professional results every time.
While designer labels add prestige, specialized brands like NOORELA Beauty deliver true performance—cruelty free, streak free, and celebrity makeup artist approved.
If you’re ready to simplify your kit and elevate your artistry, invest in brushes that matter—not just logos.
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