‘Fingers clog pores': Best makeup brushes for flawless application, according to Helen Mirren's MUA

What makeup brushes do I actually need?

When there’s a brush for every part of your face, it’s hard to know which ones you actually need. Reassuringly, Valsays: “For personal use, a focused collection of six to eight brushes is more than sufficient. It’s less about quantity and more about choosing versatile, well-performing shapes.”

“A foundation brush is a key starting point. I tend to favour brushes shaped like a fingertip or finger pad, as they replicate the soft-focus blend you’d achieve with your fingers but with greater precision and control,” she adds. Above, we’ve included the Morphe Angled Cream and Liquid Foundation brush, which is does exactly this.

“Next, a good powder brush is essential,” says Val. “A soft, domed shape works beautifully, distributing product evenly while doubling up easily for use with blush or bronzer. A double-ended brush can be incredibly practical. A tapered dome is ideal for targeted powder placement, under the eyes or through the T-zone, while a fuller head handles all-over application effortlessly.” We’ve included the fluffy Real Technique Powder Blush to meet all those needs.

“For the eyes, simplicity wins: you want a flat brush to place colour and a fluffy blending brush to diffuse and soften,” says Val. And finally, I recommend a precise liner brush. I prefer having two variations, an angled brush for structure and a finer, elongated brush for detail.” The Charlotte Tilbury Essential Eye Tools set contains all three of these brushes.

“Keeping your brush kit streamlined can actually improve technique and make regular cleaning more manageable,” Val adds.

How do you apply foundation with a brush?

“I always begin by popping foundation onto the back of my hand rather than applying directly from the bottle to the brush,” says Val. “This allows better control over the amount of product and helps distribute it more evenly through the brush.

“From there, apply using controlled strokes or gentle buffing and tapping motions, depending on the desired coverage. This is where the finger pad style of brush mimicking your fingers makes things easy, works every time and couldn’t be simpler.”

Do good quality makeup brushes make a difference?

“Yes, noticeably,” says Val. “Well-made brushes maintain their shape, apply product more evenly, and offer far greater control. They also tend to last significantly longer when properly cared for.

“That said, quality isn’t defined by price alone. The best brushes are the ones that perform consistently and feel intuitive in your hand.”

How do you clean your makeup brushes and how often??

“Brushes should be cleaned regularly, ideally after every use, especially those used with liquid or cream products, and anything used around the eyes,” says Val. “A mild dish soap works extremely well at breaking down oils and product buildup. Massage the bristles gently, rinse thoroughly, reshape and lay flat to dry.

“Clean brushes not only support healthier skin but also deliver better makeup results. So, I suggest washing after each use to avoid any issues.”

What brand of makeup brushes are the best?

“There’s no single answer, it depends on personal preference, technique, and budget,” says Val. “Some consistently strong options I use include:

• Hourglass Brushes: ‘They are beautifully designed with excellent face and complexion brushes and have that pad-like shape I mentioned earlier.”
• SUQQU Brushes: “They’re a luxury choice but are exceptionally soft and the brand’s powder and blending brushes are incredible."
• EcoTools Brushes: “These came as a surprise to me, but after an emergency Boots purchase when I’d left my make up bag at home, they performed incredibly! I bought the Duo set.” Double ended brushes are perfect for me, and I now use them every day alongside my other favourites. They’re reliable, accessible, and particularly strong for practical, everyday use. Ultimately, performance matters more than label. Many artists mix brands and include unexpected favourites that simply work.”