You don't absolutely need tons of professional makeup brushes, find a few that work for you and stick with them. If you are strapped for cash, there are plenty of places where you can buy good quality brushes for less money. I bought a 4 piece brush set at BlushCosmetics and use it regularly. Not everyone can afford to buy every brush Mac Cosmetics makes!
If one day you decide to invest in further makeup brushes, below is a description of a
full brush set.
3. Angled Blush Brush. Use for blush application. Because it is angled, this brush can really define the cheeks and cheekbone. Slightly smaller than large powder brush.
5. Big Smudge brush . Use to create a smoky eyes look or to fill in eyebrows.
6. Fan Brush . Mainly used to clear away fall-out shadow. Not an essential brush.
7. Large Eye Shadow Brush. This is a fabulous brush to apply eye shadow over the whole lid in one swift movement. A must have.
8. Blending Brush. Use this in the crease of the eye to blend the darker shade you apply.
9. Eyebrow Definer Brush. Use this brush to color in your brows and reduce the effect of over plucking.
10. Precision Eye Shadow Brush. Use this brush on the crease, or as an eyeliner. Multi-use brush.
11. Eyeliner Brush. Use this brush to draw a line close to the eyelash, top and bottom. This brush is the alternative to the pencil eyeliner. You can also use it to fill in your eyebrows.
12. Smudge Brush. Use this brush to smudge your eyeliner, in order to create a very fashionable smoky look. Also use to fill in your brows.