Is this set good for beginners?

Yes. It covers foundation, powder, blush, blending and detail eye work, so a beginner does not need to buy brushes separately. The trade-off is that budget synthetic bristles feel rougher than mid-range brushes.

Do the brushes work with liquid foundation?

Synthetic bristles are the right choice for liquids and creams because they do not absorb the product. Use the flat or buffing brushes for foundation and wash them after each use to keep them from clogging.

How do I clean the brushes?

Wash the tips with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse until the water runs clear, and dry them flat with the bristles over an edge. Do not soak the handles or dry them upright, which lets water loosen the glue.

Does the bag fit all 20 brushes?

The zippered bag is sized for the set, so all 20 brushes fit when packed neatly. It is a soft pouch, so it protects against dust and spills rather than crushing.

How does it compare with a smaller brush set?

A smaller set of 8 to 10 brushes covers the essentials with better bristles per brush. This set gives you more shapes and a bag, which helps if you are still learning which brushes you actually use.