For good, reasonably priced, brushes I would go with 'Real Techniques'. I have a lot of love for their 'face' brushes. I'm not overly fond on their eye brushes etc but for foundation, contouring, concealer they're great.
ETA: Their 'starter kit' is a great start for eyes though.
Depending on what type of foundation you use will determine which brush to get. Their stippling brush, expert face brush and buffing brush are the 3 you need to look at. Then decide which is best for you. Amazon is cheaper than boots for these. I would buy their core collection kit (which contains the Buffer brush) and their Blush brush, which is great for learning to contour as it's a great shape.
Eye brushes are more important. I use MAC. 217 for blending eye shadows and 208 for lining the eye. They are more expensive but they last aslong as you look after them well. Don't buy from ebay as there are too many fakes about.
These are what I consider the most important brushes, almost anything else you can do with your hands until what you work out what you like.
For contouring kits, you can just use a matt bronzer and a highlighter, or you can get something like the 'Sleek contouring kit', which is cheap but effective.
Make up is only something that you become good at with practice. Brushes are important. You're better not using brushes at all if you're going to use a rubbish brush. They just make like much harder.
I have a decent stash and I'm going to treat myself to some MAC this week but the one thing I can't find is a decent brow kit??!
but I do love to look at make up whilst I'm out.
