1) Liquid Foundation - Sigma's F82 Sigmax Face Brush
2) Kabuki - Hands down, Makeupforever's is the best for rounded. For flat top, Sigma's Miss. Taylor Brush.
3) Stippling - Sephora's Professional Platinum Brush
4) Bronzer - Bobbi Brown's Bronzer Brush (expensive, but worth it)
5) Blush - Sigma's F80 Sigmax Face Brush - Some people use this flat top as a foundation brush, but for blush it's perfect.
6) Powder - ELF's Powder Brush - cheap yet amazing for a powder brush.
7) Concealer - Sephora's Airbrush Concealer brush - It is fantastic! Just sweep under your eyes and it gives you a PERFECT finish.
If I had to say which brushes to invest in, I would say Makeupforever's Kabuki and Sigmax Face Brushes. Both are expensive, but definitely worth the prices.
I haven't tried Sonia Kashuk's or Ecotools, but I heard they're great, too.