There are a few specific styles of needle that I use in bead embroidery. Each has its own purpose within the bead embroidery process.

Bead embroidery needles have strong smooth shafts and can have either sharp or ball-point tips.  I keep sizes 10 and 12 of. both tip-points on hand, but almost always default to size 12, as this size will fit through even very small beads. The sharp pointed needles are great for beading through mid-weight non-woven interfacing, lightweight leather, faux cork and Ultrasuede. You wouldn't think of ball point needles as being good for embroidery, but they go nicely through heavy weight non-woven surfaces, since the fiber density is looser than in mid-weight non-woven.

Gloving needles have a chiseled point, very strong shafts,  and are the ultimate bead embroidery tool. Size 12 glovers are a dream to use. The points of glovers are actually chiseled and VERY sharp so take care in using them. The eye is short but size B nylon, 4 lb FireLine, and most polyester sewing threads will fit through the eye. This needle is a must-have if you are working directly on leather or deerskin. For larger beads, switch up to a size 10 glover if possible.

Traditional embroidery needles are designed for fibers and thus have a slightly wider eye, but will fit through most Japanese size 15 seed beads. I include appliqué needles in this grouping. This style of needle is widely available, often in a convenient assortment, in most fabric stores and needle work stores. These needles will pass through most fabrics, almost all non-woven and light to mid-weight leathers.

One last needle should be in your collection, a size 13 beading needle. This needle will pass through almost all non-wovens, but it is delicate and will bend or break if you put too much pressure on it. This size needle will fit through almost any bead. I recommend using small pliers to gently push it through and then pull it out of the opposite side.