best rated travel makeup brushes

Top 10 Travel Makeup Brush Sets

These makeup brush sets are the internet's top picks for traveling.

Packing for a trip always has the potential to create more anxiety than it should, especially if you’re a makeup fanatic. Besides making sure the size of each product doesn’t go above TSA guidelines, deciding what to bring in the first place can be daunting. Some things are non-negotiable and others need to be replaced with airplane-friendly versions of themselves. Makeup brushes certainly fit the bill. For one, they make all the difference when it comes to application because while using your fingers is time-efficient, it can get messy very quickly. Still, quality makeup brushes are major must-haves that you won’t want to leave behind in a hotel or airport bathroom. In this case, investing in a travel makeup brush set means you can keep your trusty everyday tools safe and sound at home.

They also make dependable companions for other places, like your work desk, backpack, or glove compartment. You never know when a last-minute occasion will pop up, and that’s just too much pressure for one brush set. There are no rigid rules for choosing a travel makeup brush set—simply find a combination that best suits your routine. A simple, no-makeup-makeup look only needs a few brushes, while an elaborate beat, with, say, a smoky eye, requires multiple eye tools.

We’ve found some of the best-rated sets out there, and they satisfy a spectrum of makeup needs. From space-conscious minis to boldly designed, Instagram-ready tools, these travel makeup brush sets are as fashionable as they are functional.

How We Found The Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets

As always, this roundup was created with the help of our proprietary algorithm, which identifies our top picks using data from word-of-mouth recommendations, expert reviews, best-seller lists, and more. Keep reading to discover each standout.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Makeup Brushes . Opening image: sephora.com

January 26, 2022

Product Expert: Georgia Jones

The Rankings

More Than Magic Brush And Bag Set

Overall Score

13 User Reviews

Best Seller

Industry Recognition

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHO IT'S FOR: If you're a makeup novice who's practicing an everyday, low-maintenance look, consider this ultra-cute and affordable set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a powder brush, eyeshadow brush, blending brush, and an angled brush.

Moda Brush Total Face 7pc Travel Sized Makeup Brush Set With Travel Flip Case

54 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you want to perfect your smokey eyes and arches, this seven-piece set has you covered.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a powder brush, foundation brush, angled eyeshadow brush, smoky eye brush, pointed lip brush, and travel-friendly case.

More Colors

E.l.f. Cosmetics 11pc Brush Collection

796 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: Look to this kit when you want to go all out for special occasions—think your BFF's wedding.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a large powder brush, tapered foundation brush, tapered eye crease brush, tapered flat concealer brush, soft rounded eyeshadow brush, angled eyeliner brush, and an eyebrow brush.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set

200 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: From last-minute date nights to Youtube tutorials, this high-quality brush set is perfect for anyone in need of the basics.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a large face powder brush, dense foundation brush, narrow crease brush, flat concealer brush, rounded eyeshadow brush, and an angled eyeliner/eyebrow brush.

nordstrom.com

Sigma Beauty Multitask Brush Set

9 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: Want to save space and maximize a small brush collection? Meet your match.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a detail blending brush, eye shading brush, tapered face brush, large angled contour brush, and a multitasker brush.

walmart.com

Real Techniques Travel Essentials Makeup Brush Set With 2 In 1 Case & Stand

126 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: For those who are all about the five-minute makeup look, this three-pack of brushes couldn't be more perfect.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a foundation brush, shadow brush, multitasking brush, and a case that can also function as a brush stand.

bkbeauty.com

BK Beauty Travel Brush Set With Pouch

103 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you want a skin- and animal-friendly approach to makeup on the go, look no further than this beautiful brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a foundation brush, flat blush brush, defined crease brush, shader brush, and pencil blender brush, all made with vegan fibers.

sephora.com

Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set

73 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: The beauty influencer who's all about the details will definitely appreciate this all-inclusive brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes 10 brushes: five for the face, four for the eyes, and one for the brows.

Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set

17501 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you're a makeup fanatic on a budget, Real Techniques has you covered with this set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes four everyday brushes, along with a makeup sponge and sponge case.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set

29 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you like to blend fashion and function, Charlotte Tilbury has you covered with this gorgeous makeup brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes four mini brushes: face powder, eye smudger, eye blender, and precision, all inside a stylish clutch case.

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How To Pick & Pack The Best Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes

08 dec how to pick & pack the best travel friendly makeup brushes.

So, you’ve got your travel size makeup and your skincare packed onboard for an in-flight pamper, but your makeup brushes are a mess. Well, here’s a solution.

The makeup you pack for your holiday will only get you so far if you don’t have the tools to apply it. Whether you want a sun kissed beachy glow on the Mykonos shores, or a brown smoky eye in the Ibiza clubs, knowing which makeup brushes to travel with can be a bit of a hassle. But we’ve got you covered.

From singular portable makeup brushes, to travel brush sets, we’ve found the best travel friendly makeup brushes. These tools will have your makeup looking effortless on the go, and your makeup bags looking orderly. Read on!

Learn How To Pick Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes:

Find Retractable Travel Makeup Brushes
Look out for Multi-Tasking Makeup Brushes
Try Mini Makeup Travel Brush Sets
Get A Travel Makeup Case To Protect Your Brushes
Importance Of Packing Your Makeup Brushes Properly

1. Purchase Retractable Brushes

If you are not able to purchase a makeup case with pockets and separators, then opt for retractable brushes. These are great if you want to avoid your makeup brushes touching and spreading germs and bacteria.

Retractable Face Brush

Nude by nature.

The Nude By Nature Retractable Brush is a perfect face brush for travel . You can use this multi purpose brush for your bronzer, setting powder or blush, because its bristles are dense which to help apply as much product as you desire. Additionally, this brush comes with a cap, therefore limiting the chance of the brush grabbing onto dust or bacteria in your bag.

Retractable Lip Brush

Bobbi brown.

This Bobbi Brown retractable lip brush makes applying your favourite lipstick a piece of cake. Its fine, flat hairs gives you clean precision.

Its small enough to throw in your bag, so you can touch up on-the-go, and you have peace of mind knowing it won’t get dirty whilst you travel.

Portable & Concealer Brush 150

Fenty beauty.

This portable Fenty brush is every contour lovers dream. The bristles are soft synthetic, making it gentle on the skin, and are cut to ensure precision and even blending. It’s multi-purpose use as a concealer brush makes it perfect to touch up and hide any imperfections on the go. Moreover, its magnetic cap ensures that your makeup brush is protected and easy to travel with , ready to conceal away your jetlag and chisel out your cheekbones.

2. Look For Multi-Tasking Travel Brushes

Why have one brush when you can have two or three!

Double-Ended Complexion Brush

The Hourglass brush is a great 2 in 1. With its high-grade synthetic fibers, this dual ended brush gives you flawless application. It’s secured with brush caps, keeping it hygienic in your luggage. The smaller brush end is perfect to conceal under your eyes and the larger brush is perfect to buff in foundation and powder to achieve that perfect base wherever you are!

T-Kit 3-in-1 Brush Set

Trinny london.

A three in one stackable brush set for defining lips, brows and eyes. With cruelty-free synthetic, quick drying fibers, this portable brush kit needs to be in your travel makeup kit when you need to pack light. They also all stack together quickly with a magnet fit, making it quick to apply and go!

Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush

This eyeshadow brush the ultimate on-the-go tool. Featuring dual retractable ends with a cap so you know the powder wont litter all over your cosmetic bag. Apply both creams and powder eyeshadow and even use it for concealer if you wish.

The soft and silky bristles will last forever with proper care and washing, a worthy investment for the regular jetsetter.

3. Try A Mini Makeup Brush Set

Mini kits are usually smaller versions of their large sized counterparts but made from the same materials.

A hot tip: Store them in your carry on luggage so they’re a bit more protected & you can also freshen up on a long-haul flight if you need.

Voyager Travel Brush Set

This mini travel brush set is perfect for your travel bag. Whether you want to get glam’d before you hop off your flight, or have limited room in your luggage, you’ll be prepared for anything. It comes with four soft brushes; a concealer brush, two eye shadow brushes and a brow or liner brush.

It’s perfect for touch ups throughout the day and to blend your makeup seamlessly! The small brush handles gives you more control of your application and it even comes in a mini travel case.

Most-Wanted Brush Set

With a combination of face and eye brushes that were made to be easier to hold, these brushes can create that flawless foundation appearance and softened eye look for any occasion.

This set includes a blending brush, a pencil brush, a tapered blending brush, a tapered highlighter brush and flat kabuki foundation brush. A brush for every step of your makeup routine.

4. Buy a Separate Case to House Your Travel Makeup Brushes

Purchasing a good makeup case that has separate compartments will ensure your makeup brushes stay clean throughout your travels. Firstly, make sure they are cleaned prior, so that they start off fresh. Allow them to dry before packing (this could take a day) because water can cause damage to the end of the brush it it seeps through. It can loosen bristles and build bacteria, making you worse off than where you started.

4-Way Professional Travel Makeup Bag

If you’re a makeup lover, then this travel makeup case is large enough to store everything you own. This sturdy case has a handy brush holder compartment that is dirt-resistant and water-resistant, making it hygienic and easy to clean.

Your brushes will remain protected with a covering and the brush slots are made to withstand turbulence. If you’re headed for a 6 month holiday, you can store your whole life in this travel case!

Jet Set Vanity Bag

Mecca cosmetica.

This brush bag is the perfect size to store your brushes and other essential travel products. You can store your makeup brushes protectively on one side, and store skincare in the zipped pouch.

This is a jet setters dream, as the same suggests, as it keeps all your items separated and clean.

Why Is It Important To Store Makeup Brushes Properly When Travelling?

Protecting and properly storing your makeup brushes when travelling is important, as they can get dirty amongst the dust and junk at the bottom of your bag.

Dirty makeup brushes can lead to clogged pores, premature aging and can cause breakouts from different bacteria build up on your brushes.

Try not to throw your brushes in with your makeup, store them separately in a different bag, preferably one with slots so that you can separate your brushes individually so bacteria doesn’t transfer between brushes. Make sure to clean them often to improve its longevity!

Keeping your makeup brushes clean when travelling can be easy once you’ve picked the right products.

If you want to make sure your makeup brushes make it to the other side, it all comes down to maintaining and caring for them as you would your makeup products. Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes will improve their life, as it avoids a build up of bacteria, which can ultimately damage your brushes.

When travelling, store your brushes in a makeup case that has individual brush slots. This will stop the transmitting of bacteria to each brush.

Do you have any other tips for makeup brushes? Let us know!

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Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks

Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.

Makeup brushes are seen backstage at the Tokyo James Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 on September 24, 2022 in Milan, Italy.

Caring for Your Makeup Brushes

What to Look for

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Meet the expert.

When it comes to applying an impeccable face of makeup, your brushes are crucial. Think of yourself as a painter and of your face as a pristine canvas: The tools you're using are bound to impact the thickness, saturation, and depth of the colors you apply. That's why, when investing in a makeup brush set, you should pay attention to details like brush types and bristle quality to ensure that you have the best products possible to achieve your ideal look.

But with all the types and brands of makeup brushes on the market, you can easily feel overwhelmed while trying to find the best makeup brush set for you. Thus, I've asked celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro for her top tips on how to select, use, and care for your makeup brushes. Plus, we've combed the internet to bring you makeup brush sets that are well worth your investment.

Badro reminds us that makeup brushes don't last forever, but you can get more bang (and years) for your buck by investing in premium products.

"Cheap quality makeup brushes barely last due to poor quality bristles and handles," she explains. "They tend to break and shed much more. Quality makeup brushes can last anywhere from two to five years. Some individuals take such good care of their brushes, or barely use them, that I've heard of them lasting for even seven years, although I would opt for new ones by then!"

No matter the quality of your brushes, though, she says that you should learn how to take care of them, especially if you want them to last. "Keeping makeup brushes clean allows for the longevity of the bristles," she says, "especially because it will prevent mold growth as well."

And caring for makeup brushes doesn't just extend their shelf life—it also keeps your skin clean and clear.

"It’s essential to wash makeup your brushes!" stresses Badro. "Opting out from washing your makeup brushes can cause blemishes, allergic reactions, and can even result in an infection." In that vein, she also advises, "To help avoid skin infections, do not share your makeup brushes!"

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

When it's high time to clean your brushes, you're going to need to do more than a simple rinse. We asked Badro about the best strategy for thoroughly cleansing makeup brushes, and she delivered.

"Wash your hands first," she begins, and advises that you then "pour mild shampoo into the palm of your hand or into a bowl, then run bristles under lukewarm water." One the brush is soaked, she says to "dip bristles into the shampoo and swirl in a circular motion. Lather repeatedly to ensure that all makeup residue comes off." Be sure to repeat until your water starts running clear!

Once you no longer see pigment coming off of the brush, Badro says, "Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water. Steer clear of immersing the entire brush, as this can cause the adhesive/glue to break down, resulting in the ferrule to disassemble from the bristles and/or handle."

Once you're sure that the brush is clean and that the water is running clear, Badro says, "Squeeze the water out of the bristles. You can also use a paper towel to squeeze out excess water."

Finally, it's time to let dry! "Shape and smooth the bristles with your fingers to make sure they are not bent and/or warped," says Badro. "Lay each brush flat to dry horizontally on a paper towel or towel, ensuring that they are not touching each other. Refrain from placing wet brushes in a vertical container. This can also cause the adhesive/glue to dissolve resulting in the ferrule to disassemble from the bristles and/or handle."

What to Look for In a Makeup Brush Set

When shopping for a makeup brush set, it's important to consider a number of factors. First, shoppers should realistically assess how many makeup brushes they need in their sets. For instance, someone who doesn't wear much makeup or who likes a pared-down routine might not opt for a set with over 10 brushes in it. On the other hand, if you like to blend, contour, and experiment, it may be best to look for a set with more brushes in it so you can achieve the exact look you're going for.

One should also know what kinds of brushes they need. Makeup brushes can be used for the face, eyes, or brows, and you can find collections that focus on one particular part of the face as well as ones intended to meet every need.

Brushes for the Face

If you're in need of brushes for face makeup like foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter, there are a few options that Badro says you should start with.

"The best types of makeup brushes to cater to your blush, bronzer, and highlight should be an angled multi-purpose brush," she says. "The angled brush allows you to sculpt and define the facial features." Foundation brushes , meanwhile, are wider, focused less on precision and more on distributing product for an airbushed look.

Brushes for the Eyes

"Eye brushes that are smaller allow for precision, which are ideal for smaller eyes," says Badro—but that doesn't mean that eye makeup brushes are one-size fits-all. There are several types of eye makeup brushes on the market, each of which has a particular use.

"Shader brushes help to pat shadow onto the lid and/or brow bone," Badro explains. Meanwhile, flat tip brushes are made for precision.

"If you have hooded eyes, use flat tip brushes that will allow you to create a 'cut-crease,'" she says. "Typically, the tighter the bristles on the brush, the higher the coverage."

And when it comes to eye makeup, Badro stresses, "It's very important to blend, blend, blend!" Therefore, she says, "Blending brushes are great for the crease of the eye"—this way, your makeup looks soft and smoky rather than jarring.

"The best type of brush for applying foundation depends on what you want the finished look to appear like," says Badro. "For instance, smaller foundation brushes while stippling can help to create more coverage. Duo Fiber Brushes are great to thoroughly blend foundation without leaving harsh lines." She adds that, to create an "airbrushed" look, users can apply their cream or powder foundation in a circular motion using these brushes.

Pros: expert-approved; soft bristles; good for blending; different sizes allow for application to different parts of the face (i.e., the smaller brush is great for the under-eye area)

Cons: small set

If you love luxury and are in the market for a new set of brushes, Badro recommends checking out Tom Ford’s collection . The brushes are sold separately rather than in pre-curated sets, but that just makes it easier for you to customize your purchase by choosing from their line of 10 premium, synthetic hair options. In particular, Badro recommends including this bronzer brush in your repertoire. "The Tom Ford #05 Bronzer Brush is a bit pricey, but it truly is great for all over bronzy-look," she says. “This is because the bristles are synthetic and allow for a sheer coverage. Less is more when it comes to luxury makeup brushes.”

Pros: expert-approved; luxurious; long-lasting; customizable set; ergonomic handle

Cons: expensive

When it comes to concealing and highlighting in particular, Badro recommends this set of brushes from beloved makeup brand Pat McGrath. “Pat McGrath's ‘Sublime Perfection Brush Duo’ is great for concealer,” says Badro of the set of thin, precision- oriented brushes. “These brushes are wonderful for layering and building makeup.” With their angled design, they’re also made to cater to the unique contours of the face, so you don’t need to worry about getting makeup in places where you hadn't intended.

Pros: expert-approved; precise; great for layering

Cons: some users say the bristles aren't soft

Customer Review: "Bristles are a little prickly but otherwise very well functioning brush. Both brushes are great for concealer and my liquid highlighter." -Pat McGrath

For a complete brush set that includes options for both your face and eyes, consider this vegan, PETA-approved set from Hourglass. It includes a number of their bestsellers, including Badro’s favorite, the Veil Powder Brush. “The ‘Veil Powder Brush’ by Hourglass is a great brush!” she gushes. “Who doesn't love a double sided brush?! Although I suggest throwing it in your bag, as it doesn't stand up on i's own for obvious reasons. The smaller side is great for setting the under-eye area, while the larger side can really be used all-over.”

Pros: includes options for both face and eyes; expert-approved; comes in a carrying case; vegan; cruelty-free

Cons: expensive; large

Customer Review: "The brushes themselves are nice and there is a good variety of them. However, I am not sure why this is marketed as travel size. The bushes are all their usual sizes and the case is nice but certainly not compact in any way." -Sephora

This brush set from Badro’s eponymous brand is a great value, filled with brushes for both the face and eyes, including a number of bestsellers. Highlights include a foundation brush, contour brush, and four unique eye brushes, one of which is the blending eye brush, which Badro calls a top seller. She explains, “The design of the brush was created with functionality in mind—it allows for a seamless blend.” Plus, she adds that the ferrules on these brushes are “made of copper, so overall you have better blending and less shedding!”

Pros: expert-approved; includes both face and eye brushes; big value

Cons: not as many face brushes as eye brushes

Morphe X Ariel Signature Look 12-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set

This set from Morphe is an incredible value, with 12 premium brushes coming in at under $100. It contains both face and eye brushes, including options for foundation, blush, setting, concealer, bronzing, and more. Some of the brushes are best for powder products while others are intended for cream products, so this is perfect for the makeup aficionado or for anyone who loves experimenting and mixing their routine up. The set even includes a soft blending sponge.

Pros: includes eye brushes, face brushes, and a blending sponge; long-lasting

Cons: some users find the bristles brittle

Customer Review: "The brushes are the perfect density and softness where my makeup always comes out looking airbrushed on my face! I have had them for a year and they still are in perfect condition." -Ulta

Everyday Eye Essentials Makeup Brush Set

If you love going hard on your eye makeup, this is the set for you. It includes shading, creasing, and defining brushes that work on both powder and liquid eyeshadows, so you can create smoky eyes, contoured lids, or dramatic works of makeup art. Plus, the set includes a fine liner brush for liquid or gel eyeliner, a smudge brush for creating grunge-y and effortless looks, and even a lash separator for banishing pesky mascara clumps.

Pros: affordable; clean; cruelty-free; vegan; sustainable packaging

Cons: some users say the brushes shed easily

Customer Review: “These brushes are a must. The bristles are so soft creating the perfect match for blending. Not to mention the grip they have to be able to motion them back and forth with ease.” -Ulta

This makeup brush set is simple, small, and minimalist, making it perfect for travel, for keeping in your desk at the office, or for stowing away in your purse for emergency touch ups on the go. It includes a foundation brush, powder brush, and eyeshadow brush, all of which are made from soft bristles that are easy to use and to blend with. Plus, the set comes in an adorable makeup bag that you can use to store all your other makeup essentials.

Pros: small enough for travel; vegan; comes with a carrying case

Cons: doesn't contain as many brushes as other, fuller sets

Customer Review: "I love it, they are a perfect size to keep in your bag, their bristles are soft." -Sephora

This is another great makeup brush set for the makeup enthusiast on the go. It comes in a handy case made from luxurious velvet, and includes four brushes—two for the eyes and two for the face. One brush is designed for applying powder formulas to the face, such as setting powder, and another has a more precise design that’s ideal for applying highlighter, bronzer, or blush. Meanwhile, the eye brushes, one of twitch is for smudging while the other is for blending, are great for creating a myriad of soft, smoky, or monochromatic looks.

Pros: includes both face and eye brushes; comes in a carrying case

Cons: carrying case isn't big enough to fit other brushes; brushes are limited

Customer Review: "I did think this was expensive but I just had to have it and I am not disappointed because I LOVE it. The colour of the pouch is gorgeous, the set looks very classy and the brushes are great. Perfect for people like me who like to travel." -Bloomingdale's

Although I own a lot of beauty products, from skincare to tools to makeup, I do like to keep things as pared down as possible. That means opting for products that have more than one use and therefore save some much-needed space, and a great example is the dual-ended makeup brush. These brushes, unfortunately, can’t be stood up, but they’re great for travel, for consolidating makeup products, and for streamlining one’s makeup routine. This set from Jenny Patinkin includes option for the face, for applying eyeshadow, and even for applying eyeliner and brow products. Plus, they come in a compact, travel-ready case.

Pros: brushes are dual-ended; saves space; large number of bristles on each brush

Cons: brushes can't be stood up

Elaina Badro is a makeup artist from Southern California who has worked with celebrities, fashion brands, and magazines. She founded her eponymous beauty brand to include high-quality tools and skincare, including makeup brushes, and is committed to providing beauty enthusiasts with makeup tips that bring results. She is currently based in California.

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Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.

Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art

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Experts On the Best Makeup Brushes for Every Task

By Janelle Okwodu and Iman Balagam

Edited by Kiana Murden

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

When it comes to finding the best makeup brushes, consumers are spoiled for choice. Thanks to the internet and the plethora of beauty companies in existence, there are thousands of options on the market. All that variety can be overwhelming, but thankfully experts can demystify the process. Here, a guide to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about makeup brushes, from the tools every beginner should test out to how to clean and maintain your investments.

Our Top Picks

The Starter Kit : Sigma Beauty Essential Kit , $160
The Contour Brush : MAC 187S Synthetic Duo Fibre , $46
The Foundation Brush : Saie The Base Brush , $26
The Highlighter Brush : Fenty Cheek Hugging Brush 120 , $24
The Blush Brush : Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush Brush , $23
The Eyeshadow Essential : Chanel Eyeshadow Brush N°200 , $46
The Blending Brush : Chantecaille Buff And Blur Brush , $53
The Cruelty-Free : Westman Atelier Blender Brush , $125
The Powder Brush : Surratt Beauty Face Brush , $260
The Complete Makeup Brush Set : Hourglass Vegan Brush Collection , $650

The Perfect Starter Kit

Unless you’re a dedicated collector, professional makeup artist, or beauty junkie, you don’t need to have many brushes. According to the experts, only a handful are necessary. “I think there are five essentials, maybe six if you factor in a concealer brush,” says makeup artist Troy Surratt, whose eponymous brand includes a lineup of ultra-luxury brushes handmade in Kumano, Japan . The trick to keeping things simple is finding tools that multi-task. “A good starter kit would be a medium density face brush that can be used in a multitude of ways,” says Surratt. “That can be used for powder, bronzer, powder foundation, and even blush.”

After investing in a powder brush, Surrat suggests a petite face brush and three dedicated to eyeshadow. “You’ll want to have a fluffy brush that can lay color on the lid, a smaller one that is more of a pencil shape, and then a domed brush for adding color to the eye’s crease or definition to the lash line.” The final essential? A well-designed lip brush for perfecting your pout. “Some people are great at just swiping on their lipstick straight out of the tube, but the lip brush gives you that added precision,” says Surratt. “You’re able to create a sharper lip line and work the color into the texture of the lips, which results in a longer wearing, indelible look.”

Vegan Brush Collection

NET-A-PORTER

NEIMAN MARCUS

With so many different brushes on the market, sometimes it’s best to opt for a brush kit from a trusted brand like Hourglass. We love this one because it comes with 17 (!) super-soft vegan brushes, each with weighted handles designed for your face, cheeks, and eyes.

Sigma Beauty

Essential Kit

If you’re in search of an upgrade for your makeup brushes, Sigma’s 12 Beauty Essentials Kit eliminates the guesswork when shopping for brushes. This comprehensive set includes everything you could ever need, from a vegan foundation brush and large powder brush to precise brushes for applying concealer, lipstick, and more.

For Foundation

Few aspects of makeup application are as important as foundation . Creating a smooth, even base is essential, but there are multiple methods to achieve perfection. The best brushes for the task are often made from synthetic fibers, as they play well with cream and liquid formulas and are easy to wash.

While it is tempting to spread the product around on your face and hope for the best, makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes recommends priming the brush to achieve a seamless finish. “Instead of just squirting out the product and using your foundation brush to place it directly onto your face, you can work the product into the brush itself,” says Hughes. “When everything is merged with the brush’s bristles, your application is much smoother, and blending it all out is much quicker because you aren’t just depositing a blob of color directly onto the skin.”

Hughes knows a thing or two about skin; with the work she does for celebrities like Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whitely and in her stylized Instagram selfies , she’s able to make each person’s complexion seem naturally flawless, the product of great genes rather than layers of product. Her tools of choice include a range of shapes, from the classic paddle style to bristle-packed domed brushes perfect for buffing.

The Base Brush

The problem with base brushes is that oftentimes they soak up all of your foundation (which isn’t cheap!). Saie’s Base Brush, on the other hand, is super dense and designed to distribute product evenly across the skin without any wastage.

Number 3 Foundation Brush

This angled foundation brush is a game-changer for those who view brushes as tools for painting their faces rather than just for blending. It’s made of synthetic vegan bristles and won’t absorb your foundation—just remember to use a brush cleaner regularly to prevent product buildup.

For Powder

Though powder is the final touch of most makeup looks, it’s the first brush worth considering. A good powder brush can enhance the entire application process and, if selected wisely, can be used to also apply products like bronzer , highlighter , and even blush . Given their importance, powder brushes tend to be one of the more expensive items within a collection. If you’re going to invest in one type of tool, they’re usually the safest bet.

The realities of your daily beauty routine are something to keep in mind while choosing. Fans of full glam will want something different than makeup minimalists. “The lighter and fluffier the hairs are, the softer and more natural the application will be,” says Surratt. “The denser hairs offer more opaque coverage. I always test by running my thumb over the brush head to see how densely packed the hairs are, and if it is packed tightly, it’s going to deposit a lot of product onto the skin.”

Oversized powder brushes are usually the first option that comes to mind, but bigger isn’t always better. Targeted product application can be as effective, especially for those who prefer to keep their complexions dewy.“More often than not, I find myself using a large eyeshadow brush to set makeup with,” says Hughes. “Under the eyes, around the nose, around the mouth, it works beautifully and gives me the utmost precision. The bigger brushes serve a purpose, but I’ve found that you can do more with the smaller ones.”

Surratt Beauty

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

This Surratt Beauty brush is far from your average makeup tool; it’s akin to a fine work of art, as stated by the brand, which adheres to the Japanese philosophy of Monozukuri (craftsmanship) in designing all its products. Although a bit of a splurge, it’s carefully assembled by a skilled artisan using hand-tied natural fibers.

Veil Powder Brush

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one makeup brush, we’d recommend a powder brush for its versatility. This ultra-soft synthetic one from Hourglass takes it a step further with its dual-ended design featuring a large rounded side and a small tapered side.

For Concealer

Everyone has something they’re eager to put a little concealer on, but the makeup bag MVP is best when it’s paired with the right brush. If you’re looking to cover circles under the eye , a small, somewhat dense brush with soft fibers or hairs is ideal for working with the delicate area. Pimples can be hidden using a small detail brush to cover the offending blemish without spreading product around. Given the amount of different issues concealer can be used to address, don’t be afraid to utilize a brush that isn’t labeled specifically for that task. “If you’ve got an eyeshadow brush that works great under your eyes or a lip brush that is the right shape for detail concealer work , then just use it,” says Hughes. “There are absolutely no rules!”

Tsutsu Fude Concealer Brush

Just a few pats with this cylindrical-shaped brush are all you need to cover any blemishes and imperfections. An added bonus is that the brush is quite tiny, so it doesn’t take up much space in your makeup pouch.

Real Techniques

Expert Liquid and Cream Concealer Makeup Brush

At under $10, there’s almost no reason not to try out this brush. Like all Real Techniques brushes, the affordable price doesn’t mean they skimp on quality—it’s soft, durable, and made from dense, rounded bristles to effectively conceal any dark spots and spot treat.

For Blending

The allure of a sculpted, contoured look is impossible to resist, but achieving the effect takes practice. It isn’t enough to play with light and shadow to create contrast; you have to blend the products. Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s easy to spot unblended contour in photographs or on Instagram, but such mistakes are easily avoidable. If your contour product is powder-based, use a light hand and a fluffy fan brush that leaves an error-proof finish. Cream contour is all about precision and a detail brush that doesn’t let you make thick, harsh lines. No matter what you choose, be sure to buff everything in so that it merges with any foundation, blush, or highlighter.

Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush

Merit is known for perfecting the art of the no-makeup makeup, so naturally, its tapered blending brush is great at ensuring your makeup blends into skin properly. No harsh lines or obvious contours on their account, that’s for sure!

Chantecaille

Buff And Blur Brush

BLOOMINGDALE'S

The best blending brush ensures that your skin looks airbrushed when used in conjunction with your favorite foundation. This one from Chantecaille achieves just that with its oversized flat top, which both buffs and blurs.

For Complexion Perfecting

Turns out, makeup brushes aren’t the only means of perfecting your complexion. If you want your base to look like a second skin, consider the acclaimed Beautyblender or MAC’s sponges to gently buff away product streaks. When it comes to setting, Laura Mercier’s Velour Puff expertly places the brand’s loose setting powder, while Beautyblender’s Pocket Puff is great for setting and baking to ensure long wear.

Beautyblender

We’d be surprised if you’ve somehow made it this far in life without ever picking up a Beautyblender. It’s undoubtedly one of the best sponges on the market, guaranteeing an even, smooth blend every single time.

Fenty Beauty

Precision Makeup Sponge 100

FENTY BEAUTY

While we can’t count on Rihanna to release new music anytime soon, we can certainly rely on her to deliver quality beauty products. This makeup sponge is three-sided, featuring a slanted edge for stippling, a mini-moon edge for concealing, and a rounded edge to buff the face. The best part is that it pairs effortlessly with cream, powder, and liquid products.

Laura Mercier

Velour Puff

For fans of setting powder, this velour puff really helps you seal the deal—it was designed to be paired with the brand’s iconic translucent powder, after all. Its large size is great for powdering your entire face quickly, as well as for baking underneath the eyes.

Power Pocket Puff Dual-Sided Powder Puff for Setting and Baking

The rumors are true; there’s a new Beautyblender in town. Unlike the OG, which works best when damp, this one is meant to be kept dry. It’s a dual-textured puff designed for use with powders to set, blur, and bake makeup. There’s even a little finger band for easy application.

The wealth of blush formulations on the market means that more than one brush can be devoted to the category. On social media and YouTube tutorials, the focus is always on pigment, but those high-impact powder blushers need to be applied with care. A good rule of thumb is the brighter the hue; the wispier and softer the brush should be. Are you swiping on neon orange or magenta? Opt for a flexible and feathery tool, like the Surrat Cheek brush. Applying a nude beige or light tint? Go for the dense Tom Ford Cheek Brush to make the most of the neutral. Liquid and cream blushes can be applied with your fingers, but if you require a blush brush designed specially for those formulations, opt for a multi-purpose synthetic like Koyudo’s Maikko, which is excellent for applying and blending out liquids.

Paying attention to the density of the hairs and the shape allows for maximum control of color payoff. “You want to be able to pick up saturated color in the center of the brush and have the shorter bristles around it diffuse that color,” says Surratt, who conceived the pom-pom design of his blush brush by considering the way it would fit against the apple of a person’s cheek. “The tool should always fit the size and shape of the area that you’re using it for.”

Rare Beauty

Soft Pinch Blush Brush

Sure, you could use your fingers to apply your makeup, but you could also opt for a brush designed to mimic fingertips, like this angled one from Rare Beauty. It’s super soft, hits the apples of your cheeks perfectly, and pairs nicely with both liquid and powder blush.

Les Pinceaux de Chanel Blush Brush N°110

When in doubt, Chanel it out. This super-soft tapered blush brush is worth the investment, as it’s of such high quality that it will last you for years to come. It feels great on your skin, is the ideal size for your cheekbones, and picks up all the pigment, so you won’t be wasting any product.

For Contour & Baked Gelée

Makeup technology is continuously evolving, and one of the newer categories is baked gelée products. While many traditional eyeshadows, blushes, and pressed powders are made by taking dry pigments and mixing them with binders and filler ingredients like kaolin clay or mica, bake gelée formulas are creams that are heated in a special oven until they form a solid. This process gives them a distinctive marbled look and hybrid texture that is soft to the touch without being moist.

The product category—capable of delivering high shine, bold color, and a subtle blurring effect—has attracted plenty of passionate fans. “They all look so velvety and beautiful even on very dry skin; they are my absolute favorite,” says Swiss entrepreneur Sonia G , whose handmade brush line ranks among the world’s best. “I prefer to use natural brushes with them since the structure of the bristle gives the brush more strength to pick up this type of formula, to blend them, or to work the application more efficiently onto the skin.”

Sonia recommends using brushes that are medium density and aren’t floppy. “Depending on the pigmentation of the product, a firm brush that moves smoothly and with discipline will apply and diffuse them more effortlessly,” she explains. “If you feel that you need to press very hard to get enough product onto the brush, this may end up damaging your brush as the bristles will weaken and break, so pick up a denser or firmer brush.”

Perfecting Buff Brush

This brush might be small, but don’t let its cute appearance fool you; it’s sturdy. The bristles are tightly packed together, making it easy to buff and blend both cream and liquid products.

Sculpt Brush

For a contour that could cut glass, you’re going to need an angled sculpting brush. Chantecaille’s is one of our favorites because it’s cruelty-free, with soft synthetic fibers that provide a defined effect every time.

For Highlighter

The days of highlighters that can be seen from space are over, but the appeal of sparkle endures. The best brushes for the task will provide both lit from within glow and the aforementioned blinding flash, depending on how they are used. A small fan brush is a classic choice; its cheek hugging shape, making it ideal for dusting on powders, but it’s far from the only option. Stippling brushes that utilize duo fibers (a mix of natural and synthetic) also work well, mainly when covering a larger surface area like the shoulders or collarbone. At the same time, longer tapered options target areas like the brow bone and tip of the nose that need only a hint of shine.

Highlighter Brush

For a highlight that isn’t overtly streaky or patchy, you’re going to need a brush that effortlessly glides along the cheekbones, like this one. It picks up the right amount of product and dusts it enough to give you a subtle glow, avoiding the look of having just dipped your face into glitter.

F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush

If you want a highlight brush that does more than just dusting a bit of sparkle onto your skin, Sigma’s High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush is your go-to. It’s denser than some of the fluffy brushes on the market, allowing you to create a strong highlight on the skin.

For Eyeshadow Laydown

If you have one eyeshadow brush within your arsenal, it is likely a paddle-style laydown tool. Excellent for packing product onto the lid or sweeping on a single shade for a one-and-done look, these workhorses are tried and true favorites. Materials vary and serve different specialties. Natural hair options include goat, which is excellent for distributing color, and squirrel, which is softer and better for light application of brighter shades. Synthetic fibers are wonderful for the creams and liquid formulations currently flooding the market—and just about everything else.

Many people—including legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath—use their fingers to apply and blend metallic and glittery eyeshadow. The technique works wonderfully, but brush companies have found ways to mimic it. Ultra-dense eyeshadow brushes allow you to achieve the same effect without getting your hands dirty.

Les Pinceaux de Chanel Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush N°200

Dual-ended eyeshadow brushes are our favorite because, at times, you want to mix shades without worrying about getting things mixed up. The bristles glide easily across the eyelid, are retractable, and come with caps, making them perfect for travel.

No. 3 All-Over Eyeshadow Brush

Made from synthetic bristles, this round-topped eyeshadow brush is excellent for both powder eyeshadow and cream shadows (which can often be more difficult to blend out). It feels luxe on the eyelids, doesn’t tug, and carries a good amount of pigment.

For Tapered Blending

Smokey eyes are a classic, and the best way to achieve them is through tapered blending brushes. These tools feature longer hairs and extend color in the eye’s crease or combine shades on the lid. Instead of relying on a single color, a good blending brush allows you to mix and create an ombre effect or take that one richly pigmented eyeshadow you have sitting at the bottom of your makeup bag and smoke it out for a beautiful monochromatic look.

The right tapered brush can elevate your makeup game. “I think that they’re game-changers, and they’re not just good for a smokey eye,” says Surratt. “I have three sizes; the large one I use for powdering around the nose or to sweep a medium tone shade across the whole lid. The medium and small versions are perfect for shading and incorporating darker colors to your eyeshadow look to add depth.”

Tapered Blending Brush 210

This synthetic bristle brush was designed specifically for blending eyeshadow into the contour and crease area of the eyelid. It’s just the right amount of fluffy and tapered, promising a perfect smokey eye every time.

M506 Tapered Mini Blender Brush

While this brush may be mini, it’s ideal for perfectionists. Its small size allows you to be more precise and thoughtful with your application, enabling you to build upon your pigment rather than smudging everything together in one large swoop.

Bobbi Brown

Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

Applying eyeliner can be tricky, especially if you prefer gel or pressed powder liner, but this thin, finely tapered brush has your back. Made of synthetic bristles, it glides easily and can even be dipped in water for wet lining.

MAC Cosmetics

212 Flat Definer

Eyeshadow lovers need at least one flat-topped eyeshadow brush in their kit. That way, all it takes is one swipe to achieve the sharp lines you're looking for.

Eyebrows frame the entire face, and grooming them can be a multi-step process. Still, there is plenty that can be accomplished with a single brush. If your brows are sparse, a stiff angled option allows you to fill in large sections with a powder or gel to fake a bushy brow, while models with thinner tips let you draw on individual hairs and target any bald patches. Extra-wide angled brushes allow for lightning-fast application.

Those already blessed with thick Brooke Shields -esque brows can benefit from a domed eyebrow brush used to place highlighter or the smallest amount of concealer directly onto the brow bone to add a little definition. There is also the good ol’ fashioned spoolie, which serves to brush hairs up or add in a bit of wax to achieve the “feathered” brow looks that’s dominated Instagram and TikTok.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Brush 12 Precision Brow Brush

Informally known as the queen of brows, Miss Anastasia wouldn’t disappoint you with just any old brow brush. No, this one is dual-sided, with angled synthetic bristles on one side to fill in any gaps and a spoolie on the other to brush and blend everything together.

Les Pinceaux de Chanel Dual-Ended Brow Brush N°207

Another twofer, this dual-ended brush works great with both cream and powder brow formulas. The angled edge helps to draw precise lines, and the spoolie makes everything look natural and blended.

Natural vs. Synthetic

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a makeup brush is the quality and type of hair it is made of. Many natural options include Saikoho goat, gray squirrel, silver fox, and even Kolinsky sable. Each type of material serves a different purpose, and it varies in terms of softness.

Increasingly, brands are using synthetic materials like Taklon and Micro Crystal fiber that mimics the functionality of natural hair. “The technology behind synthetic hair brushes is so incredible [and] I can achieve a beautiful, refined application on myself and my clients working with them,” explains Gucci Westman , whose Westman Atelier range is handmade by Japanese artisans using cruelty-free nylon bristles and sustainably sourced birchwood from an FSC-certified forest. “Synthetic brush fibers can be shaped more like virgin hair [which] results in a soft feel and smooth application. The quality can so closely mimic natural ones that it can be hard to tell any difference upon the skin.”

The prevalence of synthetic materials is likely to increase as time progresses. Just as many fashion brands have committed to going cruelty-free with their ready-to-wear cosmetics, beauty houses are moving in a similar direction. To ensure that your purchases align with your ethics, be sure to check each tool you purchase and find out precisely what it’s made from.

The Art of Fude

The very best makeup brushes come directly from Japan, where there is a rich history of brush making—there, artisanal brushes are called fude. Originally stemming from calligraphy, the handmade brushes produced in places like Kumano in Hiroshima prefecture are exquisitely crafted art pieces. “There are more than 100 brush workshops of various sizes in the area,” explains Fude Beauty CEO Takuya Fujiyama, who witnessed the region’s shift from manufacturing writing tools to creating beauty essentials. “The craft evolved from the traditional craft of calligraphy brush making, [so when] holding a Fude makeup brush, you hold centuries of craftsmanship.”

Japanese brands like Shaquda, Chikuhodo, Koyudo, and Bisyodo are prized among makeup artists and collectors, who value the softness and unique touches like lacquered handles and hand-painted floral embellishments. The attention to detail is what separates the brushes from the competition; purchasing a fude tool is an investment intended to last a lifetime. Some rarer creations have price tags that can run into the hundreds and are (usually) reserved for a display case rather than daily use. “They are entirely handmade, including the sorting of bristles to ensure only the finest quality are selected to hand-bundling the bristles into various shapes,” says Fujiyama. “Bristles are left uncut to take advantage of the fine natural tips—this is what gives them the difference in softness, product pick-up, and smooth application.” Why splurge on the fancy option? It’s all about elevating your makeup moments from routine to ritual. “It’s about more than the functionality,” says Osahiro Maruyama of artisan brush company Shaquda , whose all-wood Ubu line has won awards for innovation in design. “The designs can connect to your interiors or style. They’re brushes that are beautiful even when they’re just resting on your table [because] it enhances the experience you have while getting ready each day. ”

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Makeup Tools & Techniques

The 7 Best Makeup Brushes for Seamless Makeup Application Every Time

Pro makeup artists weigh in.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie / Joy Kim

Beauty lovers know that makeup brushes are an integral part of any makeup kit. Sure, there's a lot you can do with your fingers and a blending sponge , but when it comes to achieving a full beat, brushes are where it's at. Different types of makeup call for different brushes, so things can get very confusing if you're not a pro MUA.

Whether it's time to replace your old makeup brushes or you want try a new tool, we've got you covered. To help you find the best options (and there are a lot) for your unique beauty routine, we researched the top-rated makeup brushes and tested 14 of them, evaluating each tool's bristle density, material quality, efficacy, and results after use. Then, we tapped three professional makeup artists to approve our picks and share their tips on how to pick the best brushes for your needs.

Let's get into it—these are the very best makeup brushes you can buy online.

Which Makeup Brushes Do You Need?

If you’ve got a full collection of makeup brushes and know how to use each one correctly, we salute you. Most of us, though, could use a few pointers on which brushes to buy. Makeup brushes are specifically made to target certain areas of the face, so using the wrong brush can throw off your look. From large, fluffy brushes that distribute powder across the face to contour brushes designed to define, there are more than a dozen brush types. Not sure which ones you need? We’ve compiled a complete guide to makeup brushes and tips on how to use them. If you just want a quality set of basic brushes, check out our list of the very best affordable makeup brush sets .

Best Overall

Lune+aster foundation brush.

Dense yet soft

Sturdy handle

Smooth results

Easy to clean

Could be larger

Of all the brushes we tested, this one from Lune+Aster was our favorite. Designed for applying liquid, cream, or powder foundation , the brush is round with a sloped head (which allowed Julia to get into all the contours of her face) while the short, thick handle offered her a solid grip. This brush has synthetic bristles, which makeup artist Nick Lujan prefers. "In addition to being vegan-friendly, they're often more durable and hygienic," he explains.

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Julia | Lune+Aster Foundation Brush Tester

"The angled bristles made this brush easy to get around my nose and under my eyes, and the short, thick handle felt great in my hand."

Best Budget

E.l.f. cosmetics buffing foundation brush.

Some products stain bristles

E.l.f. makes some really excellent budget beauty tools, and this makeup brush is no exception. The round, tapered shape is designed for foundation and concealer, but it also works for contouring and buffing powder products. While Julia prefers a slightly larger head, she said the medium size makes it versatile enough to use around the eyes and nose. She loved the soft-to-the-touch synthetic bristles, too.

Julia | E.l.f. Buffing Foundation Brush Tester

"I could apply my foundation effortlessly and quickly without streaks or blotches."

Best Splurge

It cosmetics heavenly luxe buffing foundation brush #6.

High-quality handle

Some reviewers note bristle fallout

If you're willing to invest in a high-quality makeup brush, look no further than IT Cosmetics. This luxurious flat-top features dense synthetic bristles that feel soft against the skin. The unique head does an incredible job of picking up and buffing out pressed and loose powders, but you can also use it for applying and blending liquid foundation. Our tester said that when used with foundation, this brush left her with a smooth, streak-free complexion. She also liked how the weight of the handle felt in her hand.

Stacey | It Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6

"The flat top shape of the brush head was perfect. It was able to cover a lot of ground and it only took a few swipes to be fully blended across the entire left side of my face. The hourglass-shaped grip is comfortable and easy to hold, and the bristles feel soft and light on my skin."

Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush

Excellent coverage

User-friendly

Large handle

Slightly stiff

The best oval brush we tried was the Real Techniques Blend + Blur. Designed for applying and buffing liquid foundation, it has a large head with dense bristles. Though the fibers are slightly stiff, Britney said they're still plenty soft. Since the bristles are on the side rather than the end, the shape is more reminiscent of a toothbrush than a paintbrush. As Britney notes, this makes it easy to use when blending out liquids and creams, while the large size offers incredible coverage. Cleaning the dense bristles took a little more elbow grease than other brushes, but nothing too excessive.

Britney | Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush Tester

" I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to build up even coverage where I wanted it."

Best for Contouring

Mac 170 synthetic rounded slant brush.

While it's technically designed for foundation, this brush was a stand-out for contouring. While it's slightly too large for the under-eye area, the round, angled shape allowed Julia to reach around all the curves and corners of her face. Julia said her makeup went on super smooth and melted into her skin as she buffed it out, leaving her with a bright, even-toned complexion.

Julia | MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush Tester

"I could see myself using this brush every day. The head is thick and a little bit slanted, which helps get the product into the contours of my face for full coverage. It sucks up a lot of foundation, so it'd probably be better to apply the foundation to your face first then blend it in with the brush."

Best Cruelty-Free

Tarte foundcealer foundation brush.

Comfortable grip

Vegan-friendly

Smooth application

Too large for under-eye area

This cruelty-free tool features vegan-friendly synthetic bristles and a round, tapered head. Though the finely cut fibers are somewhat short, Elizabeth said they're exceptionally soft and fluffy. This brush features multiple bristle lengths, which makes it easy to blend liquids and creams. Elizabeth loved how smoothly her foundation buffed into her skin and appreciated the comfortable feel of the sturdy handle.

Elizabeth | Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush Tester

"The dense bristles are great for blending in liquid foundation and giving the skin a nice natural finish."

Best Portable

Bareminerals smoothing foundation brush.

Packable size

Not ideal for beginners

This makeup brush from bareMinerals is smaller than average, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go use. And thanks to the versatile design, it might be the only tool you need to pack. Perfect for applying, blending, contouring, stippling, and diffusing creams or powders, Julia liked that the multi-length synthetic fibers aren't super densely packed. While it seemed to make things streaky at first, Julia found that sweeping and tapping motions offer a stunningly smooth finish. Since it wasn't the most intuitive, this might not be the best option for beginners—but once you get the hang of it, you're golden.

Best for Creams

Monika blunder hybrid cream brush.

Monika Blunder

Layers product well

Provides an even finish

Multipurpose

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Round/tapered | Intended Use: Cream foundation, blush, bronzer | Vegan: Yes

There's a definite learning curve to using a brush to apply cream products, but this multipurpose brush by Monika Blunder makes it a cinch. Using a lighter touch with this brush will yield an ethereal, diffused finish, while applying pressure helps to blend out cream bronzers and blushes to airbrushed makeup perfection. We love that it's soft on the skin yet dense enough to blend out product. Use it to buff away lines and streaks easily even when you're layering products. And the small size allows for precise application, especially on the cheekbones, under the eyes, and on the sides of the nose.

What to Look for in a Makeup Brush

Quality and material: Some makeup brushes can cost a pretty penny, but that’s because it can be quite the process to make a quality brush. Consider the sturdiness of the handle and how soft the bristles feel against your skin—these are both factors that will affect how long the brush lasts and the standard of your makeup application. It might feel luxurious to have a fluffy makeup brush sourced from the finest animal hair or fur, but it’s not the most sustainable or cruelty-free option. Synthetic brushes have come a long way, and there are plenty of options to consider that are both earth- and wallet-friendly. It’s also important to inquire whether or not a brand conducts animal testing. So, if you want to be kind to animals, cruelty-free is the way to go.
Application: All brushes are not created equal. In fact, they are usually designed with very specific uses in mind, and it’s important to use brushes for their intended use. If you’re new to the makeup world and you’re not quite sure where to start, makeup artist Tamekia Geer recommends beginning with a foundation brush, powder brush, and a blush brush . A flat and a creased eyeshadow brush are also good tools to have on hand.
Bristle density: Another important feature to consider is the brush's density. Typically, the denser, or more closely packed the bristles are, the fuller the coverage the brush will help provide. Dense brushes are considered ideal for building up foundation to full coverage, while less dense brushes are ideal for achieving light to medium coverage, such as when you're applying setting powder, bronzer , or blush .

To clean makeup brushes , Greer recommends using an antibacterial bar soap . You can also use a cleansing agent designed specifically for makeup brushes (you can find our favorites here ).

For all brushes (and especially any brushes used for cream products), Greer recommends cleaning brushes once a week to prevent possible skin breakouts and buildup on your brushes. "The cleaner they are, the better the application and the longer your brushes last," she adds.

As long as your makeup brushes are kept dry and clean, feel free to find creative ways to store them. Try a marble or ceramic jar for an aesthetically pleasing option, or if you prefer to tuck your tools away or take them with you on the go, opt for a brush roll.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and editor specializing in beauty. For this story, she interviewed three makeup artists to gather product recommendations and insight into the various types of brushes. Before landing on her final picks, she considered the size, shape, material, bristles, handle, and price of dozens of products. From this list, Theresa is fond of Makeup By Mario, EcoTools, Real Techniques, Wet n Wild, e.l.f., bareMinerals, and IT Cosmetics. For this story, she consulted:

Nick Lujan is a makeup artist and the director of artistry and education at Kevyn Aucoin.
Tamekia Geer is a makeup artist at TamGee Artistry Studio.

25 Best Makeup Brush Sets for a Flawless Application

Whether you're new to the makeup game or a seasoned pro, these best-selling kits will help you achieve gorgeous results.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Understandably, deciding on the right brushes can be confusing since there are options galore, in all different shapes and sizes, available on the market. Fortunately, we've got you covered with 25 of the best makeup sets for all your glam needs. Whether you're looking to upgrade your makeup set up or you want to pick up a sweet gift for the beauty lover in your life, these picks are the way to go for a foolproof flawless look.

Best Overall

Sigma beauty essential kit.

e.l.f. 19-Piece Makeup Brush Set & Roll

Best for Eyes

Morphe eye obsessed brush collection.

Hourglass Vegan Brush Collection

Best Travel Set

It brushes for ulta your superheroes full-size travel makeup brush set.

Best Set With Sponge

Real techniques real techniques everyday essentials.

Best on Amazon

Bs-mall 14 piece brush set.

Most Ethical

Westman atelier the brush collection.

Best Eco-Conscious Set

Ecotools ecotools makeup brush set.

Best All-in-One

Colour pop ultimate brush roll.

This 12-piece set from Sigma has everything you need to create a stunning makeup look at home.

"These brushes are so buttery soft even after washing," raves a reviewer. "They apply and blend eyeshadow and powder like a dream, I’m highly impressed with how easy and seamlessly they work to blend. A great set with everyday brushes."

e.l.f. 19-Piece Makeup Brush Set & Roll

Those new to the makeup game will love this bundle since it comes stocked with professional-quality tools at an affordable price.

"I am beyond satisfied with my choice in buying these," says a shopper. "The sheet that explains each brush and its use was perfect, and it encouraged me to experiment more. Another good thing, I regularly wash these brushes and the texture of them has not changed after a few washes."

Whether you love rocking a killer smokey eye or prefer a more natural-looking glam, these brushes won't disappoint. The bundle comes with a range of high-quality fluffy brushes for blending on the lids and creases, as well as angled options for defining brows.

"I love these eye brushes," writes a reviewer. "They make putting on my eye makeup a breeze! They are of very good quality... I'm so glad that I purchased this specific kit. It had all the brushes I need."

If you're willing to invest in high-quality makeup brushes, make sure it's this set. This Hourglass kit includes 17 brushes made of PETA-approved Taklon bristles that come enclosed in a chic vegan-leather case. Key tools include the brand's best-selling dual-ended brushes for effortless application and the versatile Ambient Lightening Edit that can be used with powder, cream, and liquid formulas.

"These were packaged so beautifully and work so beautifully," reports a reviewer. "They are not just some crappy brushes with a brand name stuck to them. They are amazing and you absolutely get what you pay for here."

Planning a fun getaway? Consider this compact bundle of oh-so-soft foundation, concealer, crease, eyeliner, and eyeshadow staples your new travel companion.

"I love this set," writes a reviewer, noting that it "replaced all my high end makeup brushes. Excellent quality and they clean well."

With this everyday bundle, you get the best of both worlds: four spectacular brushes and a sponge for a flawless, airbrushed finish.

"These are durable, lightweight and are good for most types of makeup," writes one fan. "Each item is a multi-tasker, which for me, is essential."

Coming in at just under $10 with over 108,000 Amazon reviews and nearly a five-star rating, this set is a no-brainer for novices and enthusiasts.

"If you are looking for a complete, everyday makeup brush set, I HIGHLY recommend this one, especially if you're a beginner wanting to learn all the little brush functions without spending a fortune to play around with techniques," says a reviewer. "I was pleased to receive the brushes in their own travel case and individually wrapped. The bristles are soft enough for a smooth application and firm enough not to leave streaks, which is always desirable."

Leave it to celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman to come up with a luxurious selection of sustainably made brushes that can be used with all formulas. A blender brush, a powder brush, and a lip brush are among the standouts in the set.

"I am very happy with the way the brushes perform and how aesthetically pleasing they are," raves a reviewer. "Also brushes are easy to clean/ maintain."

Want to simplify your makeup routine? These eco-friendly makeup brushes perform beautifully and are also densely packed with high-quality synthetic hairs that never shed.

One Amazon shopper also "loved that they are inexpensive but durable."

ColourPop's collection of face, cheek, and eye-defining staples will cover all your makeup bases. And the fact that it's priced at less than $40? That makes it all the more worth it.

"Perfect brush set all around!" raves a fan. "Ideal size, perfect weight/feel while working with them. Picks up the right amount of shadow/pigment. I'm also obsessed with the color of these brushes! So gorgeous!"

Otis Batterbee Precision Makeup Brush Set

For those who like a "no makeup" makeup look, oval brushes are ideal. This kit with Art Deco-inspired handles works beautifully to blend foundation, concealer, blush, and highlighter for a radiant, natural appearance.

"I'm loving how quickly I can get my makeup done with this shape," raves one user, while another writes: "These brushes have made my makeup routine a breeze."

Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is known for her stunning glam, and lucky for us, she has her own makeup line for emulating her looks. This set includes four uniquely-shaped, vegan brushes that deliver impeccable coverage to your face, cheekbones, and under eyes with each and every application.

"These are absolutely the most gorgeous brushes," writes a fan. "Light and glorious for any skin type!"

Spectrum Collections KJH 25 Piece Brush Set

Want to take your glams up a notch? This full-face kit in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes includes 25 premium-quality brushes that sweep beautifully across your visage to create the most stunning makeup look. Plus, it comes with a sophisticated case that makes for a chic accent on your vanity.

"They do not disappoint," writes a fan. "A comprehensive set with a brush for any application. I love the small brushes for eye detail. Also love that there are brushes for powder and cream products. Highly recommended."

SEPHORA COLLECTION Complete Brush Set

For newbies, figuring out the right makeup brush to use can feel daunting at first. Sephora's set, however, takes the guesswork of selecting what to use. The seven-piece collection comes with everything you need for creating any look, including a foundation brush, blush brush, concealer brush, and eyeshadow brush.

"I am OBSESSED with these brushes!!!" raves a Sephora reviewer. "The bristles are sooo soft and apply my makeup so beautifully. Plus these brushes are vegan which I LOVE. This is a greater starter kit for beginners. Also very budget friendly!!"

Artis Elite 5 Brush Set in Mirror

This oval brush set will instantly become a makeup bag staple for seasoned makeup pros. The collection includes a range of five different types of brushes that each deliver a flawless finish with all sorts of formulas.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set

When you're on the go, reach for this mini-sized Charlotte Tilbury kit, which features a foundation brush for flawless coverage, a powder brush for livening up the cheeks with her cult favorite glow formulas, an eye blender brush for brightening up the lids and creases, plus an eye smudger brush for creating the perfect smokey look.

"The brushes are super soft and blend very well," says a reviewer, noting that it's "perfect if you travel all the time."

Laura Mercier Tools of the Trade Brush Set (Limited Edition)

This limited-edition kit from Laura Mercier will no doubt delight the beauty lover in your life. Housed in a luxurious navy clutch, it includes five pro-quality tools for sculpting, highlighting, defining, and contouring.

MAC Cosmetics Brush with Greatness Mini Brush Travel Kit

The key to nailing a gorgeous holiday glam lies in this chic bundle that includes a pro-quality powder brush, rounded slant brush, blended brush, and angled brow brush.

"Good quality brushes," writes a reviewer. "Perfect for purse or travel. Love the collectible case."

Kevyn Aucoin Making Faces Brush Set

Just in time for the holiday season, Kevyn Aucoin dropped this trio of dual-ended brushes that delivers a snatched jawline and cheekbones.

JENNY PATINKIN Sustainable Luxury Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

Makeup artist and best-selling author Jenny Patinkin recently launched her own line of dual-ended makeup brushes that allow you to switch between different brush types without the fuss. Beyond its seamless capabilities, the luxury set is made from recycled material, making it a good purchase for the environment too.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

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Different makeup brushes scattered across a muted redpink background

Even if you have the trendiest makeup in your collection, they won't produce the glorious results you're expecting without proper, high-quality tools. And who best to ask about the best makeup brushes on the market than professional makeup artists who spend their entire careers working most closely with an extensive lineup of the best brushes for the face, eyes, lips, and cheekbones?

Below, we've gathered some of the pros' decidedly classic, time-tested picks along with Allure Best of Beauty Award winners at a variety of price points — including affordable picks from Real Techniques and E.L.F. and high-end options from the likes of Merit, Chanel , and Patrick Ta . Whether you're a seasoned makeup pro or budding makeup beginner, this story is the perfect place to start if you're hoping to curate your very own makeup brush set and perfect your makeup looks.

Consider these 21 brushes of all shapes and sizes — soft and fluffy, domed, densely packed, tapered, angled, and precise — to be your best friends when it comes to flawless makeup application and seamless buffing of your products. From there, all that's left to do is showcase all of the stunning looks you create on TikTok . Your breathtaking visuals will be right up there with your favorite content creators and celebrity-trusted makeup artists.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Beautyblender

Best Sponge: Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

Ulta Beauty

Sure, Beautyblender's Original Makeup Sponge technically isn't a traditional brush, but it's one of the best makeup applicators on the market — much so that it's a multi-Best of Beauty winner. This latex-free makeup sponge can be used wet or dry to blend a multitude of beauty products, including cream blushes, liquid foundation, and more of your favorite base products. It's basically the Swiss army knife of makeup applicators that leaves your full face looking flawless every time you use it.

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush foundation brush with brown chrome handle and white and brown bristles on...

Best Foundation: Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Bluemercury

No matter which foundation you're currently using, the Allure Best of Beauty-winning Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is guaranteed to create a seamless, airbrush-like finish. This ultra-soft brush has fluffy bristles made of synthetic fibers that blend like a dream for an even, cake-free finish.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt DualEnded Sculpting Brush doubleended rose gold fluffy brush on light gray background with red...

Best Contour: Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush

Patrick Ta Beauty

Sculpt your cheekbones to utter perfection with the Allure Best of Beauty-winning Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush, which won the honor in 2021 and 2022. It's designed with fanlike, synthetic bristles that create a soft, diffused look sans harsh or obvious lines. "I stamp it on the end of my cheekbones at the hairline and slide it down to the sides of my chin," Patrick Ta previously recommended .

Best paired with the brand's complimentary, Best of Beauty -winning Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duos (of which there are three colorways), this brush is your righthand tool for any and all powder and cream formulas .

Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush on white background

Best Multi-Purpose: Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush

When it comes to an all-around face blush that's great for setting powder, bronzer, and blush, look no further than the Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush. "It's big enough for all-over powdering but small enough for creating a healthy glow with blush," makeup artist Georgina Graham says. Consider this tool the Goldilocks of the makeup world.

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Real Techniques

Best Powder: Real Techniques Setting Brush

Makeup artist Susie Sobol reaches for the Real Techniques Setting Brush for more precise application of loose powder, especially for smaller areas of the face under the eyes and around the nose. "I actually never use a big powder brush since it takes shine away from where I like to keep it," she explains.

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BareMinerals

Best Bronzer: BareMinerals Supreme Finisher Brush

After being dipped in the right bronzer shade , the Best of Beauty Award-winning BareMinerals Supreme Finisher Brush ensures the warm hue defines your face without any blotchiness or muddiness. You're sure to be left with a seamless, natural-looking glow.

Chanel Blush Brush N°110 black fluffy makeup brush on light gray background

Best Blush: Chanel Blush Brush N°110

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Daphne Chantell del Rosario tells us that her go-to blush brush is Chanel's Blush Brush N°110, which she denotes is "the perfect shape for the apples of your cheeks." This fluffy wonder is ideal for powder and cream formulas for a flushed-from-within look.

Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush black and silver fluffy highlighter brush on light gray background

Best Highlight: Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush

Makeup artist Carissa Ferreri uses Sigma Beauty's Best of Beauty-winning F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush for two main purposes. As its name suggests, it works wonderfully for highlighter, but she also uses it for "contouring the hollows of the cheek and around the perimeter of the face," she explains. “The bristles are both fluffy but firm, making it ideal to deposit color and blend.”

Jane Iredale

Best Precision: Jane Iredale Detail Brush

Ma also counts Jane Iredale's Detail Brush as a staple in her brush collection. The precision tip packs "dense and tiny bristles, making it perfect for spot-concealing ," she says, and synthetic brushes generally work well with cream products, in particular.

It Cosmetics

Best Dual-Ended: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

Dual-ended brushes are particularly clutch for travel-friendly beauty kits — because why let your brushes take up precious space in your already-stuffed luggage? Henney is a fan of IT Cosmetics' Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7, which is equipped with super-soft bristles that "make [foundation and concealer] application a total breeze," she notes.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Best Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12

The spoolie side of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12 tames even the coarsest, unruliest brow hairs to help slick them down into defined arches. The angled brush found on the other end of this Best of Beauty Award winner deposits pigment with ease to fill in sparse areas.

MAC 217 Synthetic Blending Brush black and silver eye shadow blending brush with white bristles on light gray background

Best Eye Shadow: MAC 217 Synthetic Blending Brush

For hooded eyelids , Ma recommends a fluffy brush like MAC's 217 Synthetic Blending Brush, which she says "gives a smooth, seamless blending job." But, as she notes, the brush is still quite slim and small, so it fits perfectly within the defined creases of hooded eyelids.

Spectrum x KJH 11 Piece Edit Brush Set set of makeup brushes with green and gold handles on light gray background

Best Set: Spectrum x KJH #22

Spectrum Collections

While this particular brush (third from the left) is only available in an 11-piece brush set, it's absolutely worthy of your coins. Florida-based makeup artist Lennie Billy counts Spectrum x KJH #22 among her favorites for graphic liner looks or a classic cat-eye. "I love a fine and soft brush that allows [for easy movement] when drawing lines," both on the finer and thicker ends of the spectrum, she tells Allure.

Laura Mercier

Best Concealer: Laura Mercier Camouflage Powder Brush

Neiman Marcus

"The Laura Mercier Camouflage Powder Brush might be for powder, but I use it for cream," makeup artist Nick Barose states. This flat, oval-shaped brush is akin to the size of your ring finger, but as Barose warns, "you should never use your finger to apply concealer under your eyes [because] it gets floppy and cakey." Long story short, this is a fine alternative.

Sonia Kashuk

Best Lip: Sonia Kashuk Retractable 2-in-1 Lip Makeup Brush

If you desire polished, ultra-clean lines, consider bringing in the assistance of a lip brush to ensure you define your lips to the fullest. Sonia Kashuk's cruelty-free, under-$15 Retractable 2-in-1 Lip Makeup Brush comes with a tapered, precision brush for detailed lip contouring, while the denser, flat-top end finishes the job by shading in your entire lip area with an intense bout of color.

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Whether you’ve leaned into the less-is-more makeup mentality or are still committed to a full face, the best makeup brushes can take your look to the next level. In a perfect world, we’d have our own professional makeup artist magically appear at the snap of a finger, but the next best thing is asking the pros which tools they swear by, and stocking our beauty arsenals with the best brushes for the job. While the makeup you use and the techniques you’ve mastered have about 90% to do with how your look turns out, the other 10% comes down to the tools you use. And the way we see it, if you don’t have the option of calling up Michelle Obama’s makeup artist for a daytime look, you can at least get one step closer by using the makeup brushes he always keeps on hand.

If you’ve ever wondered how makeup artists get the perfect dewy glow , bomb brows, and a top-tier bold lip, part of the secret lies in the brush. We polled some of our favorite makeup artists whose clients include both of the Hadid sisters, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Michelle Obama on the best makeup brushes and makeup brush brands they can’t live without. Here’s what they shared.

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Make Up for Ever 158 Double-Ended Sculpting Brush

Make Up For Ever

On the hunt for something that will make you look like the real-life Paris filter? Try this dual-ended blending brush, which is designed for applying powder and sculpting cheekbones. “One of the most important qualities I look for in a makeup brush is its ability to blend seamlessly,” says Carl Ray , Albolene chief makeup artist, who has worked his magic on Michelle Obama and Diane von Furstenberg. “The Make Up for Ever 122 Blending Brush is incredibly soft to the touch, and it gives an overall airbrushed finish to your look. Made with both dense and sheer fibers, the brush is less prone to shedding, which is key to durable brushes.” So no more fibers all over your vanity!

Morphe M310 Large Soft Fan Brush

According to Ray, fan brushes don’t get the love they deserve. If you’re looking for precision with your highlighter or contour, or can’t stand residual powder at the end of the application process, consider this option from Morphe. “This natural-hair large fan brush is one of my go-tos because it is extremely versatile,” he says. “I typically use the Morphe M310 to apply highlighter and add contour around the forehead, by the hairline, or even under the chin. It’s also a great option for lightly dusting off excess loose setting powder at the end. Even though people often tend to overlook fan brushes, I reach for this one all the time and always keep it in my kit.”

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Powder Brush

Pat McGrath Labs

Worried about bacteria hiding in your makeup brushes? Consider switching to synthetic fibers, which Ray says are easier to clean and often cost less. “For smoothing and blurring makeup, I love to use Pat McGrath’s Sublime Perfection Powder Brush ,” says Ray. “It’s slightly tapered at the tip, which allows more precise placement of the product. This brush is also made of synthetic bristles, which are growing in popularity across the beauty industry. Typically, synthetic brushes are less expensive, hold less bacteria, and are easier to clean. And with advancements in technology, companies are now able to emulate natural bristles with their synthetic fibers.”

Speaking of cleaning your brushes , here are the artist’s tips: “I would recommend cleaning your personal brushes at least once per week. With a fragrance-free mild soap or baby shampoo, gently work the brush under water until it runs clear. Remember to dry your brushes with bristles pointing down. This step prevents water from seeping into the ferrule [the metal fastener] and damaging any adhesive that keeps the bristles in place. If you aren’t able to completely dry your brushes this way, you can also lay them on an angle pointing down. For good measure, I recommend saving the plastic protectors that come with new brushes. These will help your brushes maintain their original shapes over time.”

Morphe M330 Blending Crease Brush

One of the best brushes makeup artist Molly Thompson-Tubridy has in her arsenal is Morphe’s M330 blending crease brush—and it’s less than $10. While powder, blush, and foundation brushes are pretty standard across the industry, Thompson-Turbridy says natural bristles and brush shapes are very beneficial when it comes to eye shadow: The light, tapered shape of the bristles results in a quick, easy, and soft blending tool to work in transition shades and pigments.

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MAC Cosmetics 212 Flat Definer Brush

Mac Cosmetics

Ready to take your cat-eye liner up a notch? Get an extra-sharp brush on deck. Glamsquad’s artistic director, Kelli J. Bartlett , knows a thing or two about brushes after a decade of experience in the industry, so rest assured this one will get the job done. “ MAC’s 212 is my ride-or-die eyeliner brush. I can create crisp edges or soft and diffused stares with this brush,” she says. “It’s ideal for creating a razor-sharp wing.”

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Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff Brush

For more intricate eye looks, Thompson-Tubridy recommends Morphe’s M443 brush: “It’s a tougher brush, so it’s great for packing on heavier and deeper shades.” If you don’t have a flat, angled brush in your arsenal, the M433 is great for laying on packed glitter and duo-chrome eye shadow shades.

Make Up for Ever 122 Blending Brush

One secret to pro-level blending is maintaining a glowy quality even after powder is applied. To achieve this, try the Make Up for Ever 122 Blending Brush , which Bartlett uses “to strategically powder areas of the face, so that I don’t eliminate glow all over.”

Make Up for Ever Large Shader Brush 230

Sometimes it’s impossible to get a photo-ready finish with your lipstick alone. For true perfection in the lip department, Bartlett loves Make Up for Ever’s 230 for the rounded edge that hugs your Cupid’s bow.

Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush

Anisa Beauty

Whether you’re ready to start wearing foundation again or never let it go in the first place, stock up on an expert-approved brush that will leave you streak-free every time. Jamie Greenberg , celebrity makeup artist who has blessed the faces of Kaley Cuoco, Chelsea Handler, and Sarah Hyland, recommends this top-rated triangle brush from Anisa. “The Anisa Pinnacle Foundation Brush is the perfect way to buff on your foundation without leaving streaks, lines, or uneven skin,” she says.

MAC 217 Synthetic Blending Brush

Anyone planning for a long-awaited night out should have a good eye shadow brush handy. Whether you go for a classic smoky look or a minimalist pop of color, both Greenberg and Bartlett swear by this blending brush from MAC. “ Mac’s 217 Blending Eyeshadow Brush is the best and the O.G. blending brush for your eye shadow,” says Greenberg. “This brush can make any beginner look like pro. When in doubt, 217 it out!”

Jenny Patinkin Blend + Set Brush

Jenny Patinkin

If summer has taught us anything it's the importance of arming yourself with tools to dull unwanted shine. “The Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Blend Set Brush is the perfect size for T-zone setting, and I also use this for a dab of highlighter,” says Greenberg. “It’s smaller than a powder brush so you have more control, and it’s vegan.”

Patrick Ta Eyeshadow Brush

You’ve probably seen Patrick Ta ’s signature glowing makeup look on the Hadid sisters or Shay Mitchell, and brushes are so crucial to the final product that he created his own. Ta designed this eye shadow brush with “ultra-soft synthetic bristles that have been perfectly dispersed and shaped.” The artist credits this brush for “expertly blending shadows into the crease during application,” which contributed to looks you’ve likely spotted all over Instagram.

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat-Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6

It Cosmetics

To seamlessly blend foundation into your skin, Ta swears by the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat-Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 , so add this to your beauty bag if you’ve stayed loyal to foundation this year, or if you’re finally ready to pick it back up again.

MAC Cosmetics 263 Small Eyeliner Brush

For sharp liner and brows, Ta relies on MAC’s 263 Small Angle Brush . “The angled shape and synthetic hairs make it ideal for cream and powder products,” he says.

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

If you’re into multipurpose brushes, Ta also loves the It Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush for foundation and for blending in concealer because of the dual ends. When it comes to base makeup, Bartlett is all about this one too, and she buys it in bulk for foundation, concealer, and contour. Consider this your one-and-done no-makeup makeup essential.

Stila Double-Sided Crease and Liner Brush No. 15

Mai Quynh is the artist behind Chloë Grace Moretz’s and Florence Pugh’s adventurous eye looks, which she creates with the Stila #15 Double-Sided Crease and Liner Brush , using the flat side to apply powder shadow and the smudge side to diffuse shadow on the lash lines. It’s the best of both worlds.

Catrice Cosmetics Triangle Artist Foundation Brush

Catrice Cosmetics

Speaking of powder application, Quynh recommends the Catrice Triangle Artist Powder Brush to powder hard-to-reach areas of your face, like around your nose or under your eyes.

Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Concealer Brush

Even if you’re doing less with your makeup these days, chances are you still use concealer at least sometimes, and this expert-approved brush will lay yours just right. Quynh loves the Kevyn Aucoin the Duet Concealer Brush to apply and diffuse concealer to perfection.

Bdellium Tools Bambu Complete Set

Bdellium Tools

Donni Davy , the talent behind the makeup masterpieces on Euphoria , is all for a dash of vibrance—that’s why she says this is hands down the best makeup brush set. “Visually, I dig this chartreuse set ! It’s so fun for a pop of color on my makeup station. These are pro-grade synthetic brushes, and are just overall very solid and well-made. In the pro makeup and film and TV industry, these brushes have a really good reputation for quality and performance,” says Davy.

Be Bella Cosmetics Rose Gold Dream Brush Set

Be Bella Cosmetics

Here for a steal? Save your coins and snag these durable and budget-friendly brushes that Davy always keeps at the ready. “These are great for both beginners and pros. I buy loads of these at makeup trade shows because they’re inexpensive and soft, and take a beating really well,” she says. “I love the super pro aesthetic of them too.”

Veil Cosmetics Dual-Ended Lip and Cheek Brush

Sébastien Tardif , celebrity makeup artist and cofounder of Veil Cosmetics, created another lip brush you don’t want to sleep on. “I adore our Veil Cosmetics Lip and Cheek Brush because I always find most lip brushes too small or too flimsy. And don’t get me started with the retractable types that always break or fall apart,” he says. “The rounded tip I designed allows for a perfect Cupid’s bow, and it always follows your mouth’s natural shape. It’s good for full or thinner lips, as the brush can be used flat or sideways for more precision.”

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #18

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Another solid pick for a stellar eye look, this rounded flat brush (which is actually designed for concealer), is an eye-look favorite for Tardif. “I have been using the synthetic Brush #18 by Anastasia Beverly Hills a lot. I use it for eyeliner or eye shadow application—it can be used wet or dry, with cream, powder, or liquid formulas, and can be handled flat or sideways. Its rounded tip also fits snugly in the inner corner of your eye,” he says.

Tarte Cosmetics The Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush

Millie Morales , Garnier celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist, has a special appreciation for makeup brushes. “I’ve had a fascination with brushes since I was a little girl. I’ve always loved painting, and now I use this passion when creating makeup looks,” she says. Want another winner for that IRL Instagram filter look? Morales applies foundation with Tarte’s The Buffer in soft circular motions for an airbrushed finish.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #20

doublesided makeup brush with close up of both ends

Even if you skip every other step of your makeup routine, giving your brows a little attention can instantly make your look more polished. Morales considers this brow brush from Anastasia Beverly Hills a must-have to “define eyebrows with the flat side, and spray the spoolie side with a little hairspray to set them.” Who knew?

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Beauty Products & Tools

The 19 Best Makeup Brushes of 2024 for a Flawless Finish Every Time

It's the most important tool in your box.

In This Article

Our Top Picks

What to Keep in Mind

Your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle / Joy Kim

You can have the most skin-like foundations, creamiest liquid blushes , and buttery eyeshadows, but they’ll do you little good without the proper tools. For beginners, celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips suggests following a simple guideline. “I look for a thicker, denser brush when I need to pack on color, and a lighter, wispier brush when trying to diffuse and blend.”

Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, an amazing brush always makes all the difference — after all, what would the Mona Lisa look like if da Vinci had opted to finger-paint it? To ensure you choose a superior brush that will last for years, we tested the bestselling picks celebrity makeup artists use to create a flawless look.

Best Overall

It cosmetics heavenly luxe complexion brush.

The ultra-plush, dense bristles make blending a breeze.

Double-sided brushes tend to be harder to store and keep hygienic.

I own four of this makeup brush, and keep one in my work bag at all times for on-the-go touch ups. The bristles are densely packed but luxuriously soft, making for a seamless application that feels great on skin. And while its intended use is applying foundation and concealer, the brush is also great for buffing in cream bronzer , liquid contour, and blush. The result is a flawless but natural-looking base. In a real pinch, you can even use the concealer brush for shadow application, making it a true one-and-done tool.

For those who prioritize multifunctionality and quality, this is a no-brainer, but we also have to admit that while the dual-sided design is genius, it’s not the easiest to store.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Double-ended dome | Intended Use: Foundation, concealer | Vegan: Yes

Best Budget

Real techniques makeup setting facial powder makeup brush.

Ulta Beauty

This multitasking brush is equal parts affordable and effective.

It may shed over time if not cared for properly.

Celeb makeup artist Alexx Mayo is a fan of Real Techniques in general: “An artist’s tools are just as important as the product itself, and I really love the Real Techniques brushes,” he says. “There’s such a big variety, and at such an affordable price.”

Makeup artist Daniel Martin , who famously did Meghan Markle’s makeup for her royal wedding, agrees. Beyond the price (which is so good), Martin counts this brush’s versatility as a major selling point — it plays nicely with creams, powders, and liquid foundations alike. And while some have complained about shedding over time, we’ve had no problems in the year-plus we’ve owned the brush.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Tapered dome | Intended Use: Setting powder, powder highlight, cream highlight | Vegan: Yes

Best Liquid Foundation Brush

Hourglass ambient soft glow foundation brush.

The unique shape and custom bristles are intended to mimic the control of fingertips with all the luxuries of a brush.

The size is smaller than your average foundation brush, meaning application will likely take more time.

The Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush, and its unique custom shape meant to mimic the delicate and precise control of your fingertips. At first glance, this brush looks deceptively small for applying foundation — the head of bristles is roughly the same size as a quarter. Luckily, what it lacks in size it makes up for in seamless application, flawless precision, and a skin-like finish without getting your hands dirty.

The densely packed bristles and unique shape lends itself to getting hard-to-reach spots like the nasolabial folds. The bristles are soft, but not so soft that they simply move product on top of the skin, and allow for streak-free application whether you’re stippling, blending, or pushing the product into the skin.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Custom angled | Intended Use: Liquid, stick, and cream foundation | Vegan: Yes

Best Highlight Brush

Makeup by mario ef 2 makeup brush.

Thin dome is perfect for ultra-precise application and blending.

Some may find it too small for applying highlight.

I've been using fluffy eyeshadow brushes to apply highlighter for years, and was excited to learn that Mario Dedivanovic (as in the Mario of Makeup by Mario , known for being a staple on Kim Kardashian’s glam team) does the same. This brush is ever-so-slightly stiff to help with precise application, but fluffy enough that it easily blends product into the skin. This is the ideal highlighter brush for complete control over where the product lands. It gives a seamless buff, too.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Thin, fluffy dome | Intended Use: Eyeshadow, highlight | Vegan: Yes

Best Splurge

Westman atelier liquid blender brush.

The ultimate in terms of luxury, this brush is handmade by artisans in Japan and specially designed by a celeb makeup artist.

It’s an incredibly short brush and can easily get lost when stored with other brushes.

If you want to splurge, then we say really splurge. Crafted with cherry wood sourced from Japan and handmade, cruelty-free polyester bristles, this liquid blender brush from Westman Atelier is as luxe as they come. It smoothes product quickly and evenly, leaving a seamless finish on the skin in just a few swipes. Similar in shape to a kabuki brush, with slightly denser, shorter bristles, it makes second skin-like coverage so easy to achieve, it’s nearly fool-proof.

Though densely packed and stiff, the bristles are still soft to the touch and feel plush — not rough — on the skin. The rounded head is ideal for really pressing product into the skin, while the dense bristles ensure streak-free application. Plus, the soft edges of the brush are ideal for hard-to-reach spots like the sides of the nose and under eyes.

Bristle Type: Polyester | Shape: Compact round | Intended Use: Blending liquid makeup | Vegan: Yes

Best Powder Foundation Brush

E.l.f. flawless face brush.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

This brush is dual-sided — the flat side allows for seamless all over application, while the skinny side provides more targeted placement.

The bristles fall out over time.

Powder foundation seems like the easiest to apply (movies made us believe we could get a flawless application with a flick of the wrist). But we still struggled to achieve the smooth, even these formulas promise, and after putting up with subpar brushes that left us with a patchy complexion, we struck gold with this affordable tool.

This foundation brush picks up the ideal amount of product with a quick swirl in the compact, and blends it out like magic. The beauty is in the duality — the fluffy brush has two sides: a flat edge that allows for seamless, all over application, and a skinny edge that provides more targeted application. I use the former to buff out an even layer of foundation all over, and the latter to build up extra coverage where we need it most. The one thing that could improve, though, is the bristle quality: Over time the synthetic fibers fall out, but that typically happens after a few years of use.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Fluffy with flat and skinny ides | Intended Use: Powder foundations, bronzers and blush | Vegan: Yes

Best Concealer Brush

Dior backstage concealer brush no. 13.

Bloomingdale's

The flat, tapered “cat’s tongue” tip is ideal for precision application and smooth blending.

It requires more work to blend in and perfect coverage than larger concealer brushes.

Flat with a tapered “cat’s tongue” shape and rounded tip, the brush is ideal for pinpointing imperfections and gives professional results with a smooth, blended layer of concealer. Best of all, the flat edge makes the brush a great multitasker — stipple on concealer under the eyes or pat in some powder in those hard-to-reach spots. And yes, it works with liquids, creams, and powders alike.

Because this brush is so great for precision, it does require more work and attention to blend to perfection, especially when we apply makeup to dry skin , than larger concealer brushes. But if you’re looking for flawless coverage, it’s going to take time no matter what. And with this brush, the result really is flawless.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Tapered “cat’s tongue” tip | Intended Use: Cream and liquid concealer | Vegan: Unclear

Best Powder Contour Brush

Sephora pro contour brush #79.

The cylindrical, tapered bristles allow for strategic placement, and they sculpt and blend to perfection.

It’s too big to use on the nose and some prefer a denser brush for cream contour.

When I use the powder formula in our contour palettes , I often go back and forth between preferring densely packed brushes and light, fluffy brushes. While I find that both work, denser, shorter brushes allow for a quick buff with minimal effort, whereas looser, fluffier bristles need a bit more work but leave behind soft, buildable layers.

This contour brush was a bit intimidating for us at first; it’s even softer and smaller than what we usually use for contour, but trust us when we say that it completely changes the game. The tapered, fluffy bristles give us a contour that’s simultaneously softly diffused and precisely defined. It makes getting defined cheekbones a breeze and it doubles as a fabulous highlight brush.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: long, tapered cylindrical | Intended Use: Powder contour | Vegan: Yes

Best Cream Contour Brush

Sephora collection pro foundation brush #64.

Densely packed bristles of various lengths apply and blend contour smoothly, leaving behind buildable coverage.

Because the brush is dense, the resulting contour is more full coverage than subtle.

For those who can’t fathom buffing out your cream contour with a fluffy brush, this foundation brush from Sephora is a stellar alternative. The brush features bristles of varying lengths to keep product from settling into pores, which is genius and really does deliver a smooth finish. Despite being densely packed, the bristles are still soft to the touch and cover up texture and irritation flawlessly. The brush applies product in a slightly mottled fashion that quickly blends in with circular motions.

Best of all, it never moves any product underneath the contour. If you’re looking for a more subtle contour, though, you may want to use another brush because the end result when using this is pretty full coverage.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Short dome | Intended Use: Foundation | Vegan: Yes

Best Bronzer Brush

Real techniques ultra plush blush cheek makeup brush.

The large, domed shape is perfect for all-over application and leaves a smooth finish.

The bristles can get slightly scratchy over time.

Yes, this is technically a blush brush, but we found that its large brush head and fluffy shape work far better when applying bronzer. The soft, thin bristles glide bronzer across the face for an even, non-streaky finish, and diffuses product in a way that imparts a natural, light tan that’s never, ever patchy. The brush starts to feel slightly scratchy with continued use, but it still picks up the perfect amount of product and has kept its shape surprisingly well.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Tapered dome | Intended Use: Powder blush | Vegan: Yes

Best Powder Blush Brush

Mykitco my blush & powder.

The bristles are somehow both dense and soft, making it ideal for blending out blushes.

The natural fibers aren’t great for blending cream or liquid blush.

Phillips swears by MyKitCo brushes — and when Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber’s go-to makeup artist says a beauty brand is good, you listen. According to Phillips, this brush is the “perfect size and softness for applying blush to the apples of the cheeks.” The bristles are expertly bundled to create some density while maintaining its soft fluffy shape, which is hard to find. And it happens to apply blush with impressive precision. Keep in mind: Save this for your powder products since natural bristles are not always good for cream or liquid products.

Bristle Type: Natural | Shape: Plush dome | Intended Use: Blush, powder | Vegan: No

Best Cream Blush Brush

Real techniques tapered cheek face makeup brush.

The precision brush head allows for buildable, targeted coverage.

The lighter bristles get easily stained with blush.

This Real Techniques brush works slightly better with liquids and creams as its small, tapered bristles precisely apply a pop of color for a natural flush that’s buildable without looking cakey. The bristles are simultaneously dense and soft, which is ideal for cream blush placement — plus, the handle has a nice weight to it, giving you more control when applying. Just know that if you use a highly pigmented blush, it may stain the bristles — so be sure to wash after every use.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Small, tapered dome | Intended Use: Liquid, cream, or powder blush, contour, and highlighter | Vegan: Yes

Best Multifunctional Brush

Mac 240 synthetic large tapered blending brush.

MAC Cosmetics

The fluffy tapered head applies and softly blends product in one foul swoop.

Its multifunctionality is a double-edged sword: Colors can get muddy and blend together within the brush if you don’t wash after each use.

This larger tapered brush plays nicely with liquids and cream, but does its best work applying powders and blending soft washes of product to the eyes and face. It’s ideal for sweeping or swirling product, especially a light coat of powder in shinier spots like under the eyes and along the T-zone. The bristles are expertly engineered to be breakage-resistant and feature non-porous fibers that make cleaning the brush easier. (Just be sure you wash it after each use to ensure pigments don’t become muddied).

The soft, fluffy fibers and perfectly medium-sized brush head make it incredibly versatile, a key attribute Martin says he looks for in his brushes — add a wash of color to the eyes, buff a darker shade into the crease for some contrast, apply highlighter and contour with precision, or lay down setting powder under your eyes. The brush’s fluffiness makes it easy to pick up the right amount of product, and it makes blending a breeze.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Fluffy tapered dome | Intended Use: Powder eye shadow, powder highlighter | Vegan: Yes

Best Eyeshadow Blending Brush

Hourglass no. 4 crease brush.

Hourglass Cosmetics

The weighted handle provides extra control for easy blending.

Because this is less tapered and stiffer than most blending brushes, using it might not be the easiest for novices.

Hourglass brushes are luxe, thoughtfully designed, and super soft. This brush is fluffy and soft but has a rigidity to it that you don’t traditionally see in blending brushes. The unique, longer shape paired with the weighted handle and stiffer base allow for control and precision, while the fluffier top and flexible bristles create a soft blend that eschews harsh lines.

The brush’s shape and length make it great for sculpting the eyes and buffing out color without creating a muddy mess. Sephora beauty director David Razzano says a great blending brush is an absolute necessity for eye makeup, and this one certainly fits the bill. That said, there is a bit of a learning curve when using it, especially if you’re a makeup beginner. But with practice, anyone can be a blending pro in no time.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Medium, straight dome | Intended Use: Eyeshadow crease | Vegan: Yes

Best Eyeshadow Shading Brush

Makeup by mario e 5 makeup brush.

Makeup By Mario

It’s perfect for a quick and easy sweep of all-over lid color.

The white base is stylish but gets dirty very easily.

If you take a one-and-done approach to eyeshadow, let us introduce you to your new best friend. The fluffier bristle shape allows us to quickly sweep a wash of color over our eyes or blend out any edges on the shadows we've laid down. Plus, the shape fits snugly into the crease of the eye and creates a beautiful accentuation of its shape. Additionally, the wide, tapered shape picks up color easily and blends out shadow like a dream. And, the custom blend of synthetic and vegan fibers makes for a super soft, fluffy head.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Wide tapered | Intended Use: All-over lid color | Vegan: Yes

Best Eyeshadow Smudger Brush

Charlotte tilbury eye liner brush.

Charlotte Tilbury

The precise tip allows for targeted, contained smudging.

The pencil tip can tug at the eyelids.

I love the look of smudged liquid eyeliner , but you need the right tools to nail the look. This brush features an incredibly small head with dense fiber bristles that perfectly lays down and buffs out shadow along the lash line. We like to dip the brush in a matte hue and run it along our lower and upper lash lines.

The tiny tip allows for precise, targeted application of shadow, which can be difficult to achieve with thicker brushes. And thanks to the sturdy bristles, you can use the tip to create finer lines and graphic effects, or simply rock a soft liner look. Somehow the brush still feels light and luxurious at the same time. Just be sure to glide it lightly around the eye area, otherwise it can uncomfortably tug.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Pencil | Intended Use: Eye liner, blending on the lash line | Vegan: Yes

Best Eyeliner Brush

Mac 208 synthetic angled brow brush.

The brush’s flat edge is perfect for stamping on a thin layer of eyeliner.

The bristles are slightly longer than traditional liner brushes, which makes it more difficult to control.

Upper lash liner is a dangerous game: Make one wrong move and suddenly your liner went from subtle to full-on graphic. This brush’s flat, angled head makes it easy to stamp on color and ensure a thin, consistent line from inner corner to outer wing. Plus, the sharp tip and edges make for flawless, precise wings. Thanks to the thin, flat shape, you can customize your liner width to your liking, and the stiff bristles stay taught on the eye. The brush is ideal for both gel shadow liners, too.

It definitely takes some practice to get used to this brush shape compared to your average flat-edged liner brush, particularly because of the longer bristles. That being said, with some practice, you can create far thinner and precise lines.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Flat angled | Intended Use: Brows | Vegan: Yes

Best Eyebrow Brush

Joey healy duo brow brush.

The thin liner brush picks up product easily and is great for creating a subtle wash of color on the brow.

The double-sided feature makes hygienic storage difficult.

This brush is a staple in our routine. While the angled liner brush is thin enough to make hair-like strokes with cream and gel formulas, we prefer to dip it in a powder and use it to fill in a light wash of color on our brow. It helps fill in any spots or gaps, and the spoolie ensures optimal distribution of color. Plus, it sweeps our brows into place without scratching the skin beneath it.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: Angled liner | Intended Use: Cream, powder, and gel eyebrow formulas | Vegan: Yes

Spectrum KJH 11 Piece Edit Brush Set

Spectrum Collections

This set has you covered with all the essentials you need (and at an incredibly high quality to boot).

The set is a pared-back version of the original 25-piece brush set, which is less than ideal for more advanced makeup connoisseurs.

This set by celebrity and editorial makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is impeccable. It’s beautifully designed and is as functional as it is luxurious. The bristles are soft and fluffy and remain that way even after countless washes. The brushes are generally smaller than traditional makeup brushes and feature longer bristles that give an airy, almost watercolor-like quality to the application process and an airbrush-like effect to makeup (rather than something more full coverage-looking).

The collaboration truly excels with its eye brushes, which account for eight out of the 11 included. The selection goes far beyond traditional eyeshadow brushes, though, including petite accent brushes and variously sized fine pencil-type brushes. Phillips, who works with Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez, says they’re mainstays in her own collection. Our only complaint is that the other 14 brushes from the original set are no longer available.

Bristle Type: Synthetic | Shape: N/A | Intended Use: Full face | Vegan: Yes

Bristle Type: Makeup brush bristles often fall into two categories: natural (hair) and synthetic. Synthetic bristles are more common these days, and Martin much prefers them, but natural bristles do offer a softness sometimes harder to recreate with synthetic fibers. Even within the general category of synthetic bristles, brands use different processes to make them, resulting in a range of textures and softness. Razzano explains that fluffy, loose bristles apply products in soft layers, while shorter bristles apply a heavier application of color. As bristle density increases, it’s easier to buff in product. Sensitive skin types or those allergic to animal products should avoid natural hair bristles.
Makeup Goals: Your own makeup skills, daily needs, goals, and budget should factor into which brushes you purchase. For example, someone who doesn’t fuss much with eyeshadow might only need a single eye brush, while those new to makeup or looking to start a collection should consider brush sets. If you’re a seasoned pro, consider investing in high-quality brushes that cost a bit more but will last a lifetime.
Shape: The shape of both your face and your brush will determine how easy (or difficult) it will be to apply your products. Larger brushes tend to offer less control and precision, but smaller brushes lengthen the overall makeup application process.

How many makeup brushes do I need?

“When you are first starting out you don’t need a ton of brushes to get great results,” shares Mayo. “You'll want something you can apply and buff foundation in with, a blush brush, a small powder brush, a fluffy eye brush for blending, and something precise for detail work around the eye.”

Meanwhile, Razzano suggests people have around six makeup brushes total: Three to four complexion brushes (for foundation, concealer, powder, and then one for bronzer and/or blush) and at least two brushes for eyes (a flatter shadow brush and a fluffy blending brush).

How do I clean makeup brushes?

While there are soaps made specifically for washing brushes (more on that later), Martin says he simply uses Dawn dish detergent and a silicone makeup pad. Wet the bristles and gently massage the soap in using the mat to get rid of built-up makeup. Rinse and allow your brushes to lay flat to dry before the next use.

How often should I wash my makeup brushes?

You’re won't like this answer, but almost all our experts wash their brushes after every single use. At the end of the day, the better you care for your makeup brushes, the longer they’ll last and the better they’ll perform.

“If you’re only using your brushes on yourself, I would say a biweekly clean is a great way to ensure your brushes are free from buildup and bacteria,” says Mayo. “Plus, a clean brush gives you a much better application.” Alternatively, Razzano suggests using a no-rinse cleanser after each use (which really does take mere seconds), followed by a deep clean two to three times a month.

Danielle Cohen is a freelance beauty writer and editor with more than five years of experience reporting on the beauty industry and testing products. As a member of InStyle’s commerce team, she swatches, sprays, and samples countless beauty products. For this story, she researched and tested dozens of beauty brushes, read reviews, and consulted celebrity makeup artists Mary Phillips, Alexx Mayo, Daniel Martin, and David Razzano.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 9 Very Best Makeup Brushes and Makeup-Brush Sets

While you can always use your fingers and sponges to apply makeup, the best makeup brushes and makeup-brush sets can be a game changer — especially if your goal is to create a seamless, blended finish. For that reason, I use makeup brushes almost exclusively, which is how I’ve come to try just about every complexion brush out there. What I’ve learned is that good makeup brushes are an investment — cheaper ones tend to shed, so it’s worth being discerning when you’re shopping. With that in mind, I reached out to top makeup artists to find out the brushes they swear by.

What we’re looking for

“The shape and size of the head is what determines where the brush is meant to be used and what types of products it’s designed to be used with,” says makeup artist Robin Black , the founder of Beauty Is Boring . The handles can vary, too, but a good grip is important. Ulta Beauty Pro Team makeup artist Deney Adam prefers brushes with longer handles for applying eye makeup, for example, since they offer control and precision. “The same applies for powder-based products like blush , eye shadow, and setting power,” he says. “For creamy or liquid-based products, a short handle is the way to go.”

Bristle density

The nicer it feels on your skin , the better it works. “ The softness, density, and quality of the brush hairs is what determines how evenly a product will apply to the skin,” Black says. “It’s important that brushes feel soft and gentle, never prickly or irritating . You can test that quite easily by running the brush over the inside of your forearm in both directions.” The only real exception: Foundation brushes tend to be denser, but they should still feel smooth and comfortable.

Bristle material

Not all makeup-brush bristles are created equal. Natural bristles, made from animal furs or hairs, are known for being supersoft, which allows for better blending. Synthetic brushes are typically made from nylon or other vegan materials, and they’ve come a long way in terms of feel. As a result, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. “I like using dual-fiber brushes for wet products, like liquid foundations and creams, and traditional ‘natural’ brushes for powder products like blushes and eye shadows,” says makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran .

Best overall makeup-brush set

Monika Blunder Beauty Hybrid Face Brush + Tulip Blending Brush + Call Your Buff Angled Brush

Usage: Full face | Bristle density: Miscellaneous | Bristle material: Synthetic

This trio of brushes is all you need for a full face since each one is super-versatile. “They’re hardworking, multitasking, and luxurious-feeling synthetic brushes that make seamless makeup application easy,” says Black, who particularly likes using the Tulip Blending Brush to create a soft-focus lip look. “I find myself throwing them into my bag for touch-ups as well as using them in the studio.” Personally, I started using the Hybrid Face Brush with Monika Blunder’s creamy foundation — a winner if you’re looking for buildable coverage with a lightweight feel — but I’ve since tried it with all sorts of foundations, including liquid. It’s soft, so it takes a little longer than my dense foundation brushes, but I’ve found that it’s worth the extra time. The angled brush is designed for buffing, so it works for both cream foundations and bronzer alike. And the Tulip Blending Brush can be used for everything from blending eye shadow to concealing zits or, to Black’s point, applying lip color.

Best (less expensive) makeup-brush set

EcoTools Fresh Face Everyday Makeup Brush Set

Full face | Miscellaneous | Synthetic

I’ve owned this set of EcoTools brushes for years and won’t ever toss them. (A 4.7-star rating and more than 400 reviews on Target.com don’t lie, either.) They’re cruelty free and vegan, they feel supersoft, and I love the little storage case that keeps them from getting lost in my drawers . The five brushes are versatile enough to cover a full face of makeup, and their long, generous handles are lightweight, making them easy to pack. Best of all, the bristle fallout is still minimal after what might be a decade of using them, which is impressive considering the price.

Best makeup brush for complexion

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Foundation Brush 2.5

Complexion | Very dense | Synthetic

Although it’s a relative splurge, three of our experts rave about Tom Ford’s foundation brushes, largely because you get what you pay for. “I love that they’re well made,” says makeup artist Nick Barose , who notes that the weighty handles are designed for comfort and control. Makeup artist Tobi Henney appreciates their ability to blend beautifully so you’re not left with any obvious streaks. And their bristles are synthetic, Black says, “but you would never know given their ultraluxurious feel.” And though the bristles are white, Black says they’re surprisingly easy to keep clean “even after hot-pink lipstick, electric-blue eye shadow , orange blush, and other pigments I’ve used them with.”

Best (less expensive) makeup brush for complexion

Lancôme Airbrush #2 Dual-Ended Foundation & Concealer Brush

Complexion | Dense | Synthetic

Whether you’re short on storage space or just don’t want to deal with swapping out multiple brushes every morning, this dual-ended tool comes in handy. “The big, wide side is perfect for blending and buffing foundation all over,” Barose says. “The smaller side is perfect for more detailed work like under the eyes and small spots .” It’s ideal if you find yourself using both foundation and concealer on a regular basis, and the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold no matter how you’re wielding it.

Best makeup brush for eyes

Eyes | Less dense | Synthetic

It’s not makeup artist Bobbi Brown ’s first rodeo — she sold her eponymous line to Estée Lauder before starting Jones Road Beauty — so it’s no surprise that her new line would feature great brushes. This one has enough density to blend eye shadow and eliminate any lines, but it’s still gentle and fluffy. “Because of its synthetic fibers, I can use both cream formulas and powder eye shadows with this brush,” says makeup artist Daniel Martin . Bonus: You can also use it for buffing out concealer around the eyes because it’s that soft, Martin says. (Just remember to clean it in between.)

As a more affordable alternative, we named the EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set one of the best-rated brush sets at Ulta in a previous version of this story. One reviewer calls the beginner-friendly duo “definitely the softest brushes I own,” while another says the double-sided brushes are “all you need to … blend, pack, smear shimmers, and put on some liner.”

Best makeup brush for brows and eyeliner

Princeton Select Synthetic Brush Angle Shader

Eyes | Very dense | Hybrid

Anytime you need to create fine, precise lines — for filling in brow hairs or achieving an ultrathin swoop of eyeliner — consider a painting brush. This small one isn’t a dedicated makeup brush, but Martin swears by it. “This has been my favorite angle brush for brows and eyeliner for almost 20 years, and you get it at the art store,” he says. “It’s the best!” Clocking in at $6, it’s also the most affordable option on our list.

Best makeup brush for blush

Complexion | Less dense | Natural

A good blush brush has to be able to shift between blush and bronzer with ease. It also shouldn’t leave streaks, which is a telltale sign your “natural flush” actually came from a cheek palette. That’s where this brush is especially helpful. “I love the slightly pointed oval shape that allows you to create seamless application on the cheeks without blotchiness,” Barose says. I use it to dust blush just below my eyes at the center of my cheeks, which (per a makeup artist) looks more realistic because that’s where the sun hits. Then I tap off excess product and dip it into bronzer , which I brush in a “3” shape around my forehead, down the side of my face and beneath my cheekbones, and just under my jawline.

Best makeup-brush set with sponge

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials + Sponge Kit

Jaikaran points to this set as being high quality with a relatively budget-friendly price. While it features a more basic lineup of brushes — a short-bristled foundation brush, a small crease brush for eye makeup , a fluffy powder brush, and a smaller setting brush — this configuration offers a ton of versatility. On top of that, “what’s great about this set is that you also get a beauty sponge, which also comes in handy for makeup application,” Jaikaran says. In fact, this very sponge was deemed “so much better than the original beauty blender” by Strategist beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton. Not surprisingly, it has nearly 1,000 five-star reviews at Ulta with customers calling out both the value and softness.

In a previous version of this story, a different set from the brand emerged as a reader favorite for applying foundation, bronzer, highlighter , and concealer. The Real Techniques Flawless Base Set , which features four brushes and a matching holder, also offers seamless application and versatility for the price.

Best makeup-brush travel set

Morphe Rosé Away 6-Piece Travel Brush Set

Morphe is known for its makeup brush sets, which offer a ton of value. “They are the best quality brush for their price point,” Adam says. Low-quality brushes tend to shed or break easily, but here the synthetic bristles are firmly anchored into the ferrule, the metal sleeve that joins the bristles and handle together. The shorter handles (and included carrying case ) make them a good option for travel. And with six different uses ranging from complexion to eye, this set guarantees you’ll be covered wherever your trip may take you.

Additional reporting by Deanna Pai

Some more makeup brushes and sets we’ve written about

Our experts

• Deney Adam , makeup artist and Ulta Beauty Pro Team member • Nick Barose , makeup artist • Robin Black , makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring • Tobi Henney , makeup artist • Jaleesa Jaikaran , makeup artist • Daniel Martin , makeup artist • Rio Viera-Newton , Strategist beauty writer

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , ultra-flattering pants , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

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The 21 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection

If you're reading this, it's probably time to buy some new makeup brushes

Ultimately, your makeup look is only as good as the tools you decide to sweep, swirl, and blend products on your face with.

Shop the Best Makeup Brush Sets

Most Popular Makeup Brush Set

Bs-mall makeup brush set.

Best Makeup Brush Set for Travel

Jones road the mini brush kit.

Best New Makeup Brush Set

Hannah martin x ciaté london 24-piece professional brush collection.

Best Every Day Brush Set

Saie the brush collection.

Best Foolproof Makeup Brush Set

Jenny patinkin women's sustainable luxury 6-piece dual-ended makeup brush set.

Best Every Day Makeup Brush Set

Charlotte tilbury magic mini brush set.

Best Makeup Brush Set for Definition

Surratt beauty artistique brush trio.

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E.l.f. cosmetics professional brush set.

Best Grippy Makeup Brush Set

Laruce tami professional makeup brush set.

Most Gift-Worthy Makeup Brush Set

Artis black bag bundle 4.

And as an added shopping bonus, many of these tools are available for under $100, which means you're getting a little more bang for your buck. These natural- and synthetic-hair brush bundles are so luxe, we won't blame you if you decide to scoop up a couple sets just for yourself—and put off cleaning your most-loved brushes a little longer.

Here, the best makeup brush sets that can make just about anyone feel like a pro.

Related: The Best Makeup Gift Sets For the Ultimate Beauty Lover

This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 125,000 satisfied customer reviews from Amazon shoppers, with nearly a five-star rating. And did we mention the 14-piece set is available for under $10?

Customer review:

"I love this set. If you are looking for a complete, everyday makeup brush set, I highly recommend this one, especially if you're a beginner wanting to learn all the little brush functions without spending a fortune to play around with techniques. I was pleased to receive the brushes in their own travel case and individually wrapped. The bristles are soft enough for a smooth application and firm enough not to leave streaks, which is always desirable." — Latosha R.

You'll find mini versions of Jones Road's blush, detail, eye blending, and eyeliner brushes in this small but might set, which happen to be developed by a makeup legend . The Italian-made bundle also happens to make a great beauty gift for anyone who likes to keep their application simple.

"The Jones Road brushes are the best! And the minis are easy to work with." — Marsha C

Ciaté London collaborated with celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin to create this limited-edition, professional-level brush set. In addition to buttery vegan hair fibers and FSC-approved wood handles, the set also nicely includes a handsome vegan carrying case.

If you're a fan of Saie's makeup best-sellers, we're betting you'll love applying them with this four-piece brush set from the brand. In addition to essentials for your base makeup and cream or balm products, the set also includes brushes specially designed for your powder, along with a dual-ended option for highlighter, concealer, or bronzer.

Since each of the brushes in this set—which include two for face, one for brows and liner, and more—are dual-ended, it's almost like they're getting two for the price of one.

If you're gifting a friend or family member who isn't one to spend a ton of time crafting their cheek and eye contours, surprise them this streamlined and travel-ready brush set from Charlotte Tilbury.

"This is an absolutely stunning set. Beautiful red velvet case with perfect size brushes." — Candlelover20

This set of three pro-level brushes include staples to define cheek contours, blend out eyeshadow, and emphasize you lash line with ease. And to get the most out of your natural hair brush set, try washing your them once a week with a conditioning shampoo.

Beauty enthusiasts are raving about this ergonomic 12-piece set from e.l.f, with one satisfied customer writing, "Already in love with e.l.f products but their brushes are so freaking amazing! They are soft and great quality, they are very durable, super easy to clean, and helps blend makeup smoothly! Definitely going to buy another set."

This five-piece set of synthetic complexion brushes is perfect for blending out creams and powders, and their signature handle designs ensure they won't accidentally slip out of your fingers mid-swipe.

This ergonomic brush set nicely contains all the essentials—from the makeup brushes themselves to the thoughtful brush cleaning wipes—making it an extra ideal gift for the artist in your circle.

Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)

Take your pick of 30 different brush options in this well-rounded set. And since its zippered carrying case contains a number of compartments for each type—including eye, complexion, blending, and more—you can easily stay organized as you apply your makeup.

Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate

Here's a professional-level brush collection that's made in Japan, and sophisticated enough for of any countertop. The set even includes its own magnetized plate that makes keeping track of your tools a breeze.

It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101

Here's a fluffy, five piece set that's meant to mimic the effect of airbrush makeup, and contains designated brushes for your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and powder.

EcoTools Vibes Makeup Brush Set

If you're looking to live more sustainably , consider this best-selling brush set from EcoTools. Not only are the brushes made from recycled aluminum and plastic with bamboo handles, but its bristles also feature rounded edges for easy makeup application.

"Great gift—got these for my friend for Christmas and she loved them! Super soft!" — Mykenzie

Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)

Here's an all-inclusive set from the pros at Hourglass that makes it seamless to replicate your favorite TikTok or runway beauty look. In addition to 17 tools to choose from, many of these brushes are dual-ended for added extra blending power.

Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack

We're betting this is the best $9 you'll ever spend on a set of makeup brushes (and did we mention they're on sale?). Blend your cut crease like an expert with this three piece brush set that's ideal for powder, cream, or liquid-based eyeshadows.

"This is a great set of makeup brushes at an affordable price. It’s amazing the difference that using good brushes makes when applying makeup. The process and the results. These brushes are my second favorite set." — Sally

Tarte Cosmetics Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set

This limited-edition, gilded brush set for eyes and face is almost too pretty to use, and makes applying pigmented blush or well-placed shadow a total breeze.

"Handles are long and easy to hold." — Katy W.

Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set

Whether you opt for no makeup-makeup or decide to try something a little bolder, this well rounded set from the cosmetics experts at Sigma Beauty has you covered. Not only does it contain tools for foundation, concealer, and powder, but you'll also find a mix of large and small angled options (plus a couple eye specific brushes) to seamlessly complete your next look.

"I love these brushes. So soft and work perfectly. Worth the price—also love the range of brushes in the set! :)" — Lizzie

Westman Atelier Westman Atelier Essential Mini Blending Brush Collection

Makeup icon Gucci Westman created this streamlined set of synthetic brushes that feature domed, pointed, and kabuki-shaped bristles to expertly blend out your makeup.

"I’ve had these brushes for quite some time now and I have to say, they’ve applied my makeup so effortlessly and was able to utilize just these brushes for the entire face. So they will definitely be great for travel as well as they don’t take up too much space in my makeup bag." — liezljoie

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

Add some variety to your makeup tools with this top-rated brush set—that over 1,100 Ulta customers love—which nicely contains a bonus angled sponge for optimal blending.

"These brushes are amazing and so easy to work with—absolutely a must." — Lexie

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

The Edit: Gift Guides

london, england february 02 victoria beckham attends the british vogue and tiffany co fashion and film party at annabel's on february 2, 2020 in london, england photo by david m benettdave benettgetty images

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17 Makeup Brushes You Need To Add To Your Inventory, According to MUAs

Flawless makeup is just a brush away.

Meet Our Experts: Elisa Flowers , New York City-based makeup artist, Nick Lujan , global director of artistry & education for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, Jamie Greenberg , celebrity makeup artist, Kate Synnott , celebrity makeup artist and beauty creative director of RÓEN

“Makeup brushes are absolutely vital for applying, buffing, and blending makeup or even facial moisturizing products," explains New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers . "They finesse the look of makeup and help apply the product in the way that it was intended to look. The correct makeup brush is going to aid the user in the application process," she adds.

Makeup brushes come in all shapes and sizes. They also have specific functions that each performs. You can stock up your beauty collection with foundation, eyeshadow, and concealer brushes, to name a few. So does that mean you should break up with your other tools? According to Flowers, in some cases, it’s better to use a foundation brush over a sponge. “It's better to use a foundation brush over a beauty blender if there's a lot of unevenness and texture on the skin,” she says. Let's say there's a breakout or bumps, or even super dry skin, “the correct foundation brush will allow the foundation to glide over the skin and leave a more traceless appearance . Sponges are great for shearing out makeup or spot concealing,” Flowers explains.

“A brush is more helpful than other makeup tools because it is a tool that gives makeup an overall blended effect,” Flowers tells WH . The function of these tools is to either highlight, blend, or sculpt. “Some looks would be more difficult to achieve with just fingers or a sponge. Fingers aside, the bonus of using a makeup brush is that it doesn't soak up extra product, and it distributes the makeup evenly,” she adds.

Ahead, see the best makeup brushes, according to the experts.

Foundation Brushes

1: bdellium tools golden triangle 988 bdhd phase i, bdellium tools golden triangle 988 bdhd phase i.

Flowers recommends this brush for applying cream and liquid foundations. “The rounded, angled tip and soft, dense bristles hug the contours of the face giving a flawless finish with a minimal product used,” she says. "I also like to use this brush after spraying a setting spray to ensure an evenly distributed coverage."

2: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush

Hourglass vanish™ seamless finish foundation brush.

The thicker handle on this brush makes blending foundation into the skin a quick and seamless process. It's also great for smoothing out those hard-to-reach areas like around the hairline.

Concealer Brushes

3: bdellium tools golden triangle 788 bdhd phase iii, bdellium tools golden triangle 788 bdhd phase iii.

This little brush packs a powerful application. According to Flowers, it’s perfect for applying concealer to tiny creases like the hollows of the eyes, and around the edges of the nose. You can also use the brush to smooth out fine powders and eye shadows.

4: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Duet Concealer Brush

Kevyn aucoin beauty the duet concealer brush.

"I keep multiples of this brush in my kit. I have at least one for concealer use, one for eyeshadow application, and one for lip application," says Nick Lujan , global director of artistry & education for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. "The best feature of this brush is that it has two ends: one to apply with precision and the other to blend, buff, and diffuse product. It works with creams and powders."

Eyebrow Brushes

5: smith cosmetics 214 spoolie brush, smith cosmetics 214 spoolie brush.

When it comes to taming eyebrow hairs, this brush is a must-have in your collection. The spoolie brush has an extra-long tubular design that makes it easy to get every hair. It also works products through your brows without getting stuck.

Blending Brushes

6: artís elite oval 7, artís elite oval 7.

"This brush is excellent for smoothing liquid and cream foundations over imperfections like bumpy blemishes or dry skin," Flowers explains. The dense brush bristles are soft and easily create an airbrushed-like surface that is streak free. "Another bonus is that you can pamper yourself with this brush with a lovely facial and neck massage," Flowers continues. "It's wonderful for applying moisturizers and serums."

7: Younique Kabuki Brush

Younique kabuki brush.

This kabuki brush is one of celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg ’s favorites. “It can be paired with cream, liquid, or powder, and allows for a detailed application that leaves the skin looking airbrushed and flawless," she says. "You can also use it to add cream contour. It's so multifunctional!”

Eyeshadow Brushes

8: shiseido naname fude multi eye brush, shiseido naname fude multi eye brush.

This eye makeup brush is another favorite of Flowers. It has a soft, angeled, domed shape that works best with cream and baked eyeshadows. It effortlessly blends the pigments into the skin and creates a smooth finish.

9: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Base Shadow Brush

Kevyn aucoin beauty the base / shadow brush.

According to Nick, this brush works well with creams and powders. "I love to apply my concealer as a shadow base, then I wipe the brush on a tissue and load it with loose powder to set," Nick says. "After that, I use the same brush to apply soft washes of color with powder eyeshadows."

10: RÓEN Beauty All Over Eyeshadow Brush

Róen beauty all-over eyeshadow.

"I love this so much for creating a smokey eye. It holds the pigment in the eyeshadow without any drop-down. I also use it for concealer as well—it works beautifully to blend delicate places like under the eye," says Kate Synnott , celebrity makeup artist and beauty creative director of RÓEN .

Eyeliner Brushes

11: artís elite oval 7 elite linear 1, artís elite linear 1.

“I find myself grabbing this brush for so many intricate tasks, such as filling in the gaps of eyebrows or smudging eyeliner perfectly next to the lash line,” Flowers explains. Even when the brush has product on it, the bristles still hold their shape without being too rough on delicate skin near the eyes.

12: Morphe M443 Pointed Liner Detail Brush

Morphe m443 pointed liner brush.

A great eyeliner brush doesn't have to break the bank. This one from Morphe is under $10, and it has a brush head that makes applying your favorite eyeliner quick and precise. The brush also has soft synthetic bristles that don't irritate the skin.

Powder & Blush Brushes

13: pür cosmetics blurring powder brush, pür cosmetics blurring powder brush.

The smaller size is what makes this powder brush so effective. Greenberg explains that it's best for applying blush and other powders. It also contours, highlights, and blends out your makeup for a flawless and soft finish.

14: Cozzette Beauty S120 Diamond Blender

Cozzette beauty s120 diamond blender.

"This is the perfect shape to hug the curves of your features," Nick says. "Because it is pointed, you are able to get really close to the perimeter of the eyes or lips for precise placement of setting powder."

15: Róen Beauty Blush + Blend

Róen beauty blush + blend.

According to Synnott, this is the best blush brush ever. "The sculpted head makes it easy for picking up blush to build coverage and to diffuse easily, giving cheeks a natural-looking glow," she says.

16: Tom Ford Cheek Brush

Tom ford cheek brush 06.

For an insanely natural brush application, reach for this brush, which is crafted with soft, synthetic hairs that provide effortless, even color.

17: Fenty Beauty Cheek Hugging Highlight Brush 120

Fenty beauty cheek-hugging highlight brush 120.

This brush offers a highlight like no other, thanks to its asymmetrical, curved shape. The innovative design chisels and defines curves where you want them.

Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness. When she’s not writing about the newest product launches and time-saving tips, Taylor teaches barre at her local studio. Follow her on Instagram

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one of the best makeup brush sets on an orange background

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Updated January 19, 2024: This article on the best makeup brush sets was updated with tips on choosing makeup brush sets and additional information on how to clean makeup brushes, as well as new makeup brush set selections and product testing notes.

An artist is only as good as their tools, and we’re not just talking about painters. The same rule applies in the realm of cosmetics: Your makeup can only be as good as your applicators, which is why you should upgrade your collection to include the best makeup brush sets to ensure that your every beauty need is met.

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“I love a good brush set because it can encourage you to start experimenting with new techniques that you might not have otherwise considered,” Vincent explains. “For example, an angled eyeshadow brush can be used in many more ways than a standard flat brush. You might learn to create a color wash with the wide section of the brush, and then use the narrow side to create an accent with a darker color.”

It also helps that there’s “usually a price break,” when you opt to purchase an entire set versus individual blush brushes , bronzer brushes , and eye makeup brushes, Vincent adds. “Even if one of the brushes doesn’t become a favorite, you’ll likely make use of most of them, so the value is there.”

The best set of makeup brushes for you depends on your everyday beauty preferences, the types of bristles that work with your skin, and other special features like weighted handles for shaky hands. To create this list of the best makeup brushes sets, we spoke with Vincent, as well as celebrity makeup artist Linda Hay , celebrity makeup artist and Jamie Makeup founder Jamie Greenberg , makeup artist Neil Scibelli , and global makeup artist for Jane Iredale Nechelle Turner . Ahead, eye makeup brush sets, travel makeup brush sets, and professional makeup brush sets with all the tools you need for everyday or special-occasion glam.

Top Makeup Brush Sets for 2024

Editor’s Choice: It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set
Best on Amazon: BS-Mall Premium 18-Piece Brush Set
Best Affordable: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

Koccido 22-Piece Makeup Brush Set

Hourglass Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set

Best for Travel: Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set
Best for Eyes: Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Collection

Luxie Bronze and Glow Makeup Brush Set

Eigshow jade series 15-piece makeup brush kit, mac cosmetics brush with greatness travel set, saie the brush collection, sigma beauty essential kit, bestope makeup brush set.

Best Professional: Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set
Best for Beginners: Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set

Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set

E.l.f. cosmetics flawless face brush collection.

Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

BS-Mall Premium 18-Piece Brush Set

The BS-Mall Premium 18-piece brush set is one of the best makeup brush sets on Amazon. With over 28,000 reviews (the majority of which are 5-star) to date, it’s also the best rated makeup brush set with customers raving that the brushes are “soft,” “high quality,” and “comparable to high-end brushes.” Pros prefer brushes like this as well, with Scibelli noting that he tends to opt for synthetic brushes (similar to these ones) since they’re easy to clean and more durable. “The hairs tend to last longer and don’t shed as much,” he confirms. The 18-piece Amazon makeup brush set includes both precision eye makeup brushes, as well as chunky kabuki brushes for blush, bronzer , foundation , and other face product applications. As a bonus, these brushes are made of high-quality alloy and durable wood, to help ensure your set is long-lasting. What testers say: “The BS-MALL Makeup Brush Set in A-Champagne is truly a gem in the world of beauty tools. With 18 meticulously crafted pieces, this premium synthetic brush set caters to all your makeup needs – from flawless foundation application to precise eyeshadow and blush blending. The bristles are incredibly soft, providing a luxurious feel on the skin.” Price upon publish date of this article: $9.98

EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set

If you’re looking for one of the best makeup brush sets on a budget, try the EcoTools brushes. This (as its name would suggest) eco-friendly tool set is constructed from 100 percent recycled, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free materials, and the collection comes packaged in tree-free paper made from cotton and bamboo fibers. It also contains all of Scibelli’s necessities. “A set of all the basics are important,” he explains. “[That includes] a synthetic foundation brush, a powder brush [and] a few dense eyeshadow brushes.” The Day Beautifully Brush Set consists of the brand’s core collection of five brushes (including an angled foundation brush, blurring brush, defining crease brush, angled liner brush, and full blush brush), as well as three how-to beauty look cards to help simplify your routine. What testers say: “Bought this as my first makeup brush set, and I’ve continued using this ever since! The value is great for beginners looking for an affordable yet versatile set of brushes. I don’t use the metal box this comes with since I find it quite clunky, but I do use the brushes often. They are soft, easy to clean, and durable. No problems with them so far!” Price upon publish date of this article: $7.98

As one of the best makeup brush sets for beginners, the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials kit covers all of the basics with its pro-curated pairings. “[Beginners should] shop for a condensed, small brush kit of the necessities,” explains Scibelli. “You can really start small, and then work your way up.” Featuring brushes for the face, cheeks, and eyes, the set includes the brand’s RT 400 Blush, RT 300 Deluxe Crease, RT 402 Setting, and RT 200 Expert Face brushes, plus the Miracle Complexion Sponge. Testers cite the brushes as being durable and easy to work with. What testers say: “This set was just what I needed. I loved how they are such good quality brushes without having to break the bank. I adore my sponge. I typically only use beauty blenders however for the price I will never order another Beauty blender again. This performs just as nice as the 20 dollar beauty blender. I am in love with this set!” Price upon publish date of this article: $18.79

Kiccido 22-Piece Makeup Brush Set

A number two bestseller in its category on Amazon, the Kiccido makeup brush set has earned rave reviews from over 11,000 five-star reviewers. With a whopping 22 brushes and tools, the set will have you covered from skin prep to the final dusting of setting powder , as it includes a silicone lip exfoliator to slough dry spots before you apply your best lipsticks , as well as a silicone paddle tool to apply face masks and skin care products like face serums . On top of these tools, you’ll get a makeup brush cleaning pad, four makeup sponges, and 13 brushes for your eyes, brows, lips, and complexion. What testers say: “I’ve used them for a few months now and washed them multiple times with none of the brushes shedding. The fibers are soft on the skin, and there’s nearly every brush size you need. I do wish there was a large dense/flat brush and a smaller fluffy brush, but especially for the price, this was a good purchase!” Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99

“Brush prices and styles can really range but the great news is that they’ve become so much more accessible,” says Scibelli. One of the reasons affordable brushes are easy to get a hold of lately? There are so many quality picks on Amazon. A number-one bestseller on this mega-retailer is the Bestope Makeup Brush Set, which is stocked with 16 brushes that cater to the face, lips, and eyes. Available in five colors and featuring soft and dense synthetic fiber-made brushes, this versatile set of makeup brushes ensures that you have everything you need to contour, highlight, and blend. What testers say: “I was very happy with these brushes! The colors are so pretty, and the texture/tactile nature is very nice. The bristles are nice and soft, the handles easy enough to grip and use. I was also very happy that I didn’t notice any weird smells from product or packaging. I’m really happy especially with the eye brushes, as they all disperse the makeup very evenly, and they hold the shadow very well when transferring from case to face. They also blend very nicely, nothing comes out unevenly due to awkward or uneven bristles.” Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99

It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set

It Cosmetics’ makeup brushes are a popular choice, with over 201 million views on TikTok — shoppers can’t get over how beautifully the brushes blend face makeup. The brand’s bestselling Heavenly Luxe powder brush costs $50 alone, so this budget-friendly set is a major deal, with four brushes for just $51. Where some travel makeup brush sets include mini tools, this one features full-sized face and eye makeup brushes with a handy sunglass case-sized carrying pouch. Editor testing and review notes: “This It Cosmetics makeup brush set is an editor’s choice pick for its value and quality. During testing, I was highly impressed with the feel of the brushes given the $50 price point — each of the tools applied product smoothly without streaks, and I didn’t experience any bristle fallout during a six-month testing period. The bristles also snap back to like-new after washing, where other fluffy bristled brushes can loose their soft feel after multiple washes. The edit of brushes has me covered for every step of a full-glam routine, including flat to fluffy eyeshadow brushes for different looks and a powder and foundation brush that covers my base makeup beautifully. An included carrying case is the cherry on top for limiting clutter on my vanity countertop.” — Senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor Claire Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $51

Hourglass is renowned for its luxury makeup brushes, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber using these tools for everyday glam. Each brush has bristles made of PETA-approved Taklon, a synthetic fiber that mimics the feel of boar hair, delivering streak-free makeup application and no irritation on sensitive skin types. On top of these silky-soft bristles, Hourglass makeup brushes have weighted metal handles that are ideal for those with hand shakes or tremors. Hay says she can’t live without her Hourglass makeup brushes, explaining that they are beautifully engineered and “become an extension of your hand, making the application process a breeze.” Individual Hourglass makeup brushes range from $39 to $72 a pop, making this seven-piece makeup brushes set a bargain at $320. You’ll get four brushes for finessing your foundation, concealer , best red lipsticks , and face makeup, as well as three eye makeup brushes and a vegan leather carrying case. Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve owned my Hourglass makeup brushes for four years, using them regularly with cream and powder products. Throughout this testing period — and with weekly or biweekly washing — the bristles have remained as fresh and soft as they were the day I opened them. The bristles have a unique density to them that makes them particularly great for cream eyeshadows and liquid blushes . I find that I need less product to get my desired color payoff when I use these brushes, too.” — Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $320

Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set

Another Hay-approved brand for makeup brushes, Charlotte Tilbury’s tools are created with high-quality synthetic bristles and wood handles. This mini four-piece set is our pick as the best travel makeup brush set for the tools’ petite size that makes touch ups and full makeup application easy on-the-go. This particular set includes two essential brushes for eyeshadow application, a foundation and concealer brush, a fluffy powder brush, and a velvet carrying case. Editor testing and review notes: “Charlotte Tilbury’s complexion makeup brushes are the ones I reach for the most when I use a brush to apply my best foundations and concealers — the bristles deposit and blend the pigments smoothly and without streaks. I love that this set slips into a shoulder bag with ease, and despite the small handles, they’re easy to work with.” — Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $55

Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Collection

Eyeshadow palette -lovers know that Morphe makes some of the most extensive, colorful options on the market. So leave it to the brand to create a stellar eyeshadow makeup brush set. Ideal for those who like to make a statement on the lids, the Eye Obsessed Brush Collection comes with 12 makeup brushes, including full, fluffy options as well as ones with pencil-like precision. The set includes a mix of natural bristles (white-tipped brushes) and synthetic bristles (black-tipped brushes), with each designed to go gentle on your eyelids while you’re etching a cat eye in place or diffusing eyeshadow for a daytime look. What testers say: “Since I work only part-time, I don’t use these brushes every day. I bought them because they are Morphe and because the price was right. I have used them for about 3 months and just recently washed them. Overall, I have seen maybe 3 bristles fall out of one of the white brushes. The brushes are easy to handle and balanced in weight while using.” Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Otis Batterbee Total Face Makeup Set

London-based beauty tool brand Otis Batterbee is a cult-favorite for cruelty-free makeup brush sets, counting celebs like Gwenyth Paltrow as fans of the brand. Makeup artists also can’t get enough of the line; Greenberg called them some of the most underrated makeup brushes out there in a recent TikTok . What’s so special? Despite the cutely-colored handles, it’s all in the bristles. These brushes features PETA-approved bristles that feel like silk on your skin — and make any makeup you apply go on seamlessly. The Total Face Makeup Brush Set comes nicely curated, with a six brushes for foundation, setting powder, concealer, eyeliner, and eyeshadows. What testers say: “These make all my other brushes look sad and dull! It took me a few days to start using them — I wanted time to just look at them, they almost deserve to be displayed in a vase on the mantelpiece! So soft, they do an excellent job, so well designed and so very pretty. I’m just delighted, would highly recommend.” Price upon publish date of this article: $80

If you prefer a soft, diffused makeup look, Luxie’s Bronze and Glow Makeup Brush Set has the tools you need for the job. These brushes feature soft, fluffy synthetic bristles across the board, which makes any makeup product you apply go on smooth and subtle. This set also includes two sponges for your base makeup, including a mini sponge that’s handy for stippling concealer into the inner corners of your eyes. Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve tested Luxie makeup brushes for three years, and throughout this extended testing window, I’ve come to rely on the powder and eyeshadow brushes for my daytime makeup looks. Where some brushes deposit a lot of pigment for bolder looks, these ones deliver a gorgeously subtle result for a no-makeup makeup look. With lots of testing and washing, I’ve only noticed a few bristles falling out.” — Sullivan

Bridal and celebrity makeup artist Cara Lovello says this Eigshow makeup brush set is one of the best makeup brush sets for beginners available on Amazon. “The brushes are affordable and good quality,” Lovello says, adding, “they don’t shed or fall apart.” The brand’s 15-piece Jade Series kit includes all the tools needed to create precise, flawless looks, from a foundation brush to various eye makeup tools. The brushes are made with vegan-friendly bristles sourced from corn silk fibers and birch wood handles, and come packaged (and separated) in a cosmetic bag made from recycled clothing and linen fibers. What testers say: “I bought this set about 2 years ago and have used it frequently. The eyeshadow brushes are the real gems in this set. They have are so soft that they make diffusing eyeshadows in the crease a dream. They have held up very well to washing and maintain their shape.” Price upon publish date of this article: $26.99

A gorgeous makeup brush set is a spot-on gift for women , whether it’s a surprise for mom or a present for your wife . Mac Cosmetics’ Brush With Greatness Travel Set woos with its special-edition artwork and cashmere-soft synthetic bristles. The set includes a fluffy powder brush, a slanted brush for liquid blushes or foundations, a blending eyeshadow brush and an angled brow brush. These travel-sized brushes are great to stash in an overnight bag or work bag for touch-ups while traveling or at the office; it comes with a color-coordinated storage pouch. What testers say: “Exactly what I was looking for. Compact size but full size performance.” Price upon publish date of this article: $50

Saie makeup brushes are TikTok phenomenons — searches for the tools have tallied over 368 million views on the app. The Big Brush (second from left) gets the most attention on BeautyTok, with testers showcasing how it effortlessly applies cream and liquid products for a skin-mimicking result. With this top makeup brush set, you’ll get that TikTok-famous beauty tool along with a complexion brush, double-ended eye brush for highlighting and contouring, and a fluffy brush for powder. Price upon publish date of this article: $96

Makeup brushes sets are ideal for replacing tattered tools in one fell swoop, rather than purchasing individual replacements. Sigma Beauty’s Essential Kit is a full makeup brush set, complete with brushes for eye and face makeup. Each brush in the 12-piece set of makeup brushes is crafted with cruelty-free synthetic bristles that’ll last you years of use without shedding. Its range of simple and specific brushes cater to everyday glam or more creative looks that involve more tight-lining, blending, and buffing. What testers say: “I wasn’t crazy about spending this much money on a set of makeup brushes but I thought I would try. Wow! I have older Chanel, Mac, Bobbi Brown brushes. I took great care of them. These brushes really do make a difference when depositing makeup. I never thought I would be able to tell the difference. A good brush really does mean everything, and I use them all. I’m now able to toss some of my old brushes. These are the best and definitely worth the price.” Price upon publish date of this article: $160

Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set

Fully stocked with 24 makeup brushes that cover the face, cheeks, eyes, lips and brows, the Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set was designed for professional makeup artists and glam enthusiasts who want a full range of brushes and tools at their disposal. In addition to filling the holes in your makeup brush collection, this best makeup brush set for professionals also comes with a leather roll-up pouch and storage box for added convenience. What testers say: “The brushes are so soft and well made! I had only minimal shedding from one or two of the brushes when I washed them before use. One was the fan brush and another was one of the Kabuki brushes. All the rest of the brushes have worked beautifully for me.” Price upon publish date of this article: $47.99

Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set

Designed to achieve a flawless full-face glam, the Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set is one of the best makeup brush sets on a budget. It comes equipped with seven brushes, covering the face, eyes, and brows. “I think a set of all the basics are important,” says Scibelli. “A synthetic foundation brush, a powder/bronzer brush [and] a few dense eyeshadow brushes.” These vegan, cruelty-free synthetic brushes meet all of Scibelli’s kit requirements and seamlessly blend makeup to deliver airbrush-level results. And for the environmentally conscious, you’ll be pleased to know this Sephora makeup brush set is sustainably developed and comes in recyclable packaging. What testers say: “My brushes were very old and needed replacing. These are so soft and having a complete set is great. They do what they are meant for easily and wash well.” Price upon publish date of this article: $49

Created with the eyes in mind, the Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set features seven brushes designed for eyeliner, eyeshadow and brows. Made with the brand’s exclusive synthetic antimicrobial fibers, securing them as one of the best vegan makeup brush sets on the market, these quality brushes are engineered to better hold, apply and blend products. The set includes the E40 Tapered Blending Brush, the E55 Eye Shading Brush, the E60 Large Shader Brush, the E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush, the E30 Pencil Brush, the E65 Small Angle Brush and the E05 Liner Brush. What testers say: “I hate buying brushes — too many to pick from. I needed professional quality for bridal makeup this past summer. Women need eye brushes. One just isn’t enough. This Sigma eye collection has it all. With these brushes you will have amazing results. Must buy.” Price upon publish date of this article: $77

Designed with the face, cheeks and brows in mind, the E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Collection includes the Concealer Brush, the Eyeshadow “C” Brush, the Small Angled Brush, the Small Stipple Brush, the Eyebrow Duo Brush and the Ultimate Blending Brush. Most notably, reviewers rave about the affordability of this set, which comes at a much lower price point than many other options on this list. What testers say: “These Elf brushes are amazing. The blender is smooth and leaves makeup looking light and fresh. Also easy to clean.” Price upon publish date of this article: $15

Why Do I Need Makeup Brushes?

That’s not the only reason brushes should be an essential part of your at-home makeup kit. Scibelli notes that those who rely on their fingers for makeup application should be proceed with caution. Fingers can leave trails of oil, bacteria, and even fingerprints on the skin, which can ultimately lead to breakouts. So, keep things hygienic with sanitized makeup brushes.

The Best Makeup Brushes to Look for in a Set

Despite what you may see on TikTok, you don’t need an overwhelming number of brushes to achieve a professional-level look. According to Greenberg and Hay, your kit should include a mix of the following types of makeup brushes:

Foundation brushes to apply and blend your face makeup. Hay recommends keeping two: One for applying foundation and the other for polishing the skin.
Angled brushes for brows and eyeliner.
Eyeshadow brushes in various sizes. Hay recommends options that range from the tiniest point for fine work up to big, fluffy eyeshadow brushes for buffing and blending shadows.
Pencil brushes for the lower lash line and a more concentrated shadow color in the outer corner of your eye.
Concealer brushes for smaller, more targeted applications.
Powder brushes for applying setting powder to the T-zone, as well as blending powder bronzer or blush onto the skin.
Angled contour brushes for bronzer and contour sticks .
Lip brushes to detail richly pigmented lip colors, like red lipstick , and to blend and diffuse lip liner.

What to Look For In the Best Makeup Brushes Sets

While makeup brush sets are an excellent investment, like anything else, not all sets are created equally. Ergo, when shopping for the best makeup brushes, there are some key details to consider.

Synthetic vs. natural hair

Synthetic brushes feel more like natural hair brushes and are nonporous. As such, they “pick up and distribute more product onto the skin for a more defined and more precise application,” Turner says. That being said, because synthetic brushes pick up and distribute more product, Turner advises using a lighter hand. It’s also worth noting that synthetic brushes which are stiff or have a shiny coating can result in a streaky makeup application, so you want to look for fluffy, softer bristles.

Hay uses a mix of natural and synthetic bristled brushes on her celebrity clients, and she notes that the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. “The quality of synthetic bristles has come such a long way,” Hay explains, noting that Hourglass makes options she loves to use.

“In either case, look for shedding,” Turner warns. “Shedding or lack of shedding bristles is a good indication of the quality of the fibers in both cases.”

Number of makeup brushes

Be realistic about how many brushes you need and how many brushes you’ll actually use. “If you’re advanced and like to try new techniques and looks, then a larger set with a wide range of variety will suit you best,” Vincent explains. “If you’re relatively simple with your makeup, then an edited set will be great for you.”

“A basic brush set for the minimalist might be a five- to eight-piece brush set with foundation, blush, powder, lip, and eye shadow brushes,” says Hay, who notes that double-ended brush sets are handy, as a five-brush set with dual-ended bristles gives you 10 brush options to work with.

Handle material and length

As for handle material, there are two options: wooden or plastic. “This may not be important for everyone,” Vincent prefaces, “but specifically for natural brushes, I prefer a beautiful wooden handle and brush hairs that have been hand cut and tied. This usually means high attention to detail has been taken with the taper and placement of the brush hairs, which I find translates to a more refined lay-down of powdered products.”

With sets geared towards beginners, pros, and every mastery level in between, the best makeup brush sets accommodate a wide range of beauty abilities with their basic, essential, and expert brush pairings. Below, find the best makeup brush sets that will satisfy every beauty buff’s skillset and budget.

How To Clean Makeup Brushes

“In general, clean brushes will give you a cleaner result,” explains Hay. While she washes her brushes on a daily basis, Hay explains that how frequently you wash your tools depends on how much makeup you use. “For example, if you’ve given yourself a smokey black eye one day and plan on doing something bronzy and natural the next, you may need to wash and refresh them.” Hay uses Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleaning makeup brushes every seven to 10 days at a minimum to prevent bacteria growth. Luckily, it’s not a terribly time-consuming task, and the steps to properly cleanse your makeup brushes are relatively easy:

Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of a gentle shampoo. Hay recommends using Johnson’s Baby Shampoo , which she likes for its antibacterial properties and gentle formulation.
Place the brushes bristle side down in the bowl of water and let them soak for three to five minutes.
Then, “address each brush individually,” says Hay. She recommends placing a dollop of shampoo in the palm of your hand, massaging the bristles into the soap, then thoroughly rinsing the bristles. Brushes exposed to concentrated pigments like eyeshadows or eyeliners may need to passes for a thorough cleanse.
When clean, it’s crucial to rinse your brushes extremely well, as soap residue can interfere with makeup application as well as irritate the skin.
The last step is to take a clean microfiber towel and gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the brushes, and lay them flat over the sink’s edge to dry. “Laying flat ensures no water seeps into the handle and damages your brushes,” explains Vincent. “I also ensure brushes are bone dry before storing upright, for the same reason of preserving the life of my beautiful brushes.”

Why Trust WWD?

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Linda Hay is a world-renowned makeup artist known for her down-to-earth personality and her uncanny ability to highlight what is unique within all her subjects. A painter since childhood, her deep fascination with color, texture, and technique was the start of her artistic passion. Linda has collaborated with legendary fashion photographers including Peter Lindbergh, Arthur Elgort, and Walter Chin, and her work has graced the covers of magazines around the world such as Vogue Italia , Interview , W , Elle and Allure . She has been tapped by some of Hollywood’s most beautiful faces including Heidi Klum, Selena Gomez, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts for red carpet events.

Neil Scibelli is a leading fashion & celebrity makeup artist in NYC, Scibelli has trained under renowned makeup companies (specifically Kevyn Aucoin, Laura Mercier, and Yves Saint Laurent!) and now focuses his years of training on creating looks on clients ranging from supermodels to recording artists.

Danielle Kimiko Vincent is the founder of the ultra-popular makeup brand KIMIKO. Vincent is a makeup artist and brow expert who has rightfully earned her spot as an industry authority in the world of beauty. Her work has been seen in various national publications and she’s known for her less-is-more approach to makeup.

Nechelle Turner is a global makeup artist for Jane Iredale. Turner has worked in the industry for over 26 years. She creates flawless looks for her clients (many of who have walked the red carpets of both the Grammys and BET awards), while also educating other makeup artists about her craft.

Meet the Author

Julie Ricevuto is a beauty and wellness journalist who’s written for outlets like Seventeen, Allure Magazine, The Today Show, Glamour Magazine, and more. Julie brings the latest cosmetic news to the forefront, along with how-tos, scientific study breakdowns, and expert interviews.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, including top makeup brush sets for different types of glam. Sullivan has reported on and tested makeup brush sets for six years, and her expertise contributed to the writing and editing she made to this article for its January 2024 update.

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The 20 Best Makeup Brushes That Professionals Swear By

By Rachel Dube

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you apply makeup every day or only on special occasions, a trusty set of makeup brushes should always be on hand. Shopping for the best makeup brushes, however, may feel like a complicated process while browsing through page after page of online beauty retailers—especially with the many, many different types of brushes available. But selecting the perfect brush doesn’t have to be complicated.

When looking for the best makeup brush set, there are a few things to keep in mind. Chief among what to remember is to find quality brushes that are best suited for your needs. For example, if you’re someone who uses full-face foundation and bronzer on the daily, you’ll need different brushes from someone who only applies a bit of eyeshadow and concealer. Another factor to consider is the amount of space in your makeup storage for brush kits. Someone with lots of space can purchase multiple different brushes and brush sets, whereas someone with less may want to consider snagging brushes with multiple uses.

In short: There are a ton of options out there for you to choose from, with different features among each of them. A brush can differ in what type of application it’s best for, between its bristles, brush head, versatility, and price points. Some will give you an airbrushed finish while others are meant to leave you with just the right amount of setting powder and so on.

Regardless of which you select, it should be something you’ll be comfortable using day after day. A good brush collection, brush cleaner, and a makeup bag for your brushes will help extend the life of your brushes and help achieve the makeup look you want. And even though shopping for high-quality makeup brushes may seem daunting, there’s no need to fret—especially when you can follow the advice of professionals. Below, find a range of expert-approved makeup brushes for every type of makeup application. And to make the process of finding the best ones a bit less overwhelming we sourced them from top beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, Nordstrom, and more.

Best Brush for Prepping Skin

For better makeup application, prepping your skin is essential. Makeup prep brushes will help you apply the necessary serums, moisturizers , or primers.

It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin Perfecting Brush

Your makeup routine begins with prep and Emma Willis , Mane Addict stylist, dubs this one from IT Cosmetics her absolute favorite. “Not only does this brush look pretty—it also has nourishing skin benefits infused in its bristles,” she tells SELF. “I love using it to apply skin prep, which for me usually consists of a serum mixed with an illuminating moisturizer blended into the skin, and this brush works wonders.”

Best Brush for Foundation

When looking for a foundation brush make sure to grab one for the type of foundation that you use—whether that’s liquid, cream, tint, or powder.

Real Techniques Makeup Setting Brush with black bristles and pink handle

Real Techniques Setting Brush

For a foundation application that’s soft and precise, pick up this face brush from Real Techniques. “I love this brush because it’s small and fluffy,” Lindsay Kastuk , a bridal, commercial, and editorial makeup artist based in New York City, shares with SELF. “It applies foundation so softly and precisely, which is perfect for a light and natural foundation application.”

Make Up For Ever 106 Medium Foundation Brush

Willis adores using this brush for applying cream and liquid foundation onto the skin easily and quickly. It has a tapered head and flat, wide bristles for accurately applying and blending foundation.

Best Brush for Concealer

Whether you have high-end concealer or drugstore concealer , you don’t want to waste any product. Using the right concealer brush is key for precision since concealer tends to target the small areas of your face.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush

When selecting a concealer brush, it’s best to select one with a smaller, more precise shape like the half-moon of this one from Hourglass Cosmetics. This one specifically is a top pick of Brittany Lo , professional makeup artist and founder of Beautini and Beia, because it gently applies concealer and leaves an airbrush finish thanks to its soft bristles. “The bristles are so soft and it’s one of my absolute favorites for applying concealer to the skin,” she tells SELF.

Make Up For Ever 144 Precision Highlighter & Concealer Brush

Make Up For Ever’s 144 brush is another favorite of Lo’s for applying concealer. “For more control and precision, this brush is a great option for concealers,” she explains to SELF. “It allows you to pinpoint and cover blemishes and redness on the face while keeping coverage light, which is especially important since concealer can be thick.”

Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Brush #71

This brush is so uniquely tapered that it almost mimics your fingertips for concealer application, Willis tells SELF. “It leaves a soft smooth finish and has dual sides: one to place and smooth and the other to sheer out and blend,” she says. “It’s definitely one of my kit staples.”

Monika Blunder Call Your Buff Angled Brush

The popular angled makeup brush provides precision and easy concealing. Monika Blunder , celebrity makeup artist and founder of Monika Blunder Beauty, considers this contouring brush to be a powerhouse for cream complexion products. It makes quick work of foundation, concealer, cream contour, and cream blush, blending them seamlessly with a cohesive finish, she tells SELF.

Best Brush for Powder Blush

There’s nothing like finishing up a look with a bit of blush . In order to avoid two heavy red spots on the apple of your cheeks look for a blush brush that will evenly distribute the blush powder.

Gloriest Blush Brush

“Truth be told, there is some trial and error when it comes to ordering brushes online because you can’t feel the bristles before purchasing,” explains Lo. She considers this Gloriest brush one of her go-tos. “The bristles are super soft so it doesn’t irritate your skin, it has an affordable price, and allows you to build your blush without it looking blotchy.”

e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush Brush

“This brush comes at a wonderful price point and has lasted me such a long time,” Kastuk tells SELF. “It applies powder blush as lightly as a real hairbrush would and is the perfect size to use on the cheeks.”

Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #96

If you’re looking for a blush that’s great for both powder and blush, Lo recommends using this one from Sephora Collection. “The tapered, dome-shaped bristles allow the brush to be applied and blended evenly,” she tells SELF. “I mostly use this brush with powder but it can easily be used for cream blush as well.”

Best Brush for Cream Blush

Cream blush will give you that beautiful dewy look and a buffing dense brush helps with any hard lines from the cream blush.

Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #99

Lo recommends this blush brush for seamlessly applying cream blushes. “This brush is dense enough to apply cream blush while still being light and fluffy to allow the blush to apply lightly and build onto the skin.”

Best Brush for Highlighter

Gone are the days of the fan brush, instead fluffy angled brushes make a great highlighter brush .

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Brush

This double-ended brush is a two-for-one brush, says Lo. “One side is for blush and the other size is for highlighter,” she tells SELF. “I like the size of both brushes on this because they allow you to apply blush or highlighter in a focused area while not being overly dense or applying too much product.”

Surratt Artistique Highlight Brush

Willis loves using this cheek brush to dust highlighters all over the high points of the face or add a flush of color to the cheeks. “This is one of my absolute favorite brushes since it has hand-tied natural fibers that make it feel ultra-soft to the touch.”

Best Brushes for Bronzer

For a bronzer brush look for round, densely-packed buffing brushes.

Hourglass Veil Powder Brush

This bronzer brush is another one of Blunder’s favorites: “It’s been in my kit since it came out,” she says. “It’s dual-ended and perfect for applying blush and bronzer.”

Luxie 530 Flat Top Kabuki Rose Gold Brush

The Luxie 530 Flat Top Kabuki Brush is a new favorite of Willis—but equally as amazing as old favorites and it comes in a beautiful rose gold color. “I’ve been using it a LOT to apply cream bronzers to the face, neck, and décolletage prior to foundation.”

Best Brushes for Eyeshadow

With the right eyeshadow brush you can lay down pigments and blend beautifully for a perfect eye makeup look every time.

Mac Cosmetics 217S Synthetic Blending Brush

For a brush that’s perfect for creating almost any eye makeup look, Blunder recommends using this one from Mac Cosmetics. “It’s soft and densely packed without being too stiff.”

Makeup by Mario E 4 Makeup Brush

Makeup by Mario comes from the celebrity makeup artist behind the looks of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen, and others, so it’s no surprise that one of its brushes is a favorite of consumers and Blunder. “This brush is great for eyeshadow and creating a cut crease, but I also love it for applying concealer before I go in to blend it out,” she tells SELF.

Monika Blunder Tulip Blending Brush

If you’re looking for an eyeshadow brush that can double as a lip brush this blending brush is for you. Blunder dubs this brush as the most versatile one in her kit. “This little densely packed pencil brush is great for everything from eyeshadow to concealer and (my favorite) for lips.”

Best Brush for Eyebrows

If you’re using an eyebrow pencil then an eyebrow brush should be able to give you a natural finish, whether that means filling in your eyebrows or creating an arched look.

Bdellium Tools Golden Triangle 716 Smoky Liner Brush

When choosing an eyebrow brush to fill in the sparse area of your brows, Katsuk likes to opt for one with incredibly small bristles that almost mimics drawing hair strokes. “It’s the best for filling in your brows and making them look more natural,” she says.

Best Brush for Self-Tanning

For the perfect fake tan you’ll want a brush that will distribute self-tanner in all the nooks and crannies of your face or body.

La Mer The Powder Brush

Although one might not think of grabbing makeup brushes for self-tanner application, Willis highly recommends it. “I use this La Mer brush to apply self-tanners to the face and body,” she tells SELF. “I just love the airbrush finish instead of a mitt and the synthetic bristles of this brush make it soft with just the right amount of sturdiness for control.”

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes With Minimal Effort

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Travel Products

The 9 Best Makeup Cases for Travel in 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our picks fit all of your favorite accessories and stand up to drops and shakes.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying
Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

If you wear even a small amount of makeup, you likely own some form of a makeup bag to use while traveling. But if your go-to makeup bag is hard to see into, has a janky zipper, or is just a plastic bag, it’s time for an upgrade. Lucky for you, we thoroughly tested 26 popular makeup bags in our New York City studio to find out which ones are actually worth traveling with.

Over the course of five months of tests both in our New York City lab and during our real travels, we stuffed each makeup case to the brim with cosmetics, packed them into luggage, and threw them around the room (yes, really). And when all was said and done, there were 9 makeup cases we liked enough to permanently add to our luggage collections and recommend to you. Based on factors like quality, capacity, design, portability, value, and ease of use, here are our 9 favorite makeup bags and cosmetic cases.

Best Overall

Béis the cosmetic case.

Ease of Use 5 /5
Quality 5 /5
Capacity 5 /5
Design 5 /5
Portability 5 /5

It’s durable, capacious, and nice to look at — plus, it has a large built-in mirror.

We feel it could benefit from interior straps to hold products down.

Reliable, stylish, and compact yet spacious, it’s no wonder this easy-to-pack cosmetic case from luggage brand Béis impressed us the most. The main compartment opens and closes smoothly, while a center compartment for brushes and other smaller items can be removed in a snap. There are even multiple additional pockets, pouches, and subtle slots in the bag, so there’s truly a place for everything. We also noticed that, because the interior of the case is so roomy, it’s incredibly easy to see every item inside when fully opened. And speaking of the interior, the bag actually boasts a large attached mirror on the inside, which comes in handy for in-transit makeup application.

During our five months of tests, the PU leather and hardware worked together to create efficient padding that kept the contents of the case safe and intact through bumps and drops — not to mention, the bag itself still looked good through the wear and tear. On many occasions, we tossed this case in a duffel before going through airport security and boarding a flight, and it still looks good as new. Though $68 may feel a bit pricey for a makeup bag, we felt this case’s thoughtful design and durable construction is worth it. You can grab the case in eight colors ranging from beige to berry.

The Details: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | PU leather, nylon, PVC, poly | Zipper closure

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best for Organization

Relavel travel makeup case.

It’s one of the roomiest bags on our list and it’s lightweight.

It does take up a bit of space in your luggage.

While this case is on the larger side, we felt that ended up being more helpful than hurtful while traveling. We could fit pretty much everything in this thing: a whopping seven palettes, a whole brush collection, two foundation bottles, five toiletry bottles, over 15 lipsticks, an eyelash curler, hair spray, and a travel-sized moisturizer bottle, to be exact. Despite its size, the train case actually remains quite lightweight as well as organized thanks to its adjustable dividers and stretchable pouches on the inside. During our five-month test, we even ended up using this for both makeup and toiletries, since it provides plenty of space.

The interior additionally features layers of protective foam-like material that expertly keeps makeup bottles from cracking. We also found that both the interior and exterior of this case are easy to clean, should a spill or outdoor drop occur. Because it’s a little big, though, we’d recommend packing this case in a carry-on suitcase or even checked luggage rather than a tote or backpack. You can pick this case up in 20 different colors and prints.

The Details: 10.3 x 9 x 3.7 inches | Nylon | Zipper closure

Best Compact

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

Dagne Dover

Capacity 4 /5

It’s the tiniest bag on our list, but it still fits a lot — plus, it’s easy to flatten when packing or storing.

It does, of course, fit less makeup than the larger bags on our list.

If you prefer to travel with something more compact, Dagne Dover’s Mila Toiletry Organizer is the best tiny makeup bag we tried. Though it’s by far the smallest pick on our list, we were surprised at just how much it could actually hold. Not only do plenty of palettes, lipsticks, and other essential cosmetics fit inside, but so do full-size makeup brushes. It comes with a removable mini divider set that helps hold items in place, though we liked how much more we could fit in the organizer if we skipped using the dividers. Because it fit so well in the palm of our hands, we had a good time whipping it across the room during our tests — and after being pelted against the wall and floor multiple times, we were amazed to find the organizer still looked fantastic and its contents barely budged. Even when wedged into an absolutely-stuffed-to-the-brim suitcase during our five-month test, the inside is so well-padded that all of our items remained protected and secure. We decided it’s the ultimate makeup bag for shorter trips since it takes up such little space and is super soft and squishable for easy packing.

The Details: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Polyester, zinc alloy | Zipper closure

Best Budget

Narwey travel makeup bag.

Design 2 /5

It’s spacious, easy-to-clean, and more affordable than any other makeup bag on our list.

It could use a little extra padding for protection against drops.

There was something about this bag that just made us feel like we could easily access everything inside — there were no hidden pockets, no tight openings, and no unnecessary flaps that covered up the contents (other than one to protect makeup brushes, but it’s see-through). The zipper opening is easy to maneuver and appears to be well-made, while the canvas frame feels sturdy and protective. The bag got a bit dirty during our tests, but it cleaned up beautifully with minimal effort. We especially loved just how much it could fit: multiple brushes in each of its eight brush pockets, three palettes, three eyeliners, four lipsticks, a mascara, and a lash curler. Perhaps that’s why we were so shocked to discover the bag doesn’t take up much space in our luggage, and it is a fraction of what many other bags on our list cost.

The Details: 9 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches | Canvas | Zipper closure

lululemon Go Getter Pouch

Ease of Use 4.5 /5
Design 4 /5

It’s sleek, water-repellant, and capable of holding way more than you’d expect given its compact size.

After five months of testing, it is showing makeup stains.

The feature we found most interesting about this bag is that, when empty, it appears very thin and compact. However, once stuffed with makeup, it actually holds a crazy amount of stuff, including larger items like perfumes, dry shampoos, lotions, and creams. We love the pouch’s nylon construction, which looks sleek and allows dirt and liquids to slide right off. The bag’s lack of padding keeps it lightweight and flexible; we wouldn’t recommend keeping any glass bottles or jars in it, but it’s also not likely to tear, stretch, or snag (that’s lululemon for you!). Because there’s no true framing, the bag is easy to flatten or mold to any space or suitcase. While there is a small exterior zip pocket and an interior mesh one, the pouch really has no built-in organization — though we don’t think that’s a deal-breaker. Get it in gray sage or black.

The Details: 8.7 x 3.3 x 6.3 inches | Polyester, nylon | Zipper closure

Best Train Case

Leatherology train case.

Leatherology

The leather exterior is soft to the touch and the interior is deceptively roomy.

During our five-month test, we found the tall design to be awkward for packing.

Easy to clean and pack, we’re obsessed with this cute and compact train case from ultra-reliable Leatherology. It zips open in a way that allows you to see everything inside, plus there are interior pockets of all sizes to help keep everything organized. Though we felt it was slightly flimsy when we first picked it up, we quickly realized it’s sturdier than it looks, and only becomes more so when filled with makeup. Its subtle padding is also no joke, as it completely protected the contents while being thrown around, shaken, and dropped. The exterior leather is soft and supple, the interior lining is high quality, and the main compartment is deep and spacious despite its overall compact size. If you’re looking for a smaller makeup bag that’ll still fit more than just the essentials, we recommend this train case in one of 14 available colors.

The Details: 7.5 x 5 x 5.2 inches | Leather, nickel | Zipper closure

Best Hanging

Boacay hanging travel toiletry bag.

Quality 4 /5
Capacity 3.5 /5
Portability 4 /5

It holds so many products, and it folds up nicely and easily.

Even when folded, it takes up more space than most makeup bags on our list.

Travel hanging organizers are a whole different ball game — and once you use one, you may never go back. This one opens up into four large sections, each with a transparent, zippered sleeve to store (and easily see) your makeup and toiletries. Two of the sections have straps to hold products in place, and a hook on the top section allows you to hang the bag anywhere. During our tests, we discovered the bag is sturdy and easy to clean in addition to being large enough for different types of products, from makeup brushes to hairspray. Even when we packed it to the brim, it still folded up with minimal effort and kept our makeup in place during drop tests. While it’s relatively thin, it is somewhat long and space-consuming, so we’d probably only pack this in a checked bag rather than a carry-on, or use the makeup bag itself as a personal item. Throughout our five months of testing, we did notice that bottles can easily slip out of the plastic pockets if the case is hung up without first zipping the pockets.

The Details: 11.4 x 3.8 x 7.5 inches | Zipper closure

Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set

During our five months of tests, all stains and smudges were easily cleaned to keep the case looking new.

It doesn’t have organization features or particularly thick cushioning.

Upon testing, this stood out for two reasons: it comes with not one, but two luxe pouches, and the interior is lined with the same soft leather featured on the exterior. We appreciated how wide both bags open, despite their top-zip construction, making it easy to see everything inside. The larger of the two bags is so spacious, we were able to fit an impressive amount of makeup inside — in fact, we felt we realistically probably wouldn’t even need the smaller bag for makeup, and could instead use it for small toiletries or loan it to a travel companion. There aren’t any dividers or straps inside these bags, so the products inside may shift in-transit if not packed to the brim. Still, we loved the set because it’s one of the nicest-looking options we tried (plus, it comes in 14 gorgeous colors).

The Details: 12 x 7 x 3.5 inches (large), 8 x 5 x 2.5 inches (small) | Leather | Zipper closure

Best Splurge

Cuyana travel beauty case.

Quality 4.5 /5
Portability 4.5 /5

It has a pocket for everything and will hold up through years of travel.

It’s on the heavier side and the most expensive bag on our list.

If you’re looking for something that does it all and is built to last, consider Cuyana’s Travel Beauty Case. It’s the most expensive option on our list, but after putting it to the test, we believe it’s worth the hefty price tag. The zipper glides smoothly when opening and closing it, the construction is super sturdy, it’s not bulky, it’s packed with pockets as well as a removable pouch, dirt and scuffs are easy to wipe off — we could truly go on and on about this case. But let’s go back to the interior: Though the case is on the smaller side, it boasts plenty of slots for products, including a dedicated pocket and four straps for makeup brushes, a leather flap to protect contents, a small removable pouch for your tiniest cosmetics, and an additional elastic pocket. We felt the leather was quite stiff, which prompted us to get a little rougher with it during our drop and shake tests. Sure enough, it effectively protected the many palettes, lipsticks, tools, and more we placed inside. Even after five months of using the case during our travels, it still looks good as new and has protected all of our items.

The Details: 10.2 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches | Leather | Zipper closure

Other Makeup Bags We Liked

Several other makeup bags almost made our list, but were cut due to issues revealed during testing.

Béis The Hanging Cosmetic Case : This bag is super sturdy, protective, and well made. However, the actual makeup section of this multi-paneled case managed to feel both bulky and too small to fit all our makeup products.

Away The Cosmetics Bag : We liked the sleek, minimalist design; a unique interior that features makeup storage with a clear zippered divider; and five heavy-duty makeup brush slots on the opposite side. But during tests, it fit considerably less makeup than many others on our list and it didn’t keep products very secure.

Vera Bradley Women's Recycled Lighten Up ReActive Cosmetic Makeup Organizer Set : This set proved to be spacious, easy to clean, and convenient thanks to two transparent side panels on the larger of the two bags. Still, we feel the design is very basic and it lacks organization features, straps, and pockets.

To thoroughly and accurately test each of the 26 makeup cases in our lab, we filled them with various props (including four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, one lipstick, four pre-filled toiletry bottles, and one hairspray) to see how much they could truly hold. We then placed the filled makeup bags into both a half-packed backpack and carry-on luggage, making note of how much space each bag took up. Next, we took the makeup bags out of the luggage and dropped them, shook them, and tossed them in the air to test how much the contents inside moved or if there was any damage.

Throughout our tests, we rated each makeup bag based on ease of use, quality, capacity, design, portability, and value. The makeup bags included in this article are the picks that scored highest in each category. Testers will continue using the bags and collecting insights for six months following our initial tests.

Tips for Buying a Makeup Bag for Travel

Decide how much space you need.

If you like to wear a full face of makeup on your travels, you should seek out a larger makeup bag with built-in organization (think pockets, brush straps, dividers, and removable pouches). If you’re more of a mascara-and-go kind of person, a super roomy cosmetic case is unnecessary — it’ll just take up extra space in your luggage, and your few makeup products inside will likely move around too much, increasing their chances of breaking.

Prioritize organizational features

While a makeup case with one large, main compartment might sound sufficient, you may want to reconsider. If you plan on packing multiple types of products (like palettes, brushes, bottles, and tubes), a makeup bag with organizational features, such as a train case , will come in handy more than you’d think. As explained above, bags with extra slots, pockets, straps, and compartments help you keep track of all your cosmetics and do your makeup quickly.

Determine the best material

Before buying a makeup bag, think about potential travel mishaps that could occur. Are you prone to spills? Do you tend to overpack? What if your luggage takes a beating in the cargo hold? Keeping that in mind, choose a cosmetic case material that works for you. Leather and nylon handle makeup spills and dirt well, while cases made of neoprene or mesh will keep your luggage lightweight. It’s hard to completely avoid scuffs and scratches, but materials such as polyester and high-quality leather hold up better than others. And if you’re someone who hates rummaging through a dark makeup bag? Go for a clear material or a bag that opens like a clamshell so you can easily see all of its contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important not to overstuff or understuff your makeup bag. Overstuffing can cause spills and stretching/ripping of the makeup bag itself, while understuffing allows your makeup bag’s contents to move around more, increasing their chances of breaking. It’s also wise to take special care of more delicate items like brushes and glass bottles. Brushes should be strapped down and covered by a flap if possible, and you shouldn’t have to bend the bristles to make them fit. If your cosmetic case has smaller interior pockets or slots, keep glass bottles in there — if not, stand them up straight rather than laying them down, and pack other products around them to keep them from sliding around.

Yes — just keep TSA liquid rules in mind. Like any other liquid container, makeup containers (like liquid foundation bottles, moisturizer tubes, etc.) should not exceed 3.4 fluid ounces each. If your liquid makeup goes over that limit, you’ll have to store it in your checked luggage.

Use a wet cloth, a wipe, or even an antibacterial spray and a paper towel to wipe your makeup bag clean. Just make sure you’re not using anything with bleach!

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, associate commerce editor Hillary Maglin used her extensive knowledge of makeup bags, makeup products, and traveling, as well as the T+L team’s extensive makeup bag tests, to compile a list of the best options on the market.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

10 Best Makeup Brushes, According to Professional Makeup Artists

We've got one for all of your needs: powder, eyeshadow, foundation, and more.

Various Make-Up Brushes On Pink Background

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Your makeup brushes should conceal imperfections and give all-day, natural-looking coverage, and using the wrong makeup brushes (or worse, your hands) can result in an uneven tone, streaky application, and blemishes peeking through. That's why our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts teamed with professional makeup artists to find the best makeup brushes on the market.

In Lab testing, we collected 381 brushes from 63 brands ranging in price from $2 to $90, and surveyed 1,557 panelists to learn what's most important to consumers when shopping for makeup brushes, including price point, ease of use, feel on skin, and application results. We narrowed down the field to 65 brushes across six categories (eye shadow, foundation, concealer, blush, contour, and powder), obscured brand labels to remove any bias, and had our makeup artists put the brushes to the test to find the best of the best.

In case you're wondering if synthetic or natural makeup brushes are better:

In our tests, all of the top performing brushes were synthetic. Synthetic brushes are the best bet for most people — they're more precise, easier to clean , more versatile, and leave a great finish. Perhaps best of all, they're cruelty-free.

"Natural fiber brushes are usually made from some form of animal hair and are porous, so they trap more product," says Edwin Batista, director of education at Dr. Hauschka . Plus, brushes made with animal hair can be an allergen trigger, and since they're porous, they can only be used with powder products, says Beauty Lab senior chemist, Sabina Wizemann .

Below, are the best makeup brushes and sets you can buy, according to Beauty Lab experts, makeup artists, and reviewers.

EmaxDesign 12 Pieces Makeup Brush Set

This makeup brush set is an insane value. It boasts 12 brushes at under $10, and these brushes have over 5,000 reviews on Amazon and an average 4.6 star rating. That means it has over 4,000 five-star ratings from real users. "The brushes are soft, and hold the pigment of eyeshadows, highlighters, contours really well," says one reviewer. "They don't hurt your skin ... and they are comfortable hold."

The set comes with brushes for every step of your routine, from eyes to lips to face for cream, liquid, and powder cosmetics. The bamboo handles aren't too bulky, which makes them travel-friendly, too.

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Powder Brush #8

In our lab tests, this IT Cosmetics powder brush earned a rare perfect score for all attributes, from how easy it was to hold and maneuver to its soft, gentle, yet effective bristles, and its foolproof application. It was the top scorer in all of our testing. A favorite of testers and pros alike. "It's the ideal size, shape, and density to cover all areas of the face," one tester said. "It is super soft but is also dense enough."

MAKE UP FOR EVER 226 Medium Eye Shader Brush

This do-it-all shadow brush earned perfect scores from our testers for depositing makeup. "It's really flat, excellent for packing on shadow with high pigmentation because of its flat, dense shape." It also got perfect scores for being soft and gentle on skin. Use it to apply cream, liquid, or powder shadow all over the lid.

Morphe Y19 Pointed Blender

Perfect for a smokey eye or blending color into the crease, Morphe brushes are well-loved with good reason. "Their texture is smooth but can take the beating I give them as a working makeup artist. I also like how affordable they are," says celebrity makeup artist Jami Svay .

This brush "is user friendly," says one tester, because "the bristles are different lengths [so it] can blend out better." For a smokey eye, load it with dark shadow and swipe it back and forth in a "windshield motion" in the crease of the eye. For a natural look, use this light, fluffy brush to apply shadow over the lid.

Bodyography Concealer Brush

Have under-eye circles or blemishes you need to camouflage? This little concealer brush got perfect scores for being gentle on skin and easy to maneuver, with bristles that are "soft enough to feather [concealer] out" for a natural-looking finish. One tester said that although it's a little small for the under-eye area, it's particularly "excellent for blemishes," since it packs pigment on well, which is the most important quality in a concealer brush.

Sigma Beauty F10 Powder/Blush Brush

Blush brushes are designed to be more precise than powder brushes, making them ideal for applying color to the cheeks. This Sigma Beauty brush impressed testers for its softness and maneuverability , and it scored well for applying and blending product. Amazon reviewers also love it, noting that "the bristles are soft and pick up plenty of pigment ... without turning my whole cheek pink." Use it by buffing blush on in circles, or by swiping up the cheekbones.

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6

This brush basically works as well an Instagram filter: The flat-top brush has tightly-packed bristles to help buff any kind of foundation (liquid or powder) into skin for an airbrushed look and a even-toned finish. "Super user friendly, perfect medium density," said one tester. "Bristles are soft and pliable." It was a star in our tests, and it's also one of Ta's personal favorite. "It does a great job of blending foundation seamlessly into the skin."

Sigma Beauty F40 Large Angled Contour Brush

The most user-friendly of all the contour brushes we tested, this angled brush is perfect for sculpting cheekbones. Just load it with a dark color and brush into the hollows of your cheeks for an instant lift. The Lab found that even though it works well with creams, it's especially reliable with powder formulas. The best part is that this brush can pinch-hit as an all-over powder brush, and will work as a blush brush. "It’s fluffy and you'll be able to blend well," said one tester.

Want it as part of a set? The Sigma Beauty Essential Kit is packed with 12 brushes for face, eyes, and lips, and the case doubles as a brush holder.

Mac 263 Synthetic Small Angle Brush

An angled makeup brush is a multi-functional tool that's an essential part of a well-stocked makeup bag. "You can use it for eyeliner, brows, and applying your lipstick ," says Ta. The tightly packed, stiff bristles on this angled brush make it ideal for precise color with cream and powder products.

Morphe M401 Large Pointed Powder Brush

Consider this your desert-island brush, as it can be used with many products in many different ways. "An all over powder brush is pretty important to have for loose, pressed, and bronzing face powders," says celebrity makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey . Ta also loves this Morphe brush for its unique design: "Its tulip-shaped tip allows for setting powder to get into all the creases of your face.” That means your makeup will stay put all day long.

Jessica (she/her) is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of industry experience, previously as beauty editor at USA Today' s Reviewed where she launched the Beauty vertical and tested hundreds of products and has covered trends for publications like The Boston Globe and The New York Times. You can usually find her sorting through piles of beauty products — and testing the best ones on camera.

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The Best Methods For Keeping Your Makeup Brushes Clean While Traveling

Last updated May 12, 2024
Difficulty Beginner

Category Travel

how to keep your makeup brushes clean while traveling

Traveling can wreak havoc on our skin, but what about our trusty makeup brushes? We spend time and money on these tools, making sure they're clean and ready to go. But when we hit the road, keeping them pristine becomes a whole new challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of tried-and-true methods for keeping your makeup brushes clean while traveling. So, whether you're on a weekend getaway or embarking on a globetrotting adventure, you won't have to sacrifice your flawless makeup application and hygiene.

What You'll Learn

Portable brush cleaning tools for travel, tips for sanitizing makeup brushes on the go, storage solutions to keep brushes clean during travel, maintaining brush cleanliness while traveling without access to water.

When it comes to traveling, keeping your makeup brushes clean can be a bit of a challenge. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination with dirty brushes that can wreak havoc on your skin. That’s why having portable brush cleaning tools is essential. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best portable brush cleaning tools for travel, so you can keep your brushes clean and your skin healthy wherever you go.

Brush cleansing wipes:

Brush cleansing wipes are a convenient and portable option for cleaning your brushes on the go. These wipes are pre-moistened with a cleansing solution that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and bacteria from your brushes. Simply take out a wipe, swipe your brush back and forth on the wipe until it’s clean, and let it air dry. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a quick touch-up while traveling.

Brush cleansing sprays:

Brush cleansing sprays are another excellent option for cleaning your brushes while on the road. These sprays are formulated with a gentle cleanser that removes impurities from your brushes without damaging the bristles. To use, spray the cleanser directly onto the brush bristles, swirl the brush on a tissue or cloth to remove the makeup buildup, and let it dry. This method is quick, efficient, and ideal for spot cleaning your brushes.

Silicone brush cleaning mats:

Silicone brush cleaning mats are compact and lightweight tools that fit easily in your travel bag. These mats have different textures and ridges that help deep clean your brushes by removing stubborn product buildup. To use, wet your brush bristles, apply a small amount of mild cleanser or shampoo, and swirl the brush on the mat’s textured surface. Rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear, and let it dry. Silicone brush cleaning mats are a great investment for travel as they provide a thorough cleaning similar to what you would get with a regular brush cleaning routine.

Brush cleaning pads:

Brush cleaning pads are similar to silicone brush cleaning mats but in a smaller form. These portable pads have different textures and patterns that aid in dislodging makeup residue, dirt, and bacteria from your brushes. They are usually made of durable materials like silicone or rubber, making them easy to clean and long-lasting. To use, wet your brush bristles, apply a small amount of cleanser or shampoo, and swirl the brush on the textured surface of the pad. Rinse the brush under running water until clean, and let it air dry. Brush cleaning pads are compact, lightweight, and perfect for on-the-go brush cleaning.

Travel-sized brush cleaning solutions:

If you prefer a more traditional approach to brush cleaning, travel-sized brush cleaning solutions are a great option. These solutions are specifically designed to deep clean your brushes while being compact enough for travel. Simply pour a small amount of the cleaning solution into a bowl or container, wet your brush bristles, swirl them in the solution, rinse, and let them dry. Travel-sized brush cleaning solutions ensure a thorough clean and are a great addition to your travel makeup kit.

Makeup remover and cleanser combo:

Another space-saving option for brush cleaning on the go is a makeup remover and cleanser combo. Look for a multipurpose product that can remove makeup from your face and double as a brush cleanser. Apply a small amount of the product on a tissue or cloth, swirl your brush on the product until clean, and let it air dry. This two-in-one product is a convenient and efficient solution for keeping your brushes clean while traveling.

With these portable brush cleaning tools, you can ensure that your makeup brushes stay clean and your skin healthy while you're on the go. Choose the option that fits your travel needs the best and make brush cleaning a breeze on your next adventure.

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When it comes to traveling, keeping your makeup brushes clean can be a challenge. With limited access to running water and proper cleaning supplies, it's important to find alternative ways to ensure your brushes stay germ-free. Here are some tips for sanitizing your makeup brushes on the go:

Pack a travel-friendly brush cleaner: Look for a brush cleaner that comes in a compact, portable size. These brush cleaners are specifically designed to remove makeup residue and kill bacteria without the need for water. Simply spray the cleaner onto a tissue or paper towel and swirl your brushes on it until they are clean.
Use alcohol wipes: Alcohol wipes are another great option for quickly sanitizing your brushes while traveling. Look for individually packaged alcohol wipes that you can easily carry in your purse or makeup bag. Swipe the wipes along the bristles of your brushes to remove any bacteria or makeup residue.
Opt for disposable brushes: If you're concerned about keeping your brushes clean throughout your trip, consider using disposable brushes instead. These brushes are available in various sizes and types and are intended for one-time use. They are lightweight and take up very little space in your luggage, making them a convenient option for traveling.
Clean your brushes with baby shampoo: If you prefer a deeper clean for your brushes, you can try using baby shampoo. Fill a small travel-sized container with some baby shampoo and mix it with water. Swirl your brushes in the mixture and then rinse them thoroughly with clean water. This method may require slightly more preparation and access to water, but it's a great option for those who prefer a more thorough clean.
Dry your brushes properly: After cleaning your brushes, it's crucial to let them dry completely before storing them away. Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel or paper towel and allow them to air dry naturally. This will prevent any moisture from causing the bristles to become moldy or attract additional bacteria.

Remember to clean your brushes regularly, especially if you're using them daily or sharing them with others. Keeping your makeup brushes clean while traveling will not only help to maintain their quality and lifespan but also promote healthy skin. By following these tips, you can ensure that your brushes stay germ-free and ready to use throughout your trip.

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When it comes to traveling with your makeup brushes, it's important to keep them clean and organized to avoid any bacteria buildup or damage. Luckily, there are several storage solutions that can help keep your brushes clean and in good condition while on the go. Here are some ideas to help you keep your makeup brushes clean and organized during your travels.

Brush roll or pouch: Investing in a brush roll or a pouch is one of the best ways to keep your makeup brushes clean during travel. These storage solutions typically have individual slots or compartments for each brush, keeping them separated and preventing cross-contamination. Look for brush rolls or pouches that are made of easy-to-clean materials such as synthetic leather or nylon, which can be wiped down easily in case of any spills or product residue.
Brush guards: Another great option for keeping your makeup brushes clean and protected during travel is to use brush guards. Brush guards are plastic or silicone sleeves that slide over the bristles of your brushes, keeping them in shape and preventing any dirt or bacteria from settling on them. These are particularly useful for larger brushes such as powder brushes or blush brushes. Simply slide the brush guard on after cleaning your brush, and it will stay in place during your travels.
Travel-friendly brush sets: Many cosmetic brands now offer travel-friendly brush sets, which come in compact sizes and usually include a travel case or pouch. These sets often contain the essential brushes you need for your makeup routine, such as a foundation brush, powder brush, and eyeshadow brushes. These sets are specially designed for travel and can easily fit in your suitcase or handbag. Additionally, the brushes included in these sets are usually shorter in length, making them more convenient to pack and carry.
Antibacterial brush cleanser: To keep your makeup brushes clean while traveling, it's important to clean them regularly. However, it's not always convenient to carry a bottle of brush cleanser with you. That's where antibacterial brush cleanser sprays come in handy. These sprays are compact, travel-friendly, and can be used to quickly refresh and sanitize your brushes between makeup applications. Simply spritz some cleanser on a tissue or paper towel and gently swirl your brush over it to remove any residual product.
Ziplock bags: In the absence of specialized brush storage solutions, ziplock bags can be a lifesaver. Before packing your brushes, place each one in a separate ziplock bag to protect it from any damage or contamination. Ziplock bags are lightweight, transparent, and easy to fit into your luggage or makeup bag. They also provide an extra layer of protection against water or liquid spills, ensuring your brushes stay clean and dry during travel.

Remember, maintaining clean makeup brushes is essential not only for your skin's health but also for the longevity of your brushes. By using these storage solutions and practicing regular cleaning, you can keep your brushes clean and in good condition even when you’re on the move. So, next time you travel, be sure to pack your makeup brushes with care!

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Traveling often means being away from the comforts of home, and one of the challenges that makeup enthusiasts face is how to keep their brushes clean while on the go. Without access to running water, it can be tricky to maintain the cleanliness of your brushes. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your makeup brushes clean and ready to use, no matter where your adventures take you.

Pack brush cleaning wipes: One of the most convenient ways to clean your brushes on the go is by using brush cleaning wipes. These wipes are specially designed to remove product buildup from your brushes without the need for water. Simply swipe your brushes back and forth on the wipe until the product is removed. This method is quick, easy, and effective.
Use a brush cleaning spray: Another option for cleaning your brushes without water is to use a brush cleaning spray. These sprays are formulated to dissolve product buildup and sanitize your brushes. Just spray the solution directly onto your brush and then gently wipe it on a dry paper towel or cloth to remove the residue. This method is great for quick touch-ups between uses.
Invest in a travel-sized brush cleaner: If you frequently travel and find yourself in need of brush cleaning, it might be worth investing in a travel-sized brush cleaner. These portable devices often come with a pre-filled solution and a textured surface for scrubbing your brushes clean. Simply swirl your brush on the textured surface and watch as the built-up product is removed. This method is especially useful if you are traveling for an extended period and need a more thorough cleaning.
Carry a dry shampoo: Dry shampoo is not just for refreshing your hair; it can also be used to clean your makeup brushes. Sprinkle some dry shampoo onto a tissue or paper towel and swirl your brushes in the powder. The dry shampoo will absorb oils and product residue, leaving your brushes clean and ready to use. Be sure to tap off any excess powder before using your brushes on your face.
Opt for brush guards or sleeves: To prevent your brushes from getting dirty while traveling, consider using brush guards or sleeves. These protective covers will keep your brushes clean and free from dust and debris. They are especially handy if you pack your brushes in a makeup bag or toiletry case, as they prevent the brushes from rubbing against other items and becoming contaminated.

Remember, while these methods are great for maintaining cleanliness while traveling, it is still important to thoroughly wash your brushes with water and soap when you have access to them. Regular washing is crucial for removing bacteria and buildup that can accumulate on your brushes over time. However, in a pinch, these tips should help you keep your brushes clean and your makeup game strong while on the go.

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COMMENTS

The Best Travel Makeup Brushes in 2023 (From a Pro Traveler!)
Consider your budget. The price for a set of travel brushes can range from under $20 to hundreds of dollars. Generally speaking, something in the $50 - $100 range will buy you a good quality set. Depending on how often you travel, the investment is worth never having to pay to check a bag ever again! Look for a set that includes a case.
10 Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets 2022
Moda Brush Total Face 7pc Travel Sized Makeup Brush Set With Travel Flip Case. Buy at Target. $20. Our Score. 3.15. WHO IT'S FOR: If you want to perfect your smokey eyes and arches, this seven-piece set has you covered.
A Guide To The Best Travel Makeup Brushes & Sets
TRINNY LONDON. A three in one stackable brush set for defining lips, brows and eyes. With cruelty-free synthetic, quick drying fibers, this portable brush kit needs to be in your travel makeup kit when you need to pack light. They also all stack together quickly with a magnet fit, making it quick to apply and go!
27 best makeup brushes and brush sets of 2023
Morphe X Ariel Signature Look 12-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set. Ulta. Kim recommends sets from ColourPop and Morphe, which make "amazing brushes at accessible price points.". This 12-piece set ...
The 10 Best Makeup Brush Sets in 2023
Best Vegan Makeup Brush Set. Hourglass Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set. $320 at Sephora. For a complete brush set that includes options for both your face and eyes, consider this vegan, PETA ...
The Best Makeup Brushes for Every Task in 2023
The Eyeshadow Essential: Chanel Eyeshadow Brush N°200, $46. The Blending Brush: Chantecaille Buff And Blur Brush, $53. The Cruelty-Free: Westman Atelier Blender Brush, $125. The Powder Brush ...
The 7 Best Makeup Brushes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall: Lune+Aster Foundation Brush at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review. Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review. Best Splurge: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6 (See Price) Jump to Review.
25 Best Makeup Brush Sets of 2024
Best Travel Set IT Brushes For ULTA Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set. $50 at Ulta Beauty. $50 at Ulta Beauty. Read more. 6. Best Set With Sponge
Best Portable Makeup Brushes 2022
EcoTools Retractable Brush. At under $10, this retractable brush is super affordable and will help you apply powder and bronzer in seconds. It includes a cap to make sure your brush stays safe from whatever has collected at the bottom of your makeup bag. 3 / 6.
21 Best Makeup Brushes of 2023 for Flawless Blending
Sephora. $45. Patrick Ta Beauty. Sculpt your cheekbones to utter perfection with the Allure Best of Beauty-winning Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush, which won the honor in 2021 and 2022. It's ...
24 Best Makeup Brushes of 2022, According to Celebrity Pros
Morphe M330 Blending Crease Brush. $9. Morphe. One of the best brushes makeup artist Molly Thompson-Tubridy has in her arsenal is Morphe's M330 blending crease brush—and it's less than $10.
The 19 Best Makeup Brushes of 2024
Best Overall: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush (See Price) Jump to Review. Best Budget: Real Techniques Makeup Setting Facial Powder Makeup Brush at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review. Best ...
9 Best Makeup Brushes and Makeup-Brush Sets
Best overall makeup-brush set. Monika Blunder Beauty Hybrid Face Brush + Tulip Blending Brush + Call Your Buff Angled Brush. $80. Usage: Full face | Bristle density: Miscellaneous | Bristle ...
21 Best Makeup Brushes 2024
Jenny Patinkin Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set. $150 at ShopBop. Read more. Show more. And as an added shopping bonus, many of these tools are available for under ...
Best 28 Travel Makeup Options that Belong in Your Luggage
Why e.l.f. Holy Hydrations! is the Best Travel Moisturizer. Under $10. TSA-friendly 2.6 oz size (larger ones are available if traveling by car) Very lightweight and perfect for your nighttime routine. Aloe vera and jojoba ingredients are soothing to dry or sunburnt skin. Great for sensitive skin.
The 17 Best Makeup Brushes Of 2023, According To Makeup Artists
Expensive. This kabuki brush is one of celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg 's favorites. "It can be paired with cream, liquid, or powder, and allows for a detailed application that leaves ...
Best Travel-Friendly Makeup Brush Sets
Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Pink Travel Set. It doesn't get any cuter (or more travel-friendly!) than this collection of multipurpose vegan brushes. All four have extremely soft and velvety bristles to help makeup glide on without tugging, and the pink cup case seamlessly fits into any carry-on. 3 / 5.
18 Best Makeup Brush Sets 2024, Tested & Reviewed
Editor's Choice: It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set. Best on Amazon: BS-Mall Premium 18-Piece Brush Set. Best Affordable: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set. Real ...
11 Best Travel Makeup Kits to Buy
4. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Eye Enhancing Kit. If you are big on eye makeup, this is the best travel makeup kit for you. The Physicians Formula kit has nine eye shadow shades in one handy palette, two-in-one mascara, and two eyeliner pencils.
The 20 Best Makeup Brushes That Professionals Swear By
Learn from makeup professionals on how to choose and use the best makeup brushes for your face, cheeks, and eyes. Shop from top brands and get flawless results.
The 9 Best Makeup Cases for Travel in 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall : Béis The Cosmetic Case at Nordstrom ($68) Jump to Review. Best for Organization: Relavel Travel Makeup Case at Amazon ($31) Jump to Review. Best Compact: Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry ...
10 Best Makeup Brushes for Flawless Application
EmaxDesign 12 Pieces Makeup Brush Set. $10 at Amazon. Credit: EmaxDesign. This makeup brush set is an insane value. It boasts 12 brushes at under $10, and these brushes have over 5,000 reviews on ...
The Best Methods For Keeping Your Makeup Brushes Clean While Traveling
Discover the top tips for keeping your makeup brushes clean and maintained while on the go. Perfect for traveling and ensuring hygienic makeup application. 525 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608 ... Choose the option that fits your travel needs the best and make brush cleaning a breeze on your next adventure. Traveling to the US with a B1/B2 Visa ...

Top 10 Travel Makeup Brush Sets

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How To Pick & Pack The Best Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes

Learn How To Pick Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes:

1. Purchase Retractable Brushes

Retractable Face Brush

Retractable Lip Brush

Portable & Concealer Brush 150

2. Look For Multi-Tasking Travel Brushes

Double-Ended Complexion Brush

T-Kit 3-in-1 Brush Set

Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush

3. Try A Mini Makeup Brush Set

Voyager Travel Brush Set

Most-Wanted Brush Set

4. Buy a Separate Case to House Your Travel Makeup Brushes

4-Way Professional Travel Makeup Bag

Jet Set Vanity Bag

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Caring for Your Makeup Brushes

Best Makeup Brush Sets

What to Look for In a Makeup Brush Set

Stay In The Know

Experts On the Best Makeup Brushes for Every Task

Our Top Picks

The Perfect Starter Kit

For Foundation

For Powder

For Concealer

For Blending

For Complexion Perfecting

For Contour & Baked Gelée

For Highlighter

For Eyeshadow Laydown

For Tapered Blending

Natural vs. Synthetic

The Art of Fude

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Best Overall

Best Budget

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Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush

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Spectrum Collections KJH 25 Piece Brush Set

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Artis Elite 5 Brush Set in Mirror

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Laura Mercier Tools of the Trade Brush Set (Limited Edition)

MAC Cosmetics Brush with Greatness Mini Brush Travel Kit

Kevyn Aucoin Making Faces Brush Set

JENNY PATINKIN Sustainable Luxury Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

The Best Makeup Brushes for Every Part of Your Routine

Best Sponge: Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge