These Are The 25 Best Makeup Brushes of 2023

Makeup is a girl’s best friend. It enhances your features and covers up those imperfections that you might dislike. Some love to get very creative and make their face a work of art on a regular basis just for the fun of it. Whatever your game is, using the right type of brush will surely make your life a little easier.

Whether you have a complex routine or the most basic one, it pays off to invest in the right makeup brush. There are SO many brushes out there that aim at specific purposes, but you can also get some multi-purpose ones that target more than one area. That way you save some money, but also some precious space.

We gathered a list of some target-specific brushes, but also some sets that will come in handy and are fuss-free.

Makeup Brushes: What to Consider

When you’re looking to purchase a new brush, there are a few things you should think about before buying some tools you might never use.
You will find makeup brushes for every budget but you might be pretty upset if you invested quite a bit of money on brushes that will collect dust.

Of course, keeping your needs under consideration should be your main focus. If you rarely wear makeup, it might not even make sense to buy any brushes at all. You might be able to get by just by using the ones that come with the products you purchase. Either way, this info might come in handy, so read on!

When thinking about your next purchase, just try to remember those three things and you should be good to go.

Application

If you’re looking to invest in a quality makeup brush that helps with your blush application, it will not work for your contouring, for example. Or the brush you need to define your eyes is very different from the one that you use when applying eye shadow. You get the gist. Each brush is designed with very specific aims in mind, so use them for their intended purpose.

For beginners, start with a blush brush, foundation, and powder brush. Once you play around and realize how much you love experimenting with different looks, you can start investing in some others as well.

Natural vs. Synthetic

Natural hairs might seem like a good idea, but not the most cruelty-free option. Sustainability has become very important in the last few years, and cosmetic companies have followed suit. With a little bit of research, you can get a good quality synthetic fiber brush that is great for your budget and for Mother Earth as well.

Many makeup brands stopped testing on animals. Their advanced methods produce hypoallergenic brushes that will feel great on your skin without hurting animals in the process. They might cost a bit more, but that’s a compromise that might be worth making.

Quality

If you’re willing to splurge, you will get some amazing products that are of great quality and will last you a lot longer. What you should look for when expecting a good quality brush is the softness of the bristles and the sturdiness of the handle. Bristles that are gentle and don’t irritate your skin make all the difference.

The way the brush feels in your hand when applying the product will make a huge impact in the long run. It will determine how long you will keep it for, and your overall enjoyment of the whole process. Needless to say, you should clean them regularly and store them properly. By doing so you can prevent bacteria from building up, and avoid skin irritation or breakouts.

Having said that, let’s take a closer look at the 25 best makeup brushes you could buy right now. 

25. BS-Mall Premium Makeup Brushes

This Amazon brush set is great for the budget-conscious girl who’s not sure where to start. The 14 piece collection has absolutely everything you need to get you started. Plus it comes in a nice case for carrying them when on the go. Not only super affordable, the softness of the bristles feels good on your skin too.

24. Morphe M310 Large Soft Fan Brush

This is a super affordable natural hair brush option you will appreciate for your precision applications. It will allow you to contour or highlight flawlessly, and it feels great on your skin as well. A versatile option, Morphe offers great quality products for reasonable prices, so be sure to pick one up from their collection.

23. EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Kit

Made to simplify your beauty routine, it is great for the ladies that love to keep things organized as well. The set includes five brushes that cover your essential needs, a storage tray and three beauty look cards. The brushes are super soft and despite the affordable price, they are very durable.

22. Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

You don’t have to spend a small fortune on your makeup brushes if you expect great quality products. This set of makeup brushes from Real Techniques offers you reasonably priced yet high quality brushes. They cater to all your needs with these four brushes and the sponge that is made to apply your foundation.

21. Tarte Let’s Flamingle Brush Set

For the ladies that like to do things outside the box, this set is as unique as you are. This tropical inspired set is truly one of a kind. The brushes are highly effective, not to mention super affordable. It contains five brushes that target all your facial needs. The collection includes a brush for contouring, one for highlighting, another for liquid formulas, and two for your cheeks.

20. E.L.F. Professional Set of 12 Brushes

If you’re looking for an affordable yet good quality set, this one from e.l.f. Cosmetics offers you what you need. Ergonomically designed, they will fit perfectly in your hand and they feature a no-slip grip. You can cater to all your makeup application needs with this 12 brush set. The brushes can be used to apply cream, liquid and powder formulas, and leave your face looking flawless.

19. Be Bella Cosmetics Rose Gold Dream Brush Set

These budget-friendly brushes will do the job you need and more. Not only are they literally a steal, they will cater to all your needs and are surprisingly great bang for your buck. And they look cute too, did we mention that?

18. Huda Beauty Contour Brush

Even for the beginners to the contouring scene, you will not look like an amateur while using this brush. It works with both liquid or powder formulas, and it simplifies your life. The dual-ended brush is made from synthetic fibers that are both soft and gentle on your face.

17. Airbrush 101 Makeup Brush Set

This set from IT cosmetics is hypoallergenic, so even those of you who are prone to skin problems can enjoy it. Rest assured that the bristles are super gentle on your face, yet allow you to apply our makeup perfectly. These five brushes will cover all your needs, and the case they come in is cute and great for travelling.

16. Stila Double-Sided Crease and Liner Brush 15

For the adventurous eye looks you’d like to copy from makeup artist Mai Quynh, this tool is what you need. She uses this multi-purpose applicator brush to apply and smudge the eyeshadow to perfection. A great tool that allows the artist in you to come to life.

15. Veil Cosmetics Dual-Ended Lip And Cheek Brush

This is a dual purpose tool that will serve women that are really not into a lot of makeup products. If your routine is simple yet you like the best things in life, this is a great brush for you. The softness of the bristles will make you feel lush, and the quality of the materials used is great.

14. Kevyn Aucoin The Duet Concealer Brush

This dual brush that helps you apply and diffuse your concealer to perfection from Kevyn Aucoin is the only tool needed for the most basic makeup routine. Even if you’re not big on wearing makeup on a regular basis, covering up on those more difficult days is sometimes necessary. And this is the perfect tool for that.

13. Makeup Forever Double-Ended 158 Sculpting Brush

Makeup forever has a large array of makeup tools that you can add to your collection. This particular model is intended for applying your powder and sculpting your cheekbones in one. It blends your makeup seamlessly, that is why it is a favorite of ours. The softness of the bristles and the finished product are just some additional reasons we recommend it.

12. Bdellium Tools Bambu Complete Set

This 15-piece set is a great eco-friendly option for the sustainably focused gal. The synthetic fibers used for these brushes are high-quality, and are gentle on your face and on the planet. And the pop of color they bring to any environment is a breath of fresh air. Not to mention the great performance they offer.

11. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Mini Brush Set

Not only are the brushes of great quality, but the case it comes in also serves double duty. Great for bringing your set on the go, it also works as a clutch for a night out. The set includes four mini brushes that will cover all your makeup application needs. You get an eye blender brush, an eye smudger brush, a blender brush, and a face powder brush.

10. Sigma Most-Wanted Brush Set

This set from a best-selling makeup brush brand includes five of their most popular brushes. The brushes use the SigmaTech and Sigmax fibers that feel super comfortable on your face. A great starter set that includes a blending brush, one for applying highlighter, and another that softens harsh lines. The pencil is great for the liner used on your lash lines, and finally, a blending brush for the eyes.

9. Lottie London Ombre Brush Set

These brushes are so cute, they are a chic addition to any vanity. This particular set includes five brushes. All your face needs will get covered with those brushes, as they target specific purposes. You get a concealer brush, a dense buffer brush, a tapered bronzer, one for highlighting, and one for blending in this complete set. Perfect for beginners.

8. Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Petites

A lovely set that is ideal for travelling, it comes in a nice pastel faux crocodile case. It includes four small brushes, but they will feel like the regular size ones in your hand. You can rest assured that all your needs are covered with the face and cheek brush, the concealer/buff brush, the line /smudge, as well as the lid/crease brush.

7. Artis Elite Black 3 Brush Set

The ergonomic shapes of the Artis brushes are very well liked by many customers. High quality and effective brushes are their norm. Although on the pricier side, you should consider them an investment. Customers that have been using them for a while only have good things to say about their softness and effectiveness.

6. Sephora Collection Pro 6-Piece Brush Set

This vegan and cruelty-free set is multi-purpose. The brushes can be used to apply cream, liquid, and powder formulas. The six brushes target the face and the eye areas. What’s cool about this set is also the hangable case that makes it very convenient for travelling. Easy to clean and made from a durable material, it should last you for years.

5. Shany Cosmetics The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set

If you love to have a variety of products that you can experiment with and try playing with different looks, this set has your name all over it. Not the most expensive on the list, but this 24-piece set covers absolutely every single makeup application need. The brushes are soft yet sturdy, and they are anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic.

4. Anisa Beauty Makeup Brush Set

For the minimalists in the crowd, this set is made for you. It contains three of the most essential brushes you will ever need, and they come in a limited-edition makeup bag. The set features a Multi powder brush, which can work for your blush, highlighter, and setting powder in one. Then a Pinnacle foundation brush along the Angled concealer brush, which can be used to apply eyeshadow as well.

3. Fenty Artistry Pro Complexion Essentials

This set Rihanna collaborated on brings you four high quality brushes made from ultra fine synthetic bristles. If you’re looking for a flawless application, this set offers you just that. Choose from the full bodied Foundation brush, the Highlight brush, The Precision Concealer or the Powder Puff Setting Brush. They are available on their own, but it makes more sense to get them as a set.

2. Chantecaille Ultimate Brush Set

Great for your skin and for the environment, this brush set is made from great quality synthetic fibers. It includes five brushes that target all your needs. From the eyes to the concealer, without forgetting the foundation and mask brush, this set contains your most essential brushes. The case it comes in is super fancy and doesn’t take up too much space, so it’s easy to throw it in your purse.

1. Hourglass Vegan Travel Brush Set

This is a great investment that will probably last you a very long time if you care for them properly. Or better yet, you might cherish them for life. The set includes six super soft brushes for both the eyes and the face. It also comes with an exclusive powder brush and a case made from vegan leather. The set is perfect for traveling, and all the brushes are made from PETA-approved Taklon bristles.

These are some of our favorite options available on the market right now. If you’re not sure where to start, we hope you found some inspiration from our article.