Best Makeup Brushes for a Flawless Finish
Makeup experts know that picking the best makeup brushes is just as important as finding the right beauty products you can apply. Sure, you can use your fingers to apply the product, but it can end up in a patchy or streaky application that looks unnatural, and in some cases, it may irritate your skin. Whether you’re new in the makeup world or already a seasoned pro, you must know, the types of makeup brushes, their uses, and how one might feel on the skin.
At first glance, you can tell the makeup brush’s quality, by its bristles, handle, and packaging. And, naturally, by using it. A good brush should have soft, bendy bristles that don’t shed, even after 3-6 months of use.
To help you find the best picks, we’ve reviewed countless makeup brushes, “scanning” their bristles, uses, price points, and efficiency. So, keep scrolling to see the 8 best makeup brushes.
Best Makeup Brushes:
Best Foundation Brush:
Best Budget Brush:
Best Powder Brush:
Best Concealer Brush:
Best Contour Brush:
Best Eyeshadow Brush:
Best Brow Brush:
Best Makeup Brush Set:
Best Foundation Brush
Ogee Blender Brush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Rounded | Use: Liquid or Powder Foundation
From the design, quality, reviews, and functionality we’ve chosen this brush as the best foundation brush on the market. While others only work with liquid or powder makeup, this one works well with both, which is one of the best traits a brush should have. The bristles are cloud-like soft, and very dense, allowing smooth and hassle-free makeup application. Though it might be a little expensive, the high quality and durability make it a worthy investment.
Best Budget Brush
e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Rounded, Fluffy | Use: Blush and Bronzer Powders
Beauty products and tools don’t always have to be expensive, and e.l.f. products are proof of that! This brush comes in at a very affordable price, despite that, it’s of high quality. The synthetic bristles are extremely soft, allowing you to apply powder makeup products without a hassle. One reviewer says – “Whether for mineral powder or blush, this face brush style is my go-to in my makeup bag. The construction holds up well over the months. The brush is soft to the touch and comfortable on delicate facial tissue. Not fancy; just gets the job done.”
Best Powder Brush
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Airbrush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Rounded, Fluffy | Use: Powders
If your skin easily gets irritated by the brush you’re currently using, it could mean that it’s old and the bristles have stiffened or it’s simply not compatible with your skin. With IT Cosmetics Luxe Airbrush that won’t be an issue. It has incredibly soft to the touch synthetic bristles that are gentle on any skin type, and with proper care, this brush will last you a while.
Best Concealer Brush
BK BEAUTY BRUSHES CONCEALER Face Brush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Flat, Tapered | Use: Liquid or Powder Concealer
Concealer brushes are the same as foundation brushes, just smaller. This way you can apply the concealer to the specific targeted area you want, no further, and this brush does exactly that. Many people find this brush super comfortable and they love it because it does an excellent job of blending out the concealer.
Best Contour Brush
Sigma Beauty F53 Air Contour Brush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Angled | Use: Blush or Bronzer Powders
Sigma Beauty is known for making one of the best makeup brushes on the market. They’ve got brushes in various shapes, with some designs even winning awards. This contour brush is durable, well-made, and has soft synthetic bristles for easy and precise application.
Best Eyeshadow Brush
ILIA - Blending Brush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Slightly Tapered, Fluffy | Use: Eyeshadow Powder
This eyeshadow brush from ILIA is impressive not in only one way, but multiple. It has well-rounded, soft bristles, a little oversized, which can be a plus for some and a minus for others. This brush works well with liquid, cream, and powder products, it blends without a struggle. The best part? It can be cleaned easily, without using harsh chemicals on it.
Best Brow Brush
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Brush
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Flat, Angled, and a Spoolie | Use: Brow Powder
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Brush has two sides – an angled brow brush for precise applications and a spoolie for smoothing and grooming brow hairs. As people describe it, the synthetic fibers are not too stiff or too soft, they’re just right. But there’s a downside. The brush tip can fall off after using it for a couple of months.
Best Makeup Brush Set
DUcare Makeup Brushes Professional
Vegan: Yes | Bristles: Synthetic | Shape: Every | Use: Liquid, Cream, and Powder
In this 32-piece set, you’ll find everything you need, from foundation brushes and blending brushes to precise eyeliner brushes – from full face makeup to precise detailed work. Rated 4.7 stars by over 3000 customers on Amazon, it’s one of the best makeup brush sets available. The brushes have synthetic bristles, which some describe it as feather-like in softness.
One reviewer says “I’m a professional makeup artist and need multiple sets of brushes that typically are high quality. I ordered these and was very impressed! The brushes are nice and dense and so soft. They pick up pigment beautifully and make makeup applications flawless. I love love love! “