Of course, you can always opt to use your fingers to paint your face instead, but there’s something about the precision of an angled eyeshadow brush, powder brush, and more that helps take a look up a notch. As a person who likes to keep mess to a minimum, I keep several makeup tools in frequent rotation. More often than not, using one of these sets can mean the difference between a practically flawless face and an uneven final look.
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Makeup brushes are either available with natural or synthetic bristles depending on your preference. “I like to say there is nothing ‘natural’ about animal hair,” Anisa Telwar Kaicker, founder of Anisa Beauty, tells Bazaar. “It can dry faster and break more quickly. Man-made synthetics can be long-lasting, hygienic, innovative in shape, and soft to the touch.”
After consulting with experts on what makes a makeup brush worthwhile, we sifted through top customer reviews and considered coveted editor favorites to round out the following list of beauty tool selects from brands like Sigma Beauty and e.l.f. Cosmetics.
As a shopping bonus, many of these brushes are available for under $100, which means you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck. Keep scrolling to find your next skincare favorite. Read on for some of the best makeup brush sets that can make anyone feel like a pro.
Related: The Best Foundations for Mature Skin
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Most Popular Makeup Brush Set
BS-Mall Makeup Brush Set
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
- Set may be too extensive for beginners
This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 94,000 five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers, with nearly a five-star rating. And did we mention the highly coveted set is available for under $10?
Number of brushes included: 14
Types of brushes included: Blending, eyebrow, eyeshadow, powder
Hair type: Synthetic
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.” —Latosha R.
Most Extensive Brush Set
Hannah Martin x Ciaté London 24-Piece Professional Brush Collection
Pros
- Includes travel case
- Vegan
Cons
- Set may be too extensive for beginners
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.
Number of brushes included: 24
Types of brushes included: Eye, lip, and complexion brushes
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “Treated myself to these brushes for Christmas. I’m a fan of Hannah Martin, I had high expectations and these have completely lived up to them. Beautifully made, every brush you could possibly need and they’ve made my makeup application so much better. The case is great, well-made, and the perfect way to store them all.” —Mrs. W.
Best Every Day Brush Set
Saie The Brush Collection
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited number of brushes in collection
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.
Number of brushes: Four
Types of brushes included: Base, powder, blush, concealer, highlighter
Hair type: Synthetic
Experts are saying: “It’s hard to go wrong with Saie’s versatile makeup brushes. Not only are their vegan bristles super soft, but they make it easy to buff out products quickly and evenly.” —Bazaar beauty team
Best Makeup Brush Set for Beginners
Jenny Patinkin Women’s Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set
Pros
- Earth-friendly
Cons
- Dual-ended brushes may need to be cleaned more frequently than others
Since each of the brushes in this set is dual-ended, it’s almost like getting two for the price of one. Along with foundation and powder brushes, and one for brows and liner, it also nicely contains its own faux leather carrying case for easy transport.
Number of brushes included: Six
Types of brushes: Cream complexion, powder, shadow, brow, eye detail
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “These brushes are very soft and dense enough for good makeup coverage. I love the simple look and how smoothly my makeup is applied.” —AmazonQueen87
Best Makeup Brush Duo
Anisa Beauty Anisa’s Makeup Brush Hero Collection
Pros
- Great for minimal makeup wearers
Cons
- Not ideal for those looking for a more extensive brush collection
This set of luxe brushes from Anisa Beauty has angled bristles that make it easier to cover off on all the contours of your face. In addition to a foundation brush, you’ll also receive a slightly more compact concealer brush that fits perfectly under the eyes and other hard-to-reach areas.
Number of brushes included: Two
Types of brushes: Foundation, concealer
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “The most amazing brushes I’ve ever used. I go them for my daughter and she is turning all her friends on to them and her exact words they make your skin look airbrushed.” —Grace O.
Best Makeup Brush Set for Definition
Surratt Beauty Artistique Brush Trio
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Collection not as extensive as some others
This set of three pro-level brushes include staples to define cheek contours, blend out eyeshadow, and emphasize your lash line with ease. And to get the most out of your natural hair brush set, try washing them once a week with a conditioning shampoo.
Number of brushes included: Three
Types of brushes included: Sculpting, classic smoky eye, classic eye
Hair type: Natural
Customer review: “Love these brushes they are so soft and nice that I ordered five more.” —Patti M.
Best Ergonomic Makeup Brush Set
e.l.f. Cosmetics Professional Brush Set
Now 59% Off
Pros
- Versatile
- Can be used with powder, cream, and liquid formulas
Cons
- Not ideal for travel
Beauty enthusiasts swear by this ergonomic 12-piece set from e.l.f, which happens to nicely retail for under $20. And since it can be used with just about any makeup medium, we’re betting you’ll get plenty of use out of these popular tools.
Number of brushes included: 12
Types of brushes: Foundation, bronzer, concealer, eyelash and brow, blending
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “Definitely recommend this set if you need brushes. They’re all good quality and you really can’t get better on price.” —Teetuh
Best Grippy Makeup Brush Set
Laruce Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set
Pros
- Includes hard shell storage/travel case
Cons
- Collection may not be extensive enough for some makeup enthusiasts
This five-piece set of synthetic complexion brushes is perfect for blending out creams and powders. Plus, their signature handle designs ensure they won’t accidentally slip out of your fingers mid-swipe.
Number of brushes included: Five
Types of brushes included: Medium tapered blending, tapered, smudger, powder
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “High-quality brushes with a nice countertop appeal.” —Margaret K.
Most Gift-Worthy Makeup Brush Set
Artis Black Bag Bundle 4
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Collection not as extensive as some others
This small but mighty ergonomic brush set contains all the essentials: From professional-level makeup brushes to thoughtful brush-cleaning wipes—which makes it especially ideal for any aspiring makeup artist.
Number of brushes included: Five
Types of brushes included: Elite Oval 7 Mirror Brush, Elite Oval 6 Mirror Brush, Elite Oval 4 Mirror Brush, Elite Linear 1 Mirror Brush, Elite Circle 1R Mirror Brush
Hair type: Synthetic
Experts are saying: “This set of four artist-approved brushes from Artis is transformative for any beauty routine. Their weighted handles make the tools instantly feel more luxe, along with their soft, silky bristles that feel like butter on the skin each time you use them.” —Bazaar beauty team
Best for Detail
Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)
Pros
- Includes carrying case
Cons
- Collection may be too extensive for beginners
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.
Number of brushes included: 30
Types of brushes included: Tapered blending, flat contour, large powder, foundation, small angle eye, brow and lash
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “I’m so happy to have these brushes! They took my makeup to the next level!” —Rebekah Z.
Best Makeup Brush Set for Your Vanity
Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate
Pros
- Includes magnetized storage plate
- Stylish
Cons
- Pricey
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.
Number of brushes included: Eight
Types of brushes included: Deluxe kabuki, deluxe point shader, cream shadow shader, lip, liquid foundation
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “Very soft and luxurious face makeup personal set! The bristles on the brush are so soft and apply your makeup so smoothly and blend with other makeup very well. The brushes are easy to clean and very beautiful to display in your collection. The brush set is expensive but perfect for a makeup lover.” —belap4
Best for an Airbrush Effect
It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
Pros
- Brushes work with creams, liquids, and powders
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Collection may not be extensive enough for some
This fluffy, five-piece brush set is meant to mimic the effect of airbrush makeup, thanks to its fluffy bristles and domed shape. It also contains designated brushes to help perfect your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and powder.
Number of brushes included: Five
Types of brushes included: Powder, foundation, concealer, eyeshadow
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “Oh, my makeup goes on so much better with the IT brushes! I’m a highly satisfied customer! I highly recommend this product.” —Lynn
Best Artist-Level Makeup Brush Set
Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)
Pros
- Includes carrying case
Cons
- Collection may be too extensive for beginners
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.
Number of brushes included: 17
Types of brushes included: Foundation, powder, crease, tapered blender, shadow, angeled liner
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “I bought this set as a gift for my best friend’s big birthday and immediately purchased a set for my self. I love having them on my makeup counter. I was wrong when I thought I wouldn’t use all of them, sometimes you need a specific brush or size and it’s right there.” —Penny
Best Value Makeup Brush Set
Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Under $10
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Doesn’t include face brushes
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.
Number of brushes included: Three
Types of brushes included: Base shadow, deluxe crease, angled brow
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “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
Most Stylish Makeup Brush Set
Tarte Cosmetics Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set
Now 28% Off
Pros
- Vegan
- Great for minimal makeup wearers
Cons
- Limited number of brushes in collection
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.
Number of brushes included: Three
Type of brushes included: Complexion, angled cheek, shadow
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “Handles are long and easy to hold.” —Katy W.
Editors’ Favorite Makeup Brush Set
Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set
Pros
- Versatile brush selection
- Set features durable handles
Cons
- Collection may be too extensive for beginners
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.
Number of brushes included: 12
Types of brushes included: Powder, duo fibre, large angled contour, foundation, concealer, tapered blending, pencil, eyeliner
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “I love these brushes. So soft and work perfectly. Worth the price—also love the range of brushes in the set! :)” —Lizzie
Most Customizable Makeup Brush Set
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials
Pros
- Under $20
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Collection may not be extensive enough for some makeup enthusiats
Add some variety to your makeup tools with this top-rated brush set, which nicely contains a bonus angled sponge for optimal blending. Over 1,000 Ulta shoppers are giving the budget-friendly set rave, five-star reviews.
Number of brushes included: Four
Types of brushes included: Foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, shadow
Hair type: Synthetic
Customer review: “These brushes are amazing and so easy to work with—absolutely a must.” —Lexie
How often should makeup brushes be cleaned?
The more often the better; makeup brushes ideally should be cleaned after every use to minimize product build-up and bacteria, but at least once every two weeks is suggested by professionals.
“Clean your brushes all depends upon use; at least wipe the brush after every use with a towel of some sort to remove access product,” Telwar Kaicker advises. “Daily or weekly cleanses can also involve a non-hydrous formula (one without alcohol) that can be directly sprayed onto the brush, and not get it wet, yet pull out excess makeup, skincare, oil, and dirt.”
She notes that depending on your skin type and amount of makeup usage, deep cleaning your complexion brush weekly or at minimum monthly with a brush shampoo and textured silicone pad is ideal for removing fiber build-up.
What’s the best ways to dry your makeup brushes?
According to Telwar Kaicker, after your deep clean, remove excess water from your brushes with a towel. Next, tilt the brush downward to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule and breaking down the glue in the brush head.
What’s the difference between natural and synthetic makeup brushes?
Natural makeup brushes are often made of various animal hair and fur, and often tend to be pricer than synthetic options. Synthetic bristle brushes are typically made from man-made materials, like nylon and other plastics polymers. It’s also been said that natural brushes tend to feel softer on the face, but many synthetic brushes are designed to feel equally comfortable during the application process.
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.
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