The 18 Best Makeup Brush Sets for Every Level of Mastery
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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.
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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.
Expertly-curated makeup brush sets come stocked with high-quality options that cater to the face, cheeks, eyes, brows, and more, but if you’ve yet to master the art of contouring, defining, shading, highlighting, no worries; you don’t have to be a professional to operate this fine equipment. According to celebrity makeup artist and brow expert, Danielle Kimiko Vincent, founder of Kimiko, everyone from beginner makeup moguls to celebrity artists can benefit from investing in a complete set of the essential types of makeup brushes.
“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
Best for Travel: Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set
Best for Eyes: Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Collection
Best Professional: Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set
Best for Beginners: Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set
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BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET ON AMAZON
BS-Mall Premium 18-Piece Brush Set
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$9.98 $13.99 29% off
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
BEST AFFORDABLE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$7.98 $12.99 39% off
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
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$18.79 $19.99 6% off
$19.99
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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$9.99 $19.99 50% off
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
Bestope Makeup Brush Set
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$8.99 $9.99 10% off
“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
EDITOR'S CHOICE
It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$51
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 Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$320
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
BEST TRAVEL MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$55
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
BEST EYE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Collection
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$32
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
$80
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
Luxie Bronze and Glow Makeup Brush Set
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$75
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
Eigshow Jade Series 15-Piece Makeup Brush Kit
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$26.99 $35.99 25% off
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
BEST TRAVEL MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Mac Cosmetics Brush With Greatness Travel Set
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$50
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 The Brush Collection
Saie Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$96 $108 11% off
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
Sigma Beauty Essential Kit
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$160
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
BEST PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$39.95
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
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR BEGINNERS
Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$49
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
Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$77
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
E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Collection
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
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?
No surprise here, but even if you already own the highest quality makeup on the market, your results simply won’t look as good without the proper tools. “Makeup brushes pick up the formula and help flawlessly blend product onto the skin,” explains Scibelli, who adds that they’re especially great for beginners testing out new makeup products. “Although I’m a fan of using your [clean] fingers for cream products like concealer and cream blush, makeup brushes are essential when it comes to applying and blending powder products, as well as creating an even finish.”
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
Turner explains that bristles on makeup brushes are either natural (sourced from animals like squirrels, goats, and ponies) or synthetically made from nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. Natural hair brushes, Turner says, have cuticles, making them porous, therefore, they attract and keep the product in the brush, which ultimately results in a more sheer application. “Their porous nature can also make them a breeding ground for bacteria,” Turner says, adding that natural hair brushes also tend to be a higher price point and their longevity is questionable.
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
Vincent tells WWD that as far as length goes, medium or shorter handles work well overall and fit better within a personal makeup bag. However, for a professional makeup artist, longer handles are ideal for powder and blush application. “This allows me to view my client from slightly further back, giving me a fuller picture of what I’m creating,” she says.
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.”
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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.
Jamie Greenberg is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup. After working with celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Kaley Cuoco, Rashinda Jones, and more, Greenberg has rightfully earned her role as one of the top makeup artists in the country. Her ability to create both jaw-dropping red carpet looks and natural, no makeup-makeup is admirable to professional artists and amateurs alike. Oh, and not to mention that she’s an entrepreneur as well, starting her own beauty line — Jamie Makeup — while still working as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand makeup 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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