If you are a true beauty junkie, you should invest in high-quality makeup brush sets, including those that will be briefly mentioned in the rest of this post. Whether you want smoky eyes or blushing cheeks, you will need these brushes to transform your face! If you are unsure about which brushes will make the best pick, keep on reading and learn from some of our recommendations.
Our Top Picks for Makeup Brush Sets
It can be intimidating to choose a makeup brush set, especially considering the long list of the options on the market. To help you out, below are some of the top products that you have to take into consideration.
EmaxDesign 12-piece Makeup Brush Set
Value for money – this is one of the reasons why this brush set can prove to be an exceptional option. At its price, it is already inclusive of almost everything that you will need, such as a foundation brush, eyeshadow brush, and highlight brush. Whether it is for contouring, concealing, blending, or highlighting, there is a brush that will work best for your needs. Each brush is made of an elegant bamboo handle, which is also an eco-friendly material. A portable bag is also included as a part of the package, making it easy to stay organized.
BS-MALL Premium 14-piece Makeup Brush Set
With this set, you will have five large kabuki brushes and nine smaller brushes for precise application of eye makeup. The brushes are soft and silky, which also means that they will be gentle on the skin. Despite being soft, however, they are firm enough to make sure of the ease of application of makeup. You can also expect that the bristles won’t end up falling easily. Best of all, despite these good things, the price of the brush set does not hurt the wallet. It is budget-friendly without compromising its quality.
Anjou 16-piece Makeup Brush Set
Regardless of the look that you would want to pull off, this set comes with the brush that you will need. Whether it is large or precision brush, there is one for you. The brushes are made of soft synthetic fibers, which are also cruelty-free. You can expect that these brushes will withstand the test of time and they are unlike cheaper ones that can be easily prone to shedding. With the rose gold design, on the other hand, it has a chic appeal that you are sure to love.
SHANY Pro Signature 24-piece Brush Set
Dubbed as The Masterpiece, this is another makeup brush collection that should be on your radar. One of the best things about this set is the material of choice. The bristles are made of a combination of sable, pony, badger, and goat hair, as well as synthetic cut microfiber. They have also been through an antibacterial treatment, making sure they are hygienic. As for the handles, they are made of high-quality oakwood. There is also a folding leatherette pouch included to easily organize the 24 brushes included in the set.
BABI BEAR 15-piece Makeup Brush Set
Whether you need a small and dense brush or a large and fluffy one, you can find it from this set. The brushes have high-density bristles, which will also be long-lasting. Plus, with such bristles, you can use less makeup while still looking good and achieving the style you desire. The wooden handle, on the other hand, is easy to grip. As a bonus, you will also have a brush cleaner and a sponge. The package is also inclusive of a pouch that makes it easy to organize all your brushes.
Beakey 10-piece Brush Set
This is another option that is economical but demonstrates top-notch quality. Aside from the ten makeup brushes that are part of the set, it also comes with a sponge and a brush cleaner. The brushes are made of synthetic and long-lasting hair. They are soft and gentle on the skin. The handles, on the other hand, are made of wood. More than the brushes, the sponge that is included in this set has captivated the attention of many people. It has an edgeless design, can be used either wet or dry and is made of a hypoallergenic material.
Real Techniques Travel Essentials Makeup Brush Set
Unlike most of the makeup brushes set that have been mentioned in this post, this product only has three pieces – essential foundation brush, domed shadow brush, and a multi-task brush. Despite being fewer compared to other sets, it is a good thing that the brushes are multipurpose. These brushes are made of a non-porous synthetic material. One of the benefits of the latter is that bacteria will not be trapped or absorbed. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Regardless if your makeup is in powder, cream, liquid, or other forms, you can use these brushes for flawless application.
UNIMEIX Professional Premium 12-piece Makeup Brush Set
For those who are looking for something stylish, this is a makeup brush set that can prove to be an exceptional choice. It comes with an attractive floral case, which does not only keep the brushes organized but also protects them from dirt and other external elements. The brushes are made of a smooth wooden handle and elastic bristles, which is why the application of makeup will be almost effortless on your end. They are also cruelty-free. The bristles are soft and will not be easily prone to shedding.
Vander Life 24-piece Cosmetic Makeup Brush Set
A premium brush set with an affordable price – this is what makes this product an option that is worth your attention. The bristles are made of synthetic materials, which are also dense and long-lasting. They are soft to the touch and gentle on the skin, providing an assurance that they won’t cause an irritation in any way. With 24 brushes in one set, you can be confident that you will have everything that you will need. It is also worth noting that the manufacturer is offering a one-year warranty. Plus, there is a money-back guarantee if you are unhappy in any way with the brushes.
Cleof 13-piece Bamboo Makeup Brush Set
If you are looking for a cruelty-free, vegan, and beautiful makeup brush set, this is one option that should be included on your list. One thing that we loved the most about this product is how it comes with sleek bamboo handles. The brush set has over 10,000 silky soft bristles, providing an assurance of the perfect coverage regardless of the type of makeup that will be used. The bristles are synthetic, which means that they are never sourced from animals. Whether you need a thick or thin brush, this set has got you covered!
Sigma Sigmax Kabuki 5-brush Kit
The first thing that you will notice in this product is perhaps its expensive price. However, it can be justified by the fact that it is made by a trusted brand and that it is reflective of the highest quality. There are only five brushes included in this set and they are designed specifically only for applying makeup in the flat parts of the face. It is inclusive of a flat kabuki, round kabuki, angled kabuki, tapered kabuki, and flat angled kabuki. Whether it is for liquid or cream makeup, there is a kabuki brush from this set that will work for you.
Morphe 18-piece Vegan Makeup Brush Set
Do not let the price of this set hinder you from having it chosen over others. Similar to the Sigma brush set mentioned above, the price will be worth it. After all, there are already 18 brushes included in this set. Plus, they are also vegan! The brushes are also professional-grade, so there is no need for you to worry about its quality. However, those who have used the brush noted that it would have been better if the manufacturer included the brush number in each piece.
Zoreya 12-piece Makeup Brush Set
Love pink? Then you will have a good reason to fall in love with this makeup brush set. Plus, it is also a good thing that it comes with a luxurious holder to keep the brushes together and prevent them from being dirty because of dust. As for the bristles, they are soft but firm. They will easily pick up almost any makeup product and will ensure full coverage once it is applied. The bristles are also strong enough to prevent shedding easily. If you are not satisfied with the use of the brushes included in this set, just let the manufacturer know and you will receive an unconditional refund.
Karity Cosmetics 12-piece Natural Makeup Brush Set
This is a set of 12 pieces of makeup brushes housed in a convenient and portable pouch. Unlike most of the brushes that are mentioned in this guide, this one is made of natural hair. They are softer on the skin, but the problem is that they can be easily prone to shedding, unlike their synthetic counterparts. To prevent this problem, however, the manufacturer included high-quality ferrules, which will hold the fibers together and will prevent them from easily loosening. The wood handles, on the other hand, are weighted and have an ergonomic shape.
Docolor 29-piece Professional Makeup Brush Set
Create a flawless finish easily with the 29 makeup brushes that are included in this set. It has goat, pony, sable, and synthetic bristles, which are known for being durable. They may not be made of natural human hair, but you can expect the quality to be hard to rival. It has high-density bristles that do not shed. Lastly, there is a small zippered pouch that is included, making sure that you won’t lose a brush!
Matto 9-piece Makeup Brush Set
The stylish look of this brush set is the first thing that will captivate your attention, which can be attributed to the use of a natural bamboo handle. In the middle, there is a shiny aluminum ferrule, which will hold the bristles together, preventing them from loosening. The bristles, on the other hand, are made of dense and synthetic fibers. It should also be noted that this is a cruelty-free product. There are no chemicals used and the bristles are also non-porous, which will prevent the possibility of trapping dirt.
Yoseng 10-piece Makeup Brush Set
The best thing about this set is perhaps the unique design. It is shaped like a toothbrush and comes with a curved and ergonomic handle, giving it a sexy appeal. The brushes have dense and ultra-soft bristles, unlike others that can be easily prone to shedding. Even after a long time of use, the bristles will remain strong. To add, because they are dense, you can expect even and quick application of your makeup. The brushes are made of synthetic fibers that have not been chemically treated, so there is no need to worry even if you have sensitive skin.
BESTOPE 16-piece Makeup Brush Set
This set is inclusive of five pieces of big kabuki makeup brushes and 11 precise makeup brushes, making sure that there is one for every makeup application. Each piece is hand-crafted using only the finest materials that are available. It has dense synthetic fibers and wooden handles. Plus, with the rose gold color, the brushes have a unique aesthetic appeal. Those who have used the brushes were also happy with how it is easy to clean and maintain, making it long-lasting. Lastly, to provide you with peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.
The Essential Makeup Brushes to Have in a Set
Individual needs and preferences will dictate the exact number of pieces that will be present in the brush set to purchase. Obviously, if you are a professional makeup artist, you will need a lot of brushes. Below is an overview of some of the best brushes that should be included in the set that you will purchase.
- Foundation Brush: This brush comes with a tapered tip and dense bristles. This is often large and will be used for the application of foundation as the base for your makeup. The wrong brush can make the foundation appear cakey.
- Powder Brush: It has long and fluffy bristles that will be effective in the diffusing and application of loose powder. For the brush to demonstrate high quality, it must be able to apply powder on the face without looking like a ghost or removing the layer of makeup that has already been applied.
- Concealer Brush: Hide your spots and imperfections with the use of the right concealer brush. Often, this type of brush is flat, has a wide base, pointed tip, and soft bristles. This brush is never meant to be used for blending out but only for spot application.
- Stippling Brush: It comes with light and feathery ends, which will be the perfect option for the light makeup finish. Because it is made of light fibers, it can provide an airbrush effect that makes you look fresher.
- Angled Blush Brush: Made with slanted bristles, this is the brush that you should use for precisely applying blush. The unique shape makes it easier to pick up the blush and provide natural effects.
- Angled Brush: While the brush mentioned above is made specifically for blush, this one is multipurpose. It is often used for eyeliners and eyebrows. It has a sharp end, which will come handy if you want a winged liner.
- Contour Brush: As the name implies, this is a brush that is designed specifically for contouring the face. It usually has firm bristles, round shape, and a slanted end. It helps to redefine the shape of the face.
- Eyeshadow Brush: This is one of the smallest brushes in a makeup kit. It is large and flat with overflowing bristles. It is handy for the smooth and precise application of an eyeshadow, whether powder or liquid form.
- Bronzer Brush: A good bronzer can give you a sun-kissed complexion and will also enhance your bone structure. The right brush is important for achieving such. The brush for a bronzer is full, rounded, and soft. A Kabuki brush is often used for the application of bronzer.
- Mineral Powder: If you have a mineral powder as a part of your makeup routine, it deserves to have its own brush. It has thick and bundled bristles, which will be perfect for both wet and dry applications.
Types of Makeup Brush Bristles
While there are many things that should be taken into account when searching for the perfect makeup brush, one of the most important would be the materials used, especially the bristles. The latter is the part that directly touches the face and the makeup, which makes it an important consideration.
Natural Hair Bristles
These are bristles that are directly sourced from animal sources, which often include horses, boars, and goats. Since they are made of actual hair, one of the benefits is that it is extremely soft and gentle on the skin. However, one of the drawbacks of this material is that durability can be compromised as it is easily prone to shedding. There are also some people who might develop an allergic reaction with some types of animal hairs.
Synthetic Bristles
In contrast, these brushes are made of synthetic materials, specifically melted and spun polymers. Taklon nylon is a popular material of choice since it mimics the quality of natural hair. One of their characteristics is that they do not have a cuticle, which will prevent it from getting soaked. This means that you can use it even in liquid makeups without any problem. Typically, they are also vegan-friendly since they are made with the use of man-made materials.
Keeping your Makeup Brushes Clean
Even if you have the best and most expensive makeup brushes, this does not mean that you have to ignore care and maintenance. With this, pay attention to the things that will be mentioned below to know how you can keep your brushes clean, which will be vital in making it hygienic and long-lasting.
How Often Should You Clean your Makeup Brushes?
This will depend mostly on the type of the makeup brush. According to makeup experts, concealer and foundation brushes should be cleaned at least once a week. Those that are used for applying makeup on the eyes, meanwhile, should be cleaned at least once every two weeks. Lastly, those that are used in the other parts of the face should be cleaned at least once a month.
What Should you Use to Clean Makeup Brushes?
In the case of some manufacturers, they might have their own cleaning products that are perfect for maintaining their brushes. Otherwise, you are already good with water and a gentle soap. A gentle cleanser is especially important if the brushes are made of natural bristles. For a synthetic brush, you can safely use a dishwashing liquid.
How To Clean Makeup Brushes Properly
It will be best to clean brushes using the palm of your hand. In a bowl, mix water and your choice of soap. Once suds start to form, dip the part of the brush with bristles and gently massage it with your hand. As an alternative, you can also dip the brush in water, put a soap in your hand, and massage the brush. Rinse the brush until the water becomes clear. Make sure that it is completely dried before use or storage. Use a clean towel to get rid of the excess moisture. Also, when drying, hang the brush pointing down, which will help to keep the shape of the bristles.
Why It Is Important to Clean Makeup Brushes
The most important reason for cleaning your makeup brushes is to avoid the buildup of bacteria, making sure that they won’t get in contact with the skin. Also, regular cleaning will help to get rid of the buildup of the makeup and will help in making the brushes longer lasting.
Wrap Up
With a brush set, you will have almost anything that you will need for the application of makeup. For the best value for the money, take note of the products that have been recommended above. They are reflective of top-notch quality, guaranteeing your highest level of satisfaction!