The 15 Best Makeup Brush Sets, According to Experts

The 15 Best Makeup Brush Sets, According to Experts
best makeup brush sets
Image collage by Sarah Olivieri

The 15 Best Makeup Brush Sets, According to Experts

If you're reading this, it's probably time for an upgrade

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Crafting the perfect smoky eye or no makeup-makeup finish isn't always easy no matter how many TikTok tutorials you've watched. But aside from having the necessary skill to pull off a glamorous beauty look, using one of the best makeup brush sets can make all the difference in your concealer placement, blush intensity, and more.

Even the most talented artists need the right tools to achieve the best results, which is why we've consulted professionals like Anisa Telwar Kaicker, founder of Anisa Beauty, along with expert makeup artist and licensed master esthetician Nicole Erickson for some of their top picks.


Whether you're a budding professional, a total beginner, or just looking to upgrade your beauty routine, we've included some of the best makeup brush sets below that might actually make you want to clean your tools after each use. From face makeup bundles like Ami Colé's Brush Trio to more robust collections from brands like Sigma Beauty and Westman Atelier, keep reading for some of the top selects worth adding to your rotation.

Plus, the experts provide tips on how to pick the best makeup brush set for your skill level and preferred makeup looks—and finally put the natural versus synthetic bristle debate to an end.


Sigma Beauty

Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set

Pros
  • Versatile brush selection
  • Durable handles
Cons
  • Collection may be too extensive for true 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 of eye-specific brushes) to seamlessly complete your next look.

  • Number of brushes included: 12
  • Brushes included: F30 Large powder, F50 duo fibre, F40 large angled contour, F60 foundation, F50 concealer, E40 tapered blending, E60 large shader, E55 eye shading, E70 medium angled shading, E30 pencil, E65 small angle, E05 eyeliner
  • Bristle material: Synthetic

Customer review: "I'm a professional MUA, and I have done hundreds of faces with these brushes. They have held up wash after wash and time after time... My seven-year-old brushes are still in great condition."—Morgan F.

Anisa Beauty

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

If your current face makeup brushes aren't cutting it, upgrade to this do-it-all duo from Anisa Beauty. The larger of the two brushes, the brand's cult-favorite Pinnacle Foundation Brush, features angled bristles that curve to the contours of your face, effortlessly blending liquid foundation, cream blush, and bronzer. The compact concealer brush fits perfectly under the eyes for a smooth, crease-free finish.

"This set of brushes from Anisa Beauty makes applying my base makeup a dream," beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis says. "Not only are the bristles super soft, but their angled shapes make it easy to blend my foundation and concealer quickly and seamlessly."

  • Number of brushes: Two
  • Brushes included: Pinnacle foundation brush, angled concealer brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "If you want to choose brushes for the face that do it all and last forever, these two are a must."—Alia

BS-Mall

Makeup Brush Set

Pros
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Has over 100,000 positive Amazon reviews
Cons
  • Some reviewers say the brushes shed excessively

Skip unnecessary price markups by grabbing this complete 14-piece set from BS-Mall, a cosmetics tool manufacturer that produces makeup brushes for numerous big-name beauty brands. The Amazon-reviewer favorite includes face and eye brushes of varying shapes and sizes, so it's perfect for those looking to improve their skills and try new product types or application methods without serious financial commitment.

  • Number of brushes: 14
  • Type of brushes included: Angled brush, flat angled brush, flat face brush, round brush, tapered brush, blending brush, concealer brush, angled eyeshadow brush, halo brush, lip brush, detail brush, eyeliner brush, eyebrow combination brush
  • Bristle 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.

Westman Atelier

Petite Brush Collection

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman
Pros
  • Includes a variety of brushes and carrier
Cons
  • Over $500

This limited-edition brush set is handcrafted in Japan, but that's only part of what makes it special. It's also approved by celebrity makeup artist and Westman Atelier founder Gucci Westman and includes a range of petite-sized brushes for foundation, eyeshadow, lips, and more.

  • Number of brushes: 25
  • Type of brushes included:
  • Bristle type: Synthetic
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Ami Colé

The Brush Trio

Credit: Ami Colé
Pros
  • Great for beginners
  • Features soft bristles
Cons
  • Set only includes complexion brushes

If you are already a fan of Ami Colé best-sellers like the Skin-Enhancing Tint and Lip Treatment Oil, wait until you've tried their makeup brush set. The trio is ideal for foundation, concealer, and powder application, and even nicely comes with its own storage pouch.

  • Number of brushes: Three
  • Type of brushes included: Complexion brush, concealer brush, powder brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "These brushes are so soft and work like a charm. A1 quality!" —Ebony O.

Spectrum x Katie Jane Hughes

25-Piece Brush Set

Pros
  • Contains a wide variety of brush types
  • Comes with a microfiber towel to quick clean brushes between products
Cons
  • Likely too many brush options for true beginners

This extensive 25-piece brush collection covers all the bases: Foundation, concealer, powder, eyeshadow, lip color, you name it. And since it was created in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, the collection also happens to be expert-approved.

According to Erickson, the brushes' synthetic taklon bristles "blend pigments well and feel luxurious on the face" with a convenient carrying case that makes it easy to tote. Along with this set, she also recommends the six-piece Spectrum x Katie Jane Hughes set for those in search of a more streamlined set with the same professional-level quality.

  • Number of brushes: 25
  • Type of brushes included: Bronzer brush, blush brush, duo-fiber cheek brushes, angled powder brush, foundation brush, pencil brushes, eyeliner brushes, blending brush, eyeshadow brushes, ferrule detailing brush, eyeshadow detail brushes, flat concealer brush, cut crease brush, eyebrow brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "You can tell that a makeup artist has designed these brushes, as there is every brush you can think of in this collection. My favorites are the detailing brushes, as I feel these are the brushes other brands don’t focus on."—Louise


Real Techniques

Everyday Essentials Set

Pros
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Reviewers say the quality is equal to more expensive brands
  • Includes a second makeup sponge for free
Cons
  • Only contains one eyeshadow brush

If you're after the essentials, grab this six-piece Real Techniques set for just $20. According to more than 40,000 five-star Amazon reviewers, the budget-friendly brushes are versatile enough to achieve most everyday makeup looks and durable enough to withstand years of daily use.

"You don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive set on the market," Erickson notes. "Affordable makeup brush brands like Real Techniques and Eco Tools are sufficient for those wanting to keep it simple. Assess what you’re doing makeup-wise on a daily basis and consider what you actually need."

  • Number of brushes: Four (plus two makeup sponges)
  • Types of brushes included: RT 400 blush brush, RT 300 deluxe crease brush, RT 402 setting brush, RT 200 expert face brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "I have a range of high-end brushes, but the brushes in this set are brushes I use on a daily basis and prefer to their expensive counterparts. You can’t get a better value for quality at [this] price."

Guide Beauty

Guide Beauty Easy on the Eyes Brush Set

Pros
  • Feature a universal design
  • Handles are easy to grip
Cons
  • Set does not contain face makeup brushes

Thoughtfully designed, ergonomic handles make these Guide Beauty brushes a suitable pick for anyone and everyone, including makeup lovers with limited mobility. Just rest the brand's signature Guide Ring between your fingers and place your thumb on the pad for a comfortable grip that provides total control, even if you struggle with shaky hands.

  • Number of brushes: Three
  • Brushes included: All-over eyeshadow brush, blend & crease brush, define & smudge brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "I have hand tremors due to MS, and these easy-to-grip brushes are a huge help. Makeup is fun again."—Rebecca


Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

The Duet Brush Bundle

Now 7% Off
Credit: Kevyn Aucoin
Pros
  • Great for travel
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Over $200

You'll basically get 13 makeup brushes with this versatile set from the experts at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty instead of seven, thanks to each of the tool's dual-ended sides. They each work with powder, cream, and liquid formulas, and aim to mimic the shape of a finger for ultimate precision.

  • Number of brushes: Seven
  • Types of brushes included: Duet Foundation Brush, Duet Concealer Brush, Duet Blush Brush, Duet Contour Brush, Duet Shadow Brush, Duet Precision Shadow Brush, Duet Definer Brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic
EcoTools

Start the Day Beautifully Makeup Brush Set

Now 23% Off
Pros
  • Set has over 17,000 five-star Amazon reviews
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Some reviewers say bristles could be softer

Brand new to the world of makeup application? This beginner-friendly set from EcoTools is designed to streamline your morning routine instead of complicating it. It has the basic face and eye brushes you'll need to apply go-to products like concealer, blush, and eyeshadow—without overwhelming you with multiple options for blending and detailing.

Erickson also points out that many beauty products don't require brushes at all. "If you’re a minimalist, there are quite a few cream-based face products and even eyeshadows you can apply with your fingers. Using your fingers can also help to warm up and blend the product—just make sure your hands are clean."

  • Number of brushes: Five
  • Brushes included: Full face blush brush, angled foundation face brush, blurring concealer brush, defined crease eye brush, angled liner eye brush
  • Bristle material: Synthetic

Customer review: "I own over 50 brushes, most are high-end, but I always default to these because I know they will be consistent and reliable. They clean easily and don’t lose bristles every time."—Lori


Jenny Patinkin

Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

Now 15% Off
Pros
  • Featured in Oprah's Favorite Things 2023
  • Includes zippered makeup bag
Cons
  • Dual-ended brushes need to be stored horizontally

Each brush in this Jenny Patinkin set is dual-ended, so it's almost like getting two for the price of one. Though suitable for everyday use, the two-in-one design is particularly great for travel. Whether you're touching up in the airport bathroom or putting on a full face at your hotel, you'll have all the face and eye brushes required to get the job done. The faux leather carrying case included for easy transport has enough room to fit concealer, mascara, and other essential products.

  • Number of brushes: Six
  • Brushes included: Cream complexion brush, powder complexion brush, eyeshadow/crease brush, eye detail brush, conceal/define brush, brow/line brush
  • Bristle material: Synthetic

Customer review: "The bag is just as great as the brushes."

Saie

The Brush Collection

Now 11% Off
Pros
  • Work with liquid, cream and powder products
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
  • Limited brush options for eye products

If you're a fan of Saie's makeup essentials, we're betting you'll love applying them with this four-piece brush set from the brand. The different brush sizes and textures make it quick and easy to create a natural-looking base using your preferred liquid, cream, and powder complexion products. Then, you can go back in with the dual-ended option for highlighter, concealer, or bronzer.

  • Number of brushes: Four
  • Brushes included: Base brush, fluffy brush, big brush, double brush
  • Bristle material: Synthetic

Customer review: "A must-have for those who prefer multi-use products in their kit."—Emma


Artis

Artis Finest Four Plus Set

Now 28% Off
Pros
  • A brand favorite for celebrity makeup artists
  • Includes a storage case and cleaning wipes
Cons
  • Over $150

Adele's long-time makeup artist, Anthony H. Nguyen, used Artis's oval makeup brushes to create the flawless looks the singer became notorious for during her Vegas residency. So, it's safe to say they can help you achieve professional-level results at home.

This small but mighty set contains four versatile oval brushes that work on every part of the face, along with a 30-pack of brush-cleaning wipes that make it easy to switch from one product or shade to the next. Even better, you'll receive a spacious makeup case to store your sleek new tools.

  • Number of brushes: Four
  • Types of brushes included: Elite oval 7 brush, elite oval 4 brush, elite linear 1 brush, elite circle 1 brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "Love how easy they are to use and how they hold up over time."—Heather

Morphe

Best of Blends 8-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set

Pros
  • Feature with antibacterial bristles
  • Suitable for all skill levels
Cons
  • Doesn't include carrying case

Dirty makeup brushes are known to harbor breakout-causing bacteria, which is why Morphe upgraded its popular makeup brush sets with antibacterial synthetic bristles. While you'll still need to wash your tools regularly, the silver ion-infused material will put your mind at ease during day-to-day use. Suitable for beginners and experts alike, this eight-piece kit is the perfect pick for those in need of a fresh start.

  • Number of brushes: Eight
  • Brushes included: M104 Domed foundation brush, M133 domed concealer brush, M161 large rounded powder brush, M204 rounded blush brush, M303 large paddle packer eyeshadow brush, M332 medium rounded blender eyeshadow brush, M383 pointed detail eye brush, M401 dual-ended angled brow brush and spoolie
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "Love how soft the brush is against my skin, especially with having rosacea."—Kat

Hourglass Cosmetics

Vegan Brush Travel Set

Pros
  • PETA-approved
  • Offers a nice variety of brush types
Cons
  • Some reviewers weren't impressed by the quality for the price

If you're the type to do your makeup in the gym locker room or during your morning commute, try this travel-friendly brush set from Hourglass Cosmetics. The seven-piece assortment contains cult-favorite tools you've likely seen on TikTok, including the brand's dual-ended Ambient Lighting Edit Brush, housed inside a luxe vegan leather roll.

  • Number of brushes: Seven
  • Types of brushes included: Vanish seamless finish foundation brush, vanish seamless finish concealer brush, veil single powder brush, ambient lighting edit brush, N° 6 tapered blender brush, N° 12 beveled shadow brush, N° 14 detail setting brush
  • Bristle type: Synthetic

Customer review: "These brushes are absolutely amazing and worth the money... Pricey, but the best."

Meet the experts

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  • Anisa Telwar Kaicker is the founder of the makeup brush brand Anisa Beauty.
  • Nicole Erickson is a certified makeup artist specializing in bridal and event makeup and a licensed master esthetician at SkinSpirit.

What are the best makeup brushes worth shopping?

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According to Erickson, the most essential makeup brushes in your set are ones used with powder products, such as bronzer, blush, or setting powder. "Everyone should own a small powder brush–or even something that resembles a large eyeshadow brush–to cut shine where needed and set concealer. An angled brush can be helpful when using bronzer or contour, as well as a medium-sized cheek brush for powder blush."

And when it comes to eye makeup brushes, the expert adds, "It can be helpful to have a dual-sided angled brush-spoolie combo for brows, as well as for winged liner. A small, dense, pointed brush for the lash line and inner corner is nice to have, as well as one or two blending brushes for the eyelids."

What is the best material for makeup brushes?

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"I like to say there is nothing 'natural' about animal hair," Anisa Telwar Kaicker 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."

Erickson agrees that synthetic makeup brushes outperform products made using animal by-products. "Synthetic brushes tend to be more durable and last longer. Less and less natural bristles are
used today, and as a makeup artist, I don’t think we need them, performance-wise."

How do professional makeup artists clean their brushes?

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"When I deep clean my makeup brushes once or twice a month, I typically use Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 castile soap," Erickson notes. "At the very least, use a quick-dry brush cleaner like Sephora's Daily Brush Cleaner between each use to avoid the spread of bacteria."

Telwar Kaicker suggests that after deep cleaning, you remove excess water from your brushes with a towel. Then, tilt the brush downward to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule and breaking down the glue in the brush head.

How often should you replace makeup brushes?

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According to Erickson, high-quality, well-cared-for brushes can last for years. "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I’ve had some of my makeup brushes last a decade and some only last a year or two. If you love it and you’re able to properly sanitize it, use it for as long as you can."

How do you know when it's time for a new set? Erickson says it all comes down to the glue. "Typically, when a makeup brush goes bad, the glue between the brush and handle starts to break down due to wear and moisture from cleaning. When that happens, toss it and move on. For things like beauty blenders and sponges that harbor bacteria, no matter how you sanitize them? Toss after a few uses, especially if you’re acne-prone."

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