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The 21 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection 2023

The 21 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection 2023
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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.

best makeup brush sets 2023
NICKY J SIMS//GETTY IMAGES

The 21 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection

If you're reading this, it's probably time to buy some new makeup brushes.

BY TIFFANY DODSON

Ultimately, your makeup look is only as good as the tools you decide to sweep, swirl, and blend products on your face with. Whether you choose to create a bold smoky eye, or opt for barely-there beauty, using one of the best makeup brush sets can mean the difference between a practically flawless face and an uneven final look. Even if your friend or family member is new to regular makeup use, surprising them with a brush set from top brands like Sigma Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and more, can take application routine to new heights.

And as an added shopping bonus for you, many of these tools are available for under $100, which means you're getting a little more bang for your buck. These natural- and synthetic-hair brush bundles are so luxe, we won't blame you if you decide to scoop up a couple sets just for yourself—and put off cleaning your most-loved brushes a little longer. Here, the best makeup brush sets that can make just about anyone feel like a pro.

 


 
Makeup Brush Set
MOST POPULAR MAKEUP BRUSH SET

BS-Mall Makeup Brush Set

CREDIT: AMAZON
PROS
  • On sale
  • Vegan
CONS

    This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 116,000 satisfied customer reviews from Amazon shoppers, with nearly a five-star rating. And did we mention the 14-piece set is available for under $10?

    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. I was pleased to receive the brushes in their own travel case and individually wrapped. The bristles are soft enough for a smooth application and firm enough not to leave streaks, which is always desirable." —Latosha R.

    Number of brushes included: 14
    Types of brushes included: Blending, eyebrow, eyeshadow, powder
    Hair type: Synthetic
    Essential Brush Gift Set
    EDITORS' FAVORITE MAKEUP BRUSH SET

    Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set

    CREDIT: AMAZON
    PROS
    • Set features durable handles
    CONS

      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.

      Customer review:

      "I love these brushes. So soft and work perfectly. Worth the price—also love the range of brushes in the set! :)" —Lizzie

      Number of brushes included: 12
      Types of brushes included: Face and eye
      Hair type: Synthetic
      Professional Brush Set
      BEST ERGONOMIC MAKEUP BRUSH SET

      e.l.f. Professional Brush Set

      CREDIT: E.L.F. COSMETICS
      PROS
      • Top-rated
      CONS

        Beauty enthusiasts are raving about this ergonomic 12-piece set from e.l.f, with one satisfied customer writing, "Already in love with e.l.f products but their brushes are so freaking amazing! They are soft and great quality, they are very durable, super easy to clean, and helps blend makeup smoothly! Definitely going to buy another set."

        Number of brushes included: 12
        Types of brushes: Foundation, bronzer, concealer, eyelash and brow, blending
        Hair type: Synthetic
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        Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)
        BEST ARTIST-LEVEL MAKEUP BRUSH SET

        Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)

        CREDIT: HOURGLASS
        PROS
        • Includes carrying case
        CONS

          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
          Magic Mini Brush Set
          BEST EVERY DAY MAKEUP BRUSH SET

          Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set

          CREDIT: NORDSTROM
          PROS
          • Includes carrying case
          CONS

            If you're gifting a friend or family member who isn't one to spend a ton of time crafting their cheek and eye contours, surprise them this streamlined and travel-ready brush set from Charlotte Tilbury.

            Customer review:

            "This is an absolutely stunning set. Beautiful red velvet case with perfect size brushes." —Candlelover20

            Number of brushes included: 4
            Types of brushes included: Eye blender, smudger, power, precision
            Hair type: Synthetic
            Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
            BEST MAKEUP BRUSHES FOR AN AIRBRUSH EFFECT

            It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101

            CREDIT: ULTA BEAUTY
            PROS
            • Vegan
            CONS

              Here's a fluffy, five piece set that's meant to mimic the effect of airbrush makeup, and contains designated brushes for your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and powder.

              Number of brushes included: 5
              Types of brushes included: Powder, foundation, concealer, eyeshadow
              Hair type: Synthetic
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              Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set
              BEST FOOLPROOF MAKEUP BRUSH SET

              Jenny Patinkin Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

              CREDIT: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
              PROS
              • Includes faux leather carrying case
              CONS

                Since each of the brushes in this set—which include two for face, one for brows and liner, and more—are dual-ended, it's almost like they're getting two for the price of one.

                Number of brushes included: 6
                Types of brushes: Cream complexion, powder, shadow, brow, eye detail
                Hair type: Synthetic
                Major Tools Set
                BEST CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST-APPROVED BRUSH SET

                Patrick Ta Major Tools Set

                CREDIT: PATRICK TA
                PROS
                • Contains options for face and body
                CONS

                  You'll find makeup brushes for both face and body in this six-piece set from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, which feature an elegant, gilded finish.

                  Number of brushes included: 6
                  Types of brushes included: Contour, complexion, body, eyeshadow, lip, brow
                  Hair type: Synthetic
                  Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)
                  BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR TRAVEL

                  Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)

                  CREDIT: LUXIE BEAUTY
                  PROS
                  • Features carrying case
                  CONS

                    Since this well-rounded rose gold brush set includes its own zippered storage pouch, it's easy to quickly pack them all in a suitcase for your next getaway.

                    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
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                    Complete Brush Collection
                    BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR BEGINNERS

                    Kosas Complete Brush Collection

                    CREDIT: KOSAS
                    PROS
                    • Vegan
                    CONS

                      Anyone who's new to makeup will love receiving this vibrant five-piece set from Kosas that includes all the basics they'll need for an impactful look.

                      Number of brushes included: 5
                      Type of brushes included: Powder, face detailer, contour fan, angled cheek, eye
                      Hair type: Synthetic
                      Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate
                      BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR YOUR VANITY

                      Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate

                      CREDIT: SPACE NK
                      PROS
                      • Includes magnetized storage plate
                      CONS

                        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: 8
                        Types of brushes included: Deluxe kabuki, deluxe point shader, cream shadow shader, lip, liquid foundation
                        Hair type: Synthetic
                        The Complexion Brush Gift Set
                        BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR COMPLEXION

                        Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set

                        Now 35% Off
                        CREDIT: ROSE INC
                        PROS
                        • Includes cylinder case
                        • Vegan
                        CONS

                          This professional-level set from Rose Inc will bring a smile to any makeup lover's face this season, which features an angular design that's perfect for flawless foundation, concealer, and blush application.

                          Number of brushes included: 4
                          Types of brushes included: Foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer
                          Hair type: Synthetic
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                          Vibes Makeup Brush Set
                          BEST ECO-FRIENDLY MAKEUP BRUSH SET

                          EcoTools Vibes Makeup Brush Set

                          Now 11% Off
                          CREDIT: AMAZON
                          PROS
                          • Top-rated
                          CONS

                            If you're looking to live more sustainably, consider this best-selling brush set from EcoTools. Not only are the brushes made from recycled aluminum and plastic with bamboo handles, but its bristles also feature rounded edges for easy makeup application.

                            Customer review:

                            "Great gift—got these for my friend for Christmas and she loved them! Super soft!" —Mykenzie

                            Number of brushes included: 4
                            Types of brushes included: Foundation, concealer, powder, angled crease
                            Hair type: Synthetic
                            The Brush Collection
                            BEST MAKEUP ARTIST-APPROVED BRUSH SET

                            Westman Atelier The Brush Collection

                            CREDIT: CREDO BEAUTY
                            PROS
                            • Handcrafted in Japan
                            CONS

                              Makeup icon Gucci Westman created this streamlined set of synthetic brushes that include one for foundation, concealer, blending, and powder, plus two eyeshadow brushes, and a smaller tool for the lips.

                              Number of brushes included: 9
                              Types of brushes included: Liquid blender, foundation, concealer, blending, powder, eye shadow, lip
                              Hair type: Synthetic
                              Divine Brush Duo
                              BEST MAKEUP BRUSH DUO

                              Pat McGrath Labs Divine Brush Duo

                              CREDIT: PAT MCGRATH LABS
                              PROS
                              • Eco-friendly
                              CONS

                                Designed by makeup legend Pat McGrath, this synthetic set includes a pair of ultra-soft powder and blurring brushes with slightly tapered bristles for more precise application.

                                Customer review:

                                "I mainly bought this for the powder brush but was [happy] to get the smaller brush as an added bonus! The quality of these brushes are amazing and of course the packaging is beautiful." —Lindsey B.

                                Number of brushes included: 2
                                Types of brushes included: Powder, blurring
                                Hair type: Synthetic
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                                Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set
                                BEST GRIPPY MAKEUP BRUSH SET

                                Laruce Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set

                                CREDIT: AMAZON
                                PROS
                                • Includes hard shell storage/travel case
                                CONS

                                  This five-piece set of synthetic complexion brushes is perfect for blending out creams and powders, and their signature handle designs ensure they won't accidentally slip out of your fingers mid-swipe.

                                  Number of brushes included: 5
                                  Types of brushes included: Medium tapered blending, tapered, smugder, powder
                                  Hair type: Synthetic
                                  Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set
                                  MOST STYLISH MAKEUP BRUSH SET

                                  Tarte Cosmetics Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set

                                  Now 31% Off
                                  CREDIT: TARTE COSMETICS
                                  PROS
                                  • Vegan
                                  CONS

                                    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.

                                    Customer review:

                                    "Handles are long and easy to hold." —Katy W.

                                    Number of brushes included: 3
                                    Type of brushes included: Complexion, angled cheek, shadow
                                    Hair type: Synthetic
                                    Artistique Brush Trio
                                    BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR DEFINITION

                                    Artistique Brush Trio

                                    CREDIT: SURRATT BEAUTY

                                    This set of three pro-level brushes include staples to define cheek contours, blend out eyeshadow, and emphasize you lash line with ease. And to get the most out of your natural hair brush set, try washing your them once a week with a conditioning shampoo.

                                    Number of brushes included: 3
                                    Types of brushes included: Sculpting, classic smoky eye, classic eye
                                    Hair type: Natural
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                                    Elite Gifting 8-Piece Holiday Makeup Brush Set
                                    MOST GIFT-WORTHY MAKEUP BRUSH SET

                                    Artis Elite Gifting 8-Piece Holiday Makeup Brush Set

                                    PROS
                                    • Includes brush cleaner and travel bag

                                      This ergonomic brush set nicely contains all the essentials—from the makeup brushes themselves to two bottles of foam to cleanse them—making it an extra ideal gift for the artist in your circle.

                                      Number of brushes included: 8
                                      Types of brushes included: Elite 3 Brush; Elite Oval 7 Brush; Elite Oval 3 Brush; Palm Brush; Mini Elite Oval 7 Brush
                                      Fiber type: Man-made
                                      Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack
                                      BEST VALUE MAKEUP BRUSH SET

                                      Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack

                                      CREDIT: ULTA
                                      PROS
                                      • Under $10
                                      CONS

                                        This is the best $9 you'll ever spend on a set of makeup brushes. 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: 3
                                        Types of brushes included: Base shadow, deluxe crease, angled brow
                                        Hair type: Synthetic
                                        Everyday Essentials
                                        MOST CUSTOMIZABLE MAKEUP BRUSH SET

                                        Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

                                        CREDIT: ULTA
                                        PROS
                                        • Features a sponge for added precision
                                        CONS

                                          Add some variety to your makeup tools with this top-rated brush set—that over 1,100 Ulta customers love—which nicely contains a bonus angled sponge for optimal blending.

                                          Customer review:

                                          "These brushes are amazing and so easy to work with—absolutely a must." —Lexie

                                          Number of brushes included: 4
                                          Types of brushes included: Foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, shadow
                                          Hair type: Synthetic
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                                          Are makeup brushes easier to use than your fingers or a sponge?

                                          best makeup brush sets 2022

                                          Ultimately, the best beauty tools are the ones that work for you. While a sponge or your fingers can make for easy and even blending, the makeup brushes feature a number of shapes and sizes for mess-free and precise application depending on your needs.

                                          How often should makeup brushes be cleaned?

                                          best makeup brush sets 2022

                                          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.

                                          What's the difference between natural and synthetic makeup brushes?

                                          best makeup brush sets 2022

                                          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.

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                                          Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

                                          best makeup brush sets 2023

                                          For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

                                          ASSOCIATE BEAUTY COMMERCE EDITOR

                                          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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