Makeup Brush Sets Can Be Hit-or-Miss, But Reviews Say These 13 Are Always "Hit"

November 25, 2023

NOV 25, 2023

Makeup Brush Sets Can Be Hit-or-Miss, But Reviews Say These 13 Are Always "Hit"

I'm not the only one who religiously reads reviews before making a purchase, right? TBH, reviews often push me to smash the order button, but they can also stop me in my tracks completely if they aren't looking so positive. One type of item I always scroll through the reviews on before buying is a makeup brush. Sure, I get a lot of recs from celebrity makeup artists as well, but to make a thoroughly educated purchase, it's a good idea to get a well-rounded perspective. That's why I've done both this time around.

The arsenals of celebrity makeup artists are always filled with the best foundations, primers, eye shadow palettes, and, of course, brushes. Each artist has their own unique taste and preferences when it comes to brushes, and they know best because, well, they're the ones who use them the most. Not only did I take a peek at what brushes they'd personally give to their friends this holiday season, but I also made sure the brush sets they chose were a hit with shoppers, too.

For their best-rated picks (that are also holiday-gift ready), keep scrolling. The sets below are always a hit—with both makeup artists and buyers.

SIGMA BEAUTY

Essential Travel Brush Set

$87

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Customer Rating: 5/5 stars, 13 reviews

"This comes with a brush holder that works great to hold brushes for everyday use and travel. Sigma's brushes are long-lasting and affordable. This set is under $100."—Sara Talias, celebrity makeup artist

"For the avid traveler, Sigma’s essential travel brush set comes with a mix of both face and eye brushes along with a protective cup to protect and keep brushes in good condition through any flight. Their bristles are super soft and these brushes last forever."—Judi Gabbay, celebrity makeup artist

Customer Review: "I purchased this set almost 3 years ago, and I still use these brushes daily! This is a PERFECT set, especially for traveling. This set has went with me on 5 different trips now and they work just as well as the day I received them. I highly recommend if you're looking for a well-made travel brush set. The only adjustment I would make personally with this set is, omitting the foundation brush for either a concealer or a detailing brush instead. (But that is just me and the brushes I tend to use way more than the flat foundation brushes)."

Customer Rating: 5/5 stars, 106 reviews

"The ultimate luxury brushes, the Sonia G brushes make a beautiful gift for a close friend. The brushes are super soft and the handles are gorgeous. The pro eye set makes for precise application and seamless blending."—Talias

Customer Review: "This was my very first high end brush set and I CANNOT BELIEVE the difference it made when applying eye shadow. It took my game to a whole other level. They are sooooo soft, easy to hold on to, and just so luxurious and stunning. I'm obsessed and now can't wait to buy more brushes from her collection. Worth EVERY PENNY."

MORPHE X ARIEL

Signature Face 5-Piece Brush Set

$60

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Customer Rating: 4.5/5 stars, 30 reviews

"Morphe's set by Ariel Tejada is one of my favorite collaborations of all time. All of the brushes in the set are mindfully made for use of a full face of glam. The blush brush alone is worth the hype for the entire kit, but trust that you'll use and love all of the brushes in this kit."—Gabbay

As a bonus, celebrity makeup artist Allison Kaye also recommends this 12-piece set ($98) of Ariel Tejada's Morphe brushes. "Ariel is famous for doing makeup for Kylie Jenner, and his looks are always stunning, so you know his design for these brushes is epic. I love how this set has face and eye brushes and would be everything someone needs if they had no brushes!" Kaye says.

Customer Review: "I have been eyeing these brushes for a while and finally decided to make the purchase. I have not 1 regret! These brushes are soft and can be used for multiple things! I only wish I would've ordered the whole set when I did. Overall, I am extremely satisfied."

IT COSMETICS

Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

$51

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Customer Rating: 4.5/5 stars, 206 reviews

"No need to bring every single brush you own when traveling, as it's best to keep packing light, so this set is perfect because it's specifically made for travel. You can do everything you'd need with these particular brushes! Perfect for the girl on the go. I also find that It Cosmetics brushes are very luxurious and still great price!"—Kaye

Customer Review: "These brushes improved the look of my makeup. It looks literally flawless with this kit!"

Although this brush set may not have a rating on Revolve just yet, I give it my personal endorsement. Artis brushes are truly unmatched. They're some of my favorite makeup brushes because they have the ability to blend out any kind of makeup so seamlessly that you'll look airbrushed. The brand's oval brushes are designed to work well for foundation, highlight, blush—you name it! Since it is a bit pricey, you'll want to scope this set out of a potential Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal this week.

Everyone's preferences are different when it comes to makeup brushes. The first thing you'll want to look for is the type of bristles your brush set has. You can opt for natural hair brushes (made from animal hair) or synthetic-bristle brushes. This is something important to pay attention to, especially if you're vegan and prefer not to use real animal hair in your brushes. Natural hair brushes are better for powder- or talc-based products like setting powder or blush, while synthetic brushes are better for cream or liquid products like foundation and concealer. Synthetic brushes are also denser and provide more of an even application because they don't have pores in the strands like natural hair brushes do. Synthetic brushes also tend to be easier to clean product out of for this same reason.

In terms of what type of brushes your makeup brush set should have, we recommend having at least the basics—a foundation brush, concealer brush, two eye shadow brushes (one for blending and one flat brush for lid application), and a blush brush. Of course, your set can include more if you like creating more intricate looks, but these five basics will always get the job done.

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