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
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.
Shop the Best Makeup Brush Sets
And as an added shopping bonus, 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.
Related: The Best Makeup Gift Sets For the Ultimate Beauty Lover
PROS
- Vegan
CONS
This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 125,000 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 |
Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set
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 |
It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
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 |
e.l.f. Cosmetics Professional Brush Set
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 |
PROS
- Versatile
CONS
If you're a fan of Saie's makeup best-sellers, we're betting you'll love applying them with this four-piece brush set from the brand. In addition to essentials for your base makeup and cream or balm products, the set also includes brushes specially designed for your powder, along with a dual-ended option for highlighter, concealer, or bronzer.
| Number of brushes: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Types of brushes included: | Base, powder, blush, concealer, highlighter |
| Hair type: | Synthetic |
Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)
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 |
Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set
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 |
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 |
|---|
Hannah Martin x Ciaté London 24-Piece Professional Brush Collection
PROS
- Includes travel case
- Vegan
CONS
Ciaté London collaborated with celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin to create this limited-edition, professional-level brush set. In addition to buttery vegan hair fibers and FSC-approved wood handles, the set also nicely includes a handsome vegan carrying case.
| Number of brushes included: | 24 |
|---|---|
| Types of brushes included: | Eye, lip, and complexion brushes |
| Hair type: | Synthetic |
Jenny Patinkin Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set
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 |
PROS
- Includes brush cleaning wipes and travel bag
CONS
This ergonomic brush set nicely contains all the essentials—from the makeup brushes themselves to the thoughtful brush cleaning wipes—making it an extra ideal gift for the artist in your circle.
| Number of brushes included: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Hair type: | Synthetic |
| Types of brushes included: | Elite Oval 7 Mirror Brush, Elite Oval 6 Mirror Brush, Elite Oval 4 Mirror Brush, Elite Linear 1 Mirror Brush, Elite Circle 1R Mirror Brush |
PROS
- Easy to use
CONS
You'll find mini versions of Jones Road's blush, detail, eye blending, and eyeliner brushes in this small but might set, which happen to be developed by a makeup legend. The Italian-made bundle also happens to make a great beauty gift for anyone who likes to keep their application simple.
Customer review:
"The Jones Road brushes are the best! And the minis are easy to work with." —Marsha C
| Number of brushes included: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Types of brushes included: | Blush, detail, eye blending, and eyeliner brushes |
| Hair type: | Synthetic |
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials
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 |
Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate
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 |
Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack
PROS
- Under $10
CONS
We're betting this is the best $9 you'll ever spend on a set of makeup brushes (and did we mention they're on sale?). Blend your cut crease like an expert with this three piece brush set that's ideal for powder, cream, or liquid-based eyeshadows.
Customer review:
"This is a great set of makeup brushes at an affordable price. It’s amazing the difference that using good brushes makes when applying makeup. The process and the results. These brushes are my second favorite set." —Sally
| Number of brushes included: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Types of brushes included: | Base shadow, deluxe crease, angled brow |
| Hair type: | Synthetic |
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set
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 |
PROS
- Under $10
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 |
Tarte Cosmetics Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set
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 |
Westman Atelier Westman Atelier Essential Mini Blending Brush Collection
PROS
- Handcrafted in Japan
CONS
Makeup icon Gucci Westman created this streamlined set of synthetic brushes that feature domed, pointed, and kabuki-shaped bristles to expertly blend out your makeup.
Customer review:
"I’ve had these brushes for quite some time now and I have to say, they’ve applied my makeup so effortlessly and was able to utilize just these brushes for the entire face. So they will definitely be great for travel as well as they don’t take up too much space in my makeup bag." —liezljoie
| Number of brushes included: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Hair type: | Synthetic |
Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)
PROS
- Features carrying case
CONS
Take your pick of 30 different brush options in this well-rounded set. And since its zippered carrying case contains a number of compartments for each type—including eye, complexion, blending, and more—you can easily stay organized as you apply your makeup.
| 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 |
Surratt Beauty Artistique Brush Trio
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 |
Are makeup brushes easier to use than your fingers or a sponge?
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?
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?
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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