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Makeup brushes are an underestimated part of our beauty routines. It's easy to get distracted with the slew of glow-inducing highlighters and eye-catching eyeshadow palettes available&#;until it comes time to apply them. Whether you're a beauty pro or a novice, makeup brushes remain the most integral part of depositing makeup for whatever result you&#;re looking to achieve.
For most people, investing in a makeup brush set, versus buying each brush individually, makes sense. We tested out the most frequently used brush types (foundation brush, powder brush, and eye crease brush) from 11 makeup brush sets of varying price and quality. Our conclusion: The Real Techniques Everyday Essentials (available at Amazon for $18.99) won the title of Best Overall for its feather-soft bristles, ability to beautifully blend makeup as well as withstand washing without losing structure, and great value. We also chose the Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set (available at Sephora) as the Best Upgrade option for serious beauty buffs who want greater brush variety and durability.
Credit: Real Techniques
The Real Techniques Everyday Essentials is our Best Overall winner because of its feather-soft bristles and durable build.
Best Overall
The Expert Face Brush, 402 Setting Brush, and Deluxe Crease Brush found in the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials five-piece, synthetic set were hands-down the best brushes we tried.
The bristles of the Expert Face Brush, which I used for applying both cream and liquid foundations, are tightly packed, meaning liquid foundation looked smooth and streak-free. The shape of the brush isn't perfectly cylindrical like most of the other foundation brushes we tested; rather, it's flat on its front and back. Cream foundation took a bit more blending, as it's a thicker formula than liquid, but the effort still yielded an airbrushed appearance.
The 402 Setting Brush was the only powder brush tested that I loved for dusting on both setting powder and for blush and bronzer. The bristles are fluffy and not densely packed like the Expert Face Brush, and it didn't absorb an excess amount of product, meaning that what I applied onto the brush was exactly how much product appeared on my skin.
As for the Deluxe Crease Brush, it has short bristles and a round, dome shape, which fit the curvature of my round eyes perfectly and deposited exactly the quantity of eyeshadow I expected with every swipe. If you don't have a defined crease (the contour between the lid and the browbone), you may find it too fluffy of a brush for the deliberate application of shadow for creating the illusion of depth. However, the crease brush is excellent for other steps in your routine, such as dabbing concealer on the inner corner of your eyes, spreading your eyeshadow primer on your lid, or precise tasks like contouring around the nose.
Across all three of the Real Techniques brushes we tested, the bristles felt feather-soft and didn't lose their texture, even after I washed them with my Zote Laundry Bar Soap. Assuming these three brushes are indicative of the whole set, which also includes a setting brush and a blending sponge, we think this is the best option for the majority of makeup wearers. What&#;s more, price-wise, it&#;s one of the most inexpensive options, costing less for the entire set than many of the most expensive brushes do individually. A minor drawback is that it does not come with any storage solution for the brushes, as other sets on this list did, including our Best Upgrade option.
Extra-soft bristles
Durable build
Affordable
Foundation brush not ideal for cream foundation
No storage solution included
Credit: Sephora Collection
The Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set is our Best Upgrade pick because the durable, versatile brushes create a beautiful makeup look and come with a carrying case.
Best Upgrade
I had high hopes for the makeup brushes from The Sephora Collection, having been a convert to several other products in the line. As I suspected, they didn't disappoint. Each of the 10 brushes are very versatile and can be used for more than their designated use. In our tests, the dome-shaped Foundation Brush blended both my cream and liquid foundation without causing any streaks. The Powder Brush picked up the right amount of product when it came to applying my bronzer and blush. (For setting powder, I would have preferred a brush that isn't paddle-shaped and pinched at the base, as this style covers less surface area.) Finally, the Blending Crease Brush has a dome-shaped head that&#;s slightly tapered, which makes it easy to both deposit the color and blend outward for a smokey but defined crease. Though not part of our specific testing procedures, I also found this brush useful for applying contour around my nose.
As a plus, the case that comes with the set is handy and I found that the elastic bands that hold the brushes allowed me to swap in brushes from other brands as well.
Comes with storage solution
Extremely versatile
Durable Build
None that we could find
Credit: Getty Images / bojanstory
We tested the three most important makeup brushes from 11 popular sets.
I'm Michelle Rostamian, a freelance beauty writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. As a writer and former beauty influencer on YouTube, I've tested and reviewed hundreds of skincare, makeup, and beauty tools. Throughout this, I&#;ve come to realize that I'm quite the snob when it comes to makeup brushes&#;but not in the way that you might think. While I don't judge a brush by its price tag or brand name alone, if its bristles feel spiky or rough on my skin, or it doesn't give me a well-diffused crease, or leaves me with streaky-looking foundation, it gets the boot before it even has a chance to earn a spot in my routine. That being said, makeup brushes are my weak spot. Even after testing these 11 sets, brushes are one of those things that I can catch myself saying "but they're all different!" about, as I cling to my brush holders that house 50+ brushes. And really, I feel that each one offers something that I don&#;t get from another.
I scoured high and low for the most highly-rated makeup brush sets until I landed on the 11 that made the cut. We determined that the best way to judge if a makeup brush set was worth it was to test the three brushes that are staples in most beauty routines (and commonalities among the sets): foundation brush, powder brush, and eyeshadow crease brush.
I used each foundation brush with both a liquid and cream formula, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless and the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, respectively. A good foundation brush will spread either formula for even coverage, and can be used to smooth away any streaks once the product has settled.
Each powder brush was used to apply setting powder, blush, and bronzer. For setting powder, I used the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder and looked for even distribution and an airbrushed finish from a wide enough brush head to cover a lot of surface area with each pass. For blush and bronzer, I used the Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome Palette and wanted the brush to be able to move the product evenly and not disrupt my foundation.
Finally, each crease brush was tested with the Mac Cosmetics Soft Brown Eyeshadow, a matte shade designed for contouring the crease. I hoped that each brush would be able to define the crease without looking too harsh, as well as be able to layer and blend a glittery eyeshadow (I used a Colourpop Glitter Gel) on the lid overtop the matte shade for a seamless look.
I took detailed notes on each brush as I used them, and then teamed up with Reviewed&#;s senior scientist, Julia MacDougall, to score and weigh the results of my tests on a calibrated rubric. I answered questions about the brushes&#; key attributes:
Application: How easy is it to apply the liquid and cream foundation with the foundation brush? How well does the foundation brush apply the liquid and cream foundation? How easy is it to apply the setting powder, bronzer, and blush with the powder brush? How easy is it to apply the eyeshadow with the crease brush?
Build quality: How would you describe the build quality of this brush? Do the bristles shed at all? How does the brush feel on your face with regard to stiffness and softness?
Cleanability: How easy is it to clean this brush? Was the brush unchanged after it had been washed?
Credit: Getty Images / Dmytro Pokulityi
A great makeup brush set applies makeup with ease and withstands brush cleaning.
When shopping for makeup brushes, it's important to consider the bristle type. There are two main types of brush bristles: synthetic and natural hair. Natural hair bristles are constructed with hair from an animal (usually boars, goats, or squirrels). They're known to be plush and fluffy, and are best used with powder products, such as blushes, bronzers, and powder foundations. Because of their porosity, they tend to soak up a lot of product if used with a liquid or cream, increasing the likelihood of streaks and blotches.
Synthetic bristles consist of man-made fibers, such as nylon or polyester or even plant fibers like bamboo. Unlike natural hair bristles, they don't absorb pigments, which makes them better for applying liquid and cream-based eyeshadows and complexion products like foundation and concealer. On the other hand, powders may apply more diffusely than you intend, as they won&#;t &#;cling&#; as much to synthetic bristles. Synethic brushes are usually more affordable than natural-hair brushes and don't shed as much because they don't dry out or have breakage like natural hair bristles. They&#;re also a better choice for people with allergies or who prefer vegan or &#;cruelty-free&#; products (in our testing, we didn&#;t evaluate brands&#; specific claims, so we can&#;t speak to them).
Most of the sets we tested contained synthetic-bristled brushes, but one set had a mixture of synthetic and natural hair, which gave us a glimpse into the difference. A few of the sets also had accessories in addition to the brushes, such as a cleaning pad or makeup sponge.
Another thing to consider when it comes to makeup brush sets is price. You'll find more value in makeup brush sets than purchasing each brush individually, in terms of raw cost, but some makeup brush sets may come with brushes you're not likely to use. If you&#;re a minimalist, you may find that buying just the brushes you know you&#;ll use is your best bet. Still, for beginners who want to explore the world of makeup, a basic set may be worth the investment because it typically includes the most popular, versatile brushes that most people use in their routines. Some sets also include makeup sponges as an alternative applicator for foundation or silicone brush mats, a palm-sized disc on which to suds up bristles for cleaning&#;both are nice-to-haves but not essentials.
Finally, the end result of your makeup is largely determined by the quality of your brushes. (Even the most talented artists will struggle with poor tools.) But quality doesn't necessarily mean expensive, as evidenced by our Best Overall winner. One way we determined quality was in washing the brushes. If a brush can withstand a good sudsing, rinsing, and air-drying without shedding, losing its shape or texture, or breaking apart from the ferrule (the metal part of the brush that connects the bristles to the handle), we knew we had a quality brush in our hands. While you may not be able to do this yourself at home and return brushes that &#;fail,&#; you should always wash your brushes after you buy them and before you use them for the first time to ensure they're hygienic.
Morphe began as a makeup brush brand but has since become an all-encompassing cosmetics brand. The Master Collection comes with 24 makeup brushes (more than any other set we tested) that are a mix of natural hair and synthetic. There are 14 eye brushes of varying sizes and shapes, which may feel overwhelming for a beginner but be thrillingly thorough for a pro.
For my testing, I used the natural hair JH32 transition blender brush for my eyeshadow, the synthetic JH03 for my foundation, and the natural hair JH01 brush for my powder. The JH32 stood out most, as I found that it applied colors above the crease and in the crease accurately and evenly. Though it's larger than a typical crease defining brush, it has a slightly tapered shape, so it was effective at seamlessly layering the glitter on my lid over my crease color. Each brush in this set has a purpose, withstood washing, and delivered even results. The storage box, though bulky, fits all of the brushes nicely and has room for a few more face brushes or several eye brushes.
Comes with a storage solution
Many options for both face and eyes
May be overkill for beginners
I'm no stranger to It Cosmetics brushes&#;they've rightfully earned a spot in my makeup repertoire because they're super-soft and feel luxurious with their weight and durability. First up in my formal testing of this synthetic, six-piece set: the foundation brush. This brush, which looks more like a paintbrush with its long bristles and flat sides, tends to be a makeup artist favorite because it allows even application of foundation all over the face before blending. What this means, though, is that it&#;s too flat for creating a perfectly smooth, diffused finish, so you'll need to reach for a different brush (like a buffing brush, which is not included) for the second step. Though it's extra work, it made a huge difference in the outcome of my face makeup&#;both the cream and liquid foundations looked like they were airbrushed on. With this shape of foundation brush, I prefer to use a finger to apply and thin the foundation onto the back of my hand, then use the brush to swipe up a little bit of product from hand to face at a time. The bristles don't soak up any product, so the amount I applied on the brush is exactly what ended up on my skin. From there, I built up layers to reach my ideal level of coverage before going over with a clean, dry buffing brush to blend.
The powder brush feels exceptionally plush on the skin&#;almost like velvet. It is a very fluffy brush, best used for setting powder. When I used it with a highly pigmented blush that would otherwise apply overly-concentrated with a denser brush, it gave my skin a subtle wash of color, which I liked. On the other hand, its light touch made it ill-suited for concentrating bronzer in specific areas to make them appear sunkissed. As for the crease brush, it was great for blending two eyeshadows together or layering on glitter, but I didn't find the bristle tips tapered enough for defining the crease.
Fluffy-soft bristles
High quality
Comes with a storage solution
Requires a separate step for blending foundation
The 12 brushes in the Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Set are made of its proprietary SigmaTech synthetic fibers, which claim to hold the right amount of product and apply with ease. Like the foundation brush from the It Cosmetics set, the foundation brush in this set looks like a paintbrush, which made it easy to build up my cream and liquid foundation in layers, but not so effective at blending. (You&#;ll have to follow up with the included duo fibre brush for that.) For the crease brush, I used the E40 in this set. Though this was once a highly acclaimed crease brush for beauty buffs, I found that the bristles are a bit too long and tapered to create a well-blended transition color between the lid and the brow bone.
I own several Sigma Beauty makeup brushes (some I&#;ve had for four years), and they've withstood every wash without coming apart or shedding. The brushes in this set are also labeled with their intended use. That said, Sigma Beauty's brushes are noticeably stiffer and less soft than the ones from Real Techniques, Sephora Collection, and It Cosmeticsother makeup brushes we tested.
Easy to apply foundation in layers
Requires a separate brush for blending foundation
Crease brush had too-long bristles
Bristles aren&#;t as soft as others
E.L.F. is one of my go-to affordable makeup brands, and though a lot of its products have proven to be a hit or miss for me, this 12-piece synthetic set fell in the dead center of this list. It&#;s called a professional brush set, but I wouldn't classify it as &#;professional,&#; as it excludes some key brushes a makeup artist would use (a fan brush, an angled eyeliner brush, and a pencil brush, to name a few). That said, the brushes come out to $1 each, which is a good deal if you're just getting into makeup and need a few starter brushes.
The powder brush, in particular, has longer bristles than the ones found in the Real Techniques set (and others), which made it difficult to deposit loose powder on my skin because it didn't allow for much control. Another finding: The crease brush is short and dome-shaped, which is good for things like blurring the lower lash line, but not ideal for creating a smokey crease, a look that&#;s best achieved with longer, tapered bristles.
Still, you don't have to have artistic makeup skills to work with these brushes, as each one is labeled with its primary use (like the Sigma Beauty set). Another bonus is that the brushes came with a plastic sleeve to cover the bristles when not in use, which helps keep them contained and free of dust particles that would otherwise get on them as they sit in a brush holder.
In the end, I felt neutral about this set. It didn't have the fluffiness of the Real Techniques or Sephora Collection sets, but it's not a bad choice if you're looking for a drugstore-priced option.
Comes with plastic sleeves to protect bristles
Good value
Crease brush doesn't blend well
The 12 synthetic brushes in this BH Cosmetics set feel ultra-smooth to the touch. The rose gold hardware makes them display-worthy, and the storage bag it comes with can be used to store your essential makeup products as well as the brushes themselves, which I&#;d find useful for traveling. The set has a whole also includes several eye brushes for intricate looks.
The biggest selling point of the foundation brush is that it has a flat top, which means it covers more surface area and makes blending a thick cream foundation a quicker process than if I were to use a rounded brush. The powder brush is impressively fluffy and when used with a translucent powder, dusted an even amount of product all over my face. But things took a turn for the worse when I tested the crease brush. The bristles are too long and dense, which made achieving a smokey eye look near impossible, as the eyeshadow kept sticking to one spot rather than blend out.
Good value
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Comes with a storage solution
Fluffy-soft bristles
Crease brush doesn't blend eyeshadow well
With their unconventional oval shape, these synthetic Yoseng makeup brushes don't look like your standard brushes. But as a lover of testing out different application methods, I was excited to try this set 10-piece out. Unfortunately, my experience fell flat. The oval-shaped foundation brush soaked up an excessive amount of liquid foundation, which meant I had to keep applying more layers to attempt to get it to look even. It also applied my cream foundation in streaks because the bristles were not uniform&#;many of the hairs were sticking out and cut unevenly.
The powder brush&#;s densely packed bristles leave you only with the ability to push powder into the skin instead of dusting it out like you typically would with a powder brush. When I attempted to disperse the setting powder all over my face in a swirling motion, it disrupted my foundation underneath&#;not an easy thing to fix once liquid and powder mix together. If anything, I&#;d use this brush for cream blush because that's a product I typically tap into the skin.
Washing these brushes takes longer than most, on account of the dense bristles and larger relative sizes of all the brushes. If you like storing brushes in a brush roll, you'll find that these don't fit well because their odd shape. This is not a beginner-friendly brush set and definitely has a learning curve.
Good value
Good for cream blush
Difficult to wash
Uneven bristles
The 16-piece Bestope brush set has nearly 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and a wallet-friendly price, making it appealing at first glance. However, I found the brushes were poor quality. The handles felt flimsy, the foundation brush became detached from its ferrule after a single wash, and the other brushes became loose from their handles over multiple uses and cleaning sessions.
Though the synthetic bristles felt feathery-soft on the skin, many of them were noticeably sticking out from the pack and some of the hairs were longer than others. This resulted in patchy foundation application, specifically with the cream foundation, and an overall uneven makeup look. Out of all of the brushes we tested in this set, the crease brush was the easiest to work with. Though the bristles on this brush still weren't uniform and the eyeshadow appeared blotchy, it applied the product where I wanted it to go. Bottom line: There are better brush sets in this list that are just as affordable.
Good value
Fluffy-soft bristles
Uneven bristles
Not durable
Significant shedding after washing
Across all three brushes tested from this 16-piece, synthetic Syntus set, the bristles were of different lengths and not uniform. The bristles in the powder brush are tightly packed together, which makes it difficult to get an airbrushed finish with powder. The set comes with a silicone cleaning pad to wash your brushes, but its size is smaller than the palm of your hand so cleaning becomes a lengthy process if you have multiple brushes to clean.
Good value
Comes with cleaning pad
Uneven bristles
Not durable
Bristles shed after washing
To help you find your next favorite makeup brush , our testers created an in-house glam studio, brushing foundation across their faces to test the best uses for each brush and see where they fell short. After each mini makeover, they evaluated the brush's design, application results, and how easy it was to clean, massaging the bristles with soapy water until all the residue washed away.
A good makeup brush can create the illusion of no-makeup makeup &#; smoothing out unwanted bumps, blending away discoloration, and creating a streak-free finish. Whether your skills rival professional artists or lie somewhere south of "what end of the brush do I hold," a quality makeup brush can enhance your overall application.
Though this test was done with liquid foundation, our tester felt that this brush would perform best with liquid products over powder. The density of the bristles helps to work the liquid onto the skin with a smooth finish, whereas powder may be easily picked up in this process, potentially leaving patches or creating an uneven texture. If liquid foundations are the name of your game and you appreciate an easy-to-use brush, then this could be your end-all-be-all.
The oval brush consists of a densely-packed head of stiffer bristles, but our tester noted that they were not rough on the skin. The compact brush head allowed for a seamless blend and easy buildup of coverage, which was a huge benefit for this brush. "I was able to get decent coverage without having to continuously add more makeup," they noted, appreciating the flawless finish it provided without the buildup of the product. "I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to build up even coverage where I wanted it when using this brush."
Though unconventional in style, the Real Techniques Blend + Blur Foundation Brush does a standout job of creating some serious coverage. Our tester compared the easy-to-use handle to that of a toothbrush, exemplifying its simple yet ergonomic design.
The versatility of this brush can't be beat, which is why our testers approved of this style even though they felt the bristles fell a bit short compared to some of the others. "The quality of the bristles could be better, but the flexibility of use makes up for it," they shared. If you're looking for a brush that can take on all of your powders, this is it.
The handle of the brush has a mini lever that can be pressed to switch the brush length and density between minimum, mid-level, and maximum. Minimum, being the longest setting for bristle length, is best for light swathes of powder to set your liquid foundation. Maximum is the shortest brush level, which allows the bristles to be more compact and dense to allow for more concentrated coverage, a setting that's optimal for powder foundation or baking. "I really liked that I could use the max setting to really build coverage quickly in certain areas," our tester praised. The mid-level is for everything in between.
"The ability to change the stiffness of the brush helps control where you want coverage," our tester says. "I feel like I was able to waste less product by concentrating it where I wanted it."
There are many different uses for powder, whether you're setting an area with translucent powder, locking in your look with a dusting of finishing powder or using a powder foundation as a full-coverage base. It can be hard (and expensive!) to buy several different brushes for each product, so the Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation brush is a standout because of its multi-level functions. Though this brush can be used for liquids as well, we've found favor with its prowess with powder.
And after you apply your makeup, "the product squeezes right out of the short bristles, making the cleaning process quick," our tester said. As with others on our list, this makeup brush wears an expensive price tag, but we think the price reflects the value.
This brush earned a perfect score across all of our tests and applied product equally well across large facial areas as well as tight spots around the nose and under the eyes. Suitable for liquids, sticks, and powders, this brush can blend out any formula to achieve a smooth and even result.
If you're looking for a brush to go with your contour kit , next on our list is a brush that will create shape and definition on your face. With lavishly soft bristles and an angled shape, the Lune+Aster brush is perfect for contour. The synthetic vegan bristles were a hit with our testers, and the short ergonomic handle made it easier to apply pressure and control the brush strokes.
This brush is the whole package if you're looking for an option that will work for both your foundation and concealer, making this a one-stop shop for all of your base makeup needs. But if you prefer powder foundation over liquid, you may not get the same airbrushed effect, as these bristles blend best with liquid foundations.
This blending brush performed well when tested for design, application, and more, especially when it came to liquid foundation (and according to the name, it should work just as flawlessly with concealer, too). The densely-packed bristles are shorter than some Kabuki or similar blending brushes. This allows for a more concentrated and controlled approach to blending than a longer-haired brush, which may leave unsightly brushstrokes on your skin. Our tester also commented on how "light and easy it was to hold," as some brushes can feel awkward in your hand, resulting in a patchy blend.
If a Beautyblender sponge is just not cutting it for you, then you'll want to opt for the Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush as an alternative for foundation application. The fluffy dome-shaped brush head is densely packed with soft, synthetic bristles that seamlessly blend your liquid foundation into your skin for a natural finish.
This brush aced our cleaning test, with all of the foundation rinsing out quickly and fully &#; with very little of the product absorbed. We briefly sighed at the price, but sometimes you need to treat yourself , and in this case, it's worth it.
The soft but dense bristles allow the foundation to sweep across your face without losing much product en route. "It's a good size for blending foundation onto any part of your face," our tester said, noting the streak-free finish.
Though designed for powder products, this brush worked flawlessly with liquid foundation during our tests (so it gets bonus points for multipurpose use!). Our tester loved the flat top design of this brush as well as the weight of the handle.
While rinsing the bristles was easy , they did retain a faint stain from the makeup color. Our beauty tester also said she's used to big brushes, and this one was a little small for applying product to larger areas on her face.
The e.l.f. makeup brush is designed to work with liquids, powders, and creams, and applies each effortlessly. Our tester appreciated how it blended her foundation "quickly and smoothly, without blotchiness."
High-quality beauty tools don't have to break the bank. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation brush offers a sophisticated design, versatility, and easy maintenance for an affordable price. Our tester raved about the soft bristles made from vegan synthetic fibers rather than animal hair. The tapered shape allowed easy access to "the contours and grooves of your face," our tester said, noting that it works best around the eyes and nose.
Though our tester didn't find any flaws with the brush (love is blind), it's worth mentioning the high price tag. While it's more expensive than your drugstore makeup brush, we firmly believe the cost matches the value you're getting.
Designed for foundation, cream contour, blush, and powder, this brush is a universal tool to keep in your glam kit. Our tester said the MAC brush applied foundation quickly, but still created a "beautiful and smooth" finish . Its versatility and effectiveness make this brush ideal for your daily beauty routine &#; and as an added bonus, it's easily cleaned with soap and a quick rinse.
Our tester loved its synthetic vegan bristles that were soft on her skin, but densely packed to avoid absorption and subsequent makeup loss. The round angled shape also received praise for its ability to "get into the contours of your face" and reach tricky spots (such as around the nose).
Every beauty guru has a go-to tool in their kit, and the MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush will be the one you reach for. MAC makeup artist Anton Khachaturian tells PEOPLE this brush is "the ultimate complexion tool," while artist Jamie Greenberg explains "you can place color with the chiseled flat part and blend it with the amazing bristles." Receiving a perfect score in design, application, and ease of cleaning in our testing, this makeup brush was a clear standout.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Makeup Brush
Material
There are several factors that play into the design of a makeup brush, and bristle material is a big one. Bristles can be synthetic or natural, which will determine the texture and cost. Natural bristles are sourced from animal fur (squirrels, sables, goats, etc.), which can be difficult to acquire and more labor-intensive &#; thus, the higher price tag. Synthetic bristles are manufactured from various fibers and polymers and are often as soft as their real counterparts. Considering the ethical controversy around the use of animal fur (and cost!), many brands have re-evaluated their material choices.
Shape
The brush shape (and size) can affect your application, so to figure out what shape you'll need, you must consider the brush's use. For contour, you'll want a sharper angled brush for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose. On the other hand, for a daily makeup brush, a medium-sized flat brush will be most effective at blending foundation across your face in large strokes to avoid any streaks.
Density
It's true that the density of the bristles is a key component in an effective makeup brush. If you're using liquid makeup, you need a brush with densely-packed bristles to keep the formula from seeping into the brush, never to be seen again (until wash day). A powder product like blush or bronzer will coat the top of the bristles, so you'll want a looser brush to sweep the granular makeup across your face.
Cost
Though some makeup brushes can cost you a Benjamin (*crickets*), you don't need something that expensive to create a beautiful finished look. Certain materials, sizes, and brands will affect the final price, but if you're looking for a quality makeup brush to apply and blend foundation, there are great options for every budget, like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush that retails for less than $10.
People / Tamara Staples
How We Tested Makeup Brushes
Eleven beauty aficionados were treated to midday makeovers as they tested 15 of the most popular makeup brushes on the market. To find picks for our best list, they considered the design, application, and ease of cleaning for each brush.
After applying foundation to their faces with each brush, our testers considered the materials the brush was made from, how soft the bristles felt on their skin, and how well the design aided the makeup application. Did the brush absorb most of the foundation or blend it evenly across the skin? They also considered the results &#; whether the final finish was smooth and natural-looking. For cleanup, they used warm water and soap to massage the bristles and determined how easily the makeup could be rinsed out.
FAQs
Which brushes are best for makeup?
Different brushes are meant for different types of makeup. There are makeup brushes for foundation, concealer, contour, powder, and blush. In general, larger and fluffier brushes should be used for the face, whereas smaller, thinner brushes should be used on the eyes for eyeshadow. A large, fluffy blush can do all kinds of beauty products &#; everything from setting powder to bronzer and blush &#; however, we recommend having different brushes for these products, so you're not accidentally bronzing where you're trying to blush.
Which brushes are best for beginners?
Beginners will do well with a simple set of brushes to use with their beauty products, including a larger, fluffier, long-bristled brush for loose powder (like finishing powder and bronzer) a separate fluffy brush for blush, a large, yet dense brush for foundation and concealer, and a small, tapered brush for eyeshadow. You can do just about anything with these four brushes.
Is a makeup brush or sponge better?
It depends on the look you are going for, but both sponges and brushes work interchangeably to blend your face makeup in. Brushes often provide a sheerer, yet more airbrushed finish, whereas sponges are best for concentrated coverage. It depends on the level of coverage you desire, though you can find brushes that provide fuller coverage, as well. With adequate storage space in your makeup organizer, you can keep a few of both.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval &#; because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust &#; every day, every purchase.
Want more product recommendations? Check out all of our PEOPLE Tested content.
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