Best Makeup Brushes of All Time: 31 Makeup Brush Sets Reviewed

Publish date: 2024-10-17

Using the best makeup brushes from a top-quality makeup brush set is the difference between a beautifully blended makeup look and caked-on, patchy result. You may have invested in Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush foundation, some fancy new blushers and Chanel’s Les Beiges cream bronzer, but your makeup application matters just as much as your skincare routine does. Use the wrong makeup brushes and you'll leave tell-tale marks that don't leave for a pretty painting.

So, where to start when it comes to finding quality brushes that a professional makeup artist would approve of? Right here. We’ve tried and tested a whole bunch of synthetic brushes, makeup sponges, shadow brushes and brush kits from brands like Real Techniques, MAC and Huda Beauty to help in your decision making. Whether you’re after a multi-tasking kit for beginners, a 10-piece brush set dedicated solely to killer eye looks or a standalone brush to add to an existing collection, you’ll find everything you need in this handy guide.

Best makeup brushes at a glance – our top picks:

  • Best makeup brush for full coverage: Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110, £27, Boots
  • Best affordable makeup brush set: Real Techniques Au Naturale Complete Brush Kit, £29.99, LookFantastic
  • Best makeup brush for concealer: Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush, £17, Sephora
  • Best premium makeup brush set: Rae Morris Personal Set, £369.92, Cult Beauty

    • Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110

    Real Techniques Au Naturale Complete Brush Kit

    Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush

    Rae Morris Personal Set

    Do expensive makeup brushes make a difference?

    As a general rule of thumb, yes. The more expensive your makeup brush set, the more flawless your finish. Plus, expensive makeup brushes tend to last for longer. Look for makeup brushes with soft bristles that have been bound together with string (not cut to size) and ergonomic, weighted handles for the highest control.

    That said, there are some affordable makeup brushes on the market that do their job very well. Think this Real Techniques essentials kit and sub-£10 makeup brushes by Lottie London.

    What makeup brushes do beginners need?

    If you're a makeup brush newbie, it'll be cheaper for you to buy a ready-built makeup brush set than to buy each of your brushes individually. We've recommended some killer collections down below, but generally speaking, look for a kit with a setting powder brush, foundation brush, eyeshadow brush and medium-sized fluffy brush for highlighting.

    How do I choose the best makeup brush?

    It totally depends what your go-to makeup routine looks like... and how much you like to experiment. Just like any piece of artwork, each tool, or brush, serves a different purpose. There are dozens of makeup brush shapes, each designed for a precise area of the face, a particular product or a specific finish. And while fingers are excellent for applying most beauty products, nothing beats makeup brushes for buffing, blending and precision.

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58o7HSrWSmmZuawrF5wausrKCVqHqnu9FmnLKdo2Kur7CMn5icnQ%3D%3D