The Best Makeup Brush Sets for Every Need

It wasn’t until I started buying makeup that came with its own brush that I realized brushes can make things a lot easier when applying makeup.

The right brush can make your makeup look much more flattering, give you a smoother application, and can even prevent you from running out of makeup sooner than needed!

On top of that, the right makeup brush set will take the guesswork out of makeup application so that you only focus on what kind of look to try.

If you’re here to get your brush essentials in order, I’ve rounded up the best makeup brush sets for every need.

Best Makeup Brush Sets

1. Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

Best For Beginners

If you’re new to makeup, this is a cult favorite beginner-friendly makeup brush set. It’s affordable, uncomplicated, and actually pretty multi-purpose. It has your blending foundation brush for your base makeup and a sponge you can use to apply both foundation and concealer.

The set also contains a fluffy blush brush you can also use to apply bronzer. There’s a crease brush, which may not be the most popular for beginners but the setting brush can be used as an eyeshadow brush too. To be honest, the fact that the set has various brush sizes means that you can try and make them work for your own needs depending on what you have!

Bristles: Synthetic
Good To Know: Cruelty-free, vegan

2. Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel

Best All-in-One Set

An all-in-one makeup brush set can help you have your essentials in order. That way, you don’t have to splurge on separate brushes and you can also take them anywhere with you! This sleek-looking, 3-piece makeup brush set, which is a rare holiday exclusive, contains my favorites and every single brush alone is incredible on its own.

The blush brush is impressive in that it picks up the pigment and the colors don’t just disappear into the dips of the brush. Whatever you pick up from the product is put back on your face! The foundation brush is incredibly soft and allows for easy swirling motions whether it’s cream or powder. It’ll give you a flawless, streak-free, airbrushed finish! Honestly, apart from these 3, you don’t need much else unless you’re a pro.

Bristles: Synthetic

3. Fenty Artistry Pro Complexion Essentials

Best For Complexion

If you’re into mainly face makeup and your foundation and base products are more important than the rest, I love and recommend this face makeup brush set from Fenty, especially the concealer brush! It’s dense enough to properly spread the concealer but still soft enough to give you an even distribution.

The foundation brush works similarly and doesn’t leave any streaks. But what you’ll find most fun is the cheek-hugging brush! You’re supposed to apply highlighter with it on the cheeks *and* on the eyelids. The tapered tip is so convenient that you can sweep it all over your face and body to highlight!

Bristles: Synthetic
Good To Know: Cruelty-free

4. E.l.f. Cosmetics Professional Set of 12 Brushes

Best Affordable

People love, love E.l.f makeup brushes! Because it doesn’t get any more affordable than this! Unless you’re a professional makeup artist, and unless you’re someone who requires full glam all day every day, you don’t need to spend more on brushes than you spend on the actual makeup. This makeup brush set has 12 brushes in it!

Well, they’re not the softest of the bunch still, the set is super budget-friendly. And it’s not just for one area. You have your face makeup brushes, cheek brushes for powders as well as eye makeup brushes to create any look with great detail including an eyeliner brush. They thought of everything and the set also packs tools for eyebrows and lips!

Bristles: Synthetic
Good To Know: Cruelty-free, vegan

5. Rae Morris Travel Set

Best Luxury Set

I heard of this brand from the makeup artist Hindash. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before nor have I used a brush set this expensive. The most notable feature of the brand is that they have magnetic brushes that stick to a stand. In this travel-size makeup brush set, you get a frame and the brush handles stick to that frame.

That means no bending, dropping, falling, or mess, whatsoever! You can do touch-ups anywhere any time! The quality brushes are not all-natural, but they do feel so because they’re incredibly soft, which is great for sensitive, mature skin. The fact that you have everything you can ask for to create any kind of makeup with great precision and ease makes the set a well-deserving splurge and an amazing gift set!

Bristles: Natural and synthetic

6. Sonia G. Fundamental Eye Series

Best For Eye Makeup

Speaking of luxury brushes makeup artists use, this is another brand that offers incredible performance, luxurious handles, and maximum precision. This is a high-quality eye makeup brush set made with natural hair bristles. So you get incredibly soft brushes to begin with, which is great if you have sensitive eyes.

To create any eye makeup look, whether it’s something super dramatic, smokey, or something that needs layering, you have anything from crease brushes to blending brushes so you can smudge, build, work, and blend. Personally, I don’t need this many brushes for my eye makeup for everyday wear. If you’re like me, get the Worker S brush which is a multi-purpose brush you can utilize to lay down, blend, and build.

Bristles: Natural
Good To Know: Walnut wood handles

7. M.A.C. Brush of Snow Essential Brush Kit

Best For Travel

MAC doesn’t roll out makeup brush sets except during the holiday season. For those of you on the go, I don’t think you need any other excuse to gift yourself this essential set! It includes one of the gentlest foundation brushes you can comfortably use on sensitive skin.

And you can use that stippling brush to apply any kind of foundation you like whether it’s liquid, cream, thick, or thin. The travel-size set also includes an eyeshadow brush, a dual-ended detail brush, a powder blush, and a cute makeup bag to store the goodies in!

Bristles: Synthetic

So these are the best makeup brush sets you can utilize for pretty much everything. A good set of brushes is an investment. Unlike a makeup product which usually expires in less than 12 months, brushes last for as long as 5 years. So invest in a quality set, and pick wisely. And learn how to clean makeup brushes so you can extend their use.

Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Makeup Brush Sets

In case you’re new to makeup, makeup brushes, or makeup brush sets, below are some important things to keep in mind. This will, hopefully, help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find the best brush set suitable for your needs.

Focus on Your Makeup Needs

A makeup brush set can cover your essentials like one foundation brush, a powder brush, and an eyeshadow brush. Or it can cover precision brush sets so you can master a certain area such as the eye area or face makeup. Decide what you need before purchasing a set. And note that an all-in-one set can’t be as detailed.

Consider Powder and Cream

Some people have a distinct preference when it comes to texture. Some people prefer powder and others prefer cream. Not surprisingly, a brush that works amazingly with a powder product may not work as well with a cream product. So if you’re someone who uses mostly cream products like a cream bronzer and cream blush, keep that in mind and make sure the brush set is suitable for what you want to use it for.

Pay Attention to the Material

Makeup brushes can be either natural or synthetic. Natural brushes mean that the bristles are made from animal hair or fur such as goats. Synthetic means the bristles are silicone or nylon. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Price-wise, natural bristles tend to be more expensive but they’re softer. But because they’re derived from animal hair, they usually have a certain “earthy” scent, which can be unpleasant. Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, are cruelty-free and the softness depends on the quality product. Some are as soft as natural bristles while others may be harsh on sensitive skin. The choice is up to you and your needs but it’s best to try the bristles in store and see how the brushes feel against your skin.

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