The 19 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection
- Publication/Blog
- Aug 20, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 24
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The 19 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection
If you're reading this, it's probably time to buy some new makeup brushes.
BY TIFFANY DODSONPUBLISHED: AUG 21, 2023
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
MOST POPULAR MAKEUP BRUSH SET
BS-Mall Makeup Brush Set
EDITORS' FAVORITE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set
BEST ERGONOMIC MAKEUP BRUSH SET
e.l.f. Professional Brush Set
BEST MAKEUP BRUSHES FOR AN AIRBRUSH EFFECT
It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
BEST ARTIST-LEVEL MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)
SHOW MORE
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.
MOST POPULAR MAKEUP BRUSH SET
BS-Mall Makeup Brush Set
CREDIT: AMAZON
PROS
On sale
Vegan
CONS
This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 116,000 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.
EDITORS' FAVORITE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set
CREDIT: AMAZON
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
BEST ERGONOMIC MAKEUP BRUSH SET
e.l.f. Professional Brush Set
CREDIT: E.L.F. COSMETICS
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."
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BEST MAKEUP BRUSHES FOR AN AIRBRUSH EFFECT
It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
CREDIT: ULTA BEAUTY
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.
BEST ARTIST-LEVEL MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)
CREDIT: NEIMAN MARCUS
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.
MOST STYLISH MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Tarte Cosmetics Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set
Now 28% Off
CREDIT: TARTE COSMETICS
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.
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BEST FOOLPROOF MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Jenny Patinkin Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set
CREDIT: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
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.
BEST EVERY DAY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
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
BEST GRIPPY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Laruce Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set
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.
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BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR COMPLEXION
Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set
Now 35% Off
CREDIT: ROSE INC
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.
MOST GIFT-WORTHY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Artis Elite Gifting 8-Piece Holiday Makeup Brush Set
PROS
Includes brush cleaner and travel bag
CONS
This ergonomic brush set nicely contains all the essentials—from the makeup brushes themselves to two bottles of foam to cleanse them—making it an extra ideal gift for the artist in your circle.
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST-APPROVED BRUSH SET
Westman Atelier The Brush Collection
CREDIT: CREDO BEAUTY
PROS
Handcrafted in Japan
CONS
Makeup icon Gucci Westman created this streamlined set of synthetic brushes that include one for foundation, concealer, blending, and powder, plus two eyeshadow brushes, and a smaller tool for the lips.
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MOST CUSTOMIZABLE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials
CREDIT: ULTA
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
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR TRAVEL
Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)
CREDIT: LUXIE BEAUTY
PROS
Features carrying case
CONS
Since this well-rounded rose gold brush set includes its own zippered storage pouch, it's easy to quickly pack them all in a suitcase for your next getaway.
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR YOUR VANITY
Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate
CREDIT: SPACE NK
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.
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BEST ECO-FRIENDLY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
EcoTools Vibes Makeup Brush Set
Now 28% Off
CREDIT: AMAZON
PROS
Top-rated
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
BEST VALUE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack
CREDIT: ULTA
PROS
Under $10
CONS
This is the best $9 you'll ever spend on a set of makeup brushes. Blend your cut crease like an expert with this three piece brush set that's ideal for powder, cream, or liquid-based eyeshadows.
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH DUO
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Brush Duo
CREDIT: PAT MCGRATH LABS
PROS
Eco-friendly
CONS
Designed by makeup legend Pat McGrath, this synthetic set includes a pair of ultra-soft powder and blurring brushes with slightly tapered bristles for more precise application.
Customer review:
"I mainly bought this for the powder brush but was [happy] to get the smaller brush as an added bonus! The quality of these brushes are amazing and of course the packaging is beautiful." —Lindsey B.
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BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR DEFINITION
Artistique Brush Trio
CREDIT: SURRATT BEAUTY
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.
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.
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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.
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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ASSOCIATE BEAUTY COMMERCE EDITOR
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
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