The 21 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection
- Publication/Blog
- Jan 11, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 22
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
PUBLISHED: JAN 11, 2024
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 MAKEUP BRUSHES FOR AN AIRBRUSH EFFECT
It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
BEST ERGONOMIC MAKEUP BRUSH SET
e.l.f. Cosmetics Professional Brush Set
BEST EVERY DAY BRUSH SET
Saie The Brush Collection
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: BS-MALL
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.
EDITORS' FAVORITE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set
CREDIT: SIGMA BEAUTY
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 MAKEUP BRUSHES FOR AN AIRBRUSH EFFECT
It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101
CREDIT: IT COSMETICS
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.
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BEST ERGONOMIC MAKEUP BRUSH SET
e.l.f. Cosmetics 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."
BEST EVERY DAY BRUSH SET
Saie The Brush Collection
NOW 11% OFF
CREDIT: SAIE
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.
BEST ARTIST-LEVEL MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)
CREDIT: HOURGLASS
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.
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BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR COMPLEXION
Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set
NOW 42% 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.
BEST GRIPPY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Laruce Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set
CREDIT: LARUCE
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.
BEST NEW MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Hannah Martin x Ciaté London 24-Piece Professional Brush Collection
CREDIT: CIATÉ LONDON
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.
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BEST FOOLPROOF MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Jenny Patinkin Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set
CREDIT: JENNY PATINKIN
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.
MOST GIFT-WORTHY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Artis Black Bag Bundle 4
CREDIT: REVOLVE
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.
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR TRAVEL
Jones Road The Mini Brush Kit
CREDIT: JONES ROAD
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
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MOST CUSTOMIZABLE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials
CREDIT: REAL TECHNIQUES
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 YOUR VANITY
Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate
CREDIT: RAE MORRIS
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.
BEST VALUE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack
CREDIT: REAL TECHNIQUES
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
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BEST EVERY DAY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set
CREDIT: CHARLOTTE TILBURY
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 ECO-FRIENDLY MAKEUP BRUSH SET
EcoTools Vibes Makeup Brush Set
CREDIT: ECOTOOLS
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
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 MAKEUP ARTIST-APPROVED BRUSH SET
Westman Atelier Westman Atelier Essential Mini Blending Brush Collection
CREDIT: SEPHORA
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
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR DETAIL
Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)
CREDIT: LUXIE BEAUTY
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.
BEST MAKEUP BRUSH SET FOR DEFINITION
Surratt Beauty Artistique Brush Trio
NOW 20% OFF
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.
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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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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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