Love it or not, makeup has long been a part of everyday life for women worldwide. You can perform true art with makeup, but you need a reliable set of brushes to help you achieve perfection.
If you’re indecisive and need help choosing the best makeup brush set out there, just keep scrolling!
Overview of Our Top 10 Brush Sets
We are supported by the commissions we may get when you make a purchase through the links on this page. This does not influence our reviews in any manner. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. Fenty Beauty Artistry Pro Complexion Essentials
Best face makeup brush set
- Sophisticated modern design
- Effortless blending
- Bristles retain softness after cleaning
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Hollywood Mini Brush Set
Best compact brush set
- Soft application
- Compact in size
- Glamorous design
Artis Elite 3 Brush Set
Best eyeshadow makeup kit
- Original futuristic design
- Multi-purpose brushes
- Even product spreading
Real Techniques Everyday Essential Brush Set
Best value for money
- Includes a sponge
- Easy to clean
- Color-coded handles
Sigma Most-Wanted Brush Set
Best basic makeup brush set
- Waterproof antimicrobial fibers
- Not tested on animals
- Multi-purpose brushes
Chantecaille Ultimate Brush Set
Best lux makeup brush set
- Luxury packaging
- Pure ingredients
- Effortless blending
Luxie Beauty Signature Rose Gold Brush Set
Most Versatile Brush Set
- Modern packaging
- Suitable for professionals
- Great product placement
Tarte Cosmetics 5-Star Brush Set
Best makeup set for beginners
- Cruelty-free
- Good quality affordable set
- Well-shaped brushes
Top-Rated Makeup Brush Set Reviews
If some of our choices caught your eye in the overview, you could find more detailed information about every single one of them in the following reviews.
Fenty Beauty Artistry Pro Complexion Essentials
Best face makeup brush set
- Material: Synthetic
- The number of brushes: 4
- Return policy: Yes
- Shipping: Free
Since Fenty Beauty launched, its products have scored high on all beauty industry charts. Following this trend, Fenty Beauty Artistry Pro Complexion Essentials is the best face makeup brush set you could get to pamper yourself.
As the name of the kit suggests, its brushes are intended for face makeup only. Four brushes found within this set are the Foundation brush 110, Concealer brush 180, Highlight brush 120, and Setting brush 170.
Brushes come in a beautiful rose color combined with silvery metallic details. This combination gives them a gentle but posh look. Soft bristles feel very light on the skin, making a natural glow even if you apply a thick product layer.
When we consider everything, Fenty Beauty Artistry Pro Complexion Essentials is one of those sets of makeup brushes everyone should have. So whether it’s to pamper yourself or someone else, you certainly deserve to get that Fenty glow.
Pros
- + Sophisticated modern design
- + Effortless blending
- + Bristles retain softness after cleaning
Cons
- − Can only be purchased online
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Hollywood Mini Brush Set
Best compact brush set
- Material: Synthetic bristle, polymer-based handle
- The number of brushes: 4
- Return policy: Yes
- Shipping: Free
Traveling light frequently means you have to downsize on beauty products. However, Charlotte’s Hollywood Mini Brush Set is a great travel makeup brush set that’ll ensure you have all the essentials with you no matter where you go.
It consists of four brushes: a powder brush, two eyeshadow brushes for blending and application, and a multi-purpose precision brush. The bristles are very soft and suitable for use on sensitive skin.
Apart from all its good sides, you need to keep in mind that this is a mini edition and probably won’t be suitable for more complex looks or everyday makeup. In addition, a number of users reported having difficulties as they found brushes to be sized as if they were made for children.
Despite this, Charlotte’s Hollywood Mini Brush Set is one of the better brush sets for makeup on the go or emergency touch-ups on a date. With this kit by your side, you won’t have to worry about your makeup as you go about your day.
Pros
- + Soft application
- + Compact in size
- + Glamorous design
Cons
- − Loose bristles
Artis Elite 3 Brush Set
Best eyeshadow makeup kit
- Material: Microfiber
- The number of brushes: 3
- Return policy: Yes
- Shipping: Free
Artis Elite 3 Brush Set offers the best makeup brushes for those who aim to impress. Elliptic black handles, metal alloy, and plushy bristles provide an amazing makeup experience.
It comes with three brushes. However, these brushes are all multi-purpose — you use one brush to apply foundation, contour, and blush, another to apply concealer and eyeshadow, and the third to do eyeliner and eyebrows.
The specific design also demands a specific application. According to the manufacturer, creamy and liquid products should be applied through low-pressure circular motions. As for powdery ones, gentle gliding is enough for a solid application.
Artis Elite 3 Brush Set is a great eyeshadow brush set, as it provides an amazing even spread without the necessity to apply multiple layers. The same goes for all powdery products in combination with these brushes.
Pros
- + Original futuristic design
- + Multi-purpose brushes
- + Even product spreading
Cons
- − Necessary regular washing
Real Techniques Everyday Essential Brush Set
Best value for money
- Material: Synthetic
- The number of brushes: 5
- Return policy: No
- Shipping: Free for orders above $50
This set is a great example of an affordable makeup brush kit for everyday use. It comes with an RT 400 blush brush, RT 300 deluxe crease brush, RT 402 setting brush, RT 200 expert face brush, and a miracle complexion sponge.
Real Techniques’ Everyday Essential Brush Set is the best makeup brushes set for everyday makeup, especially for those who don’t have a lot of time to do their makeup. Color-coded handles will help you prepare quickly, without questioning if you got the right brush in your hand.
This set is a perfect choice for those trying to stay on budget. Brushes are sturdy and of good quality. The only problem seems to be their thickness, which smudges makeup and makes a straight, harsh line almost impossible.
Pros
- + Includes a sponge
- + Easy to clean
- + Color-coded handles
Cons
- − High-density bristle lowers precision
Sigma Most-Wanted Brush Set
Best basic makeup brush set
- Material: Synthetic bristle, polymer-based handle
- The number of brushes: 5
- Return policy: Yes
- Shipping: Free
If you’re looking for a reliable Sigma brush set, look no further. The Most-Wanted Brush Set is a kit of basic brushes that’ll set you off to a good start in the world of makeup.
This set includes an E25 eyeshadow brush, E30 eyeliner pencil brush, E35 highlighter brush, and an E40 tapered blending brush for hard lines. What makes this Sigma set special is the F80 Flat Kabuki brush for blending liquid and creamy products.
The design of the brushes is flawless, and it gives the brushes a very sophisticated look. The bristles are held firmly in place and keep their original shape even after several washing sessions.
If you’re a fan of the flawless, smooth finishing look and you don’t like to deal with fallout product, this is certainly one of the best makeup brush kits for you. In addition, the fact that Sigma brushes are handmade gives them a special charm you’ll certainly enjoy!
Pros
- + Waterproof antimicrobial fibers
- + Not tested on animals
- + Multi-purpose brushes
Cons
- − Brush for blush not included
Chantecaille Ultimate Brush Set
Best lux makeup brush set
- Material: Synthetic
- The number of brushes: 5
- Return policy: No
- Shipping: Free
Chantecaille’s Ultimate Brush Set is a limited luxury edition for those without a budget looking for a makeup brush set with a case. However, if you want to spend your money on something, this luxurious roll-up case is the way to go.
The set consists of five brushes: foundation & mask brush, concealer brush, cheek brush, eye definer brush, and an eyeliner brush. A low number of brushes makes this set travel friendly, as they fit in almost any makeup purse.
If you like to keep a natural radiance even when wearing makeup, Chantecaille’s Ultimate Brush Set is the best synthetic makeup brush set currently on the market. The price is quite high for what’s considered a basic set, but the quality is definitely worth it.
Pros
- + Luxury packaging
- + Pure ingredients
- + Effortless blending
Cons
- − Too expensive for some
Luxie Beauty Signature Rose Gold Brush Set
Most Versatile Brush Set
- Material: Synthetic and polymer
- The number of brushes: 12
- Return policy: Yes
- Shipping: Free
When it comes to finding the best makeup brush sets, reviews suggest that you don’t need to look any further — Luxie Beauty Signature Rose Gold Brush Set is what you need. Twelve brushes ensure you’ll find everything you need to elevate your looks to a new level.
Inside this set, you’ll find a foundation brush, concealer eye brush, powder brush, angled face brush, stippling face brush, pencil eye brush, liner eye brush, blending eye brush, large shader eye brush, angled shading eye brush, shading eye brush, and a small-angle eye brush.
Design is what distinguishes this set from the rest of the kits on our list. Baby pink brushes come in a rose ferrule, giving it a sophisticated look. Not to mention that this beautiful case can easily be transformed into a holder cup you can use to keep your brushes on display.
Luxie Beauty Signature Rose Gold Brush Set is one of those professional makeup brush sets even ordinary people can use with all these features. Admittedly, its price tag is a bit heftier, but it is certainly a good investment.
Pros
- + Modern packaging
- + Suitable for professionals
- + Great product placement
Cons
- − Some customers report bristles falling out
Tarte Cosmetics 5-Star Brush Set
Best makeup set for beginners
- Material: Synthetic
- The number of brushes: 5
- Return policy: Yes
- Shipping: Free
The 5-Star Brush Set is the best Tarte brushes set for makeup amateurs and striving artists. It provides five brushes that cover a basic makeup routine completely.
Inside this kit, you’ll get a large powder brush, flat shader brush, tapered complexion brush, angled blush brush, and a blending eyeshadow brush. The bristles are firm, enabling good handling of the product.
The handles of these Tarte brushes are quite large, so these brushes will most likely not be a part of your traveling beauty set. However, they do come in a clean rose/gold combination, which means they’ll look good on display on your vanity (remember to protect them from dust).
If you’re someone whose skin is extremely sensitive, Tarte Cosmetics 5-Star Brush Set could be some of the best makeup brush sets, reviews suggest. They don’t contain traces of irritants, parabens, or glutens, which makes them very safe for use.
Pros
- + Cruelty-free
- + Good quality affordable set
- + Well-shaped brushes
Cons
- − Brushes take up a lot of space
Choosing the Best Makeup Brush Set — A Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for makeup brushes can be very confusing, especially if you’re not a professional artist. Since this shopping spree can turn out to be a long-term investment, it’s important to have at least some idea of the basics you need to cover.
Getting bad brushes can significantly change the quality of the product and its coverage, as well as irritate your dry skin. To avoid this, keep these basic steps in mind when you go shopping.
Know your brushes
In order to make a good purchase, you need to be familiar with the types of brushes you can find on the market. They can rarely be used for several purposes, even if they look almost the same.
While there are a lot of types, here are some basic brush types you should know before you set out to buy a makeup brush set:
- Foundation brush — a flat brush used to blend makeup foundation before continuing to the following steps;
- Powder brush — a big fluffy brush most of us think about when someone mentions makeup brushes, used to apply powder on the foundation;
- Setting brush — basically, a smaller powder brush used to apply the setting powder once you’re done with the foundation, concealer, and powder;
- Blush brush — this fluffy brush is medium in size and can be used for applying and blending both concealer and bronzer;
- Eyeshadow brush — these brushes (frequently with a spongey tip) come in almost any size — they’re perfect for applying eyeshadow, but that’s their only purpose;
- Eyebrow brush — you’ll easily recognize these, as they usually have a miniature comb on one side which will help you make your eyebrows look fuller naturally;
- Beauty sponge — not exactly a brush, but these sponges are a part of most sets, and they do an amazing job in blending any product on your face.
Determine your needs
Many of us are tempted to buy nicely packaged makeup brush sets even if we have no idea what most of the stuff inside is. On top of that, beauty influencers and YouTube makeup artists all recommend different brushes that create an amazing look.
To stop yourself from splurging on something you’ll use once, think about your needs before you go to the store. Keeping that in mind and being aware that beauty influencers post edited photos made under perfect lighting will ensure you buy a set and get your money’s worth.
First things first — don’t disregard the sensitivity of your skin. Dry, irritated, or sensitive skin prone to acne will suffer if you use rough or low-quality brushes that force you to be rougher more than usual to get good coverage.
After that, consider the style of makeup you need the set for. For example, if you want to achieve a softer look, or need the set for your everyday makeup, choose makeup brushes set with brushes of lower density. In the same way, if you want a high color payoff, go for brushes of higher density.
One final piece of advice is not to get sets full of brushes you don’t need. For example, some people use only mascara; others never go out without full-face makeup. Whatever the case may be, search for sets that contain brushes for products you use often.
Choose quality
Don’t stock on makeup brushes or go around buying them just because it’s cheap. Chances are these brushes will fall apart fast, prove hard to clean, or smudge your make and leave stroke traces as you apply the product.
While natural hair brushes used to be considered better, modern synthetic fibers are just as good. If you’re mindful about the products you use and want them to be cruelty-free, you don’t have to worry about compromising on quality.
Although price doesn’t always mean quality, it can be a good indication of it. For example, better materials used in production will often result in a higher final product price.
However, if you’re on a budget, it doesn’t mean you should settle for bad quality. Check the Reviews section of this article, and make sure you find the best affordable makeup brush set for yourself.
One trick to making your brushes last longer is to clean them regularly. It doesn’t have to be after every use (we all know that’s unrealistic), but an occasional soak will keep your brushes soft and keep their performance on point.
Take time to find your fit
As we’ve mentioned earlier, brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, you’ll have to spend a bit of time finding brushes that feel balanced in your hand — not heavy, but not too light.
Getting brushes that fit your hand will help you perfect your makeup techniques. Your strokes will be more precise, and you’ll have better control over the product.
The weight of the brush usually depends on the material of the handle. You can find handles made of wood, bamboo, or plastic, all varying in weight.
So, when you go out to buy yourself a set of makeup brushes, be ready to spend some time trying various brands in the store. Of course, if you’re not able to go to stores due to pandemic restrictions, you can always ask your friends to allow you to hold their brushes and feel their balance.
What do good makeup brush sets contain?
Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced makeup user, or a makeup artist, there are some brushes you shouldn’t be without. Makeup brushes that are considered essential to a set are:
- Foundation and concealer brush,
- Powder brush,
- Eyeshadow brush.
These brushes are the very base of makeup application and will be most useful as you go through your day. It’s these basic brushes you’ll want to invest in since they get the most important part of the process done.
After you master these basic steps (or you’re already experienced), you can consider adding bigger sets to your collection. Bigger sets also include contour and crease brushes, eyeliner brushes, and lip brushes.
Of course, if you’re satisfied with a smaller set of brushes, you shouldn’t feel pressured to get a more elaborate set. Unless you’re a makeup artist, there’s no need for you to spend money on specific brushes.
FAQ
How do I choose a makeup brush set?
In order to choose a makeup brush set that’s the best suited to your needs, you need to do a little research and decide what the most important steps of your routine are. This’ll help you determine which brushes have to be a part of your future set.
Does the quality of makeup brushes matter?
Quality is a significant factor in choosing a good and reliable makeup brush. Brushes that are of better quality will give you better application and coverage, greater control, and won’t smudge your makeup or leave traces. Furthermore, some low-quality brushes can cause allergic reactions and irritate sensitive skin.
What makeup brushes do professional makeup artists use?
Different makeup artists use different brushes. Some have launched their own brands, some signed sponsored contracts, and many own several sets to suit their customers’ needs.
Wrapping Up
We reached the end of today’s glimpse into the world of makeup. We hope that you learned something new and useful and that the next time we see you, there will be the best makeup brush set in your collection.
