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Check out the results fast – here are our review winners

Are you struggling to find some quality, beautiful makeup brushes to create a new makeup look without having to spend a fortune?

You and me both, girl.

Giving yourself a beautiful, airbrushed finish like the Instagram influencers is something we all crave, BUT lucky for you, I have already scoped the wide web to find the very best affordable makeup brushes that will guarantee a look that will have everyone’s head’s turning.

Finding quality makeup brushes for a good price point can be a challenge and take a marathon of research, scrolling through thousands of reviews with no luck.

You may be asking yourself– is it even possible to get good quality within a budget?

You may not believe me when I say this, but YES! But there’s no need to worry. I have done all the research for you– but take a seat for this one; there are some real hidden gems within this guide.

I found reading the reviews crucial when buying cheap makeup brushes; the product description may lure you into a dream that isn’t reality.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality makeup brush. The finish of these bad boys is breathtaking.

We’ve spent the time so you don’t have to:
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Best Affordable Makeup Brushes that won't break your bank

1.

E.l.f Professional 12 Brush Set

Best affordable brush sets:

Now, if you’re looking to get your money’s worth, then you absolutely need to check out E.L.F’s gem of a 12 piece brush set– you will have a quality brush for every need.

While each brush is designed to give you a flawless, airbrushed application, it also fits super comfortably in your hand.

This brush set will be your perfect fit if you’re starting up and don’t want to spend a fortune (plus, you won’t easily outgrow these bad boys)

Whether you’re looking to complete makeup looks at home or professionally, this complete set has everything– from the basics to more advanced pieces of kit.

But here’s the best bit:
The cruelty-free brush set is made with 100% animal hair-free, synthetic brushes that are durable and safe to use.

For the price point and quality, all while being completely vegan, you cannot beat this set– you need to check it out.

Pros
  • 100% animal hair free synthetic bristles
  • 100% vegan
  • 12 brushes to choose from
  • Professional and at home looks
Cons
  • Issues ordering through Amazon

Latest deal: E.l.f Professional 12 Brush Set

2.

Impora London Eye Brush Set

Best affordable eyeshadow brush set

Now in terms of value for the price, Impora London steals the show with this set. Complete the most flattering or daring eyeshadow looks with these 2 double-ended brush sets– it’s everything you’ll ever need.

With a blending, defining, and even shading brush, you will be ready to tackle even the most complex and beautiful loos. Want a gradual sunset color look with a smudged lashline? No problem!

The high-quality synthetic fibers will make applying eyeshadow so easy it looks effortless while also giving a flawless finish. This makes this brush brilliant for all users.

Plus, these bristles being synthetic also means that these brushes are great for sensitive skin– they also get bonus points for being cruelty-free and vegan.

But best of all:

These brushes are super soft and do not scratch on the skin; they blend everything effortlessly while not absorbing the product.

We don’t have to compromise the most daring looks anymore with this affordable and gorgeous brush set; we all deserve this one.

Pros
  • Double-ended brushes
  • High-quality synthetic fibers
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Super soft
Cons
  • Have to order through UK Amazon

Latest deal: Impora London Eye Brush Set

3.

Lamora Kabuki Flat Top Foundation Brush

Best affordable foundation kabuki brush

 I absolutely love an airbrushed, well-covered finish when it comes to my foundation, and Lamora is an absolute gem for this one.

With the super-soft, dense, silky bristles that apply and blend your foundation effortlessly, you will have to take a second look in the mirror to realize this is true.

Has a pesky spot appeared on your chin that feels bruised the day of a hot date? We all hate this feeling but are lucky for you; this brush will blend that spot gently into oblivion; you’ll forget it’s even there!

But wait, I almost forgot!

This brush won’t absorb all your precious foundation like other makeup brushes, so you can get a smooth finish and will save you a hell of a lot of foundation. All this and this brush is completely vegan too!

This brush definitely ticks all my boxes while remaining super affordable for everyone!

Pros
  • Soft, dense fibers
  • It doesn’t absorb the product
  • Buff and blend foundation
  • Flat surface ideal for blending flat parts of your face
Cons
  • Issues through Amazon

Latest deal: Lamora Kabuki Flat Top Foundation Brush

4.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

best powder brush

Looking to set your foundation with a powder brush that never disappoints? The real Techniques powder brush is a real gem for the price.

Achieve your elegant, airbrushed look with an excellent base and an excellent brush to blend it out.

It will evenly apply powder and mineral powders to smooth and set your base evenly with high-definition results. The silky soft large brush is brilliant for blending out foundations effortlessly.

It is now my go-to years after trying this brush years ago; I use it with all my powder and setting products.

Now:

The synthetic, tacklon brushes and ultra-plush bristles make this brush not only because of value for the price but also 100% cruelty-free!

Spend that extra minute, perfect that little bit you missed, and I can guarantee your results will be jaw-dropping, natural, or glam.

Pros
  • Airbrushed look
  • Provides excellent base 
  • Can be used for bronzer or setting power 
  • Cruelty free
Cons
  • None

Latest deal: Real Techniques Powder Brush

5.

EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully Makeup Brush Set

Eco-warriors, I have a perfect fit for you (and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it). EcoTools has upped the standard for affordable yet sustainable quality makeup brushes.

I fell in love with this set the first day I tried it!  Not only is this set good for the environment, but EcoTools love all our furry friends, so they ensure their products are completely cruelty-free and vegan. 

It is a collection of all the key essentials for everyday makeup looks and includes a super cool storage tray.  With an angled foundation brush, blurring brush, crease brush, angled liner, blusher, you’ll be all set with this piece of kit.

But here’s the best bit

Each brush is made out of sustainable bamboo and recycled aluminum with synthetic Taklon.  You’ll be helping combat climate change with these brushes. 

You may be asking yourself their packaging is made out of 100% tree-free paper, but how do they do it? 

With 20% cotton and 80% bamboo fibers and post-consumer recycled plastic, so to make it easier, this product is completely recyclable. 

It is also biodegradable, making every piece of this brush set healthy and great for the environment. To contribute to the environment while still looking flawless, check this product out now!

Pros
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Great value for money
  • Everyday makeup
  • Environmentally sustainable
Cons
  • None

Latest deal: EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully 

6.

BESTOPE Makeup Brush Set

Now, if you want every brush your eye desires, this 20 pack set seals the deal. With a wide range of foundation brushes, face brushes, and eyeshadow brushes ready for everyday looks, you won’t be stuck for choice.

The quality wooden brush handle is beautiful and fits your handly so nicely for ease of application and comfort while doing makeup looks. Not to mention the beautiful champagne gold color.

But wait, there’s more!

This brush set is the best for traveling; it includes a tote bag to store and carry your brushes with ease; take them everywhere you go so you can complete your everyday looks flawlessly even while away.

The bristles are top quality; they’re super soft and don’t shed as well as blending out your makeup effortlessly; these brushes give an insta-worthy look every time.

On the go or at home, this set is ready for it all. They are good quality and everything you’ll ever need for the price.

Pros
  • 20 pack of brushes
  • Fits comfortably in your hand
  • Includes travel bag
  • Super soft bristles
Cons
  • None high quality for the price

Latest deal: BESTOPE Makeup Brush Set

7.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

When it comes to our beauty blenders, we all deserve the very best. Real techniques give the best value for the price point.

Their beauty blender is super versatile and designed with revolutionary foam technology to blend out your makeup smoothly and effortlessly.

Just run under the tap until damp and use with your favorite foundation; it will blend out your makeup flawlessly, creating an excellent dewy base for the rest of your makeup.

When damp, this blender will blend out all your foundation without absorbing all your product.

This blender is brilliant to blend out foundation and even concealer thanks to its egg-like shape that can reach the smallest areas.

I use this beauty blender with every look; whether I use it on its own or paired with a brilliant buffing brush, I always achieve an airbrushed look like no other.

Pros
  • Blends like a dream
  • Airbrushed finish
  • Creates a good base
  • Cruelty free
Cons
  • None 

Latest deal: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

8.

Docolor Eyebrow Brush and Spoolie

Want eyebrows on fleek? Looking natural but will look flawless in any makeup look? Well, Docolor is up for the job.

This double-sided makeup brush with an angled eyebrow brush and a spoolie is to blend and color your eyebrows effortlessly.

The soft synthetic brush hair is top quality while giving you a natural softness of natural brushes; it is great for shaping brows or even applying eyeliner. The bristles are also super durable and easy to clean!

Pair this brush with your favorite brow powder or promenade to achieve the best natural look while fitting comfortably in your hand. The results will shock you.

Pros
  • Can be used for natural and sharp brows
  • High-quality bristles
  • Can be used for applying eyeliner too
  • Blends effortlessly
Cons
  • None 

Latest deal: Docolor Eyebrow Brush and Spoolie

Best Affordable Makeup Brushes Buyer’s Guide:

When it comes to quality, we shouldn’t have to break out bank or spend a fortune to achieve it. We all see beauty influencers using brushes that are $20 a-go and wonder if we will ever achieve the same look with a tight budget?

You never actually realize how expensive makeup brushes can be to get the full kit; you could be throwing away $100 before you even know it.

Lucky for you, I have suffered from this issue too and thought to myself, enough is enough– I have spent hours piling through makeup brushes and makeup brush sets to factor in all the good ones that are not only good quality but also affordable.

You may be asking, how did you do it?

Well, I spent a hell of a lot of time in the reviews section while also trying out a fair handful, some are now a permanent feature in my beauty routine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But what should you be looking for?

Stay tuned, girly; I’m here to go through the full rundown of everything you need to know about cheap and quality makeup brushes.

Things to look out for when buying makeup brushes:

Cheaply made bristles:

This is something I have noticed when looking at cheap makeup brushes, the bristles just aren’t durable and will shed within a few weeks. When looking for quality of bristles I would recommend checking the reviews, they can be very brutally honest.

Fake products:

Some people claim in the reviews that the product is fake if it’s sold on Amazon, in most cases it is not but it is always good to double-check this before you click buy.

Hypoallergenic:

If you have sensitive skin I would recommend getting not only looking for synthetic bristles but also how it reacts to sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic bristles are better for sensitive skin.

Ease of cleaning:

When it comes to getting makeup brushes we want to look for not only affordability but the ease of cleaning, we don’t want a brush that’s hard to clean as it will only last a few months- talk about a waste of money!

You need to find the right balance between the two in order to get the most out of your brushes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I get cheap makeup brushes?

The best places to check are Walmart or Target for affordable makeup brushes. For affordable makeup brush sets and even brushes, you should check out Amazon- trust me; some are some real gems.

What are the best cheap makeup brushes?

It is all down to preference and uses; if you’re looking for a full set of brushes for everyday looks, I cannot recommend EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully enough.

However, I would recommend trying out Elf 12 brush set for a fuller set– it will be everything you need.

Summary

Never pay a fortune for quality brushes ever again; with these brushes and brush sets, you will be covered and complete even the most daring of looks effortlessly.

From 20 piece brush sets to single brushes, I have looked at them all.

Choose from any I have selected today, and you will love the results without breaking your bank– some of these brushes are real gems for the price.

Let’s stand out from the crowd with the most exotic of makeup looks.

jess rowley

Jess Rowley

Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert

ABOUT

Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.