Best Makeup Brushes [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
See full list of products
EcoTools Full Powder Brush
TOP CHOICE
Real Techniques Shade and Blend
OUR PICK
BareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush
RUNNER UP
Are you planning on buying yourself a new makeup brush but not sure where to look?Â
You’re not the only one.Â
Trying to decide which makeup brush to add to your collection is something we all struggle with. But I’ve done all the research for you, looking at the softest, fluffiest, sharpest, and most precise brushes that are loved by makeup artists, ready for your next challenge.
Finding a fancy brush to add to your collection is an investment; after all, finding one that doesn’t have a substantial price tag can be difficult at the best of times, especially if you’re looking for quality.Â
But here’s the good news!Â
To make life easier, I have only listed the very best, being the most integral part of your makeup routine you can get only with for quality, with individual bristles that will give you the best performance and coverage out of your makeup.Â
Here’s a tip: if you’re looking for a precise, clean look, I recommend checking out our synthetic brushes in this list; they’ll give you a flawless, versatile, effortless full coverage look.Â
You definitely don’t want to miss my first pick.Â
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Best makeup brushes for every makeup look
EcoTools Full Powder Brush
Now what better way to start than with EcoTools, their powder brush will give you the evenest blend of pressed powders to give you that flawless, everyday matte look. I cannot recommend this product enough.
This powder brush is designed with large, dense, and incredibly soft bristles, all you need to do is dab the brush in pressed powder, tap off any excess and sweep the beautiful color in a circular motion, it can even be used for contour.
This seals the number one spot for the best makeup brush for powder.
But here’s the kicker: along with all of EcoTools products are completely PETA certified and 100% cruelty-free and vegan. It is also made out of recycled materials, made out of recycled aluminum, renewable bamboo, and packaging that is made out of tree-free paper and 100% recyclable plastic.
If you love giving a new purpose to old things, like me, you have to check this out, it will be your new best friend for powder.
- Large, dense but soft bristles
- PETA certified cruelty free and vegan
- Recycled material
- Renewable materialsÂ
- None
Latest deal: EcoTools Full Powder Brush
Real Techniques Shade and Blend Eyeshadow Makeup Brushes
If you love doing new eyeshadow looks, you will agree when I say that one brush is never enough, so why not try two? Real Techniques eyeshade and the blend is designed for the two-color application.Â
The base blender brush is designed with finely tapered bristles for buildable, all-over lid application and the deluxe crease brush has a soft, oversized design for flawless and effortless blending in the crease.Â
You will receive all the best compliments you could imagine, trust me
I am such a lover of Real Techniques for their soft, hard-working brushes that always give the very best performance; this brush set is brilliant for beginners and more advanced makeup artists.Â
You will want these brushes to be at the top of your eye collection.
- Buildable eyeshadow brushes
- Base blender and crease blending brush
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Ideal for pressed and loose powder
- None
Latest deal: Real Techniques Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Duo
BareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush
BareMinerals is well known for its unique shape and design; it is perfect for applying liquid foundation as it sits nicely within the center. The transformation after buffing with this brush is unmatched.Â
It is designed to give you flawless application from bottle to brush to achieve that perfect coverage. The unique design contains a fluid reservoir that allows you to adjust your coverage, depending on the amount of foundation you use.
It will ensure you will have no mess for every application, for an innovative brush will provide you with seamless application and flawless coverage.Â
The transformation begins when you buff the Perfecting Face Brush onto the skin. Engineered to give you the best foundation application, directly from bottle to brush.Â
You won’t want to miss this one.
- Blends liquid foundation effortlessly
- Buildable coverage
- Great for buffing and blending
- Cruelty free
- Issues ordering through Amazon
Latest deal: BareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush
Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
When I first laid eyes on this brush, I was completely hooked! Sigma’s products have always been in my collection, and you’ll want to add this brush to your
This features a flat top brush head with soft and dense sigma fibers that will give you flawless, high-definition finishes with your liquid or cream foundation without sucking up all the product- great, right?Â
The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff and blend to give you the smoothest and most flawless finish.Â
But that’s not the best bit.
This brush features premium filaments engineered for outstanding softness, heat, and chemical resistance. The high mechanical strength was built for high durability. Each brush handle is made from a lightweight, sustainable source of wood, making them both scratch-resistant and long-lasting.Â
This, paired with your favorite foundation, will give you a glossy look that we all crave, FYI you’ll love how soft these bristles are on your skin.
- Doesn’t streak
- Blends foundation nicely
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Two-year warranty
- Issues through Amazon
Latest deal: Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
5.
Opiqcey Silicone Face Mask Brush
Now I know you’re here for makeup brushes, but what about the brushes that keep your skin looking flawless through applying the right face mask. Every girl loves a face mask; it’s relaxing and always makes our skin feel as smooth as a baby’s bottom afterward.Â
But what about applying your favorite face mask?
You’ll want to see what Opiqcey has in store for you. Their face mask brush is super easy to apply and evenly apply thin layers of your favorite skincare products.Â
This is perfect for facial masks, peels, serums, and other skincare products; it is soft and hygienic, making it perfect for sensitive skin, face, and body. We all hate cleaning our brushes, but all you need to do is clean them with water, and it’s ready to use again!
Look after your face so you can show off your flawless makeup looks without pesky acne getting in the way; this is the very best brush to apply face masks, don’t just take it from me though, check out the over 60 thousand glowing reviews.
- Applies skincare thin layers evenly
- Ideal for face masks, peels, serums, and all skincare
- Easy to clean
- Durable and can withstand high temperatures
- None
Latest deal: Opiqcey Silicone Face Mask Brush
6.
NYX Professional Makeup Pro Dual Brow Brush
Gear up and sharpen those brows like a pro and add your very own expert touch with every look with NYX’s pro dual brow brush.
 It features an angled brush for precision application with cream or powder products and a spoolie brush for blending and shaping the brows, made with sturdy synthetic fibers for perfect grip.Â
Eyebrows have always been a growing trend, from thin as pencils to thick fluffy brows. Eyebrows are either your best friend or worst enemy as a girl; you need a brow brush up for the job.Â
All you need to do is apply your favorite eyebrow promenade or powder with the angled cut brush in the direction of growth. Brush the hairs with the spoolie brush and blend until you have the desired look you’re after.Â
I love NYX for their precision makeup and brushes, and you’ll be wishing you bought this brush sooner, trust me.Â
- Sturdy synthetic fibers for grip
- Precision application and blending
- Can apply favorite products easily
- Cruelty free
- None
Latest deal: NYX Professional Makeup Pro Dual Brow Brush
7.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush
I cannot wait to tell you about this brush; Anastasia’s liner brush will give you ultimate control for lining and shaping both eyes and eyebrows.Â
It is flat with a sharp, angled tip that works wonders for winged eyeliners while also being compatible with all eye color formulas, gel, cream, or powder!
Anastasia designed this product with both professionals and beginners in mind, with high-quality materials for enhanced performance that you can rely on. The silky soft synthetic bristles are perfect for delicate skin while also easy to clean without shedding.Â
But here’s the kicker, these products are also completely cruelty-free and vegan; not only will you be giving yourself a flawless finish, but you will also be respecting the world you love in the process.Â
With the 30-day money-back guarantee, if you don’t love it, you can’t get better than this.
- Can be used for eyeliner or brows
- Sharp angled tip and blender
- High qualityÂ
- Defines brow arch easily
- None
Latest deal:Â Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush
8.
Lamora Makeup Brush Foundation Kabuki Flat Top
Now Kabuki flat top brushes have been a growing trend in the past couple of years but are they worth your next penny in buying them? Absolutely they will blend and buff your foundation like a dream, and Lamora is no different.Â
With the soft, dense, silky bristles that apply your foundation so well, you will fall in love with it; it will exceed all your expectations to give you a flawless, airbrushed finish.Â
But wait, I’m not finished.
Lamora’s flat kabuki brush is a professional foundation brush that everyone can afford. It comes with high-quality synthetic bristles that will glide effortlessly onto your skin without absorption of all your product, unlike other brushes.
It is also completely cruelty-free and vegan, so not only will your foundation look soft and silky on your skin it is also completely guilt-free.
- Super affordable
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Soft, dense, silky bristles
- Blends in foundation like a dream
- Issues with shedding bristles
Latest deal: Lamora Brush Foundation Kabuki Flat Top
9.
EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set
This eyeshadow set is everything you’ve ever dreamed of, with the two double-sided brushes that are ready to shade, define, blend and sharpen your favorite eye looks.
This kit includes a shading brush with soft, tapered bristles, a defining brush with angled bristles to enhance your eye shape, a blending brush to eliminate streaks and harsh lines, and a smudge brush to smudge shadow and line along the lash line.
EcoTools love their furry friends and want to keep them safe. Therefore, all their products are completely PETA certified, meaning they are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.
I know we have already discussed EcoTool’s powder brush. Like that brush, their eyeshadow brush is also made out of recycled materials and renewable bamboo, the fastest growing plant on the planet.
I love their wide selection of faultless brushes and helping the planet along the way; you can’t get better than that.
- Define and blend eyeshadow looks
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Sustainably producedÂ
- Made from recycled materials
- None
Latest deal: EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set
Best Makeup Brush Buyers Guide:
Makeup is like art for the face; your blank canvas becomes your makeup brushes, your very best friend; it can be the difference between a windswept finish and buffed in foundation to harsh lines and patchy marks that do not blend in nicely.
Just like anything in art, each tool or brush serves a different purpose for a different part of your face or a specific set; there’s no question as to why we struggle to find the right one.Â
We’ve all used our fingers to apply makeup at some point in our life; some say it’s even better if you do, but personally, nothing beats a good ol’ buffing brush by your side, densely packed bristles it can pack on pigment and distribute it evenly.
Different Types of Makeup Brushes
There are hundreds of different brushes and different brush types; here’s a rough breakdown of each:
Powder brush:
After applying your foundation, you will want to set your face with powder to give you that flawless, matt finish.Â
Powder brushes are generally a thick, full fibered brush, either synthetic or natural, that has the versatility needed for all makeup looks. This makes it one of the most important parts of your kit.Â
Powder brushes are best suited for adding color like blush or bronzer to your look, whether you want a more natural dusting instead of a dramatic, deep,y hued look.Â
Foundation brush:Â
Foundation is the base of our makeup routine and arguably the most important step. You will find yourself amongst a ray of foundation brushes to choose from, and it will allow you to have that precise application of your foundation, such as liquid foundation.Â
It can also buff up and blend your foundation to give you finishing touches; it is important to regularly wash your foundation brushes to keep your skin healthy and prevent unnecessary breakouts.Â
Concealer brush:
After applying foundation, you need to get out your trusty concealer brush to brighten and cover up any imperfections on your face. For the best concealer application, I would recommend investing in a small concealer brush, so you can reach all the little areas you may have missed.
Just apply small amounts until you reach the desired look. We all have little spots we try and hide, and getting a concealer brush may be a blessing in disguise. Â
Powder brush:
After applying your foundation, you will want to set your face with powder to give you that flawless, matt finish.Â
Powder brushes are generally a thick, full fibered brush, either synthetic or natural, that has the versatility needed for all makeup looks. This makes it one of the most important parts of your kit.Â
Powder brushes are best suited for adding color like blush or bronzer to your look, whether you want a more natural dusting instead of a dramatic, deep,y hued look.Â
Eyeshadow brush:Â
There is a wide range of eyeshadow brushes to complete the most challenging and vibrant looks today; you’ll need more than one brush if you’re aiming for this, I’m afraid. These brushes range from small and dense for precise application to big and fluffy for the base.
There are different types to consider: the lid brush, the blending brush, and the crease brush; each one has a slightly different design for the part of the eyeshadow it is aiming to do.Â
Check out my full guide here; we will talk about each in more detail!
Frequently asked Questions
How long will makeup brushes last?
Makeup brushes amongst everything are often subject to wear and tear; if you use your brushes a lot, they may wear out quicker than a one-off. It is important to find makeup brushes that are durable and can withstand use and abuse.Â
Can makeup brushes cause allergic reactions?
In some cases, yes, if you are allergic to the material the brush is made with, such as if it is made with animal hair, you people often will have allergic reactions.
Can makeup brushes cause breakouts?
Over time makeup brushes pick up bacteria. That’s why I strongly recommend cleaning them often; otherwise, it may cause breakouts; click here for the best makeup brush cleaners along with a guide on how to clean them.
Summary
The tools you use help frame your whole makeup look; it’s super important to choose wisely. Your brushes are your pretty little tools that can turn a pile o makeup into a beautiful makeup look.
Not all brushes will work for you. It all depends on the look you’re going for; for a natural makeup look, you can choose natural brushes, and if you want to go all out, then buy specific brushes for your look.Â
Choose any of the brushes I have selected for you today, and you won’t regret it.Â
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.