You could have the best makeup in the world, but without the right tools, you might be setting yourself up for an unnecessarily lengthy application process. A set of quality brushes is the key to efficient and effortless makeup application, saving you time so you can face the day.
From budget buys to splurgeworthy sets, there are some incredibly impressive picks you can choose from for your personal makeup needs. See below for our favorite brush sets and get ready to take your makeup application to the next level. It's time to brush up on these top picks!
Best Makeup Brush Sets
- Best Overall: Sigma Beauty Best of Sigma Brush Set
- Best Budget Buy: BS-MALL Premium Makeup Brush Kit
- Best Splurge: Artis Fluenta 9-Piece Brush Set
- Best Cruelty-Free: elf Cosmetics 11-Piece Brush Collection
- Best for Base: Real Techniques Flawless Base Set
Best Overall
Pros
- Great brush variety in this set
Cons
- Size of brushes is smaller than other models
If you want a variety of quality brushes at a good price, look no further. Sigma Beauty, which has been around for almost a decade, constantly churns out the best of the best brushes and this set is no exception. They're dense, soft, and can deliver major pigment.
This set includes a flat kabuki brush, a precision flat angled brush, a soft blend concealer brush, a firm shader brush, a diffused crease brush, a domed utility brush, and a smudge brush. All the brushes are cruelty-free and they're made with SigmaTech and Sigmax, which are synthetic fibers created by Sigma itself.
Best Budget Buy
Pros
- Affordable, great for a starter set of brushes
Cons
- They might feel more lightweight than other brushes, so it can take some getting used to
This synthetic 10-brush set has all the brushes you need to jumpstart your makeup collection. It includes angled, tapered, and flat brushes for foundation, concealer, contour, blush, and more.
The brush handles are black with gold lettering, and they have a gold top handle. The bristles are brown with a white ombré, so they'll look chic on your dresser or in your bathroom.
Whether you're just getting into makeup or you're looking for a top-rated brush set to add to your collection, you can't go wrong with this bargain.
Best Splurge
Pros
- Gives an airbrush-like finish
Cons
- Feels differently in your hand than other brushes, so it can take some getting used to
Artis brushes have been on our wish list forever. These oval brushes are revolutionary in how they differ from your everyday makeup brushes. They have a totally different design: They curve inward to make application easy and they pack way more bristles per brush than standard options.
This set comes with nine brushes that'll make your makeup appear airbrushed and blended to perfection. If you're looking for next-level brushes that offer professional results, this is the set to get. They're pricey, but they're worth it.
Best for Cleanliness
Pros
- Antimicrobial technology helps fight bacteria from forming, great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some may find the foundation brush too small
If you're a makeup lover with a serious case of laziness, this set is just for you. The brushes are made with an antimicrobial technology that fights off bacteria, so you won't have to clean them as often (note that it's recommended that you wash regular brushes every week!).
The brushes have a silver design handle and come in a faux-leather pouch. The brushes are labeled with their intended use, too, which is super helpful for more novice users.
Best Cruelty-Free
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Blending brushes could be better
For the vegans looking for a cruelty-free brush set at an affordable price point, this e.l.f. Cosmetics option is for you. It comes with all kinds of brushes: from face to eyebrow to shadow, this travel-friendly set has it all.
We also love that the case is water-resistant, should a water bottle or some shampoo accidentally spill on it when you're hitting up your next destination. The only setback in the set is the blending brushes, which could be better at smoothing harsh eyeshadow lines, so make sure you're taking your time to blend it out.
Best for Liquid Products
Pros
- Beautiful design
Cons
- Only seven brushes for an expensive price point
Sometimes, you get what you pay for. This set from Marc Jacobs may only have seven brushes, but the dense bristles pick up just the right amount of liquid product to dispense over your face.
The brushes have a glossy black design and come in a matching brush roll, and there are enough brush options for you to do your entire look with this set.
Best for Travel
Pros
- Legendary brushes from an established brand
Cons
- On the pricey side
For decades, makeup artist Trish McEvoy has brought her knowledge of the beauty world to her own brand. This brush set is made up of quality face, blush, and pencil brushes (plus two eyeshadow brushes, too), and they all come in a chic pebbled-leather case, making it perfect for travel.
Stash this kit in your bag or suitcase for sleek, high-quality brushes you can use anytime, any day.
Best for Base
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with a brush cup
Cons
- No powder brush
Real Techniques, a brush brand from YouTube content creators Samantha and Nicola Chapman, features cruelty-free synthetic brushes that have become extremely popular in both the YouTube beauty world and the real world.
This set comes with contour, detailer, buffing, and foundation brushes, as well as a cup to hold your brushes on your vanity or bathroom counter. Once you have this one, though, you'll probably want the eye set, too.
Read More:
9 Eyeshadow Brush Sets for Any Price Point
Eyeshadow Palettes That Will Turn You In to a Makeup Pro
The 10 Best Liquid Foundations for Every Skin Type
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Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.
