The best make-up brushes are easy to use and will take years off: we've tested top brands for an even complexion and expert precision - plus expert tips on how to use them
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A good set of makeup brushes can often be the key to a perfect fresh-faced look - but it is too often overlooked.
While we obsess over looking for the best foundations, concealers, blushers for our skin type or splurging on hydrating cleansers and moisturisers to keep us looking youthful, the way we apply these products is actually just as important as the products themselves.
Even if you have the ultimate makeup bag and have splurged hundreds on various 'anti-ageing' products, your makeup can still come out looking patchy. Think of it as a wall - if you have the right bricks and the best cement, you aren't going to get the best outcome with the wrong tools and a missing leveller.
However, there are an endless number of brushes of various shapes and functions on the market, which makes it a nightmare to decipher what works best and more importantly, what you actually need.
If you're skin is on the drier side or you're starting to see light wrinkles and creases, finding a gentle brush that can work with, not against, your face is the key to a perfect, blurred canvas.
The good news is we have done the legwork for you and rounded up our top picks from the more luxe options ideal for sensitive skin to our trusty high street favourites, so you can make sure you have the tools you need to create the best looks.
Best makeup brushes: Quick list
- Best foundation brush: Lush's BFF Foundation Brush
- Best concealer brush: Kylie Cosmetics Concealer Brush
- Best brush set for beginners: Sephora Collection - The Starter Brush Set
- Best powder brush: Kevyn Aucoin Blurring Powder Brush
- Best blusher brush: Laura Geller Retractable Kabuki Brush
- Best makeup brush set: Spectrum Collection Essential Make Up Brushes
- Best eyeshadow brush set: Revolution Eye Do It All Shadow Brush Set
How we test
When testing each makeup brush set, we use each one during our usual makeup routine with the same products, to test their performance.
Brushes with specific functions, such as a blush brush or foundation brush, will be used against corresponding products to analyse how they perform by controlling the variables.
We compare how they get on against a face of makeup in the morning versus a second image at night to determine durability, how they have contributed to the final look and ultimately if they are worth their respective price tag.
Read more about how we test beauty products.
Our top picks for the best make up brushes on the market - from the best value for money to the best for on the go
The best makeup brushes to buy now
1. Best foundation brush overall: Lush's BFF Foundation Brush
Pictured left to right: Lush's BFF Foundation Brush and my make up look having used the brush
Lush's BFF Buffing Foundation Brush
Product Specs
- Material100% synthetic and vegan
What we love
- Easy useBlends product seemelessly
- Dense brush headReally packs in the product leaving you with full coverage
What could be better
- Absorbs a lotThe brush absorbs a lot of product meaning you are sometimes using more
I don't think there are enough words on the planet to describe how obsessed I am with this. While I wouldn't normally pay this much for a brush, I do believe Lush's BFF Foundation Brush is truly worth its price tag.
I have always been a ride or die beauty blender user, when it comes to any kind of cream product - foundation, concealer, cream blusher, everything - but since I picked up this brush I haven't put it down since.
It blended out my makeup seamlessly and effortlessly without being to harsh on my skin, it's ideal for both younger and more mature skin types as it's so gentle and soft with your skin. It does all of the work for you.
However, nothing is ever completely perfect and although this foundation brush comes very close, I did find it leaves you using slightly more product than you would with a typical beauty blender, so you need to add product gradually, in stages.
2. Best concealer brush: Kylie Cosmetics Concealer Brush
Pictured left to right: Myself after using the Kylie Cosmetics Concealer Brush and the product itself
Kylie Cosmetics Concealer Brush
What we love
- Tapered brush headAllows for easy blending in harder to reach areas
What could be better
- Longer processIt takes longer to blend out product in comparison to a beauty blender
When you think Kylie Cosmetics you might instantly think lip kits, however the brand's brush collection is a real under-the-radar secret weapon.
Do I think their foundation brush, rivals Lush - no but that might be because I believe that item has single-handedly revolutionised my makeup application. Nonetheless, I am a huge fan of this concealer brush.
Initially I was slightly baffled by its unique tapered shape, but the high quality bristles and ode-mode triangular-like head presses the concealer down creating a smooth finish, even of drier skin.
And while I it is my favourite concealer brush, it does take slightly longer to blend out the product when compared to a beauty blender, however the finish is well worth it.
3. Best makeup brush set: Sephora Collection - The Starter Brush Set
Pictured: Me after using the Sephora Collection - The Starter Brush Set and the product itself
Sephora - The Beginner's Brush Set
What we love
- AffordableHigh quality for the price tage
I'll admit it - I wasn't expecting miracles from this Sephora starter collection as it only features six brushes for the entire face - I'm used to having a lot more. However, I was very much proven wrong.
If this kit taught me anything, it is that the right set of brushes can be extremely versatile and that 20 different tools aren't always needed for a simple look. In the set you get the 03 Powder Brush, 04 Cheek Brush, 06 Multitasker face Brush. 09 Crease Brush, 12 Brow Brush, 13 Multitasker eye Brush.
The quality and application of these brushes far exceeded my expectations and made the process far quicker than using cheaper ones. Best of all, the product sat on top of the bristles, rather than seeping in.
I believe this brush set would be the perfect fit for someone who hasn't used makeup brushes before and wants a solid set for the entire face.
4. Best powder brush: Kevyn Aucoin Blurring Powder Brush
Pictured: Me after using the Kevyn Aucoin Blurring Powder Brush and the item
What we love
- High QualityAmazing quality and does most of the work for you
- Great applicationCarries pigment and product well
What could be better
- Surface on the brush is smallThe brush itself could be slightly bigger
The Kevyn Aucoin Blurring Powder Brush quite literally feels like silk on the skin, I don't think I have ever experienced a softer brush in my life. Although it comes with quite a big price tag for a single brush, the quality and craftmanship is unmatched.
The makes it ideal for mature and dry skin. The brush gently dances on top of your skin, rather than dragging through creases and enlarged pores.
When you gently tug to test the brush's quality, it has no fall out. Meanwhile, it picks up product effortlessly, in a way that doesn't leave you having to dip into a blush or a bronzer several times so the pigment will show.
The only downside to this brush is, in my opinion, that it's quite small. I'd personally prefer a larger surface area, so certain products would not take so long to apply but if you're the sort of person who likes to take their time applying foundation or concealer, it won't be an issue for you.
5. Best blusher brush: Laura Geller Retractable Kabuki Brush
Pictured: Me after using the Laura Geller Retractable Kabuki Brush and the product itself
Laura Geller Retractable Kabuki Brush
What we love
- Compact SizeEasy to take with you on the go
What could be better
- ExpensiveFor a single small brush
As well as being great for applying blusher quickly, this brush is a good allrounder to take away with you.
I am always topping my make-up on the go, whether I am at the bar, work or on a plane - but finding a brush versatile and small enough to fit into my purse has always been a bit of a challenge.
Thankfully, the Laura Geller Retractable Kabuki Brush came into my life and has solved the ongoing issue forevermore.
Not only do its soft, quality bristles allow for easy application (even on dry skin), it's also versatile enough for a range of products. Once you're done, it's compact enough for you to take out and about without having to haul around a huge bag of brushes.
It's only drawback would honestly be the price, it is more than I would pay for a brus of this size. Nonetheless, the quality is worth it and if you are similar to me and enjoy doing your make up as you go, it's likely worth the investment.
6. Best budget makeup brush set: Spectrum Collection Essential Make Up Brushes
Pictured: Me after using the Spectrum Collection Essential Make Up Brushes and the product
Spectrum Collection Essential Make Up Brushes
What we love
- Affordable and great qualityIt is a great starting set for someone new to make up
I have always been a big Spectrum brush fan - in my eyes when it comes to makeup tools it is difficult for them to do wrong. Here, they have yet again hit the mark perfectly with the essentials set.
The 10-piece set provides you with every brush you could possibly need for any given look, all at an affordable price.
These brushes did most of the ard work for me, effortlessly gliding across my face. They're also super lightweight and easy to use, making them well worth their value price tag.
I think this brush set it a perfect fit for those who are looking to expand their brush collection but might not have a particularly large budget.
7. Best eyeshadow brush set: Revolution Eye Do It All Shadow Brush Set
Pictured: Me after using the Revolution Eye Do It All Shadow Brush Set and the eyeshadow brushes
Revolution Eye Do It All Shadow Set
What we love
- Affordable and easy to useIt is a great option for someone trying eyeshadow for the first time
What could be better
- No larger brushersA slightly bigger and slanted blending brush would have been a great addition
The Revolution Eye Do It All four-piece set is a simple yet effective collection for those wanting to create some more exciting eyeshadow looks.
Given the quality of these brushes and the number of looks you can create with the four brushes, I think they're great value for money.
I particularly loved that larger buffing brush is slightly denser than the others and allows you to really get a seamless blend on any eyeshadow look.
The only drawback of this set is that it does not have a larger angled eyeshadow brush, which would be perfect for a smokey eye look orr creating a wing using eyeshadow.
Verdict
There are an endless amount of brushes of various shapes, sizes and functionalities on the market and ultimately what works for you will boil down to your skin type and your budget
Lush's BFF Foundation Brush is my absolute holy grail, and has made me bin all of my beauty blenders - I would recommend it to any beauty lover of any skill level. It really is a game changer and one of the best brushes on the market for both younger and more mature skin
For makeup lovers who are newbies, I would always advise starting out with either Spectrum's Essential Brush Set or Sephora's Starter Brush Set. Both keep it simple, have a reasonable price tag and are worth what you pay for.
And for those who want to splurge a bit more and need a lovely softy brush, the Kevyn Aucoin Blurring Powder Brush is well worth the money. Not only does it transfer pigment seamlessly but it feels like silk is brushing against your skin.
Your skin type can determine the type of brush you should use.
FAQs
How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
Keeping your makeup tools in tip-top condition is perhaps the most important thing you can do for your skin and you should be washing your makeup brushes every seven days.
Dirty makeup brushes don't only mean a poor performance but can wreak havoc on your skin and cause breakouts from dirt, residue and oil collected on the tools over time.
It is recommended that you rinse your brushes under lukewarm water to remove any residual makeup, wash them with a gentle shampoo and continue this process until the brushes are clean and dry.
Should I use different makeup brushes if my skin is oily or more mature?
Yes, you should most definitely use different makeup brushes depending on your skin type.
If you have oily skin, the brushes you use should be denser and should preferably be synthetic so they are non-absorbent. This makes it easier to push product into the skin to give you that perfect matte finish. Revolution brushes are synthetic and usually affordable too.
Meanwhile, if you have dry or mature skin, then you should opt for brushes that are slightly softer and fluffier, like the Kevyn Aucoin Blurring Powder Brush, so they glide over creases, pores and textures, rather than dragging the makeup into them.
And if you have combination skin, it is best to opt for a mixture of various tools that work best with your skin texture in certain areas. Softer brushes for drier skin like the Lush BFF brush and standard brushes for oily areas.
When should I replace my makeup brushes?
It is really hard to know when it's time to call it a day on your favourite makeup brush, but keeping it for longer than necessary can do your skin more harm than good.
The durability of your brush ultimately boils down to its quality. If it's a higher-quality brush, it can last for years with the proper care.
However, it is generally recommended to replace your brushes every six to 12 months.
As a general rule, when they begin to shed frequently, or start to feel like they are scratching against your skin, it's time to bin them.
How can I tell if I have a high quality makeup brush?
A high-quality brush has several characteristics, mainly its feel - a soft and fairly bristle-dense brush indicates it is of a higher standard.
A lack of shedding is also a good indicator of quality. You can also gently tug on the bristles to see if they remain in place. If there's no shedding, you've got a good brush.
