top rated travel makeup brushes

How To Pick & Pack The Best Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes

08 dec how to pick & pack the best travel friendly makeup brushes.

So, you’ve got your travel size makeup and your skincare packed onboard for an in-flight pamper, but your makeup brushes are a mess. Well, here’s a solution.

The makeup you pack for your holiday will only get you so far if you don’t have the tools to apply it. Whether you want a sun kissed beachy glow on the Mykonos shores, or a brown smoky eye in the Ibiza clubs, knowing which makeup brushes to travel with can be a bit of a hassle. But we’ve got you covered.

From singular portable makeup brushes, to travel brush sets, we’ve found the best travel friendly makeup brushes. These tools will have your makeup looking effortless on the go, and your makeup bags looking orderly. Read on!

Learn How To Pick Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes:

Find Retractable Travel Makeup Brushes
Look out for Multi-Tasking Makeup Brushes
Try Mini Makeup Travel Brush Sets
Get A Travel Makeup Case To Protect Your Brushes
Importance Of Packing Your Makeup Brushes Properly

1. Purchase Retractable Brushes

If you are not able to purchase a makeup case with pockets and separators, then opt for retractable brushes. These are great if you want to avoid your makeup brushes touching and spreading germs and bacteria.

Retractable Face Brush

Nude by nature.

The Nude By Nature Retractable Brush is a perfect face brush for travel . You can use this multi purpose brush for your bronzer, setting powder or blush, because its bristles are dense which to help apply as much product as you desire. Additionally, this brush comes with a cap, therefore limiting the chance of the brush grabbing onto dust or bacteria in your bag.

Retractable Lip Brush

Bobbi brown.

This Bobbi Brown retractable lip brush makes applying your favourite lipstick a piece of cake. Its fine, flat hairs gives you clean precision.

Its small enough to throw in your bag, so you can touch up on-the-go, and you have peace of mind knowing it won’t get dirty whilst you travel.

Portable & Concealer Brush 150

Fenty beauty.

This portable Fenty brush is every contour lovers dream. The bristles are soft synthetic, making it gentle on the skin, and are cut to ensure precision and even blending. It’s multi-purpose use as a concealer brush makes it perfect to touch up and hide any imperfections on the go. Moreover, its magnetic cap ensures that your makeup brush is protected and easy to travel with , ready to conceal away your jetlag and chisel out your cheekbones.

2. Look For Multi-Tasking Travel Brushes

Why have one brush when you can have two or three!

Double-Ended Complexion Brush

The Hourglass brush is a great 2 in 1. With its high-grade synthetic fibers, this dual ended brush gives you flawless application. It’s secured with brush caps, keeping it hygienic in your luggage. The smaller brush end is perfect to conceal under your eyes and the larger brush is perfect to buff in foundation and powder to achieve that perfect base wherever you are!

T-Kit 3-in-1 Brush Set

Trinny london.

A three in one stackable brush set for defining lips, brows and eyes. With cruelty-free synthetic, quick drying fibers, this portable brush kit needs to be in your travel makeup kit when you need to pack light. They also all stack together quickly with a magnet fit, making it quick to apply and go!

Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush

This eyeshadow brush the ultimate on-the-go tool. Featuring dual retractable ends with a cap so you know the powder wont litter all over your cosmetic bag. Apply both creams and powder eyeshadow and even use it for concealer if you wish.

The soft and silky bristles will last forever with proper care and washing, a worthy investment for the regular jetsetter.

3. Try A Mini Makeup Brush Set

Mini kits are usually smaller versions of their large sized counterparts but made from the same materials.

A hot tip: Store them in your carry on luggage so they’re a bit more protected & you can also freshen up on a long-haul flight if you need.

Voyager Travel Brush Set

This mini travel brush set is perfect for your travel bag. Whether you want to get glam’d before you hop off your flight, or have limited room in your luggage, you’ll be prepared for anything. It comes with four soft brushes; a concealer brush, two eye shadow brushes and a brow or liner brush.

It’s perfect for touch ups throughout the day and to blend your makeup seamlessly! The small brush handles gives you more control of your application and it even comes in a mini travel case.

Most-Wanted Brush Set

With a combination of face and eye brushes that were made to be easier to hold, these brushes can create that flawless foundation appearance and softened eye look for any occasion.

This set includes a blending brush, a pencil brush, a tapered blending brush, a tapered highlighter brush and flat kabuki foundation brush. A brush for every step of your makeup routine.

4. Buy a Separate Case to House Your Travel Makeup Brushes

Purchasing a good makeup case that has separate compartments will ensure your makeup brushes stay clean throughout your travels. Firstly, make sure they are cleaned prior, so that they start off fresh. Allow them to dry before packing (this could take a day) because water can cause damage to the end of the brush it it seeps through. It can loosen bristles and build bacteria, making you worse off than where you started.

4-Way Professional Travel Makeup Bag

If you’re a makeup lover, then this travel makeup case is large enough to store everything you own. This sturdy case has a handy brush holder compartment that is dirt-resistant and water-resistant, making it hygienic and easy to clean.

Your brushes will remain protected with a covering and the brush slots are made to withstand turbulence. If you’re headed for a 6 month holiday, you can store your whole life in this travel case!

Jet Set Vanity Bag

Mecca cosmetica.

This brush bag is the perfect size to store your brushes and other essential travel products. You can store your makeup brushes protectively on one side, and store skincare in the zipped pouch.

This is a jet setters dream, as the same suggests, as it keeps all your items separated and clean.

Why Is It Important To Store Makeup Brushes Properly When Travelling?

Protecting and properly storing your makeup brushes when travelling is important, as they can get dirty amongst the dust and junk at the bottom of your bag.

Dirty makeup brushes can lead to clogged pores, premature aging and can cause breakouts from different bacteria build up on your brushes.

Try not to throw your brushes in with your makeup, store them separately in a different bag, preferably one with slots so that you can separate your brushes individually so bacteria doesn’t transfer between brushes. Make sure to clean them often to improve its longevity!

Keeping your makeup brushes clean when travelling can be easy once you’ve picked the right products.

If you want to make sure your makeup brushes make it to the other side, it all comes down to maintaining and caring for them as you would your makeup products. Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes will improve their life, as it avoids a build up of bacteria, which can ultimately damage your brushes.

When travelling, store your brushes in a makeup case that has individual brush slots. This will stop the transmitting of bacteria to each brush.

Do you have any other tips for makeup brushes? Let us know!

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Top 10 Travel Makeup Brush Sets

These makeup brush sets are the internet's top picks for traveling.

Packing for a trip always has the potential to create more anxiety than it should, especially if you’re a makeup fanatic. Besides making sure the size of each product doesn’t go above TSA guidelines, deciding what to bring in the first place can be daunting. Some things are non-negotiable and others need to be replaced with airplane-friendly versions of themselves. Makeup brushes certainly fit the bill. For one, they make all the difference when it comes to application because while using your fingers is time-efficient, it can get messy very quickly. Still, quality makeup brushes are major must-haves that you won’t want to leave behind in a hotel or airport bathroom. In this case, investing in a travel makeup brush set means you can keep your trusty everyday tools safe and sound at home.

They also make dependable companions for other places, like your work desk, backpack, or glove compartment. You never know when a last-minute occasion will pop up, and that’s just too much pressure for one brush set. There are no rigid rules for choosing a travel makeup brush set—simply find a combination that best suits your routine. A simple, no-makeup-makeup look only needs a few brushes, while an elaborate beat, with, say, a smoky eye, requires multiple eye tools.

We’ve found some of the best-rated sets out there, and they satisfy a spectrum of makeup needs. From space-conscious minis to boldly designed, Instagram-ready tools, these travel makeup brush sets are as fashionable as they are functional.

How We Found The Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets

As always, this roundup was created with the help of our proprietary algorithm, which identifies our top picks using data from word-of-mouth recommendations, expert reviews, best-seller lists, and more. Keep reading to discover each standout.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Makeup Brushes . Opening image: sephora.com

January 26, 2022

Product Expert: Georgia Jones

The Rankings

More Than Magic Brush And Bag Set

Overall Score

13 User Reviews

Best Seller

Industry Recognition

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHO IT'S FOR: If you're a makeup novice who's practicing an everyday, low-maintenance look, consider this ultra-cute and affordable set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a powder brush, eyeshadow brush, blending brush, and an angled brush.

Moda Brush Total Face 7pc Travel Sized Makeup Brush Set With Travel Flip Case

54 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you want to perfect your smokey eyes and arches, this seven-piece set has you covered.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a powder brush, foundation brush, angled eyeshadow brush, smoky eye brush, pointed lip brush, and travel-friendly case.

More Colors

E.l.f. Cosmetics 11pc Brush Collection

796 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: Look to this kit when you want to go all out for special occasions—think your BFF's wedding.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a large powder brush, tapered foundation brush, tapered eye crease brush, tapered flat concealer brush, soft rounded eyeshadow brush, angled eyeliner brush, and an eyebrow brush.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set

200 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: From last-minute date nights to Youtube tutorials, this high-quality brush set is perfect for anyone in need of the basics.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a large face powder brush, dense foundation brush, narrow crease brush, flat concealer brush, rounded eyeshadow brush, and an angled eyeliner/eyebrow brush.

nordstrom.com

Sigma Beauty Multitask Brush Set

9 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: Want to save space and maximize a small brush collection? Meet your match.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a detail blending brush, eye shading brush, tapered face brush, large angled contour brush, and a multitasker brush.

walmart.com

Real Techniques Travel Essentials Makeup Brush Set With 2 In 1 Case & Stand

126 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: For those who are all about the five-minute makeup look, this three-pack of brushes couldn't be more perfect.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a foundation brush, shadow brush, multitasking brush, and a case that can also function as a brush stand.

bkbeauty.com

BK Beauty Travel Brush Set With Pouch

103 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you want a skin- and animal-friendly approach to makeup on the go, look no further than this beautiful brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a foundation brush, flat blush brush, defined crease brush, shader brush, and pencil blender brush, all made with vegan fibers.

sephora.com

Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set

73 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: The beauty influencer who's all about the details will definitely appreciate this all-inclusive brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes 10 brushes: five for the face, four for the eyes, and one for the brows.

Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set

17501 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you're a makeup fanatic on a budget, Real Techniques has you covered with this set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes four everyday brushes, along with a makeup sponge and sponge case.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set

29 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you like to blend fashion and function, Charlotte Tilbury has you covered with this gorgeous makeup brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes four mini brushes: face powder, eye smudger, eye blender, and precision, all inside a stylish clutch case.

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Makeup Tools & Techniques

The 7 Best Makeup Brushes for Seamless Makeup Application Every Time

Pro makeup artists weigh in.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie / Joy Kim

Beauty lovers know that makeup brushes are an integral part of any makeup kit. Sure, there's a lot you can do with your fingers and a blending sponge , but when it comes to achieving a full beat, brushes are where it's at. Different types of makeup call for different brushes, so things can get very confusing if you're not a pro MUA.

Whether it's time to replace your old makeup brushes or you want try a new tool, we've got you covered. To help you find the best options (and there are a lot) for your unique beauty routine, we researched the top-rated makeup brushes and tested 14 of them, evaluating each tool's bristle density, material quality, efficacy, and results after use. Then, we tapped three professional makeup artists to approve our picks and share their tips on how to pick the best brushes for your needs.

Let's get into it—these are the very best makeup brushes you can buy online.

Which Makeup Brushes Do You Need?

If you’ve got a full collection of makeup brushes and know how to use each one correctly, we salute you. Most of us, though, could use a few pointers on which brushes to buy. Makeup brushes are specifically made to target certain areas of the face, so using the wrong brush can throw off your look. From large, fluffy brushes that distribute powder across the face to contour brushes designed to define, there are more than a dozen brush types. Not sure which ones you need? We’ve compiled a complete guide to makeup brushes and tips on how to use them. If you just want a quality set of basic brushes, check out our list of the very best affordable makeup brush sets .

Best Overall

Lune+aster foundation brush.

Dense yet soft

Sturdy handle

Smooth results

Easy to clean

Could be larger

Of all the brushes we tested, this one from Lune+Aster was our favorite. Designed for applying liquid, cream, or powder foundation , the brush is round with a sloped head (which allowed Julia to get into all the contours of her face) while the short, thick handle offered her a solid grip. This brush has synthetic bristles, which makeup artist Nick Lujan prefers. "In addition to being vegan-friendly, they're often more durable and hygienic," he explains.

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Julia | Lune+Aster Foundation Brush Tester

"The angled bristles made this brush easy to get around my nose and under my eyes, and the short, thick handle felt great in my hand."

Best Budget

E.l.f. cosmetics buffing foundation brush.

Some products stain bristles

E.l.f. makes some really excellent budget beauty tools, and this makeup brush is no exception. The round, tapered shape is designed for foundation and concealer, but it also works for contouring and buffing powder products. While Julia prefers a slightly larger head, she said the medium size makes it versatile enough to use around the eyes and nose. She loved the soft-to-the-touch synthetic bristles, too.

Julia | E.l.f. Buffing Foundation Brush Tester

"I could apply my foundation effortlessly and quickly without streaks or blotches."

Best Splurge

It cosmetics heavenly luxe buffing foundation brush #6.

High-quality handle

Some reviewers note bristle fallout

If you're willing to invest in a high-quality makeup brush, look no further than IT Cosmetics. This luxurious flat-top features dense synthetic bristles that feel soft against the skin. The unique head does an incredible job of picking up and buffing out pressed and loose powders, but you can also use it for applying and blending liquid foundation. Our tester said that when used with foundation, this brush left her with a smooth, streak-free complexion. She also liked how the weight of the handle felt in her hand.

Stacey | It Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6

"The flat top shape of the brush head was perfect. It was able to cover a lot of ground and it only took a few swipes to be fully blended across the entire left side of my face. The hourglass-shaped grip is comfortable and easy to hold, and the bristles feel soft and light on my skin."

Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush

Excellent coverage

User-friendly

Large handle

Slightly stiff

The best oval brush we tried was the Real Techniques Blend + Blur. Designed for applying and buffing liquid foundation, it has a large head with dense bristles. Though the fibers are slightly stiff, Britney said they're still plenty soft. Since the bristles are on the side rather than the end, the shape is more reminiscent of a toothbrush than a paintbrush. As Britney notes, this makes it easy to use when blending out liquids and creams, while the large size offers incredible coverage. Cleaning the dense bristles took a little more elbow grease than other brushes, but nothing too excessive.

Britney | Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush Tester

" I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to build up even coverage where I wanted it."

Best for Contouring

Mac 170 synthetic rounded slant brush.

While it's technically designed for foundation, this brush was a stand-out for contouring. While it's slightly too large for the under-eye area, the round, angled shape allowed Julia to reach around all the curves and corners of her face. Julia said her makeup went on super smooth and melted into her skin as she buffed it out, leaving her with a bright, even-toned complexion.

Julia | MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush Tester

"I could see myself using this brush every day. The head is thick and a little bit slanted, which helps get the product into the contours of my face for full coverage. It sucks up a lot of foundation, so it'd probably be better to apply the foundation to your face first then blend it in with the brush."

Best Cruelty-Free

Tarte foundcealer foundation brush.

Comfortable grip

Vegan-friendly

Smooth application

Too large for under-eye area

This cruelty-free tool features vegan-friendly synthetic bristles and a round, tapered head. Though the finely cut fibers are somewhat short, Elizabeth said they're exceptionally soft and fluffy. This brush features multiple bristle lengths, which makes it easy to blend liquids and creams. Elizabeth loved how smoothly her foundation buffed into her skin and appreciated the comfortable feel of the sturdy handle.

Elizabeth | Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush Tester

"The dense bristles are great for blending in liquid foundation and giving the skin a nice natural finish."

Best Portable

Bareminerals smoothing foundation brush.

Packable size

Not ideal for beginners

This makeup brush from bareMinerals is smaller than average, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go use. And thanks to the versatile design, it might be the only tool you need to pack. Perfect for applying, blending, contouring, stippling, and diffusing creams or powders, Julia liked that the multi-length synthetic fibers aren't super densely packed. While it seemed to make things streaky at first, Julia found that sweeping and tapping motions offer a stunningly smooth finish. Since it wasn't the most intuitive, this might not be the best option for beginners—but once you get the hang of it, you're golden.

Best for Creams

Monika blunder hybrid cream brush.

Monika Blunder

Layers product well

Provides an even finish

Multipurpose

Bristle Material: Synthetic | Shape: Round/tapered | Intended Use: Cream foundation, blush, bronzer | Vegan: Yes

There's a definite learning curve to using a brush to apply cream products, but this multipurpose brush by Monika Blunder makes it a cinch. Using a lighter touch with this brush will yield an ethereal, diffused finish, while applying pressure helps to blend out cream bronzers and blushes to airbrushed makeup perfection. We love that it's soft on the skin yet dense enough to blend out product. Use it to buff away lines and streaks easily even when you're layering products. And the small size allows for precise application, especially on the cheekbones, under the eyes, and on the sides of the nose.

What to Look for in a Makeup Brush

Quality and material: Some makeup brushes can cost a pretty penny, but that’s because it can be quite the process to make a quality brush. Consider the sturdiness of the handle and how soft the bristles feel against your skin—these are both factors that will affect how long the brush lasts and the standard of your makeup application. It might feel luxurious to have a fluffy makeup brush sourced from the finest animal hair or fur, but it’s not the most sustainable or cruelty-free option. Synthetic brushes have come a long way, and there are plenty of options to consider that are both earth- and wallet-friendly. It’s also important to inquire whether or not a brand conducts animal testing. So, if you want to be kind to animals, cruelty-free is the way to go.
Application: All brushes are not created equal. In fact, they are usually designed with very specific uses in mind, and it’s important to use brushes for their intended use. If you’re new to the makeup world and you’re not quite sure where to start, makeup artist Tamekia Geer recommends beginning with a foundation brush, powder brush, and a blush brush . A flat and a creased eyeshadow brush are also good tools to have on hand.
Bristle density: Another important feature to consider is the brush's density. Typically, the denser, or more closely packed the bristles are, the fuller the coverage the brush will help provide. Dense brushes are considered ideal for building up foundation to full coverage, while less dense brushes are ideal for achieving light to medium coverage, such as when you're applying setting powder, bronzer , or blush .

To clean makeup brushes , Greer recommends using an antibacterial bar soap . You can also use a cleansing agent designed specifically for makeup brushes (you can find our favorites here ).

For all brushes (and especially any brushes used for cream products), Greer recommends cleaning brushes once a week to prevent possible skin breakouts and buildup on your brushes. "The cleaner they are, the better the application and the longer your brushes last," she adds.

As long as your makeup brushes are kept dry and clean, feel free to find creative ways to store them. Try a marble or ceramic jar for an aesthetically pleasing option, or if you prefer to tuck your tools away or take them with you on the go, opt for a brush roll.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and editor specializing in beauty. For this story, she interviewed three makeup artists to gather product recommendations and insight into the various types of brushes. Before landing on her final picks, she considered the size, shape, material, bristles, handle, and price of dozens of products. From this list, Theresa is fond of Makeup By Mario, EcoTools, Real Techniques, Wet n Wild, e.l.f., bareMinerals, and IT Cosmetics. For this story, she consulted:

Nick Lujan is a makeup artist and the director of artistry and education at Kevyn Aucoin.
Tamekia Geer is a makeup artist at TamGee Artistry Studio.

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Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these bestselling brush sets will help you achieve flawless results.

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If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Updated January 19, 2024: This article on the best makeup brush sets was updated with tips on choosing makeup brush sets and additional information on how to clean makeup brushes, as well as new makeup brush set selections and product testing notes.

An artist is only as good as their tools, and we’re not just talking about painters. The same rule applies in the realm of cosmetics: Your makeup can only be as good as your applicators, which is why you should upgrade your collection to include the best makeup brush sets to ensure that your every beauty need is met.

Exclusive: sarah creal, who helped develop tom ford beauty, launches her own brand for women over 40, creating a compelling competitive advantage at mass with milani's mary van praag, you may also like.

It also helps that there’s “usually a price break,” when you opt to purchase an entire set versus individual blush brushes , bronzer brushes , and eye makeup brushes, Vincent adds. “Even if one of the brushes doesn’t become a favorite, you’ll likely make use of most of them, so the value is there.”

The best set of makeup brushes for you depends on your everyday beauty preferences, the types of bristles that work with your skin, and other special features like weighted handles for shaky hands. To create this list of the best makeup brushes sets, we spoke with Vincent, as well as celebrity makeup artist Linda Hay , celebrity makeup artist and Jamie Makeup founder Jamie Greenberg , makeup artist Neil Scibelli , and global makeup artist for Jane Iredale Nechelle Turner . Ahead, eye makeup brush sets, travel makeup brush sets, and professional makeup brush sets with all the tools you need for everyday or special-occasion glam.

Top Makeup Brush Sets for 2024

Editor’s Choice: It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set
Best on Amazon: BS-Mall Premium 18-Piece Brush Set
Best Affordable: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

Koccido 22-Piece Makeup Brush Set

Hourglass Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set

Best for Travel: Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set
Best for Eyes: Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Collection

Luxie Bronze and Glow Makeup Brush Set

Eigshow jade series 15-piece makeup brush kit, mac cosmetics brush with greatness travel set, saie the brush collection, sigma beauty essential kit, bestope makeup brush set.

Best Professional: Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set
Best for Beginners: Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set

Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set

E.l.f. cosmetics flawless face brush collection.

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BS-Mall Premium 18-Piece Brush Set

The BS-Mall Premium 18-piece brush set is one of the best makeup brush sets on Amazon. With over 28,000 reviews (the majority of which are 5-star) to date, it’s also the best rated makeup brush set with customers raving that the brushes are “soft,” “high quality,” and “comparable to high-end brushes.” Pros prefer brushes like this as well, with Scibelli noting that he tends to opt for synthetic brushes (similar to these ones) since they’re easy to clean and more durable. “The hairs tend to last longer and don’t shed as much,” he confirms. The 18-piece Amazon makeup brush set includes both precision eye makeup brushes, as well as chunky kabuki brushes for blush, bronzer , foundation , and other face product applications. As a bonus, these brushes are made of high-quality alloy and durable wood, to help ensure your set is long-lasting. What testers say: “The BS-MALL Makeup Brush Set in A-Champagne is truly a gem in the world of beauty tools. With 18 meticulously crafted pieces, this premium synthetic brush set caters to all your makeup needs – from flawless foundation application to precise eyeshadow and blush blending. The bristles are incredibly soft, providing a luxurious feel on the skin.” Price upon publish date of this article: $9.98

EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set

If you’re looking for one of the best makeup brush sets on a budget, try the EcoTools brushes. This (as its name would suggest) eco-friendly tool set is constructed from 100 percent recycled, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free materials, and the collection comes packaged in tree-free paper made from cotton and bamboo fibers. It also contains all of Scibelli’s necessities. “A set of all the basics are important,” he explains. “[That includes] a synthetic foundation brush, a powder brush [and] a few dense eyeshadow brushes.” The Day Beautifully Brush Set consists of the brand’s core collection of five brushes (including an angled foundation brush, blurring brush, defining crease brush, angled liner brush, and full blush brush), as well as three how-to beauty look cards to help simplify your routine. What testers say: “Bought this as my first makeup brush set, and I’ve continued using this ever since! The value is great for beginners looking for an affordable yet versatile set of brushes. I don’t use the metal box this comes with since I find it quite clunky, but I do use the brushes often. They are soft, easy to clean, and durable. No problems with them so far!” Price upon publish date of this article: $7.98

As one of the best makeup brush sets for beginners, the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials kit covers all of the basics with its pro-curated pairings. “[Beginners should] shop for a condensed, small brush kit of the necessities,” explains Scibelli. “You can really start small, and then work your way up.” Featuring brushes for the face, cheeks, and eyes, the set includes the brand’s RT 400 Blush, RT 300 Deluxe Crease, RT 402 Setting, and RT 200 Expert Face brushes, plus the Miracle Complexion Sponge. Testers cite the brushes as being durable and easy to work with. What testers say: “This set was just what I needed. I loved how they are such good quality brushes without having to break the bank. I adore my sponge. I typically only use beauty blenders however for the price I will never order another Beauty blender again. This performs just as nice as the 20 dollar beauty blender. I am in love with this set!” Price upon publish date of this article: $18.79

Kiccido 22-Piece Makeup Brush Set

A number two bestseller in its category on Amazon, the Kiccido makeup brush set has earned rave reviews from over 11,000 five-star reviewers. With a whopping 22 brushes and tools, the set will have you covered from skin prep to the final dusting of setting powder , as it includes a silicone lip exfoliator to slough dry spots before you apply your best lipsticks , as well as a silicone paddle tool to apply face masks and skin care products like face serums . On top of these tools, you’ll get a makeup brush cleaning pad, four makeup sponges, and 13 brushes for your eyes, brows, lips, and complexion. What testers say: “I’ve used them for a few months now and washed them multiple times with none of the brushes shedding. The fibers are soft on the skin, and there’s nearly every brush size you need. I do wish there was a large dense/flat brush and a smaller fluffy brush, but especially for the price, this was a good purchase!” Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99

“Brush prices and styles can really range but the great news is that they’ve become so much more accessible,” says Scibelli. One of the reasons affordable brushes are easy to get a hold of lately? There are so many quality picks on Amazon. A number-one bestseller on this mega-retailer is the Bestope Makeup Brush Set, which is stocked with 16 brushes that cater to the face, lips, and eyes. Available in five colors and featuring soft and dense synthetic fiber-made brushes, this versatile set of makeup brushes ensures that you have everything you need to contour, highlight, and blend. What testers say: “I was very happy with these brushes! The colors are so pretty, and the texture/tactile nature is very nice. The bristles are nice and soft, the handles easy enough to grip and use. I was also very happy that I didn’t notice any weird smells from product or packaging. I’m really happy especially with the eye brushes, as they all disperse the makeup very evenly, and they hold the shadow very well when transferring from case to face. They also blend very nicely, nothing comes out unevenly due to awkward or uneven bristles.” Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99

It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set

It Cosmetics’ makeup brushes are a popular choice, with over 201 million views on TikTok — shoppers can’t get over how beautifully the brushes blend face makeup. The brand’s bestselling Heavenly Luxe powder brush costs $50 alone, so this budget-friendly set is a major deal, with four brushes for just $51. Where some travel makeup brush sets include mini tools, this one features full-sized face and eye makeup brushes with a handy sunglass case-sized carrying pouch. Editor testing and review notes: “This It Cosmetics makeup brush set is an editor’s choice pick for its value and quality. During testing, I was highly impressed with the feel of the brushes given the $50 price point — each of the tools applied product smoothly without streaks, and I didn’t experience any bristle fallout during a six-month testing period. The bristles also snap back to like-new after washing, where other fluffy bristled brushes can loose their soft feel after multiple washes. The edit of brushes has me covered for every step of a full-glam routine, including flat to fluffy eyeshadow brushes for different looks and a powder and foundation brush that covers my base makeup beautifully. An included carrying case is the cherry on top for limiting clutter on my vanity countertop.” — Senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor Claire Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $51

Hourglass is renowned for its luxury makeup brushes, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber using these tools for everyday glam. Each brush has bristles made of PETA-approved Taklon, a synthetic fiber that mimics the feel of boar hair, delivering streak-free makeup application and no irritation on sensitive skin types. On top of these silky-soft bristles, Hourglass makeup brushes have weighted metal handles that are ideal for those with hand shakes or tremors. Hay says she can’t live without her Hourglass makeup brushes, explaining that they are beautifully engineered and “become an extension of your hand, making the application process a breeze.” Individual Hourglass makeup brushes range from $39 to $72 a pop, making this seven-piece makeup brushes set a bargain at $320. You’ll get four brushes for finessing your foundation, concealer , best red lipsticks , and face makeup, as well as three eye makeup brushes and a vegan leather carrying case. Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve owned my Hourglass makeup brushes for four years, using them regularly with cream and powder products. Throughout this testing period — and with weekly or biweekly washing — the bristles have remained as fresh and soft as they were the day I opened them. The bristles have a unique density to them that makes them particularly great for cream eyeshadows and liquid blushes . I find that I need less product to get my desired color payoff when I use these brushes, too.” — Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $320

Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set

Another Hay-approved brand for makeup brushes, Charlotte Tilbury’s tools are created with high-quality synthetic bristles and wood handles. This mini four-piece set is our pick as the best travel makeup brush set for the tools’ petite size that makes touch ups and full makeup application easy on-the-go. This particular set includes two essential brushes for eyeshadow application, a foundation and concealer brush, a fluffy powder brush, and a velvet carrying case. Editor testing and review notes: “Charlotte Tilbury’s complexion makeup brushes are the ones I reach for the most when I use a brush to apply my best foundations and concealers — the bristles deposit and blend the pigments smoothly and without streaks. I love that this set slips into a shoulder bag with ease, and despite the small handles, they’re easy to work with.” — Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $55

Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Collection

Eyeshadow palette -lovers know that Morphe makes some of the most extensive, colorful options on the market. So leave it to the brand to create a stellar eyeshadow makeup brush set. Ideal for those who like to make a statement on the lids, the Eye Obsessed Brush Collection comes with 12 makeup brushes, including full, fluffy options as well as ones with pencil-like precision. The set includes a mix of natural bristles (white-tipped brushes) and synthetic bristles (black-tipped brushes), with each designed to go gentle on your eyelids while you’re etching a cat eye in place or diffusing eyeshadow for a daytime look. What testers say: “Since I work only part-time, I don’t use these brushes every day. I bought them because they are Morphe and because the price was right. I have used them for about 3 months and just recently washed them. Overall, I have seen maybe 3 bristles fall out of one of the white brushes. The brushes are easy to handle and balanced in weight while using.” Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Otis Batterbee Total Face Makeup Set

London-based beauty tool brand Otis Batterbee is a cult-favorite for cruelty-free makeup brush sets, counting celebs like Gwenyth Paltrow as fans of the brand. Makeup artists also can’t get enough of the line; Greenberg called them some of the most underrated makeup brushes out there in a recent TikTok . What’s so special? Despite the cutely-colored handles, it’s all in the bristles. These brushes features PETA-approved bristles that feel like silk on your skin — and make any makeup you apply go on seamlessly. The Total Face Makeup Brush Set comes nicely curated, with a six brushes for foundation, setting powder, concealer, eyeliner, and eyeshadows. What testers say: “These make all my other brushes look sad and dull! It took me a few days to start using them — I wanted time to just look at them, they almost deserve to be displayed in a vase on the mantelpiece! So soft, they do an excellent job, so well designed and so very pretty. I’m just delighted, would highly recommend.” Price upon publish date of this article: $80

If you prefer a soft, diffused makeup look, Luxie’s Bronze and Glow Makeup Brush Set has the tools you need for the job. These brushes feature soft, fluffy synthetic bristles across the board, which makes any makeup product you apply go on smooth and subtle. This set also includes two sponges for your base makeup, including a mini sponge that’s handy for stippling concealer into the inner corners of your eyes. Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve tested Luxie makeup brushes for three years, and throughout this extended testing window, I’ve come to rely on the powder and eyeshadow brushes for my daytime makeup looks. Where some brushes deposit a lot of pigment for bolder looks, these ones deliver a gorgeously subtle result for a no-makeup makeup look. With lots of testing and washing, I’ve only noticed a few bristles falling out.” — Sullivan

Bridal and celebrity makeup artist Cara Lovello says this Eigshow makeup brush set is one of the best makeup brush sets for beginners available on Amazon. “The brushes are affordable and good quality,” Lovello says, adding, “they don’t shed or fall apart.” The brand’s 15-piece Jade Series kit includes all the tools needed to create precise, flawless looks, from a foundation brush to various eye makeup tools. The brushes are made with vegan-friendly bristles sourced from corn silk fibers and birch wood handles, and come packaged (and separated) in a cosmetic bag made from recycled clothing and linen fibers. What testers say: “I bought this set about 2 years ago and have used it frequently. The eyeshadow brushes are the real gems in this set. They have are so soft that they make diffusing eyeshadows in the crease a dream. They have held up very well to washing and maintain their shape.” Price upon publish date of this article: $26.99

A gorgeous makeup brush set is a spot-on gift for women , whether it’s a surprise for mom or a present for your wife . Mac Cosmetics’ Brush With Greatness Travel Set woos with its special-edition artwork and cashmere-soft synthetic bristles. The set includes a fluffy powder brush, a slanted brush for liquid blushes or foundations, a blending eyeshadow brush and an angled brow brush. These travel-sized brushes are great to stash in an overnight bag or work bag for touch-ups while traveling or at the office; it comes with a color-coordinated storage pouch. What testers say: “Exactly what I was looking for. Compact size but full size performance.” Price upon publish date of this article: $50

Saie makeup brushes are TikTok phenomenons — searches for the tools have tallied over 368 million views on the app. The Big Brush (second from left) gets the most attention on BeautyTok, with testers showcasing how it effortlessly applies cream and liquid products for a skin-mimicking result. With this top makeup brush set, you’ll get that TikTok-famous beauty tool along with a complexion brush, double-ended eye brush for highlighting and contouring, and a fluffy brush for powder. Price upon publish date of this article: $96

Makeup brushes sets are ideal for replacing tattered tools in one fell swoop, rather than purchasing individual replacements. Sigma Beauty’s Essential Kit is a full makeup brush set, complete with brushes for eye and face makeup. Each brush in the 12-piece set of makeup brushes is crafted with cruelty-free synthetic bristles that’ll last you years of use without shedding. Its range of simple and specific brushes cater to everyday glam or more creative looks that involve more tight-lining, blending, and buffing. What testers say: “I wasn’t crazy about spending this much money on a set of makeup brushes but I thought I would try. Wow! I have older Chanel, Mac, Bobbi Brown brushes. I took great care of them. These brushes really do make a difference when depositing makeup. I never thought I would be able to tell the difference. A good brush really does mean everything, and I use them all. I’m now able to toss some of my old brushes. These are the best and definitely worth the price.” Price upon publish date of this article: $160

Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set

Fully stocked with 24 makeup brushes that cover the face, cheeks, eyes, lips and brows, the Shany The Masterpiece Pro Signature Brush Set was designed for professional makeup artists and glam enthusiasts who want a full range of brushes and tools at their disposal. In addition to filling the holes in your makeup brush collection, this best makeup brush set for professionals also comes with a leather roll-up pouch and storage box for added convenience. What testers say: “The brushes are so soft and well made! I had only minimal shedding from one or two of the brushes when I washed them before use. One was the fan brush and another was one of the Kabuki brushes. All the rest of the brushes have worked beautifully for me.” Price upon publish date of this article: $47.99

Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set

Designed to achieve a flawless full-face glam, the Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set is one of the best makeup brush sets on a budget. It comes equipped with seven brushes, covering the face, eyes, and brows. “I think a set of all the basics are important,” says Scibelli. “A synthetic foundation brush, a powder/bronzer brush [and] a few dense eyeshadow brushes.” These vegan, cruelty-free synthetic brushes meet all of Scibelli’s kit requirements and seamlessly blend makeup to deliver airbrush-level results. And for the environmentally conscious, you’ll be pleased to know this Sephora makeup brush set is sustainably developed and comes in recyclable packaging. What testers say: “My brushes were very old and needed replacing. These are so soft and having a complete set is great. They do what they are meant for easily and wash well.” Price upon publish date of this article: $49

Created with the eyes in mind, the Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set features seven brushes designed for eyeliner, eyeshadow and brows. Made with the brand’s exclusive synthetic antimicrobial fibers, securing them as one of the best vegan makeup brush sets on the market, these quality brushes are engineered to better hold, apply and blend products. The set includes the E40 Tapered Blending Brush, the E55 Eye Shading Brush, the E60 Large Shader Brush, the E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush, the E30 Pencil Brush, the E65 Small Angle Brush and the E05 Liner Brush. What testers say: “I hate buying brushes — too many to pick from. I needed professional quality for bridal makeup this past summer. Women need eye brushes. One just isn’t enough. This Sigma eye collection has it all. With these brushes you will have amazing results. Must buy.” Price upon publish date of this article: $77

Designed with the face, cheeks and brows in mind, the E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Collection includes the Concealer Brush, the Eyeshadow “C” Brush, the Small Angled Brush, the Small Stipple Brush, the Eyebrow Duo Brush and the Ultimate Blending Brush. Most notably, reviewers rave about the affordability of this set, which comes at a much lower price point than many other options on this list. What testers say: “These Elf brushes are amazing. The blender is smooth and leaves makeup looking light and fresh. Also easy to clean.” Price upon publish date of this article: $15

Why Do I Need Makeup Brushes?

That’s not the only reason brushes should be an essential part of your at-home makeup kit. Scibelli notes that those who rely on their fingers for makeup application should be proceed with caution. Fingers can leave trails of oil, bacteria, and even fingerprints on the skin, which can ultimately lead to breakouts. So, keep things hygienic with sanitized makeup brushes.

The Best Makeup Brushes to Look for in a Set

Despite what you may see on TikTok, you don’t need an overwhelming number of brushes to achieve a professional-level look. According to Greenberg and Hay, your kit should include a mix of the following types of makeup brushes:

Foundation brushes to apply and blend your face makeup. Hay recommends keeping two: One for applying foundation and the other for polishing the skin.
Angled brushes for brows and eyeliner.
Eyeshadow brushes in various sizes. Hay recommends options that range from the tiniest point for fine work up to big, fluffy eyeshadow brushes for buffing and blending shadows.
Pencil brushes for the lower lash line and a more concentrated shadow color in the outer corner of your eye.
Concealer brushes for smaller, more targeted applications.
Powder brushes for applying setting powder to the T-zone, as well as blending powder bronzer or blush onto the skin.
Angled contour brushes for bronzer and contour sticks .
Lip brushes to detail richly pigmented lip colors, like red lipstick , and to blend and diffuse lip liner.

What to Look For In the Best Makeup Brushes Sets

While makeup brush sets are an excellent investment, like anything else, not all sets are created equally. Ergo, when shopping for the best makeup brushes, there are some key details to consider.

Synthetic vs. natural hair

Synthetic brushes feel more like natural hair brushes and are nonporous. As such, they “pick up and distribute more product onto the skin for a more defined and more precise application,” Turner says. That being said, because synthetic brushes pick up and distribute more product, Turner advises using a lighter hand. It’s also worth noting that synthetic brushes which are stiff or have a shiny coating can result in a streaky makeup application, so you want to look for fluffy, softer bristles.

Hay uses a mix of natural and synthetic bristled brushes on her celebrity clients, and she notes that the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. “The quality of synthetic bristles has come such a long way,” Hay explains, noting that Hourglass makes options she loves to use.

“In either case, look for shedding,” Turner warns. “Shedding or lack of shedding bristles is a good indication of the quality of the fibers in both cases.”

Number of makeup brushes

Be realistic about how many brushes you need and how many brushes you’ll actually use. “If you’re advanced and like to try new techniques and looks, then a larger set with a wide range of variety will suit you best,” Vincent explains. “If you’re relatively simple with your makeup, then an edited set will be great for you.”

“A basic brush set for the minimalist might be a five- to eight-piece brush set with foundation, blush, powder, lip, and eye shadow brushes,” says Hay, who notes that double-ended brush sets are handy, as a five-brush set with dual-ended bristles gives you 10 brush options to work with.

Handle material and length

As for handle material, there are two options: wooden or plastic. “This may not be important for everyone,” Vincent prefaces, “but specifically for natural brushes, I prefer a beautiful wooden handle and brush hairs that have been hand cut and tied. This usually means high attention to detail has been taken with the taper and placement of the brush hairs, which I find translates to a more refined lay-down of powdered products.”

With sets geared towards beginners, pros, and every mastery level in between, the best makeup brush sets accommodate a wide range of beauty abilities with their basic, essential, and expert brush pairings. Below, find the best makeup brush sets that will satisfy every beauty buff’s skillset and budget.

How To Clean Makeup Brushes

“In general, clean brushes will give you a cleaner result,” explains Hay. While she washes her brushes on a daily basis, Hay explains that how frequently you wash your tools depends on how much makeup you use. “For example, if you’ve given yourself a smokey black eye one day and plan on doing something bronzy and natural the next, you may need to wash and refresh them.” Hay uses Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleaning makeup brushes every seven to 10 days at a minimum to prevent bacteria growth. Luckily, it’s not a terribly time-consuming task, and the steps to properly cleanse your makeup brushes are relatively easy:

Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of a gentle shampoo. Hay recommends using Johnson’s Baby Shampoo , which she likes for its antibacterial properties and gentle formulation.
Place the brushes bristle side down in the bowl of water and let them soak for three to five minutes.
Then, “address each brush individually,” says Hay. She recommends placing a dollop of shampoo in the palm of your hand, massaging the bristles into the soap, then thoroughly rinsing the bristles. Brushes exposed to concentrated pigments like eyeshadows or eyeliners may need to passes for a thorough cleanse.
When clean, it’s crucial to rinse your brushes extremely well, as soap residue can interfere with makeup application as well as irritate the skin.
The last step is to take a clean microfiber towel and gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the brushes, and lay them flat over the sink’s edge to dry. “Laying flat ensures no water seeps into the handle and damages your brushes,” explains Vincent. “I also ensure brushes are bone dry before storing upright, for the same reason of preserving the life of my beautiful brushes.”

Why Trust WWD?

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Linda Hay is a world-renowned makeup artist known for her down-to-earth personality and her uncanny ability to highlight what is unique within all her subjects. A painter since childhood, her deep fascination with color, texture, and technique was the start of her artistic passion. Linda has collaborated with legendary fashion photographers including Peter Lindbergh, Arthur Elgort, and Walter Chin, and her work has graced the covers of magazines around the world such as Vogue Italia , Interview , W , Elle and Allure . She has been tapped by some of Hollywood’s most beautiful faces including Heidi Klum, Selena Gomez, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts for red carpet events.

Neil Scibelli is a leading fashion & celebrity makeup artist in NYC, Scibelli has trained under renowned makeup companies (specifically Kevyn Aucoin, Laura Mercier, and Yves Saint Laurent!) and now focuses his years of training on creating looks on clients ranging from supermodels to recording artists.

Danielle Kimiko Vincent is the founder of the ultra-popular makeup brand KIMIKO. Vincent is a makeup artist and brow expert who has rightfully earned her spot as an industry authority in the world of beauty. Her work has been seen in various national publications and she’s known for her less-is-more approach to makeup.

Nechelle Turner is a global makeup artist for Jane Iredale. Turner has worked in the industry for over 26 years. She creates flawless looks for her clients (many of who have walked the red carpets of both the Grammys and BET awards), while also educating other makeup artists about her craft.

Meet the Author

Julie Ricevuto is a beauty and wellness journalist who’s written for outlets like Seventeen, Allure Magazine, The Today Show, Glamour Magazine, and more. Julie brings the latest cosmetic news to the forefront, along with how-tos, scientific study breakdowns, and expert interviews.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, including top makeup brush sets for different types of glam. Sullivan has reported on and tested makeup brush sets for six years, and her expertise contributed to the writing and editing she made to this article for its January 2024 update.

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3 best travel makeup brushes according to jet-setters in 2024

May 1, 2024

table of contents

3 best travel makeup brushes according to jet-setters in 2024

best travel makeup brushes: the subtl beauty 4-piece set

Best travel makeup brushes: the subtl beauty dual-end eyeshadow brush.

best travel makeup brushes: the subtl beauty stak brush bff (y ou can get it free! )

best travel makeup brushes: keep your tools clean with the subtl beauty dry brush cleaner

Use the best travel makeup brushes with our game-changing, ultra-convenient starter stak.

3 Best Travel Makeup Brushes According to Jet-Setters in 2024, Featuring the Dual-End Eyeshadow Brush, the Stak Brush BFF, and 4-Piece Brush Set

are you looking for the best travel makeup brushes in 2024? you’re in the right place! tr aveling can be stressful with all the packing and planning, so the last thing you need are bulky palettes and tons of makeup brushes taking up suitcase space. thankfully, you’ve found yourself here with us, s ubtl beauty , a travel makeup brand specializing in stakable beauty products and tools .

because convenience is key at subtl, we created a whole arsenal of multi-use tools that – according to reviews – are the best travel makeup brushes to have in your carry-on in 2024 .

@subtlbeauty Replying to @❂ udon The subtl brush line up which are all travel friendly and perfect for stocking stuffers! 💃🏻🎅 #subtlbeauty #minimalmakeup #makeupstockingstuffers ♬ A Nonsense Christmas - Sabrina Carpenter

here are the three best travel makeup brushes ( one includes a set of four tools! ):

Best Travel Makeup Brushes: The 4-Piece Brush Set by Subtl Beauty

have you ever tried a travel makeup brush set so next-level that it could replace your entire tool collection? meet the subtl beauty 4-piece set , which includes a blush brush (#35), dual-ended eyeshadow brush (#15), powder brush (#45), and a stippling brush for cream products (#20). often hailed as the best travel makeup brushes ever , they feature synthetic, cruelty-free fibers.

check out what else makes subtl’s 4-piece set the best travel makeup brushes on the market:

gentle and effective makeup application
compact size for easy storage in your luggage
versatile for a full-face application or a minimalist look
comes with a convenient ( and cute ) carrying case

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Subtl Beauty (@subtlbeauty)

don’t believe us? here are some glowing reviews:

"as a frequent traveler, i was looking for a compact and convenient brush set, and this one exceeded my expectations. the brushes are soft, well-made, and of great quality. the carrying case and variety of brush tips make it perfect for full-face makeup, both at home and on the go. it's the best brush set I've ever owned!" - megan
“i was not expecting to prefer these to all of the expensive brushes i’ve accumulated over the last 25 years — but i do! these are such great quality, easy to clean, and perfect to tuck inside a bag for travel or on-the-go application.” - s arah k.
“this brand has the best, most versatile brushes i’ve used. i also love the size, while they are smaller it doesn’t impede their functionality and the case is great.” - sidney p.

Best Travel Makeup Brushes: The Dual-End Eyeshadow Brush by Subtl Beauty

check out what else makes subtl’s dual-end eyeshadow brush one of the best travel makeup brushes on the market:

dual-ended for on-the-go ease
soft bristles for smooth application
designed with caps for cleanliness
ultra-compact and space-saving

don’t believe us? here are some radiant reviews:

“i adore this brush. it’s perfect for travel or every day. the slanted end is great for applying eyeshadow to the crease. i can apply my whole stak with this and the stak brush bff . it has high quality, soft bristles and can blend high pigmented shadow beautifully.” - stacie e.
“seriously love this eyeshadow brush! i love that you can cap it and drop it in your purse. very convenient.” - ashley z.
“i love this brush! the only eyeshadow brush you need for travel or every day. it has covers for the brushes on each end that keeps your bag from getting dirty and helps with protecting the brushes.” - becky

best travel makeup brushes: the subtl beauty stak brush bff (you can get it free!)

Best Travel Makeup Brushes: The Stak Brush BFF by Subtl Beauty

did you know you can get one of subtl’s best travel makeup brushes for free ? The adjustable, multi-use stak brush bff is perfect for both precision-use and all-over-face application, meaning you only need one brush for all your on-the-go makeup needs. to get the stak brush bff free , you just need to customize a starter stak to match your skin tone and aesthetic.

check out what else makes subtl’s stak brush bff one of the best travel makeup brushes on the market:

adjustable firmness for all of your makeup needs
compact and mess-free
soft, effective bristles for a smooth application
designed with a cap for tool hygiene

@subtlbeauty Us 🤝 heux’s on the go💋 #subtlbeauty #onthegomakeupbrush #stockingstuffers #makeupstockingstuffers ♬ original sound - Subtl Beauty

don’t believe us? here are some stunning reviews:

“i am far from a makeup aficionado and have never used makeup brushes. i've been watching the subtl tutorials and have embraced the stak brush bff for my bronzer and shine control staks . i love how you can make the brush fluffy or tight to fit your needs. It also cleans well on the subtl brush cleaner stak .” - bethany b.
“this brush is awesome. plus, it collapses into a tube to make it easy to close. very nice!” - joyce c.
“i really like this brush. i find it versatile and if i don't have my other brushes, i can use this one for all of them.” - jennifer b.

Keep the Best Travel Makeup Brushes Clean With the Subtl Beauty Dry Brush Cleaner

if you’ve never tried subtl’s dry makeup brush cleaner because you usually opt for diy makeup brush cleaners or makeup brush cleaner machines, listen up : our dry makeup brush cleaner offers convenience for on-the-go brush cleaning, so you can get your tools spic and span, anywhere . it also allows you to effortlessly switch between products with different hues.

check out a quick demo of the subtl beauty dry brush cleaner :

@subtlbeauty Replying to @familyguyenthusiast we love the dry brush cleaner, especially if you dont like using a ton of different makeup brushes! #drybrushcleaner #makeupbrushhack #subtl #subtlstaks ♬ original sound - Subtl Beauty

don’t believe us? here are some flawless reviews:

“i purchased the starter stak and took it on a cruise. i loved it but realized i needed a way to clean my eyeshadow brushes and stak brush bff . as soon as I got home, i ordered the dry brush cleaner . i love that it comes with refills and is washable.” - bethany b.
“genius idea! makes it so easy while traveling or out and about so i can easily switch colors or products!” - marie f.
“i can't stress enough how much i love this product! it's a lifesaver, especially when i'm in a rush to put on makeup. let me tell you about a time i was in japan on a bullet train heading to a concert with my friends. we were scrambling to do our makeup, but there was no bathroom to clean our brushes, and our makeup bags had limited options. luckily, i had my dry drush cleaner , and my friends were so grateful. it helped us clean our brushes quickly and finish our makeup just in time for the concert. it's a must-have in my makeup routine, and i can't imagine living without it. i highly recommend it, and i give it a 10/10 rating.” - sophia n.

Grab the Subtl Beauty Starter Stak Along With the Best Travel Makeup Brushes; It's Convenient, Has Built-In Tools, Is Refillable and Good for the Environment, and Goes Where You Go

want to join over 500+ subtl beauties by grabbing a starter stak to go with some of our best travel makeup brushes? click here to choose your concealer shade, so we know how to curate your starter stak . if you’re unsure what shade, check out our 30-second quiz that’s designed to help you easily navigate subtl’s products. and d on’t forget , it comes with a free stak brush bff !

@subtlbeauty the perfect beginner friendly makeup tutorial ✨🤍 #subtlstak #portablemakeup #travelmakeup #travelproducts #tsaapproved #tutorial #makeuptutorial ♬ original sound - Subtl Beauty

here are the products featured in our starter stak that make it a must-have for everyone :

cream concealer (in the shade of your choice): transformative, versatile, and long-lasting, our cream concealer is a lightweight formula that gives great coverage without any pesky caking. you can choose from nineteen inclusive shades, and if it’s not a perfect match for your skin tone, we’ll replace it for free – no questions asked.
lip & cheek (in terracotta tour guide) : multifunctional and buildable, our lip & cheek is a creamy 2-in-1 product that’s perfect for achieving a seamless, natural makeup finish. with only a few finger taps, it’s easier than ever to add a dash of color to any look.
bonzer (based on the concealer you choose): with our bronzer boasting an ultra-high concentration of pigment, a little goes a long way ( this video is a great learning tool for beginners ! ). it comes in five shades to complement every gorgeous skin tone out there.
pressed-powder highlighter (in champagne) : highlighter is one of the best steps of any makeup routine, which is why we made ours easy to use, beginner-friendly, and minimalist-approved. the subtl highlighter is versatile, perfect for highlighting and adding a shimmer to any eyeshadow look, and can be built up for a glassy look.
shine control pressed powder : our shine control powder is a game-changer as it keeps oil at bay . unlike many other translucent powders, ours is lightweight, cake-free, sets makeup in place, and will last longer than an eight-hour flight or workday . p lus , it’s formulated with top-notch, hydrating, and non-comedogenic ingredients like squalane .

Grab the Subtl Beauty Starter Stak Along With the Best Travel Makeup Brushes; It Features Cream Concealer, Bronzer, Highlighter, Lip & Cheek, and Shine Control Pressed Powder

before you go , make sure to let us know which of the three best travel makeup brushes you’ll be grabbing for your next trip around the globe.

happy traveling, subtl beauties!

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Home » Shopping

7 Best Travel Makeup Brushes Of 2024

Brush your way to flawless beauty and stay ever-ready anytime, anywhere.

Barbara Ritzman is a beauty and skin care specialist and the founder of Barbie's Beauty Bits. With over 16 years of hands-on experience as a beauty editor, she has collaborated with a multitude of makeup, skin care, and cosmetic brands. Bar... read full bio

Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... read full bio

Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from th... read full bio

Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... read full bio

Image: StyleCraze Design Team

The best makeup brush set can revolutionize your makeup game. Building the perfect makeup look requires different sizes and shapes of brushes for each part of your face and item in your makeup kit. These brushes are your best friend whether you want a bridal look or an everyday no-makeup look. The right tools give you an edge to get the most natural-looking and smooth finish post makeup. A good set of brushes go a long way to prevent a cakey look by helping the makeup spread evenly with ease. So, for your next vacation and upcoming statement-making events, we have curated a list of some magical makeup brushes to bring you the look of your dreams. Check out our list of the 7 best travel makeup brushes that can fit in any bag. These travel brushes are carefully selected after going through several reviews they have received from users online.

In This Article

1. Best Professional Finish: Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set

The Real Technique makeup brush set is a set of versatile miniature makeup brushes suitable for different makeup strokes. These Real Technique brushes are highly recommended and used by professional makeup artists like Katie Jane Hughes. It comes with a travel sponge blender that complements the eyeshadow brush , powder brush, and concealer brush. This makeup artist-approved set has everything you need to achieve a professional makeup look and flawless application. The bristles are smooth and allow precise strokes to make your look flawless. The sponge is designed with a revolutionary latex-free foam technology that blends products evenly and gives you an enhanced finish. Check out this honest video review to understand the benefits and a tester’s experience of using this travel-friendly vegan brush set in detail.

Cruelty-free

2. Best Environment-Friendly: EcoTools Makeup Brush Set

The EcoTools makeup brush set is environmentally friendly and is made from high-quality materials. It has revolutionized sustainable beauty by adding a reusable makeup tray and completely avoiding cruelty towards animals. The product includes a set of five vegan makeup brushes that can be used to apply liquid, creams, foundation, blush, and eyeshadow powders . They are handcrafted and have beautiful bamboo handles . The bristles are made from synthetic Taklon material. The set also includes a unique and beautiful protective brush case that helps in better organization and reduces clutter while stylish. Take a look at this video review to learn more about this product and the reviewer’s experience with it.

Comes with a storage case
Reusable beauty tray
Handcrafted
Eco-friendly
Lightweight

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 19,081 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Soft: Matto Makeup Brushes

The Matto makeup brush set has a unique design with cotton soft bristles. It feels incredibly amazing on the skin. The bristles are dense and 100% cruelty-free. Even after multiple uses and cleaning, it does not shed bristles which makes this product highly durable. The natural brushes have beautifully designed real bamboo handles with a touch of shiny golden color. The nine brushes that come with this set are perfect for all kinds of makeup applications, as each of these has bristles that are hand-cut to suit all your needs. These quality brushes can be used in different areas of application. The brush set has the best buffing brushes for travel that help you build a flattering, dreamy look that elevates your glamor on statement-making events. This video review will give you all the details you need to know about this product through a tester’s experience of using it.

Ultra-soft bristles
Free of chemical smell
No shedding
Hygienic bristles
Easy to clean

4. Best Ergonomic Design: DUcare Makeup Brushes

The DUcare makeup brush set has the ability to give you a natural-looking no-makeup look as it allows the makeup to blend evenly and perfectly. This budget-friendly set is ergonomically designed and is FSC-certified. It contains a flat angles foundation brush that is suitable to apply multiple makeup products to different facial features. The vegan brushes work well for all skin types and are handcrafted by the best artists.

Safe for sensitive skin
FSC-certified handles

5. Best All-In-One: Hiuzar Portable Makeup Brush Organizer

The Hiuzar portable makeup brush organizer is a marvelous set of brushes. The bristles of the brushes are made from good quality nylon fabric and are easy to clean. These multifunctional travel brushes can be used for makeup applications for different facial features, as they are designed to reach every corner of your face with ease. They look unique and beautiful. Moreover, the set comes with a great storage unit that is well structured to encapsulate all your brushes in a neat and organized manner , making it ideal for you to carry for your next vacation.

Well-organized storage
Smart and unique design
High-quality nylon
Easy to maintain
Might retain excessive makeup residue

6. Best Long-Lasting: Zzihan Mini Makeup Brushes Set

The Zzihan mini makeup brush set comes with bristles that are made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials. They are soft to touch. But if you have sensitive skin, you might want to test it out before committing to it. The handles are made of highly durable material. The set also includes a bonus travel case. It is a smartly designed storage unit for all your brushes, with dual-ended makeup brushes, making it more travel-friendly than ever. It is a cost-effective set of makeup brushes that encompass all your makeup application needs.

Pocket-friendly
Silky and soft bristles
Ergonomic design
May cause allergy if sensitive to animal hair

7. Best Cruelty-Free: SHANY I love Bamboo – 7pc Petite Pro Bamboo Brush Set

The SHANY I Love Bamboo brush set is an exceptionally well-designed set of makeup brushes that also includes a kabuki travel brush. The set includes brushes for foundations, including powder foundation, and are sleek and ergonomic and come along with a classy and elegant brush holder. The bristles are smooth as silk and are safe for sensitive skin. For all animal lovers and environmentalists, this PETA-certified set of makeup brushes is a great option as it is free from animal testing, so you can go guilt-free and environmentally-safe with this set.

Elegant design and brush holder
Soft bristles
Unpleasant smell

To buy the best makeup brushes that you can carry along with you as you travel, you will need to understand all the factors that make a good set of makeup brushes. The guide below will help you narrow down your perfect professional travel brush set. Read on!

What To Consider Before Buying Travel-Friendly Makeup Brushes

Quality : The materials that make the brushes must be of high quality. It should not retain dust or product and must be easy to clean. It should be soft and gentle on your skin but deliver precise strokes. Make sure to check reviews from users of the product online who have tested it.
Design : Consider the shape, size, texture, and density of its bristles. Ensure to see that the bristles are soft to touch, and yet, stay firm while applying makeup. A long, thick handle is usually more ergonomic.
Maintenance : The maintenance of the brushes is just as important as their performance. Only those brushes that are easy to clean and retain their shape for a long time can deliver precise application of a fine layer of makeup. Do read the care instructions carefully to keep your brushes viable longer.
Cruelty-Free : Products that are made cruelty-free are not just safe for the animals and the environment. They are made with gentle material that makes it safer for your skin as well.

Infographic: How To Clean Makeup Brushes The Right Way

Unclean makeup brushes are filled with bacteria and dirt that can cause skin infections, acne, and breakouts. Therefore, clean makeup brushes are a must for maintaining healthy skin. Check out the infographic below to learn about a few tips and tricks to clean your brushes the right way.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

With the best on-the-go makeup brushes, you can apply your makeup effortlessly and glam up your look flawlessly. The right type of brush will prevent a cakey finish, which won’t crack over time. It will ensure that your face looks glossy and less powdery by evenly spreading a refined layer of makeup. The Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set is perfect for beginners for different makeup applications. Those who seek an eco-friendly and sustainable option may consider the EcoTools Makeup Brush Set . This listicle contains some of the choicest sets of makeup brushes that will add immense value to your makeup drawer. The wholesome sets of makeup brushes are compact enough to carry them in your purses anywhere you go.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The writer of this post, Srijani Roy, is a makeup and fashion enthusiast. She ensures to deliver research-driven content after gaining information from reading several product reviews through e-commerce websites. She curated the list of best travel makeup brushes from expert-reviewed recommendations to make the application of makeup flawless and smooth for you. She has also suggested a buying guide that will help you understand the kind of product you need as per your requirements.

Fact-checker

Barbara Ritzman Beauty Specialist

Srijani roy chowdhury associate commerce editor, rajeshwari das associate commerce editor, srijita de commerce writer, related articles, latest articles, 26 best expert-approved hyaluronic acid serums of 2024 for a healthy glow.

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The 9 Very Best Makeup Brushes and Makeup-Brush Sets

While you can always use your fingers and sponges to apply makeup, the best makeup brushes and makeup-brush sets can be a game changer — especially if your goal is to create a seamless, blended finish. For that reason, I use makeup brushes almost exclusively, which is how I’ve come to try just about every complexion brush out there. What I’ve learned is that good makeup brushes are an investment — cheaper ones tend to shed, so it’s worth being discerning when you’re shopping. With that in mind, I reached out to top makeup artists to find out the brushes they swear by.

What we’re looking for

“The shape and size of the head is what determines where the brush is meant to be used and what types of products it’s designed to be used with,” says makeup artist Robin Black , the founder of Beauty Is Boring . The handles can vary, too, but a good grip is important. Ulta Beauty Pro Team makeup artist Deney Adam prefers brushes with longer handles for applying eye makeup, for example, since they offer control and precision. “The same applies for powder-based products like blush , eye shadow, and setting power,” he says. “For creamy or liquid-based products, a short handle is the way to go.”

Bristle density

The nicer it feels on your skin , the better it works. “ The softness, density, and quality of the brush hairs is what determines how evenly a product will apply to the skin,” Black says. “It’s important that brushes feel soft and gentle, never prickly or irritating . You can test that quite easily by running the brush over the inside of your forearm in both directions.” The only real exception: Foundation brushes tend to be denser, but they should still feel smooth and comfortable.

Bristle material

Not all makeup-brush bristles are created equal. Natural bristles, made from animal furs or hairs, are known for being supersoft, which allows for better blending. Synthetic brushes are typically made from nylon or other vegan materials, and they’ve come a long way in terms of feel. As a result, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. “I like using dual-fiber brushes for wet products, like liquid foundations and creams, and traditional ‘natural’ brushes for powder products like blushes and eye shadows,” says makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran .

Best overall makeup-brush set

Usage: Full face | Bristle density: Miscellaneous | Bristle material: Synthetic

This trio of brushes is all you need for a full face since each one is super-versatile. “They’re hardworking, multitasking, and luxurious-feeling synthetic brushes that make seamless makeup application easy,” says Black, who particularly likes using the Tulip Blending Brush to create a soft-focus lip look. “I find myself throwing them into my bag for touch-ups as well as using them in the studio.” Personally, I started using the Hybrid Face Brush with Monika Blunder’s creamy foundation — a winner if you’re looking for buildable coverage with a lightweight feel — but I’ve since tried it with all sorts of foundations, including liquid. It’s soft, so it takes a little longer than my dense foundation brushes, but I’ve found that it’s worth the extra time. The angled brush is designed for buffing, so it works for both cream foundations and bronzer alike. And the Tulip Blending Brush can be used for everything from blending eye shadow to concealing zits or, to Black’s point, applying lip color.

Best (less expensive) makeup-brush set

EcoTools Fresh Face Everyday Makeup Brush Set

Full face | Miscellaneous | Synthetic

I’ve owned this set of EcoTools brushes for years and won’t ever toss them. (A 4.7-star rating and more than 400 reviews on Target.com don’t lie, either.) They’re cruelty free and vegan, they feel supersoft, and I love the little storage case that keeps them from getting lost in my drawers . The five brushes are versatile enough to cover a full face of makeup, and their long, generous handles are lightweight, making them easy to pack. Best of all, the bristle fallout is still minimal after what might be a decade of using them, which is impressive considering the price.

Best makeup brush for complexion

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Foundation Brush 2.5

Complexion | Very dense | Synthetic

Although it’s a relative splurge, three of our experts rave about Tom Ford’s foundation brushes, largely because you get what you pay for. “I love that they’re well made,” says makeup artist Nick Barose , who notes that the weighty handles are designed for comfort and control. Makeup artist Tobi Henney appreciates their ability to blend beautifully so you’re not left with any obvious streaks. And their bristles are synthetic, Black says, “but you would never know given their ultraluxurious feel.” And though the bristles are white, Black says they’re surprisingly easy to keep clean “even after hot-pink lipstick, electric-blue eye shadow , orange blush, and other pigments I’ve used them with.”

Best (less expensive) makeup brush for complexion

Lancôme Airbrush #2 Dual-Ended Foundation & Concealer Brush

Complexion | Dense | Synthetic

Whether you’re short on storage space or just don’t want to deal with swapping out multiple brushes every morning, this dual-ended tool comes in handy. “The big, wide side is perfect for blending and buffing foundation all over,” Barose says. “The smaller side is perfect for more detailed work like under the eyes and small spots .” It’s ideal if you find yourself using both foundation and concealer on a regular basis, and the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold no matter how you’re wielding it.

Best makeup brush for eyes

Eyes | Less dense | Synthetic

It’s not makeup artist Bobbi Brown ’s first rodeo — she sold her eponymous line to Estée Lauder before starting Jones Road Beauty — so it’s no surprise that her new line would feature great brushes. This one has enough density to blend eye shadow and eliminate any lines, but it’s still gentle and fluffy. “Because of its synthetic fibers, I can use both cream formulas and powder eye shadows with this brush,” says makeup artist Daniel Martin . Bonus: You can also use it for buffing out concealer around the eyes because it’s that soft, Martin says. (Just remember to clean it in between.)

As a more affordable alternative, we named the EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set one of the best-rated brush sets at Ulta in a previous version of this story. One reviewer calls the beginner-friendly duo “definitely the softest brushes I own,” while another says the double-sided brushes are “all you need to … blend, pack, smear shimmers, and put on some liner.”

Best makeup brush for brows and eyeliner

Princeton Select Synthetic Brush Angle Shader

Eyes | Very dense | Hybrid

Anytime you need to create fine, precise lines — for filling in brow hairs or achieving an ultrathin swoop of eyeliner — consider a painting brush. This small one isn’t a dedicated makeup brush, but Martin swears by it. “This has been my favorite angle brush for brows and eyeliner for almost 20 years, and you get it at the art store,” he says. “It’s the best!” Clocking in at $6, it’s also the most affordable option on our list.

Best makeup brush for blush

Complexion | Less dense | Natural

A good blush brush has to be able to shift between blush and bronzer with ease. It also shouldn’t leave streaks, which is a telltale sign your “natural flush” actually came from a cheek palette. That’s where this brush is especially helpful. “I love the slightly pointed oval shape that allows you to create seamless application on the cheeks without blotchiness,” Barose says. I use it to dust blush just below my eyes at the center of my cheeks, which (per a makeup artist) looks more realistic because that’s where the sun hits. Then I tap off excess product and dip it into bronzer , which I brush in a “3” shape around my forehead, down the side of my face and beneath my cheekbones, and just under my jawline.

Best makeup-brush set with sponge

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials + Sponge Kit

Jaikaran points to this set as being high quality with a relatively budget-friendly price. While it features a more basic lineup of brushes — a short-bristled foundation brush, a small crease brush for eye makeup , a fluffy powder brush, and a smaller setting brush — this configuration offers a ton of versatility. On top of that, “what’s great about this set is that you also get a beauty sponge, which also comes in handy for makeup application,” Jaikaran says. In fact, this very sponge was deemed “so much better than the original beauty blender” by Strategist beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton. Not surprisingly, it has nearly 1,000 five-star reviews at Ulta with customers calling out both the value and softness.

In a previous version of this story, a different set from the brand emerged as a reader favorite for applying foundation, bronzer, highlighter , and concealer. The Real Techniques Flawless Base Set , which features four brushes and a matching holder, also offers seamless application and versatility for the price.

Best makeup-brush travel set

Morphe Rosé Away 6-Piece Travel Brush Set

Morphe is known for its makeup brush sets, which offer a ton of value. “They are the best quality brush for their price point,” Adam says. Low-quality brushes tend to shed or break easily, but here the synthetic bristles are firmly anchored into the ferrule, the metal sleeve that joins the bristles and handle together. The shorter handles (and included carrying case ) make them a good option for travel. And with six different uses ranging from complexion to eye, this set guarantees you’ll be covered wherever your trip may take you.

Additional reporting by Deanna Pai

Some more makeup brushes and sets we’ve written about

Our experts

• Deney Adam , makeup artist and Ulta Beauty Pro Team member • Nick Barose , makeup artist • Robin Black , makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring • Tobi Henney , makeup artist • Jaleesa Jaikaran , makeup artist • Daniel Martin , makeup artist • Rio Viera-Newton , Strategist beauty writer

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , ultra-flattering pants , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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Today’s Top Clicked

25 Best Makeup Brush Sets for a Flawless Application

Whether you're new to the makeup game or a seasoned pro, these best-selling kits will help you achieve gorgeous results.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Understandably, deciding on the right brushes can be confusing since there are options galore, in all different shapes and sizes, available on the market. Fortunately, we've got you covered with 25 of the best makeup sets for all your glam needs. Whether you're looking to upgrade your makeup set up or you want to pick up a sweet gift for the beauty lover in your life, these picks are the way to go for a foolproof flawless look.

Best Overall

Sigma beauty essential kit.

e.l.f. 19-Piece Makeup Brush Set & Roll

Best for Eyes

Morphe eye obsessed brush collection.

This 12-piece set from Sigma has everything you need to create a stunning makeup look at home.

"These brushes are so buttery soft even after washing," raves a reviewer. "They apply and blend eyeshadow and powder like a dream, I’m highly impressed with how easy and seamlessly they work to blend. A great set with everyday brushes."

e.l.f. 19-Piece Makeup Brush Set & Roll

Those new to the makeup game will love this bundle since it comes stocked with professional-quality tools at an affordable price.

"I am beyond satisfied with my choice in buying these," says a shopper. "The sheet that explains each brush and its use was perfect, and it encouraged me to experiment more. Another good thing, I regularly wash these brushes and the texture of them has not changed after a few washes."

Whether you love rocking a killer smokey eye or prefer a more natural-looking glam, these brushes won't disappoint. The bundle comes with a range of high-quality fluffy brushes for blending on the lids and creases, as well as angled options for defining brows.

"I love these eye brushes," writes a reviewer. "They make putting on my eye makeup a breeze! They are of very good quality... I'm so glad that I purchased this specific kit. It had all the brushes I need."

Hourglass Vegan Brush Collection

If you're willing to invest in high-quality makeup brushes, make sure it's this set. This Hourglass kit includes 17 brushes made of PETA-approved Taklon bristles that come enclosed in a chic vegan-leather case. Key tools include the brand's best-selling dual-ended brushes for effortless application and the versatile Ambient Lightening Edit that can be used with powder, cream, and liquid formulas.

"These were packaged so beautifully and work so beautifully," reports a reviewer. "They are not just some crappy brushes with a brand name stuck to them. They are amazing and you absolutely get what you pay for here."

IT Brushes For ULTA Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

Planning a fun getaway? Consider this compact bundle of oh-so-soft foundation, concealer, crease, eyeliner, and eyeshadow staples your new travel companion.

"I love this set," writes a reviewer, noting that it "replaced all my high end makeup brushes. Excellent quality and they clean well."

Real Techniques Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

With this everyday bundle, you get the best of both worlds: four spectacular brushes and a sponge for a flawless, airbrushed finish.

"These are durable, lightweight and are good for most types of makeup," writes one fan. "Each item is a multi-tasker, which for me, is essential."

BS-MALL 14 Piece Brush Set

Coming in at just under $10 with over 108,000 Amazon reviews and nearly a five-star rating, this set is a no-brainer for novices and enthusiasts.

"If you are looking for a complete, everyday makeup brush set, I HIGHLY recommend this one, especially if you're a beginner wanting to learn all the little brush functions without spending a fortune to play around with techniques," says a reviewer. "I was pleased to receive the brushes in their own travel case and individually wrapped. The bristles are soft enough for a smooth application and firm enough not to leave streaks, which is always desirable."

Westman Atelier The Brush Collection

Leave it to celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman to come up with a luxurious selection of sustainably made brushes that can be used with all formulas. A blender brush, a powder brush, and a lip brush are among the standouts in the set.

"I am very happy with the way the brushes perform and how aesthetically pleasing they are," raves a reviewer. "Also brushes are easy to clean/ maintain."

EcoTools EcoTools Makeup Brush Set

Want to simplify your makeup routine? These eco-friendly makeup brushes perform beautifully and are also densely packed with high-quality synthetic hairs that never shed.

One Amazon shopper also "loved that they are inexpensive but durable."

Colour Pop Ultimate Brush Roll

ColourPop's collection of face, cheek, and eye-defining staples will cover all your makeup bases. And the fact that it's priced at less than $40? That makes it all the more worth it.

"Perfect brush set all around!" raves a fan. "Ideal size, perfect weight/feel while working with them. Picks up the right amount of shadow/pigment. I'm also obsessed with the color of these brushes! So gorgeous!"

Otis Batterbee Precision Makeup Brush Set

For those who like a "no makeup" makeup look, oval brushes are ideal. This kit with Art Deco-inspired handles works beautifully to blend foundation, concealer, blush, and highlighter for a radiant, natural appearance.

"I'm loving how quickly I can get my makeup done with this shape," raves one user, while another writes: "These brushes have made my makeup routine a breeze."

Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is known for her stunning glam, and lucky for us, she has her own makeup line for emulating her looks. This set includes four uniquely-shaped, vegan brushes that deliver impeccable coverage to your face, cheekbones, and under eyes with each and every application.

"These are absolutely the most gorgeous brushes," writes a fan. "Light and glorious for any skin type!"

Spectrum Collections KJH 25 Piece Brush Set

Want to take your glams up a notch? This full-face kit in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes includes 25 premium-quality brushes that sweep beautifully across your visage to create the most stunning makeup look. Plus, it comes with a sophisticated case that makes for a chic accent on your vanity.

"They do not disappoint," writes a fan. "A comprehensive set with a brush for any application. I love the small brushes for eye detail. Also love that there are brushes for powder and cream products. Highly recommended."

SEPHORA COLLECTION Complete Brush Set

For newbies, figuring out the right makeup brush to use can feel daunting at first. Sephora's set, however, takes the guesswork of selecting what to use. The seven-piece collection comes with everything you need for creating any look, including a foundation brush, blush brush, concealer brush, and eyeshadow brush.

"I am OBSESSED with these brushes!!!" raves a Sephora reviewer. "The bristles are sooo soft and apply my makeup so beautifully. Plus these brushes are vegan which I LOVE. This is a greater starter kit for beginners. Also very budget friendly!!"

Artis Elite 5 Brush Set in Mirror

This oval brush set will instantly become a makeup bag staple for seasoned makeup pros. The collection includes a range of five different types of brushes that each deliver a flawless finish with all sorts of formulas.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic 4-Piece Mini Brush Set

When you're on the go, reach for this mini-sized Charlotte Tilbury kit, which features a foundation brush for flawless coverage, a powder brush for livening up the cheeks with her cult favorite glow formulas, an eye blender brush for brightening up the lids and creases, plus an eye smudger brush for creating the perfect smokey look.

"The brushes are super soft and blend very well," says a reviewer, noting that it's "perfect if you travel all the time."

Laura Mercier Tools of the Trade Brush Set (Limited Edition)

This limited-edition kit from Laura Mercier will no doubt delight the beauty lover in your life. Housed in a luxurious navy clutch, it includes five pro-quality tools for sculpting, highlighting, defining, and contouring.

MAC Cosmetics Brush with Greatness Mini Brush Travel Kit

The key to nailing a gorgeous holiday glam lies in this chic bundle that includes a pro-quality powder brush, rounded slant brush, blended brush, and angled brow brush.

"Good quality brushes," writes a reviewer. "Perfect for purse or travel. Love the collectible case."

Kevyn Aucoin Making Faces Brush Set

Just in time for the holiday season, Kevyn Aucoin dropped this trio of dual-ended brushes that delivers a snatched jawline and cheekbones.

JENNY PATINKIN Sustainable Luxury Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

Makeup artist and best-selling author Jenny Patinkin recently launched her own line of dual-ended makeup brushes that allow you to switch between different brush types without the fuss. Beyond its seamless capabilities, the luxury set is made from recycled material, making it a good purchase for the environment too.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

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Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks

Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.

Makeup brushes are seen backstage at the Tokyo James Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 on September 24, 2022 in Milan, Italy.

Caring for Your Makeup Brushes

What to Look for

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Meet the expert.

When it comes to applying an impeccable face of makeup, your brushes are crucial. Think of yourself as a painter and of your face as a pristine canvas: The tools you're using are bound to impact the thickness, saturation, and depth of the colors you apply. That's why, when investing in a makeup brush set, you should pay attention to details like brush types and bristle quality to ensure that you have the best products possible to achieve your ideal look.

But with all the types and brands of makeup brushes on the market, you can easily feel overwhelmed while trying to find the best makeup brush set for you. Thus, I've asked celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro for her top tips on how to select, use, and care for your makeup brushes. Plus, we've combed the internet to bring you makeup brush sets that are well worth your investment.

Badro reminds us that makeup brushes don't last forever, but you can get more bang (and years) for your buck by investing in premium products.

"Cheap quality makeup brushes barely last due to poor quality bristles and handles," she explains. "They tend to break and shed much more. Quality makeup brushes can last anywhere from two to five years. Some individuals take such good care of their brushes, or barely use them, that I've heard of them lasting for even seven years, although I would opt for new ones by then!"

No matter the quality of your brushes, though, she says that you should learn how to take care of them, especially if you want them to last. "Keeping makeup brushes clean allows for the longevity of the bristles," she says, "especially because it will prevent mold growth as well."

And caring for makeup brushes doesn't just extend their shelf life—it also keeps your skin clean and clear.

"It’s essential to wash makeup your brushes!" stresses Badro. "Opting out from washing your makeup brushes can cause blemishes, allergic reactions, and can even result in an infection." In that vein, she also advises, "To help avoid skin infections, do not share your makeup brushes!"

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

When it's high time to clean your brushes, you're going to need to do more than a simple rinse. We asked Badro about the best strategy for thoroughly cleansing makeup brushes, and she delivered.

"Wash your hands first," she begins, and advises that you then "pour mild shampoo into the palm of your hand or into a bowl, then run bristles under lukewarm water." One the brush is soaked, she says to "dip bristles into the shampoo and swirl in a circular motion. Lather repeatedly to ensure that all makeup residue comes off." Be sure to repeat until your water starts running clear!

Once you no longer see pigment coming off of the brush, Badro says, "Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water. Steer clear of immersing the entire brush, as this can cause the adhesive/glue to break down, resulting in the ferrule to disassemble from the bristles and/or handle."

Once you're sure that the brush is clean and that the water is running clear, Badro says, "Squeeze the water out of the bristles. You can also use a paper towel to squeeze out excess water."

Finally, it's time to let dry! "Shape and smooth the bristles with your fingers to make sure they are not bent and/or warped," says Badro. "Lay each brush flat to dry horizontally on a paper towel or towel, ensuring that they are not touching each other. Refrain from placing wet brushes in a vertical container. This can also cause the adhesive/glue to dissolve resulting in the ferrule to disassemble from the bristles and/or handle."

What to Look for In a Makeup Brush Set

When shopping for a makeup brush set, it's important to consider a number of factors. First, shoppers should realistically assess how many makeup brushes they need in their sets. For instance, someone who doesn't wear much makeup or who likes a pared-down routine might not opt for a set with over 10 brushes in it. On the other hand, if you like to blend, contour, and experiment, it may be best to look for a set with more brushes in it so you can achieve the exact look you're going for.

One should also know what kinds of brushes they need. Makeup brushes can be used for the face, eyes, or brows, and you can find collections that focus on one particular part of the face as well as ones intended to meet every need.

Brushes for the Face

If you're in need of brushes for face makeup like foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter, there are a few options that Badro says you should start with.

"The best types of makeup brushes to cater to your blush, bronzer, and highlight should be an angled multi-purpose brush," she says. "The angled brush allows you to sculpt and define the facial features." Foundation brushes , meanwhile, are wider, focused less on precision and more on distributing product for an airbushed look.

Brushes for the Eyes

"Eye brushes that are smaller allow for precision, which are ideal for smaller eyes," says Badro—but that doesn't mean that eye makeup brushes are one-size fits-all. There are several types of eye makeup brushes on the market, each of which has a particular use.

"Shader brushes help to pat shadow onto the lid and/or brow bone," Badro explains. Meanwhile, flat tip brushes are made for precision.

"If you have hooded eyes, use flat tip brushes that will allow you to create a 'cut-crease,'" she says. "Typically, the tighter the bristles on the brush, the higher the coverage."

And when it comes to eye makeup, Badro stresses, "It's very important to blend, blend, blend!" Therefore, she says, "Blending brushes are great for the crease of the eye"—this way, your makeup looks soft and smoky rather than jarring.

"The best type of brush for applying foundation depends on what you want the finished look to appear like," says Badro. "For instance, smaller foundation brushes while stippling can help to create more coverage. Duo Fiber Brushes are great to thoroughly blend foundation without leaving harsh lines." She adds that, to create an "airbrushed" look, users can apply their cream or powder foundation in a circular motion using these brushes.

Pros: expert-approved; soft bristles; good for blending; different sizes allow for application to different parts of the face (i.e., the smaller brush is great for the under-eye area)

Cons: small set

If you love luxury and are in the market for a new set of brushes, Badro recommends checking out Tom Ford’s collection . The brushes are sold separately rather than in pre-curated sets, but that just makes it easier for you to customize your purchase by choosing from their line of 10 premium, synthetic hair options. In particular, Badro recommends including this bronzer brush in your repertoire. "The Tom Ford #05 Bronzer Brush is a bit pricey, but it truly is great for all over bronzy-look," she says. “This is because the bristles are synthetic and allow for a sheer coverage. Less is more when it comes to luxury makeup brushes.”

Pros: expert-approved; luxurious; long-lasting; customizable set; ergonomic handle

Cons: expensive

When it comes to concealing and highlighting in particular, Badro recommends this set of brushes from beloved makeup brand Pat McGrath. “Pat McGrath's ‘Sublime Perfection Brush Duo’ is great for concealer,” says Badro of the set of thin, precision- oriented brushes. “These brushes are wonderful for layering and building makeup.” With their angled design, they’re also made to cater to the unique contours of the face, so you don’t need to worry about getting makeup in places where you hadn't intended.

Pros: expert-approved; precise; great for layering

Cons: some users say the bristles aren't soft

Customer Review: "Bristles are a little prickly but otherwise very well functioning brush. Both brushes are great for concealer and my liquid highlighter." -Pat McGrath

For a complete brush set that includes options for both your face and eyes, consider this vegan, PETA-approved set from Hourglass. It includes a number of their bestsellers, including Badro’s favorite, the Veil Powder Brush. “The ‘Veil Powder Brush’ by Hourglass is a great brush!” she gushes. “Who doesn't love a double sided brush?! Although I suggest throwing it in your bag, as it doesn't stand up on i's own for obvious reasons. The smaller side is great for setting the under-eye area, while the larger side can really be used all-over.”

Pros: includes options for both face and eyes; expert-approved; comes in a carrying case; vegan; cruelty-free

Cons: expensive; large

Customer Review: "The brushes themselves are nice and there is a good variety of them. However, I am not sure why this is marketed as travel size. The bushes are all their usual sizes and the case is nice but certainly not compact in any way." -Sephora

This brush set from Badro’s eponymous brand is a great value, filled with brushes for both the face and eyes, including a number of bestsellers. Highlights include a foundation brush, contour brush, and four unique eye brushes, one of which is the blending eye brush, which Badro calls a top seller. She explains, “The design of the brush was created with functionality in mind—it allows for a seamless blend.” Plus, she adds that the ferrules on these brushes are “made of copper, so overall you have better blending and less shedding!”

Pros: expert-approved; includes both face and eye brushes; big value

Cons: not as many face brushes as eye brushes

Morphe X Ariel Signature Look 12-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set

This set from Morphe is an incredible value, with 12 premium brushes coming in at under $100. It contains both face and eye brushes, including options for foundation, blush, setting, concealer, bronzing, and more. Some of the brushes are best for powder products while others are intended for cream products, so this is perfect for the makeup aficionado or for anyone who loves experimenting and mixing their routine up. The set even includes a soft blending sponge.

Pros: includes eye brushes, face brushes, and a blending sponge; long-lasting

Cons: some users find the bristles brittle

Customer Review: "The brushes are the perfect density and softness where my makeup always comes out looking airbrushed on my face! I have had them for a year and they still are in perfect condition." -Ulta

Everyday Eye Essentials Makeup Brush Set

If you love going hard on your eye makeup, this is the set for you. It includes shading, creasing, and defining brushes that work on both powder and liquid eyeshadows, so you can create smoky eyes, contoured lids, or dramatic works of makeup art. Plus, the set includes a fine liner brush for liquid or gel eyeliner, a smudge brush for creating grunge-y and effortless looks, and even a lash separator for banishing pesky mascara clumps.

Pros: affordable; clean; cruelty-free; vegan; sustainable packaging

Cons: some users say the brushes shed easily

Customer Review: “These brushes are a must. The bristles are so soft creating the perfect match for blending. Not to mention the grip they have to be able to motion them back and forth with ease.” -Ulta

This makeup brush set is simple, small, and minimalist, making it perfect for travel, for keeping in your desk at the office, or for stowing away in your purse for emergency touch ups on the go. It includes a foundation brush, powder brush, and eyeshadow brush, all of which are made from soft bristles that are easy to use and to blend with. Plus, the set comes in an adorable makeup bag that you can use to store all your other makeup essentials.

Pros: small enough for travel; vegan; comes with a carrying case

Cons: doesn't contain as many brushes as other, fuller sets

Customer Review: "I love it, they are a perfect size to keep in your bag, their bristles are soft." -Sephora

This is another great makeup brush set for the makeup enthusiast on the go. It comes in a handy case made from luxurious velvet, and includes four brushes—two for the eyes and two for the face. One brush is designed for applying powder formulas to the face, such as setting powder, and another has a more precise design that’s ideal for applying highlighter, bronzer, or blush. Meanwhile, the eye brushes, one of twitch is for smudging while the other is for blending, are great for creating a myriad of soft, smoky, or monochromatic looks.

Pros: includes both face and eye brushes; comes in a carrying case

Cons: carrying case isn't big enough to fit other brushes; brushes are limited

Customer Review: "I did think this was expensive but I just had to have it and I am not disappointed because I LOVE it. The colour of the pouch is gorgeous, the set looks very classy and the brushes are great. Perfect for people like me who like to travel." -Bloomingdale's

Although I own a lot of beauty products, from skincare to tools to makeup, I do like to keep things as pared down as possible. That means opting for products that have more than one use and therefore save some much-needed space, and a great example is the dual-ended makeup brush. These brushes, unfortunately, can’t be stood up, but they’re great for travel, for consolidating makeup products, and for streamlining one’s makeup routine. This set from Jenny Patinkin includes option for the face, for applying eyeshadow, and even for applying eyeliner and brow products. Plus, they come in a compact, travel-ready case.

Pros: brushes are dual-ended; saves space; large number of bristles on each brush

Cons: brushes can't be stood up

Elaina Badro is a makeup artist from Southern California who has worked with celebrities, fashion brands, and magazines. She founded her eponymous beauty brand to include high-quality tools and skincare, including makeup brushes, and is committed to providing beauty enthusiasts with makeup tips that bring results. She is currently based in California.

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Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.

Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art

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The 20 Best Makeup Brushes That Professionals Swear By

By Rachel Dube

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you apply makeup every day or only on special occasions, a trusty set of makeup brushes should always be on hand. Shopping for the best makeup brushes, however, may feel like a complicated process while browsing through page after page of online beauty retailers—especially with the many, many different types of brushes available. But selecting the perfect brush doesn’t have to be complicated.

When looking for the best makeup brush set, there are a few things to keep in mind. Chief among what to remember is to find quality brushes that are best suited for your needs. For example, if you’re someone who uses full-face foundation and bronzer on the daily, you’ll need different brushes from someone who only applies a bit of eyeshadow and concealer. Another factor to consider is the amount of space in your makeup storage for brush kits. Someone with lots of space can purchase multiple different brushes and brush sets, whereas someone with less may want to consider snagging brushes with multiple uses.

In short: There are a ton of options out there for you to choose from, with different features among each of them. A brush can differ in what type of application it’s best for, between its bristles, brush head, versatility, and price points. Some will give you an airbrushed finish while others are meant to leave you with just the right amount of setting powder and so on.

Regardless of which you select, it should be something you’ll be comfortable using day after day. A good brush collection, brush cleaner, and a makeup bag for your brushes will help extend the life of your brushes and help achieve the makeup look you want. And even though shopping for high-quality makeup brushes may seem daunting, there’s no need to fret—especially when you can follow the advice of professionals. Below, find a range of expert-approved makeup brushes for every type of makeup application. And to make the process of finding the best ones a bit less overwhelming we sourced them from top beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, Nordstrom, and more.

Best Brush for Prepping Skin

For better makeup application, prepping your skin is essential. Makeup prep brushes will help you apply the necessary serums, moisturizers , or primers.

It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin Perfecting Brush

Your makeup routine begins with prep and Emma Willis , Mane Addict stylist, dubs this one from IT Cosmetics her absolute favorite. “Not only does this brush look pretty—it also has nourishing skin benefits infused in its bristles,” she tells SELF. “I love using it to apply skin prep, which for me usually consists of a serum mixed with an illuminating moisturizer blended into the skin, and this brush works wonders.”

Best Brush for Foundation

When looking for a foundation brush make sure to grab one for the type of foundation that you use—whether that’s liquid, cream, tint, or powder.

Real Techniques Makeup Setting Brush with black bristles and pink handle

Real Techniques Setting Brush

For a foundation application that’s soft and precise, pick up this face brush from Real Techniques. “I love this brush because it’s small and fluffy,” Lindsay Kastuk , a bridal, commercial, and editorial makeup artist based in New York City, shares with SELF. “It applies foundation so softly and precisely, which is perfect for a light and natural foundation application.”

Make Up For Ever 106 Medium Foundation Brush

Willis adores using this brush for applying cream and liquid foundation onto the skin easily and quickly. It has a tapered head and flat, wide bristles for accurately applying and blending foundation.

Best Brush for Concealer

Whether you have high-end concealer or drugstore concealer , you don’t want to waste any product. Using the right concealer brush is key for precision since concealer tends to target the small areas of your face.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush

When selecting a concealer brush, it’s best to select one with a smaller, more precise shape like the half-moon of this one from Hourglass Cosmetics. This one specifically is a top pick of Brittany Lo , professional makeup artist and founder of Beautini and Beia, because it gently applies concealer and leaves an airbrush finish thanks to its soft bristles. “The bristles are so soft and it’s one of my absolute favorites for applying concealer to the skin,” she tells SELF.

Make Up For Ever 144 Precision Highlighter & Concealer Brush

Make Up For Ever’s 144 brush is another favorite of Lo’s for applying concealer. “For more control and precision, this brush is a great option for concealers,” she explains to SELF. “It allows you to pinpoint and cover blemishes and redness on the face while keeping coverage light, which is especially important since concealer can be thick.”

Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Brush #71

This brush is so uniquely tapered that it almost mimics your fingertips for concealer application, Willis tells SELF. “It leaves a soft smooth finish and has dual sides: one to place and smooth and the other to sheer out and blend,” she says. “It’s definitely one of my kit staples.”

Monika Blunder Call Your Buff Angled Brush

The popular angled makeup brush provides precision and easy concealing. Monika Blunder , celebrity makeup artist and founder of Monika Blunder Beauty, considers this contouring brush to be a powerhouse for cream complexion products. It makes quick work of foundation, concealer, cream contour, and cream blush, blending them seamlessly with a cohesive finish, she tells SELF.

Best Brush for Powder Blush

There’s nothing like finishing up a look with a bit of blush . In order to avoid two heavy red spots on the apple of your cheeks look for a blush brush that will evenly distribute the blush powder.

Gloriest Blush Brush

“Truth be told, there is some trial and error when it comes to ordering brushes online because you can’t feel the bristles before purchasing,” explains Lo. She considers this Gloriest brush one of her go-tos. “The bristles are super soft so it doesn’t irritate your skin, it has an affordable price, and allows you to build your blush without it looking blotchy.”

e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush Brush

“This brush comes at a wonderful price point and has lasted me such a long time,” Kastuk tells SELF. “It applies powder blush as lightly as a real hairbrush would and is the perfect size to use on the cheeks.”

Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #96

If you’re looking for a blush that’s great for both powder and blush, Lo recommends using this one from Sephora Collection. “The tapered, dome-shaped bristles allow the brush to be applied and blended evenly,” she tells SELF. “I mostly use this brush with powder but it can easily be used for cream blush as well.”

Best Brush for Cream Blush

Cream blush will give you that beautiful dewy look and a buffing dense brush helps with any hard lines from the cream blush.

Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #99

Lo recommends this blush brush for seamlessly applying cream blushes. “This brush is dense enough to apply cream blush while still being light and fluffy to allow the blush to apply lightly and build onto the skin.”

Best Brush for Highlighter

Gone are the days of the fan brush, instead fluffy angled brushes make a great highlighter brush .

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Brush

This double-ended brush is a two-for-one brush, says Lo. “One side is for blush and the other size is for highlighter,” she tells SELF. “I like the size of both brushes on this because they allow you to apply blush or highlighter in a focused area while not being overly dense or applying too much product.”

Surratt Artistique Highlight Brush

Willis loves using this cheek brush to dust highlighters all over the high points of the face or add a flush of color to the cheeks. “This is one of my absolute favorite brushes since it has hand-tied natural fibers that make it feel ultra-soft to the touch.”

Best Brushes for Bronzer

For a bronzer brush look for round, densely-packed buffing brushes.

Hourglass Veil Powder Brush

This bronzer brush is another one of Blunder’s favorites: “It’s been in my kit since it came out,” she says. “It’s dual-ended and perfect for applying blush and bronzer.”

Luxie 530 Flat Top Kabuki Rose Gold Brush

The Luxie 530 Flat Top Kabuki Brush is a new favorite of Willis—but equally as amazing as old favorites and it comes in a beautiful rose gold color. “I’ve been using it a LOT to apply cream bronzers to the face, neck, and décolletage prior to foundation.”

Best Brushes for Eyeshadow

With the right eyeshadow brush you can lay down pigments and blend beautifully for a perfect eye makeup look every time.

Mac Cosmetics 217S Synthetic Blending Brush

For a brush that’s perfect for creating almost any eye makeup look, Blunder recommends using this one from Mac Cosmetics. “It’s soft and densely packed without being too stiff.”

Makeup by Mario E 4 Makeup Brush

Makeup by Mario comes from the celebrity makeup artist behind the looks of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen, and others, so it’s no surprise that one of its brushes is a favorite of consumers and Blunder. “This brush is great for eyeshadow and creating a cut crease, but I also love it for applying concealer before I go in to blend it out,” she tells SELF.

Monika Blunder Tulip Blending Brush

If you’re looking for an eyeshadow brush that can double as a lip brush this blending brush is for you. Blunder dubs this brush as the most versatile one in her kit. “This little densely packed pencil brush is great for everything from eyeshadow to concealer and (my favorite) for lips.”

Best Brush for Eyebrows

If you’re using an eyebrow pencil then an eyebrow brush should be able to give you a natural finish, whether that means filling in your eyebrows or creating an arched look.

Bdellium Tools Golden Triangle 716 Smoky Liner Brush

When choosing an eyebrow brush to fill in the sparse area of your brows, Katsuk likes to opt for one with incredibly small bristles that almost mimics drawing hair strokes. “It’s the best for filling in your brows and making them look more natural,” she says.

Best Brush for Self-Tanning

For the perfect fake tan you’ll want a brush that will distribute self-tanner in all the nooks and crannies of your face or body.

La Mer The Powder Brush

Although one might not think of grabbing makeup brushes for self-tanner application, Willis highly recommends it. “I use this La Mer brush to apply self-tanners to the face and body,” she tells SELF. “I just love the airbrush finish instead of a mitt and the synthetic bristles of this brush make it soft with just the right amount of sturdiness for control.”

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes With Minimal Effort

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Travel Products

The 9 Best Makeup Cases for Travel in 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our picks fit all of your favorite accessories and stand up to drops and shakes.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying
Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

If you wear even a small amount of makeup, you likely own some form of a makeup bag to use while traveling. But if your go-to makeup bag is hard to see into, has a janky zipper, or is just a plastic bag, it’s time for an upgrade. Lucky for you, we thoroughly tested 26 popular makeup bags in our New York City studio to find out which ones are actually worth traveling with.

Over the course of five months of tests both in our New York City lab and during our real travels, we stuffed each makeup case to the brim with cosmetics, packed them into luggage, and threw them around the room (yes, really). And when all was said and done, there were 9 makeup cases we liked enough to permanently add to our luggage collections and recommend to you. Based on factors like quality, capacity, design, portability, value, and ease of use, here are our 9 favorite makeup bags and cosmetic cases.

Best Overall

Béis the cosmetic case.

Ease of Use 5 /5
Quality 5 /5
Capacity 5 /5
Design 5 /5
Portability 5 /5

It’s durable, capacious, and nice to look at — plus, it has a large built-in mirror.

We feel it could benefit from interior straps to hold products down.

Reliable, stylish, and compact yet spacious, it’s no wonder this easy-to-pack cosmetic case from luggage brand Béis impressed us the most. The main compartment opens and closes smoothly, while a center compartment for brushes and other smaller items can be removed in a snap. There are even multiple additional pockets, pouches, and subtle slots in the bag, so there’s truly a place for everything. We also noticed that, because the interior of the case is so roomy, it’s incredibly easy to see every item inside when fully opened. And speaking of the interior, the bag actually boasts a large attached mirror on the inside, which comes in handy for in-transit makeup application — though some might still prefer to also pack a lighted travel makeup mirror .

During our five months of tests, the PU leather and hardware worked together to create efficient padding that kept the contents of the case safe and intact through bumps and drops — not to mention, the bag itself still looked good through the wear and tear. On many occasions, we tossed this case in a duffel before going through airport security and boarding a flight, and it still looks good as new. Though $68 may feel a bit pricey for a makeup bag, we felt this case’s thoughtful design and durable construction is worth it. You can grab the case in eight colors ranging from beige to berry.

The Details: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | PU leather, nylon, PVC, poly | Zipper closure

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best for Organization

Relavel travel makeup case.

It’s one of the roomiest bags on our list and it’s lightweight.

It does take up a bit of space in your luggage.

While this case is on the larger side, we felt that ended up being more helpful than hurtful while traveling. We could fit pretty much everything in this thing: a whopping seven palettes, a whole brush collection, two foundation bottles, five toiletry bottles, over 15 lipsticks, an eyelash curler, hair spray, and a travel-sized moisturizer bottle, to be exact. Despite its size, the train case actually remains quite lightweight as well as organized thanks to its adjustable dividers and stretchable pouches on the inside. During our five-month test, we even ended up using this for both makeup and toiletries, since it provides plenty of space.

The interior additionally features layers of protective foam-like material that expertly keeps makeup bottles from cracking. We also found that both the interior and exterior of this case are easy to clean, should a spill or outdoor drop occur. Because it’s a little big, though, we’d recommend packing this case in a carry-on suitcase or even checked luggage rather than a tote or backpack. You can pick this case up in 20 different colors and prints.

The Details: 10.3 x 9 x 3.7 inches | Nylon | Zipper closure

Best Compact

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

Dagne Dover

Capacity 4 /5

It’s the tiniest bag on our list, but it still fits a lot — plus, it’s easy to flatten when packing or storing.

It does, of course, fit less makeup than the larger bags on our list.

If you prefer to travel with something more compact, Dagne Dover’s Mila Toiletry Organizer is the best tiny makeup bag we tried. Though it’s by far the smallest pick on our list, we were surprised at just how much it could actually hold. Not only do plenty of palettes, lipsticks, and other essential cosmetics fit inside, but so do full-size makeup brushes. It comes with a removable mini divider set that helps hold items in place, though we liked how much more we could fit in the organizer if we skipped using the dividers. Because it fit so well in the palm of our hands, we had a good time whipping it across the room during our tests — and after being pelted against the wall and floor multiple times, we were amazed to find the organizer still looked fantastic and its contents barely budged. Even when wedged into an absolutely-stuffed-to-the-brim suitcase during our five-month test, the inside is so well-padded that all of our items remained protected and secure. We decided it’s the ultimate makeup bag for shorter trips since it takes up such little space and is super soft and squishable for easy packing.

The Details: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Polyester, zinc alloy | Zipper closure

Best Budget

Narwey travel makeup bag.

Design 2 /5

It’s spacious, easy-to-clean, and more affordable than any other makeup bag on our list.

It could use a little extra padding for protection against drops.

There was something about this bag that just made us feel like we could easily access everything inside — there were no hidden pockets, no tight openings, and no unnecessary flaps that covered up the contents (other than one to protect makeup brushes, but it’s see-through). The zipper opening is easy to maneuver and appears to be well-made, while the canvas frame feels sturdy and protective. The bag got a bit dirty during our tests, but it cleaned up beautifully with minimal effort. We especially loved just how much it could fit: multiple brushes in each of its eight brush pockets, three palettes, three eyeliners, four lipsticks, a mascara, and a lash curler. Perhaps that’s why we were so shocked to discover the bag doesn’t take up much space in our luggage, and it is a fraction of what many other bags on our list cost.

The Details: 9 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches | Canvas | Zipper closure

lululemon Go Getter Pouch

Ease of Use 4.5 /5
Design 4 /5

It’s sleek, water-repellant, and capable of holding way more than you’d expect given its compact size.

After five months of testing, it is showing makeup stains.

The feature we found most interesting about this bag is that, when empty, it appears very thin and compact. However, once stuffed with makeup, it actually holds a crazy amount of stuff, including larger items like perfumes, dry shampoos, lotions, and creams. We love the pouch’s nylon construction, which looks sleek and allows dirt and liquids to slide right off. The bag’s lack of padding keeps it lightweight and flexible; we wouldn’t recommend keeping any glass bottles or jars in it, but it’s also not likely to tear, stretch, or snag (that’s lululemon for you!). Because there’s no true framing, the bag is easy to flatten or mold to any space or suitcase. While there is a small exterior zip pocket and an interior mesh one, the pouch really has no built-in organization — though we don’t think that’s a deal-breaker. Get it in gray sage or black.

The Details: 8.7 x 3.3 x 6.3 inches | Polyester, nylon | Zipper closure

Best Train Case

Leatherology train case.

Leatherology

The leather exterior is soft to the touch and the interior is deceptively roomy.

During our five-month test, we found the tall design to be awkward for packing.

Easy to clean and pack, we’re obsessed with this cute and compact train case from ultra-reliable Leatherology. It zips open in a way that allows you to see everything inside, plus there are interior pockets of all sizes to help keep everything organized. Though we felt it was slightly flimsy when we first picked it up, we quickly realized it’s sturdier than it looks, and only becomes more so when filled with makeup. Its subtle padding is also no joke, as it completely protected the contents while being thrown around, shaken, and dropped. The exterior leather is soft and supple, the interior lining is high quality, and the main compartment is deep and spacious despite its overall compact size. If you’re looking for a smaller makeup bag that’ll still fit more than just the essentials, we recommend this train case in one of 14 available colors.

The Details: 7.5 x 5 x 5.2 inches | Leather, nickel | Zipper closure

Best Hanging

Boacay hanging travel toiletry bag.

Quality 4 /5
Capacity 3.5 /5
Portability 4 /5

It holds so many products, and it folds up nicely and easily.

Even when folded, it takes up more space than most makeup bags on our list.

Travel hanging organizers are a whole different ball game — and once you use one, you may never go back. This one opens up into four large sections, each with a transparent, zippered sleeve to store (and easily see) your makeup and toiletries. Two of the sections have straps to hold products in place, and a hook on the top section allows you to hang the bag anywhere. During our tests, we discovered the bag is sturdy and easy to clean in addition to being large enough for different types of products, from makeup brushes to hairspray. Even when we packed it to the brim, it still folded up with minimal effort and kept our makeup in place during drop tests. While it’s relatively thin, it is somewhat long and space-consuming, so we’d probably only pack this in a checked bag rather than a carry-on, or use the makeup bag itself as a personal item. Throughout our five months of testing, we did notice that bottles can easily slip out of the plastic pockets if the case is hung up without first zipping the pockets.

The Details: 11.4 x 3.8 x 7.5 inches | Zipper closure

Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set

During our five months of tests, all stains and smudges were easily cleaned to keep the case looking new.

It doesn’t have organization features or particularly thick cushioning.

Upon testing, this stood out for two reasons: it comes with not one, but two luxe pouches, and the interior is lined with the same soft leather featured on the exterior. We appreciated how wide both bags open, despite their top-zip construction, making it easy to see everything inside. The larger of the two bags is so spacious, we were able to fit an impressive amount of makeup inside — in fact, we felt we realistically probably wouldn’t even need the smaller bag for makeup, and could instead use it for small toiletries or loan it to a travel companion. There aren’t any dividers or straps inside these bags, so the products inside may shift in-transit if not packed to the brim. Still, we loved the set because it’s one of the nicest-looking options we tried (plus, it comes in 14 gorgeous colors).

The Details: 12 x 7 x 3.5 inches (large), 8 x 5 x 2.5 inches (small) | Leather | Zipper closure

Best Splurge

Cuyana travel beauty case.

Quality 4.5 /5
Portability 4.5 /5

It has a pocket for everything and will hold up through years of travel.

It’s on the heavier side and the most expensive bag on our list.

If you’re looking for something that does it all and is built to last, consider Cuyana’s Travel Beauty Case. It’s the most expensive option on our list, but after putting it to the test, we believe it’s worth the hefty price tag. The zipper glides smoothly when opening and closing it, the construction is super sturdy, it’s not bulky, it’s packed with pockets as well as a removable pouch, dirt and scuffs are easy to wipe off — we could truly go on and on about this case. But let’s go back to the interior: Though the case is on the smaller side, it boasts plenty of slots for products, including a dedicated pocket and four straps for makeup brushes, a leather flap to protect contents, a small removable pouch for your tiniest cosmetics, and an additional elastic pocket. We felt the leather was quite stiff, which prompted us to get a little rougher with it during our drop and shake tests. Sure enough, it effectively protected the many palettes, lipsticks, tools, and more we placed inside. Even after five months of using the case during our travels, it still looks good as new and has protected all of our items.

The Details: 10.2 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches | Leather | Zipper closure

Other Makeup Bags We Liked

Several other makeup bags almost made our list, but were cut due to issues revealed during testing.

Béis The Hanging Cosmetic Case : This bag is super sturdy, protective, and well made. However, the actual makeup section of this multi-paneled case managed to feel both bulky and too small to fit all our makeup products.

Away The Cosmetics Bag : We liked the sleek, minimalist design; a unique interior that features makeup storage with a clear zippered divider; and five heavy-duty makeup brush slots on the opposite side. But during tests, it fit considerably less makeup than many others on our list and it didn’t keep products very secure.

Vera Bradley Women's Recycled Lighten Up ReActive Cosmetic Makeup Organizer Set : This set proved to be spacious, easy to clean, and convenient thanks to two transparent side panels on the larger of the two bags. Still, we feel the design is very basic and it lacks organization features, straps, and pockets.

To thoroughly and accurately test each of the 26 makeup cases in our lab, we filled them with various props (including four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, one lipstick, four pre-filled toiletry bottles, and one hairspray) to see how much they could truly hold. We then placed the filled makeup bags into both a half-packed backpack and carry-on luggage, making note of how much space each bag took up. Next, we took the makeup bags out of the luggage and dropped them, shook them, and tossed them in the air to test how much the contents inside moved or if there was any damage.

Throughout our tests, we rated each makeup bag based on ease of use, quality, capacity, design, portability, and value. The makeup bags included in this article are the picks that scored highest in each category. Testers will continue using the bags and collecting insights for six months following our initial tests.

Tips for Buying a Makeup Bag for Travel

Decide how much space you need.

If you like to wear a full face of makeup on your travels, you should seek out a larger makeup bag with built-in organization (think pockets, brush straps, dividers, and removable pouches). If you’re more of a mascara-and-go kind of person, a super roomy cosmetic case is unnecessary — it’ll just take up extra space in your luggage, and your few makeup products inside will likely move around too much, increasing their chances of breaking.

Prioritize organizational features

While a makeup case with one large, main compartment might sound sufficient, you may want to reconsider. If you plan on packing multiple types of products (like palettes, brushes, bottles, and tubes), a makeup bag with organizational features, such as a train case , will come in handy more than you’d think. As explained above, bags with extra slots, pockets, straps, and compartments help you keep track of all your cosmetics and do your makeup quickly.

Determine the best material

Before buying a makeup bag, think about potential travel mishaps that could occur. Are you prone to spills? Do you tend to overpack? What if your luggage takes a beating in the cargo hold? Keeping that in mind, choose a cosmetic case material that works for you. Leather and nylon handle makeup spills and dirt well, while cases made of neoprene or mesh will keep your luggage lightweight. It’s hard to completely avoid scuffs and scratches, but materials such as polyester and high-quality leather hold up better than others. And if you’re someone who hates rummaging through a dark makeup bag? Go for a clear material or a bag that opens like a clamshell so you can easily see all of its contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important not to overstuff or understuff your makeup bag. Overstuffing can cause spills and stretching/ripping of the makeup bag itself, while understuffing allows your makeup bag’s contents to move around more, increasing their chances of breaking. It’s also wise to take special care of more delicate items like brushes and glass bottles. Brushes should be strapped down and covered by a flap if possible, and you shouldn’t have to bend the bristles to make them fit. If your cosmetic case has smaller interior pockets or slots, keep glass bottles in there — if not, stand them up straight rather than laying them down, and pack other products around them to keep them from sliding around.

Yes — just keep TSA liquid rules in mind. Like any other liquid container, makeup containers (like liquid foundation bottles, moisturizer tubes, etc.) should not exceed 3.4 fluid ounces each. If your liquid makeup goes over that limit, you’ll have to store it in your checked luggage.

Use a wet cloth, a wipe, or even an antibacterial spray and a paper towel to wipe your makeup bag clean. Just make sure you’re not using anything with bleach!

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, associate commerce editor Hillary Maglin used her extensive knowledge of makeup bags, makeup products, and traveling, as well as the T+L team’s extensive makeup bag tests, to compile a list of the best options on the market.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The 17 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection

If you're reading this, it's probably time to buy some new makeup brushes

Of course, you can always opt to use your fingers to paint your face instead, but there’s something about the precision of an angled eyeshadow brush, powder brush, and more that helps take a look up a notch. As a person who likes to keep mess to a minimum, I keep several makeup tools in frequent rotation. More often than not, using one of these sets can mean the difference between a practically flawless face and an uneven final look.

Shop the Best Makeup Brush Sets

Most Popular Makeup Brush Set

Bs-mall makeup brush set.

Most Extensive Brush Set

Hannah martin x ciaté london 24-piece professional brush collection.

Best Every Day Brush Set

Saie the brush collection.

Makeup brushes are either available with natural or synthetic bristles depending on your preference. "I like to say there is nothing 'natural' about animal hair," Anisa Telwar Kaicker , founder of Anisa Beauty, tells Bazaar . "It can dry faster and break more quickly. Man-made synthetics can be long-lasting, hygienic, innovative in shape, and soft to the touch."

After consulting with experts on what makes a makeup brush worthwhile, we sifted through top customer reviews and considered coveted editor favorites to round out the following list of beauty tool selects from brands like Sigma Beauty and e.l.f. Cosmetics .

As a shopping bonus, many of these brushes are available for under $100, which means you're getting plenty of bang for your buck. Keep scrolling to find your next skincare favorite. Read on for some of the best makeup brush sets that can make anyone feel like a pro.

Related: The Best Foundations for Mature Skin

This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 94,000 five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers, with nearly a five-star rating. And did we mention the highly coveted set is available for under $10?

Number of brushes included: 14

Types of brushes included: Blending, eyebrow, eyeshadow, powder

Hair type: Synthetic

Customer review: "I love this set. If you are looking for a complete, everyday makeup brush set, I highly recommend this one, especially if you're a beginner wanting to learn all the little brush functions without spending a fortune to play around with techniques." — Latosha R.

Ciaté London collaborated with celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin to create this limited-edition, professional-level brush set. In addition to buttery vegan hair fibers and FSC-approved wood handles, the set also nicely includes a handsome vegan carrying case.

Number of brushes included: 24

Types of brushes included: Eye, lip, and complexion brushes

Customer review: "Treated myself to these brushes for Christmas. I'm a fan of Hannah Martin, I had high expectations and these have completely lived up to them. Beautifully made, every brush you could possibly need and they've made my makeup application so much better. The case is great, well-made, and the perfect way to store them all." — Mrs. W.

If you're a fan of Saie's makeup best-sellers, we're betting you'll love applying them with this four-piece brush set from the brand. In addition to essentials for your base makeup and cream or balm products, the set also includes brushes specially designed for your powder, along with a dual-ended option for highlighter, concealer, or bronzer.

Number of brushes: Four

Types of brushes included: Base, powder, blush, concealer, highlighter

Experts are saying: "It's hard to go wrong with Saie's versatile makeup brushes. Not only are their vegan bristles super soft, but they make it easy to buff out products quickly and evenly." — Bazaar beauty team

Jenny Patinkin Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

Since each of the brushes in this set is dual-ended, it's almost like getting two for the price of one. Along with foundation and powder brushes, and one for brows and liner, it also nicely contains its own faux leather carrying case for easy transport.

Number of brushes included: Six

Types of brushes: Cream complexion, powder, shadow, brow, eye detail

Customer review: "These brushes are very soft and dense enough for good makeup coverage. I love the simple look and how smoothly my makeup is applied." — AmazonQueen87

Anisa Beauty Anisa's Makeup Brush Hero Collection

This set of luxe brushes from Anisa Beauty has angled bristles that make it easier to cover off on all the contours of your face. In addition to a foundation brush, you'll also receive a slightly more compact concealer brush that fits perfectly under the eyes and other hard-to-reach areas.

Number of brushes included: Two

Types of brushes: Foundation, concealer

Customer review: "The most amazing brushes I’ve ever used. I go them for my daughter and she is turning all her friends on to them and her exact words they make your skin look airbrushed." — Grace O.

Surratt Beauty Artistique Brush Trio

This set of three pro-level brushes include staples to define cheek contours, blend out eyeshadow, and emphasize your lash line with ease. And to get the most out of your natural hair brush set, try washing them once a week with a conditioning shampoo.

Number of brushes included: Three

Types of brushes included: Sculpting, classic smoky eye, classic eye

Hair type: Natural

Customer review: "Love these brushes they are so soft and nice that I ordered five more." — Patti M.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Professional Brush Set

Beauty enthusiasts swear by this ergonomic 12-piece set from e.l.f, which happens to nicely retail for under $20. And since it can be used with just about any makeup medium, we're betting you'll get plenty of use out of these popular tools.

Number of brushes included: 12

Types of brushes: Foundation, bronzer, concealer, eyelash and brow, blending

Customer review: "Definitely recommend this set if you need brushes. They're all good quality and you really can't get better on price." — Teetuh

Laruce Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set

This five-piece set of synthetic complexion brushes is perfect for blending out creams and powders. Plus, their signature handle designs ensure they won't accidentally slip out of your fingers mid-swipe.

Number of brushes included: Five

Types of brushes included: Medium tapered blending, tapered, smudger, powder

Customer review: "High-quality brushes with a nice countertop appeal." — Margaret K.

Artis Black Bag Bundle 4

This small but mighty ergonomic brush set contains all the essentials: From professional-level makeup brushes to thoughtful brush-cleaning wipes—which makes it especially ideal for any aspiring makeup artist.

Types of brushes included: Elite Oval 7 Mirror Brush, Elite Oval 6 Mirror Brush, Elite Oval 4 Mirror Brush, Elite Linear 1 Mirror Brush, Elite Circle 1R Mirror Brush

Experts are saying: "This set of four artist-approved brushes from Artis is transformative for any beauty routine. Their weighted handles make the tools instantly feel more luxe, along with their soft, silky bristles that feel like butter on the skin each time you use them." — Bazaar beauty team

Luxie Beauty Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)

Take your pick of 30 different brush options in this well-rounded set. And since its zippered carrying case contains a number of compartments for each type—including eye, complexion, blending, and more—you can easily stay organized as you apply your makeup.

Number of brushes included: 30

Types of brushes included: Tapered blending, flat contour, large powder, foundation, small angle eye, brow and lash

Customer review: "I’m so happy to have these brushes! They took my makeup to the next level!" — Rebekah Z.

Rae Morris Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate

Here's a professional-level brush collection that's made in Japan, and sophisticated enough for of any countertop. The set even includes its own magnetized plate that makes keeping track of your tools a breeze.

Number of brushes included: Eight

Types of brushes included: Deluxe kabuki, deluxe point shader, cream shadow shader, lip, liquid foundation

Customer review: "Very soft and luxurious face makeup personal set! The bristles on the brush are so soft and apply your makeup so smoothly and blend with other makeup very well. The brushes are easy to clean and very beautiful to display in your collection. The brush set is expensive but perfect for a makeup lover." — belap4

It Cosmetics Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101

This fluffy, five-piece brush set is meant to mimic the effect of airbrush makeup, thanks to its fluffy bristles and domed shape. It also contains designated brushes to help perfect your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and powder.

Types of brushes included: Powder, foundation, concealer, eyeshadow

Customer review: "Oh, my makeup goes on so much better with the IT brushes! I'm a highly satisfied customer! I highly recommend this product." — Lynn

Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)

Here's an all-inclusive set from the pros at Hourglass that makes it seamless to replicate your favorite TikTok or runway beauty look. In addition to 17 tools to choose from, many of these brushes are dual-ended for added extra blending power.

Number of brushes included: 17

Types of brushes included: Foundation, powder, crease, tapered blender, shadow, angeled liner

Customer review: "I bought this set as a gift for my best friend’s big birthday and immediately purchased a set for my self. I love having them on my makeup counter. I was wrong when I thought I wouldn’t use all of them, sometimes you need a specific brush or size and it’s right there." — Penny

Real Techniques Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack

We're betting this is the best $9 you'll ever spend on a set of makeup brushes (and did we mention they're on sale?). Blend your cut crease like an expert with this three-piece brush set that's ideal for powder, cream, or liquid-based eyeshadows.

Types of brushes included: Base shadow, deluxe crease, angled brow

Customer review: "This is a great set of makeup brushes at an affordable price. It’s amazing the difference that using good brushes makes when applying makeup. The process and the results. These brushes are my second favorite set." — Sally

Tarte Cosmetics Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set

This limited-edition, gilded brush set for eyes and face is almost too pretty to use, and makes applying pigmented blush or well-placed shadow a total breeze.

Type of brushes included: Complexion, angled cheek, shadow

Customer review: "Handles are long and easy to hold." — Katy W.

Sigma Beauty Essential Brush Gift Set

Whether you opt for no makeup-makeup or decide to try something a little bolder, this well-rounded set from the cosmetics experts at Sigma Beauty has you covered. Not only does it contain tools for foundation, concealer, and powder, but you'll also find a mix of large and small angled options (plus a couple eye specific brushes) to seamlessly complete your next look.

Types of brushes included: Powder, duo fibre, large angled contour, foundation, concealer, tapered blending, pencil, eyeliner

Customer review: "I love these brushes. So soft and work perfectly. Worth the price—also love the range of brushes in the set! :)" — Lizzie

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

Add some variety to your makeup tools with this top-rated brush set, which nicely contains a bonus angled sponge for optimal blending. Over 1,000 Ulta shoppers are giving the budget-friendly set rave, five-star reviews.

Number of brushes included: Four

Types of brushes included: Foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, shadow

Customer review: "These brushes are amazing and so easy to work with—absolutely a must." — Lexie

How often should makeup brushes be cleaned?

The more often the better; makeup brushes ideally should be cleaned after every use to minimize product build-up and bacteria, but at least once every two weeks is suggested by professionals.

"Clean your brushes all depends upon use; at least wipe the brush after every use with a towel of some sort to remove access product," Telwar Kaicker advises. "Daily or weekly cleanses can also involve a non-hydrous formula (one without alcohol) that can be directly sprayed onto the brush, and not get it wet, yet pull out excess makeup, skincare, oil, and dirt."

She notes that depending on your skin type and amount of makeup usage, deep cleaning your complexion brush weekly or at minimum monthly with a brush shampoo and textured silicone pad is ideal for removing fiber build-up.

What's the best ways to dry your makeup brushes?

According to Telwar Kaicker, after your deep clean, remove excess water from your brushes with a towel. Next, tilt the brush downward to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule and breaking down the glue in the brush head.

What's the difference between natural and synthetic makeup brushes?

Natural makeup brushes are often made of various animal hair and fur, and often tend to be pricer than synthetic options. Synthetic bristle brushes are typically made from man-made materials, like nylon and other plastics polymers. It's also been said that natural brushes tend to feel softer on the face, but many synthetic brushes are designed to feel equally comfortable during the application process.

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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The Best Makeup Brushes for Every Part of Your Routine

By Devon Abelman , Sarah Han , and Jennifer Hussein

Different makeup brushes scattered across a muted redpink background

Even if you have the trendiest makeup in your collection, they won't produce the glorious results you're expecting without proper, high-quality tools. And who best to ask about the best makeup brushes on the market than professional makeup artists who spend their entire careers working most closely with an extensive lineup of the best brushes for the face, eyes, lips, and cheekbones?

Below, we've gathered some of the pros' decidedly classic, time-tested picks along with Allure Best of Beauty Award winners at a variety of price points — including affordable picks from Real Techniques and E.L.F. and high-end options from the likes of Merit, Chanel , and Patrick Ta . Whether you're a seasoned makeup pro or budding makeup beginner, this story is the perfect place to start if you're hoping to curate your very own makeup brush set and perfect your makeup looks.

Consider these 21 brushes of all shapes and sizes — soft and fluffy, domed, densely packed, tapered, angled, and precise — to be your best friends when it comes to flawless makeup application and seamless buffing of your products. From there, all that's left to do is showcase all of the stunning looks you create on TikTok . Your breathtaking visuals will be right up there with your favorite content creators and celebrity-trusted makeup artists.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Beautyblender

Best Sponge: Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

Ulta Beauty

Sure, Beautyblender's Original Makeup Sponge technically isn't a traditional brush, but it's one of the best makeup applicators on the market — much so that it's a multi-Best of Beauty winner. This latex-free makeup sponge can be used wet or dry to blend a multitude of beauty products, including cream blushes, liquid foundation, and more of your favorite base products. It's basically the Swiss army knife of makeup applicators that leaves your full face looking flawless every time you use it.

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush foundation brush with brown chrome handle and white and brown bristles on...

Best Foundation: Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Bluemercury

No matter which foundation you're currently using, the Allure Best of Beauty-winning Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is guaranteed to create a seamless, airbrush-like finish. This ultra-soft brush has fluffy bristles made of synthetic fibers that blend like a dream for an even, cake-free finish.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt DualEnded Sculpting Brush doubleended rose gold fluffy brush on light gray background with red...

Best Contour: Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush

Patrick Ta Beauty

Sculpt your cheekbones to utter perfection with the Allure Best of Beauty-winning Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush, which won the honor in 2021 and 2022. It's designed with fanlike, synthetic bristles that create a soft, diffused look sans harsh or obvious lines. "I stamp it on the end of my cheekbones at the hairline and slide it down to the sides of my chin," Patrick Ta previously recommended .

Best paired with the brand's complimentary, Best of Beauty -winning Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duos (of which there are three colorways), this brush is your righthand tool for any and all powder and cream formulas .

Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush on white background

Best Multi-Purpose: Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush

When it comes to an all-around face blush that's great for setting powder, bronzer, and blush, look no further than the Nars Yachiyo Kabuki Brush. "It's big enough for all-over powdering but small enough for creating a healthy glow with blush," makeup artist Georgina Graham says. Consider this tool the Goldilocks of the makeup world.

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Real Techniques

Best Powder: Real Techniques Setting Brush

Makeup artist Susie Sobol reaches for the Real Techniques Setting Brush for more precise application of loose powder, especially for smaller areas of the face under the eyes and around the nose. "I actually never use a big powder brush since it takes shine away from where I like to keep it," she explains.

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BareMinerals

Best Bronzer: BareMinerals Supreme Finisher Brush

After being dipped in the right bronzer shade , the Best of Beauty Award-winning BareMinerals Supreme Finisher Brush ensures the warm hue defines your face without any blotchiness or muddiness. You're sure to be left with a seamless, natural-looking glow.

Chanel Blush Brush N°110 black fluffy makeup brush on light gray background

Best Blush: Chanel Blush Brush N°110

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Daphne Chantell del Rosario tells us that her go-to blush brush is Chanel's Blush Brush N°110, which she denotes is "the perfect shape for the apples of your cheeks." This fluffy wonder is ideal for powder and cream formulas for a flushed-from-within look.

Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush black and silver fluffy highlighter brush on light gray background

Best Highlight: Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush

Makeup artist Carissa Ferreri uses Sigma Beauty's Best of Beauty-winning F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush for two main purposes. As its name suggests, it works wonderfully for highlighter, but she also uses it for "contouring the hollows of the cheek and around the perimeter of the face," she explains. “The bristles are both fluffy but firm, making it ideal to deposit color and blend.”

Jane Iredale

Best Precision: Jane Iredale Detail Brush

Ma also counts Jane Iredale's Detail Brush as a staple in her brush collection. The precision tip packs "dense and tiny bristles, making it perfect for spot-concealing ," she says, and synthetic brushes generally work well with cream products, in particular.

It Cosmetics

Best Dual-Ended: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

Dual-ended brushes are particularly clutch for travel-friendly beauty kits — because why let your brushes take up precious space in your already-stuffed luggage? Henney is a fan of IT Cosmetics' Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7, which is equipped with super-soft bristles that "make [foundation and concealer] application a total breeze," she notes.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Best Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12

The spoolie side of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12 tames even the coarsest, unruliest brow hairs to help slick them down into defined arches. The angled brush found on the other end of this Best of Beauty Award winner deposits pigment with ease to fill in sparse areas.

MAC 217 Synthetic Blending Brush black and silver eye shadow blending brush with white bristles on light gray background

Best Eye Shadow: MAC 217 Synthetic Blending Brush

For hooded eyelids , Ma recommends a fluffy brush like MAC's 217 Synthetic Blending Brush, which she says "gives a smooth, seamless blending job." But, as she notes, the brush is still quite slim and small, so it fits perfectly within the defined creases of hooded eyelids.

Spectrum x KJH 11 Piece Edit Brush Set set of makeup brushes with green and gold handles on light gray background

Best Set: Spectrum x KJH #22

Spectrum Collections

While this particular brush (third from the left) is only available in an 11-piece brush set, it's absolutely worthy of your coins. Florida-based makeup artist Lennie Billy counts Spectrum x KJH #22 among her favorites for graphic liner looks or a classic cat-eye. "I love a fine and soft brush that allows [for easy movement] when drawing lines," both on the finer and thicker ends of the spectrum, she tells Allure.

Laura Mercier

Best Concealer: Laura Mercier Camouflage Powder Brush

Neiman Marcus

"The Laura Mercier Camouflage Powder Brush might be for powder, but I use it for cream," makeup artist Nick Barose states. This flat, oval-shaped brush is akin to the size of your ring finger, but as Barose warns, "you should never use your finger to apply concealer under your eyes [because] it gets floppy and cakey." Long story short, this is a fine alternative.

Sonia Kashuk

Best Lip: Sonia Kashuk Retractable 2-in-1 Lip Makeup Brush

If you desire polished, ultra-clean lines, consider bringing in the assistance of a lip brush to ensure you define your lips to the fullest. Sonia Kashuk's cruelty-free, under-$15 Retractable 2-in-1 Lip Makeup Brush comes with a tapered, precision brush for detailed lip contouring, while the denser, flat-top end finishes the job by shading in your entire lip area with an intense bout of color.

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Experts on the Best Makeup Brushes for Every Task

By Janelle Okwodu and Iman Balagam

Edited by Kiana Murden

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

When it comes to finding the best makeup brushes, consumers are spoiled for choice. Thanks to the internet and the plethora of beauty companies in existence, there are thousands of options on the market. All that variety can be overwhelming, but thankfully experts can demystify the process. Here, a guide to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about makeup brushes, from the tools every beginner should test out to how to clean and maintain your investments.

Our Top Picks

The Starter Kit : Sigma Beauty Essential Kit , $160
The Contour Brush : MAC 187S Synthetic Duo Fibre , $46
The Foundation Brush : Saie The Base Brush , $26
The Highlighter Brush : Fenty Cheek Hugging Brush 120 , $24
The Blush Brush : Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush Brush , $23
The Eyeshadow Essential : Chanel Eyeshadow Brush N°200 , $46
The Blending Brush : Chantecaille Buff And Blur Brush , $53
The Cruelty-Free : Westman Atelier Blender Brush , $125
The Powder Brush : Surratt Beauty Face Brush , $260
The Complete Makeup Brush Set : Hourglass Vegan Brush Collection , $650

What to look for in makeup brushes?

Is there a correct way to use makeup brushes.

Natural vs. synthetic
The art of fude

Meet the experts

The perfect starter kit.

Unless you’re a dedicated collector, professional makeup artist, or beauty junkie, you don’t need to have many brushes. According to the experts, only a handful are necessary. “I think there are five essentials, maybe six if you factor in a concealer brush,” says makeup artist Troy Surratt, whose eponymous brand includes a lineup of ultra-luxury brushes handmade in Kumano, Japan . The trick to keeping things simple is finding tools that multi-task. “A good starter kit would be a medium density face brush that can be used in a multitude of ways,” says Surratt. “That can be used for powder, bronzer, powder foundation, and even blush.”

After investing in a powder brush, Surrat suggests a petite face brush and three dedicated to eyeshadow. “You’ll want to have a fluffy brush that can lay color on the lid, a smaller one that is more of a pencil shape, and then a domed brush for adding color to the eye’s crease or definition to the lash line.” The final essential? A well-designed lip brush for perfecting your pout. “Some people are great at just swiping on their lipstick straight out of the tube, but the lip brush gives you that added precision,” says Surratt. “You’re able to create a sharper lip line and work the color into the texture of the lips, which results in a longer wearing, indelible look.”

Vegan Brush Collection

NET-A-PORTER

NEIMAN MARCUS

With so many different brushes on the market, sometimes it’s best to opt for a brush kit from a trusted brand like Hourglass. We love this one because it comes with 17 (!) super-soft vegan brushes, each with weighted handles designed for your face, cheeks, and eyes.

Sigma Beauty

Essential Kit

If you’re in search of an upgrade for your makeup brushes, Sigma’s 12 Beauty Essentials Kit eliminates the guesswork when shopping for brushes. This comprehensive set includes everything you could ever need, from a vegan foundation brush and large powder brush to precise brushes for applying concealer, lipstick, and more.

For Foundation

Few aspects of makeup application are as important as foundation . Creating a smooth, even base is essential, but there are multiple methods to achieve perfection. The best brushes for the task are often made from synthetic fibers, as they play well with cream and liquid formulas and are easy to wash.

While it is tempting to spread the product around on your face and hope for the best, makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes recommends priming the brush to achieve a seamless finish. “Instead of just squirting out the product and using your foundation brush to place it directly onto your face, you can work the product into the brush itself,” says Hughes. “When everything is merged with the brush’s bristles, your application is much smoother, and blending it all out is much quicker because you aren’t just depositing a blob of color directly onto the skin.”

Hughes knows a thing or two about skin; with the work she does for celebrities like Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whitely and in her stylized Instagram selfies , she’s able to make each person’s complexion seem naturally flawless, the product of great genes rather than layers of product. Her tools of choice include a range of shapes, from the classic paddle style to bristle-packed domed brushes perfect for buffing.

The Base Brush

The problem with base brushes is that oftentimes they soak up all of your foundation (which isn’t cheap!). Saie’s Base Brush, on the other hand, is super dense and designed to distribute product evenly across the skin without any wastage.

Number 3 Foundation Brush

This angled foundation brush is a game-changer for those who view brushes as tools for painting their faces rather than just for blending. It’s made of synthetic vegan bristles and won’t absorb your foundation—just remember to use a brush cleaner regularly to prevent product buildup.

Though powder is the final touch of most makeup looks, it’s the first brush worth considering. A good powder brush can enhance the entire application process and, if selected wisely, can be used to also apply products like bronzer , highlighter , and even blush . Given their importance, powder brushes tend to be one of the more expensive items within a collection. If you’re going to invest in one type of tool, they’re usually the safest bet.

The realities of your daily beauty routine are something to keep in mind while choosing. Fans of full glam will want something different than makeup minimalists. “The lighter and fluffier the hairs are, the softer and more natural the application will be,” says Surratt. “The denser hairs offer more opaque coverage. I always test by running my thumb over the brush head to see how densely packed the hairs are, and if it is packed tightly, it’s going to deposit a lot of product onto the skin.”

Oversized powder brushes are usually the first option that comes to mind, but bigger isn’t always better. Targeted product application can be as effective, especially for those who prefer to keep their complexions dewy.“More often than not, I find myself using a large eyeshadow brush to set makeup with,” says Hughes. “Under the eyes, around the nose, around the mouth, it works beautifully and gives me the utmost precision. The bigger brushes serve a purpose, but I’ve found that you can do more with the smaller ones.”

Surratt Beauty

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

This Surratt Beauty brush is far from your average makeup tool; it’s akin to a fine work of art, as stated by the brand, which adheres to the Japanese philosophy of Monozukuri (craftsmanship) in designing all its products. Although a bit of a splurge, it’s carefully assembled by a skilled artisan using hand-tied natural fibers.

Veil Powder Brush

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one makeup brush, we’d recommend a powder brush for its versatility. This ultra-soft synthetic one from Hourglass takes it a step further with its dual-ended design featuring a large rounded side and a small tapered side.

For Concealer

Everyone has something they’re eager to put a little concealer on, but the makeup bag MVP is best when it’s paired with the right brush. If you’re looking to cover circles under the eye , a small, somewhat dense brush with soft fibers or hairs is ideal for working with the delicate area. Pimples can be hidden using a small detail brush to cover the offending blemish without spreading product around. Given the amount of different issues concealer can be used to address, don’t be afraid to utilize a brush that isn’t labeled specifically for that task. “If you’ve got an eyeshadow brush that works great under your eyes or a lip brush that is the right shape for detail concealer work , then just use it,” says Hughes. “There are absolutely no rules!”

Tsutsu Fude Concealer Brush

Just a few pats with this cylindrical-shaped brush are all you need to cover any blemishes and imperfections. An added bonus is that the brush is quite tiny, so it doesn’t take up much space in your makeup pouch.

Real Techniques

Expert Liquid and Cream Concealer Makeup Brush

At under $10, there’s almost no reason not to try out this brush. Like all Real Techniques brushes, the affordable price doesn’t mean they skimp on quality—it’s soft, durable, and made from dense, rounded bristles to effectively conceal any dark spots and spot treat.

For Blending

The allure of a sculpted, contoured look is impossible to resist, but achieving the effect takes practice. It isn’t enough to play with light and shadow to create contrast; you have to blend the products. Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s easy to spot unblended contour in photographs or on Instagram, but such mistakes are easily avoidable. If your contour product is powder-based, use a light hand and a fluffy fan brush that leaves an error-proof finish. Cream contour is all about precision and a detail brush that doesn’t let you make thick, harsh lines. No matter what you choose, be sure to buff everything in so that it merges with any foundation, blush, or highlighter.

Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush

Merit is known for perfecting the art of the no-makeup makeup, so naturally, its tapered blending brush is great at ensuring your makeup blends into skin properly. No harsh lines or obvious contours on their account, that’s for sure!

Chantecaille

Buff And Blur Brush

BLOOMINGDALE'S

The best blending brush ensures that your skin looks airbrushed when used in conjunction with your favorite foundation. This one from Chantecaille achieves just that with its oversized flat top, which both buffs and blurs.

For Complexion Perfecting

Turns out, makeup brushes aren’t the only means of perfecting your complexion. If you want your base to look like a second skin, consider the acclaimed Beautyblender or MAC’s sponges to gently buff away product streaks. When it comes to setting, Laura Mercier’s Velour Puff expertly places the brand’s loose setting powder, while Beautyblender’s Pocket Puff is great for setting and baking to ensure long wear.

Beautyblender

We’d be surprised if you’ve somehow made it this far in life without ever picking up a Beautyblender. It’s undoubtedly one of the best sponges on the market, guaranteeing an even, smooth blend every single time.

Fenty Beauty

Precision Makeup Sponge 100

FENTY BEAUTY

While we can’t count on Rihanna to release new music anytime soon, we can certainly rely on her to deliver quality beauty products. This makeup sponge is three-sided, featuring a slanted edge for stippling, a mini-moon edge for concealing, and a rounded edge to buff the face. The best part is that it pairs effortlessly with cream, powder, and liquid products.

Laura Mercier

Velour Puff

For fans of setting powder, this velour puff really helps you seal the deal—it was designed to be paired with the brand’s iconic translucent powder, after all. Its large size is great for powdering your entire face quickly, as well as for baking underneath the eyes.

Power Pocket Puff Dual-Sided Powder Puff for Setting and Baking

The rumors are true; there’s a new Beautyblender in town. Unlike the OG, which works best when damp, this one is meant to be kept dry. It’s a dual-textured puff designed for use with powders to set, blur, and bake makeup. There’s even a little finger band for easy application.

The wealth of blush formulations on the market means that more than one brush can be devoted to the category. On social media and YouTube tutorials, the focus is always on pigment, but those high-impact powder blushers need to be applied with care. A good rule of thumb is the brighter the hue; the wispier and softer the brush should be. Are you swiping on neon orange or magenta? Opt for a flexible and feathery tool, like the Surrat Cheek brush. Applying a nude beige or light tint? Go for the dense Tom Ford Cheek Brush to make the most of the neutral. Liquid and cream blushes can be applied with your fingers, but if you require a blush brush designed specially for those formulations, opt for a multi-purpose synthetic like Koyudo’s Maikko, which is excellent for applying and blending out liquids.

Paying attention to the density of the hairs and the shape allows for maximum control of color payoff. “You want to be able to pick up saturated color in the center of the brush and have the shorter bristles around it diffuse that color,” says Surratt, who conceived the pom-pom design of his blush brush by considering the way it would fit against the apple of a person’s cheek. “The tool should always fit the size and shape of the area that you’re using it for.”

Rare Beauty

Soft Pinch Blush Brush

Sure, you could use your fingers to apply your makeup, but you could also opt for a brush designed to mimic fingertips, like this angled one from Rare Beauty. It’s super soft, hits the apples of your cheeks perfectly, and pairs nicely with both liquid and powder blush.

Les Pinceaux de Chanel Blush Brush N°110

When in doubt, Chanel it out. This super-soft tapered blush brush is worth the investment, as it’s of such high quality that it will last you for years to come. It feels great on your skin, is the ideal size for your cheekbones, and picks up all the pigment, so you won’t be wasting any product.

For Contour & Baked Gelée

Makeup technology is continuously evolving, and one of the newer categories is baked gelée products. While many traditional eyeshadows, blushes, and pressed powders are made by taking dry pigments and mixing them with binders and filler ingredients like kaolin clay or mica, bake gelée formulas are creams that are heated in a special oven until they form a solid. This process gives them a distinctive marbled look and hybrid texture that is soft to the touch without being moist.

The product category—capable of delivering high shine, bold color, and a subtle blurring effect—has attracted plenty of passionate fans. “They all look so velvety and beautiful even on very dry skin; they are my absolute favorite,” says Swiss entrepreneur Sonia G , whose handmade brush line ranks among the world’s best. “I prefer to use natural brushes with them since the structure of the bristle gives the brush more strength to pick up this type of formula, to blend them, or to work the application more efficiently onto the skin.”

Sonia recommends using brushes that are medium density and aren’t floppy. “Depending on the pigmentation of the product, a firm brush that moves smoothly and with discipline will apply and diffuse them more effortlessly,” she explains. “If you feel that you need to press very hard to get enough product onto the brush, this may end up damaging your brush as the bristles will weaken and break, so pick up a denser or firmer brush.”

Perfecting Buff Brush

This brush might be small, but don’t let its cute appearance fool you; it’s sturdy. The bristles are tightly packed together, making it easy to buff and blend both cream and liquid products.

Sculpt Brush

For a contour that could cut glass, you’re going to need an angled sculpting brush. Chantecaille’s is one of our favorites because it’s cruelty-free, with soft synthetic fibers that provide a defined effect every time.

For Highlighter

The days of highlighters that can be seen from space are over, but the appeal of sparkle endures. The best brushes for the task will provide both lit from within glow and the aforementioned blinding flash, depending on how they are used. A small fan brush is a classic choice; its cheek hugging shape, making it ideal for dusting on powders, but it’s far from the only option. Stippling brushes that utilize duo fibers (a mix of natural and synthetic) also work well, mainly when covering a larger surface area like the shoulders or collarbone. At the same time, longer tapered options target areas like the brow bone and tip of the nose that need only a hint of shine.

Highlighter Brush

For a highlight that isn’t overtly streaky or patchy, you’re going to need a brush that effortlessly glides along the cheekbones, like this one. It picks up the right amount of product and dusts it enough to give you a subtle glow, avoiding the look of having just dipped your face into glitter.

F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush

If you want a highlight brush that does more than just dusting a bit of sparkle onto your skin, Sigma’s High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush is your go-to. It’s denser than some of the fluffy brushes on the market, allowing you to create a strong highlight on the skin.

For Eyeshadow Laydown

If you have one eyeshadow brush within your arsenal, it is likely a paddle-style laydown tool. Excellent for packing product onto the lid or sweeping on a single shade for a one-and-done look, these workhorses are tried and true favorites. Materials vary and serve different specialties. Natural hair options include goat, which is excellent for distributing color, and squirrel, which is softer and better for light application of brighter shades. Synthetic fibers are wonderful for the creams and liquid formulations currently flooding the market—and just about everything else.

Many people—including legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath—use their fingers to apply and blend metallic and glittery eyeshadow. The technique works wonderfully, but brush companies have found ways to mimic it. Ultra-dense eyeshadow brushes allow you to achieve the same effect without getting your hands dirty.

Les Pinceaux de Chanel Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush N°200

Dual-ended eyeshadow brushes are our favorite because, at times, you want to mix shades without worrying about getting things mixed up. The bristles glide easily across the eyelid, are retractable, and come with caps, making them perfect for travel.

No. 3 All-Over Eyeshadow Brush

Made from synthetic bristles, this round-topped eyeshadow brush is excellent for both powder eyeshadow and cream shadows (which can often be more difficult to blend out). It feels luxe on the eyelids, doesn’t tug, and carries a good amount of pigment.

For Tapered Blending

Smokey eyes are a classic, and the best way to achieve them is through tapered blending brushes. These tools feature longer hairs and extend color in the eye’s crease or combine shades on the lid. Instead of relying on a single color, a good blending brush allows you to mix and create an ombre effect or take that one richly pigmented eyeshadow you have sitting at the bottom of your makeup bag and smoke it out for a beautiful monochromatic look.

The right tapered brush can elevate your makeup game. “I think that they’re game-changers, and they’re not just good for a smokey eye,” says Surratt. “I have three sizes; the large one I use for powdering around the nose or to sweep a medium tone shade across the whole lid. The medium and small versions are perfect for shading and incorporating darker colors to your eyeshadow look to add depth.”

Tapered Blending Brush 210

This synthetic bristle brush was designed specifically for blending eyeshadow into the contour and crease area of the eyelid. It’s just the right amount of fluffy and tapered, promising a perfect smokey eye every time.

M506 Tapered Mini Blender Brush

While this brush may be mini, it’s ideal for perfectionists. Its small size allows you to be more precise and thoughtful with your application, enabling you to build upon your pigment rather than smudging everything together in one large swoop.

Bobbi Brown

Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

Applying eyeliner can be tricky, especially if you prefer gel or pressed powder liner, but this thin, finely tapered brush has your back. Made of synthetic bristles, it glides easily and can even be dipped in water for wet lining.

MAC Cosmetics

212 Flat Definer

Eyeshadow lovers need at least one flat-topped eyeshadow brush in their kit. That way, all it takes is one swipe to achieve the sharp lines you're looking for.

Eyebrows frame the entire face, and grooming them can be a multi-step process. Still, there is plenty that can be accomplished with a single brush. If your brows are sparse, a stiff angled option allows you to fill in large sections with a powder or gel to fake a bushy brow, while models with thinner tips let you draw on individual hairs and target any bald patches. Extra-wide angled brushes allow for lightning-fast application.

Those already blessed with thick Brooke Shields -esque brows can benefit from a domed eyebrow brush used to place highlighter or the smallest amount of concealer directly onto the brow bone to add a little definition. There is also the good ol’ fashioned spoolie, which serves to brush hairs up or add in a bit of wax to achieve the “feathered” brow looks that’s dominated Instagram and TikTok.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Brush 12 Precision Brow Brush

Informally known as the queen of brows, Miss Anastasia wouldn’t disappoint you with just any old brow brush. No, this one is dual-sided, with angled synthetic bristles on one side to fill in any gaps and a spoolie on the other to brush and blend everything together.

Les Pinceaux de Chanel Dual-Ended Brow Brush N°207

Another twofer, this dual-ended brush works great with both cream and powder brow formulas. The angled edge helps to draw precise lines, and the spoolie makes everything look natural and blended.

As a general rule, celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty suggests investing in three to seven core brushes for your personal collection. “You want to choose a high-quality brush that will survive washings and disperse product in a non-wasteful way! I also love brushes that have multiple purposes, as well as dual-ended brushes.”

In general, she recommends looking for:

A powder/blush brush that is fluffy and loose: This can be used to apply products lightly and can also serve for contouring.
A crease and bullet brush for eyes: These two can create most eye looks, from blending to smoking to smudging.
A slanted brow/liner brush with a spoolie on the end: This versatile brush can create perfect brows and detailed liner.
One or two fluffy concealer/powder brushes: These are perfect for blending in concealer and targeting shine.
A foundation brush and a concealer brush: Key if under-eye areas and blemishes are your main focus. If you prefer using your fingertips, you can skip a concealer brush.

The type of product you use with your brushes is also important. According to celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta , brushes with synthetic bristles work well with cream and liquid products, while natural hair brushes are better for powders. For fuller coverage, look for brushes with densely packed bristles. For lighter, more dispersed coverage, choose fluffy brushes with more space between the bristles for a natural finish.

The shape of the brush is another factor to consider. Flat brushes are typically used for the precise application of products such as foundations and concealers, while fluffy brushes are great for blending and creating a softer, more diffused look (think eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc.).

Size matters too: “Smaller brushes will give you more precise application and greater control, while large brushes are great for lighter, more even, all-over application,” says Mehta. The size can drastically change the purpose of the brush. For example, large angled brushes are useful for shaping and contouring the face, while small, sharp-angled ones are great for shaping brows and creating a perfect winged liner.

While you can always use a makeup brush for its intended purpose, most brushes are versatile and can be used in different ways. This flexibility allows you to build your personal brush kit based on your needs. Here are some tips Mehta suggests to maximize optimal results:

Work the Product into the Bristles : “Always work the product into the bristles of your brush before applying it to your face. This will help create a more evenly dispersed and smooth canvas,” says Mehta.
Foundation Application : When applying foundation with a brush, start from the center of the face and work outward. If using a flat brush, apply the product in downward strokes to avoid catching on peach fuzz and ensure a smooth, even application. For stippling brushes, use small circular motions.
Spot Application : For applying concealer, blend the product in dabbing motions rather than windshield wiper or circular motions. This technique helps keep the product in place for better coverage.
Using Fluffy or Large Powder Brushes : Dip the bristles into your product, then blend or tap to remove excess before applying directly to your face. “I like to lightly press and dust the powder into my skin to avoid disturbing any of the products beneath,” Mehta adds.
Eyeshadow Application and Blending : When using smaller fluffy brushes for eyeshadow, Mehta likes to use both windshield wiper and circular motions to soften harsh lines and create a blended, diffused look. Small flat brushes are great for packing eyeshadow color onto the lid or applying glittery products.
Cleaning Your Brushes : Clean your personal brushes regularly (at least once a week) to avoid product buildup and contamination. Use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap or brush cleaner. Gently squeeze out excess water, lightly shape the bristles, and lay them flat to dry. Avoid drying wet brushes upright, as water can seep into the ferrule and shorten the lifespan.
Experiment and Personalize : Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of brushes until you achieve the desired finish. Brushes are multipurpose tools, so figure out what works best for you.

Natural vs. Synthetic

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a makeup brush is the quality and type of hair it is made of. Many natural options include Saikoho goat, gray squirrel, silver fox, and even Kolinsky sable. Each type of material serves a different purpose, and it varies in terms of softness.

Increasingly, brands are using synthetic materials like Taklon and Micro Crystal fiber that mimics the functionality of natural hair. “The technology behind synthetic hair brushes is so incredible [and] I can achieve a beautiful, refined application on myself and my clients working with them,” explains celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman , whose Westman Atelier range is handmade by Japanese artisans using cruelty-free nylon bristles and sustainably sourced birchwood from an FSC-certified forest. “Synthetic brush fibers can be shaped more like virgin hair [which] results in a soft feel and smooth application. The quality can so closely mimic natural ones that it can be hard to tell any difference upon the skin.”

The prevalence of synthetic materials is likely to increase as time progresses. Just as many fashion brands have committed to going cruelty-free with their ready-to-wear cosmetics, beauty houses are moving in a similar direction. To ensure that your purchases align with your ethics, be sure to check each tool you purchase and find out precisely what it’s made from.

The Art of Fude

The very best makeup brushes come directly from Japan, where there is a rich history of brush making—there, artisanal brushes are called fude. Originally stemming from calligraphy, the handmade brushes produced in places like Kumano in Hiroshima prefecture are exquisitely crafted art pieces. “There are more than 100 brush workshops of various sizes in the area,” explains Fude Beauty CEO Takuya Fujiyama, who witnessed the region’s shift from manufacturing writing tools to creating beauty essentials. “The craft evolved from the traditional craft of calligraphy brush making, [so when] holding a Fude makeup brush, you hold centuries of craftsmanship.”

Japanese brands like Shaquda, Chikuhodo, Koyudo, and Bisyodo are prized among makeup artists and collectors, who value the softness and unique touches like lacquered handles and hand-painted floral embellishments. The attention to detail is what separates the brushes from the competition; purchasing a fude tool is an investment intended to last a lifetime. Some rarer creations have price tags that can run into the hundreds and are (usually) reserved for a display case rather than daily use. “They are entirely handmade, including the sorting of bristles to ensure only the finest quality are selected to hand-bundling the bristles into various shapes,” says Fujiyama. “Bristles are left uncut to take advantage of the fine natural tips—this is what gives them the difference in softness, product pick-up, and smooth application.” Why splurge on the fancy option? It’s all about elevating your makeup moments from routine to ritual. “It’s about more than the functionality,” says Osahiro Maruyama of artisan brush company Shaquda , whose all-wood Ubu line has won awards for innovation in design. “The designs can connect to your interiors or style. They’re brushes that are beautiful even when they’re just resting on your table [because] it enhances the experience you have while getting ready each day. ”

Troy Surratt is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Surratt
Gucci Westman is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Westman Atelier
Katie Jane Hughes is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Dua Lipa
Amrita Mehta is a celebrity makeup artist working between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Sonia G is a Swiss entrepreneur and creator of Sonia G. Brushes
Takuya Fujiyama is the CEO of Fude Beauty
Osahiro Maruyama is the managing director at artisan brush company Shaquda

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Take your beauty routine on-the-go with Morphe’s travel-sized makeup and brushes

When it comes to staying fabulous while traveling, Morphe excels with our travel-sized makeup collection of brushes, eye palettes, and compact makeup cases. Whether you're jetting off on a weekend getaway or embarking on a world tour, these mini-sized beauty essentials are a must-have for any makeup lover on-the-go. Choose from a variety of travel makeup brushes to perfect your look, from flawless foundation brushes to precise eye shadow brushes. The accompanying travel-sized eyeshadow palettes include a stunning array of shades to create endless eye-catching looks on your travels. Neatly store your favorite products such as Morphe travel brush sets, travel-sized Morphe setting spray, and Morphe travel palettes while keeping them protected and organized with the compact makeup travel cases. No matter where your wanderlust takes you, Morphe's travel makeup kits ensure that you will always look flawless and fabulous wherever you roam.

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If you are someone who loves to travel in fabulous style, the travel-sized collection of makeup essentials from Morphe is perfect for your exploits. This collection of Morphe's travel-sized makeup products includes a variety of must-haves, from compact eyeshadow palettes to travel-sized brushes and foundation. These products are both affordable and portable, fitting easily into any travel bag or purse. No matter where your next adventure takes you, you can rely on Morphe to keep you looking stunning and feeling confident. Say goodbye to compromised beauty routines while traveling and say hello to effortless glam with Morphe's travel-sized makeup essentials.

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What are the must have travel makeup products.

Morphe offers a wide range of travel-sized makeup products , along with kits and sets curated for whatever adventure you are about to embark on. Stock up on our best-selling Continuous Setting Mist in travel sizes , as well as our Make It Big Mini Volumizing Mascara . We also offer a range of brush sets in their own travel bag so you can go anywhere and still slay your look.

How to pack makeup for travel?

The best way to pack makeup for travel is organize, organize, organize. In addition to packing travel sizes of your fave products, we recommend bringing along a travel kit or bag specifically for your beauty products. No one wants to experience a foundation leak in their luggage, so make sure everything is zip-sealed away and safe from any mishaps.

What cosmetics can I travel with?

This depends entirely on your preferred method of travel. Some trips have very few rules (road trip, anyone?) while catching a flight or a cruise may come with their own restrictions and standard practices. Before you pack your glam, make sure to check any instructions or directions regarding packing liquids, creams, and more.

8 Best Hair Dryer Brushes for Gorgeous Blowouts on Every Type of Hair

The perfect do-it-all tool whether your hair is short, long, thick or thin.

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We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

BEST OVERALL HAIR DRYER BRUSH

Amika hair blow dryer brush 2.0.

BEST VALUE HAIR DRYER BRUSH

Revlon one-step hair dryer & volumizer hot air brush.

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR CURLY HAIR

Shark beauty flexstyle multi-styler for curly & coily hair.

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR THICK HAIR

Hot tools professional 24k gold charcoal infused blowout styler.

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR FINE HAIR

Drybar the double shot blow-dryer brush.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HAIR DRYER BRUSH

Style craft hot body ionic 2-in-1 blowout hot air brush.

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR DAMAGED HAIR

Dyson airwrap multi-styler.

BEST HAIR DRYER BRUSH FOR SHORT HAIR

Conair hot air spin brush.

In our most recent test of hair dryer brushes in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab , our experts evaluated 10 products for ease of use, performance, drying time and more. After evaluating the results from our testing (including nearly 11,000 temperature readings!), we've rounded up the best of the best.

Our pros test and vet hair products every day, from styling tools like the best straightening irons and hair straightening brushes to top-rated hair dryers , hair brushes and more — so we know what makes a good hair tool. For more information on what makes a great hair dryer brush from our Beauty Lab pros, scroll to the bottom of this article. And if you want more information on how to get your best hair at home, check out our guide to the best hair tools and how to use them.

Get a shiny, salon-caliber blow-out at home with this easy-to-hold Amika blowdryer brush: 100% of testers agreed this brush was best for creating perfect style and volume on all hair types . Testers found this gives a pro-level blow dry while boosting hair’s fullness, all while having gentle heat. "I also liked that they use two types of bristles (short and long) as it grabbed the strands of hair and glided through," said one.

This pick has the longest cord for easy styling and was the only winner with wrap for storage. It's also the quietest hair dryer brush we tested, although we do wish it had a cool setting to help lock in styles.

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush

With over 480,000 Amazon reviews, Revlon's cult fave One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer lives up to its reputation: It achieved the fastest rate of drying hair in Beauty Lab testing. The brush's shape allows for smoothing and glides easily through even the roughest hair textures. “I liked how the brush head was large, which allowed it to dry more hair at once,” a tester reported.

“It was good for creating smooth, straight hairstyles,” although it gets exceedingly hot during use, so be careful not to use it on soaking wet hair and use it alongside a heat protectant. The tool also ranked highly for having simple-to-follow instructions and boosting hair's shine.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Five-Star Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer Brush Is a Total Game Changer

Shark Beauty FlexStyle Multi-Styler for Curly & Coily Hair

Most blow dryer brushes are already perfect for curly-haired people since they combine smoothing and blow drying into one streamlined step, but if you want to embrace your texture, this pick is unique because it allows you to style natural hair straight or curly, thanks to diverse attachments and a swiveling base that also lets the tool function as a traditional hair dryer / diffuser combo. Bonus: the diffuser has adjustable prongs to suit different hair lengths.

The brand claims the tool is less damaging than other tools, and we found it operates around 183ºF on average. One Beauty Lab analysis confirmed it had one of the fastest drying times we've seen. One tester with thick, curly hair loved the smoothing brush and found that styles lasted for days. It's expensive and a bit heavier than a traditional hair dryer brush, but we think the versatility makes it worth it.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is the Shark FlexStyle Hair Dryer Really a "Dyson Airwrap Dupe"?

True to its name, Hot Tools won the gold for effortlessly combing through and speedily styling even dense, coarse or curly strands. The controls were also the simplest to use compared with the other models, thanks to a rotating temperature control with three heat settings and vent platforms for faster drying on even super thick and curly strands .

In Beauty Lab evaluations, 100% of expert testers found that it styled hair fast and combed through strands with ease, although it's among the heaviest traditional blow dryer brush we tested, so be prepared to put some elbow grease into perfecting your 'do. “I was surprised by the speed and how fast my hair went from wet to dry,” a user commented.

In Beauty Lab evaluations, we found that this efficient hair dryer brush had the gentlest heat among the products we tested, reaching a maximum temperature of 167°F over five minutes of use, nearly 100ºF lower than the competition — meaning it will prevent hair from getting overly exposed to heat while still effectively styling .

The brush’s narrow barrel and smaller surface area make it ideal for fine or short to medium-length hair. Minus the cord, the brush itself weighs in at just under a pound, and one tester found it comfortable to hold and that the brush combed easily through her hair. “I got great volume with this, yet my hair felt really smooth — it was comparable to a blow-out from a salon,” another marveled. “Much better results than using a regular dryer and separate brush,” another user noted.

In Lab tests, this brush got the highest scores for leaving hair looking shiny and frizz-free. The mixed pattern bristles give hair height and body; the longer plastic bristles detangle hair while the shorter, bushier bristles smooth hair into a glossy sheet. It's also one of the lightest-weight dryer brushes we tested, clocking in at just 1.3 pounds with its cord, so you won't get too fatigued halfway through your blowout.

However, this tool got the hottest during use in Lab tests, so be sure you use a heat protectant and use on partially-dried hair. Our testers also found there was a bit of a learning curve when it came to understanding and maneuvering this tool, and we wish there was a cool shot button.

In addition to two 1.2-inch barrels and two 1.6-inch barrels for curling, the dryer comes with useful attachments for blowing out hair straight, including a pre-styling dryer, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush and a round volumizing brush. The paddle brushes use Coanda technology to guide air flow down the shaft of the hair, mimicking a salon blowout, which is highly effective but takes some getting used to at first.

What makes it even more amazing? It combines powerful airflow with controlled heat to dry your hair as it styles with less damage, making it a favorite amongst GH Beauty Lab pros. One GH editor with thick, curly hair says, "the Airwrap is the only hair dryer brush I can use to keep my hair straight and less damaged than traditional counterparts." Dyson also just launched a brand new Airwrap for curly hair that comes with a diffuser and an even larger round brush to add more volume — while our pros haven't Lab-tested the launch yet, our editors say these upgrades are perfect for catering to curls.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: We Tried Dyson's New Airwrap and the Results Were Surprising

If your arm gets tired from pulling hair round and round, snag t his rotating pick that does the work for you. The smaller-than-average 1 ½-inch barrel is perfect for shorter styles , and the spinning mechanism rotates in two directions to create natural-looking curls and waves on dry hair in between washes.

While we haven't tested this pick in the Lab, the brand claims the ceramic technology dries damp strands and adds lasting shine, although some reviewers say that the rotating mechanism takes some getting used to at first.

How we test hair dryer brushes

In our most recent hair dryer brush tests, we evaluated 10 oval dryer brushes with Lab tests and at-home usability tests. In the Lab, we assessed drying speed and air flow and used thermocouples to measure each tool's temperature — our Lab pros logged 10,980 temperature readings as part of this test.

We also measured quantitative factors like weight, size and cord length, and partnered with Quiet Mark, a third-party certifier, to assess each tool's loudness. At home, our expert testers evaluated the dryer brushes and filled out a detailed survey on ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction. After parsing through the data from 784 questions gathered from 49 questionnaires, we found the very best hair dryer brushes you can buy.

How to choose the best hair dryer brush

✔️ Heat settings : Multiple heat settings are ideal to work on a range of hair types and textures; lower heat settings are great for fine or damaged hair while higher heat settings are good on healthy or thicker, coarser hair types. Our Beauty Lab pros recommend a tool with a cool shot to help seal in styles as well.

✔️ Bristles : Most hair dryer brushes are made with either pin bristles or boar-type bristles, or a combination of both. Pin bristles do a good job at detangling hair , while boar bristles grip and smooth hair (though they can sometimes add too much tension, we found in Lab tests). If you're looking to smooth out frizz or make hair look super shiny, look for a dryer brush with boar-style bristles. If you're more focused on detangling, pin bristles are great. In expert evaluations, some testers liked bristles of varying lengths to grab every last hair.

✔️ Cord length: The length of cord you'll need depends on where you'll be styling and if there's an outlet nearby. For ultimate flexibility, look for a professional-length cord of at least eight feet. Less expensive models tend to have shorter cords, but that may limit your ability to style freely — you may not have an outlet near a mirror!

✔️ Ease of use : In our tests, ease of use, comfort when styling and intuitiveness of the controls are all important considerations. Look for a tool that feels balanced in your hand, easy to grip and isn't too heavy.

Are hair dryer brushes damaging?

Like any hot tool, they can be if you don't prep hair properly. Exposing hair to excessive heat for long periods of time can cause damage to the structure of hair, so to prevent excessive damage, our Beauty Lab pros recommend coating hair in a heat protectant before use and letting hair partially air dry before using a hair dryer brush.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Deputy Editor Jessica Teich has over 10 years of experience formally researching, testing and writing about haircare products, from hair tools (like hair dryer brushes, curling irons and wands and flat irons ) to styling tips and hair products . An authority on (and a guinea pig for testing) new-to-market tools on curly hair, she regularly teams up with GH's Beauty Lab to synthesize its data in putting together product reviews on the very best haircare on the market, according to testing.

For this story, she worked closely with Danusia Wnek , a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, who has a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University, an M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with a concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati and 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. Danusia has spent seven years researching and developing testing protocols for haircare products for the Good Housekeeping Institute, and led testing for GH's most recent hair dryer brush test, providing robust data and results on usage and claims from experts and Lab tests.

preview for We Tried the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus

Jessica (she/her) is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of industry experience, previously as beauty editor at USA Today' s Reviewed where she launched the Beauty vertical and tested hundreds of products and has covered trends for publications like The Boston Globe and The New York Times. You can usually find her sorting through piles of beauty products — and testing the best ones on camera.

Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

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The Best Travel Makeup Brushes in 2023 (From a Pro Traveler!)
Consider your budget. The price for a set of travel brushes can range from under $20 to hundreds of dollars. Generally speaking, something in the $50 - $100 range will buy you a good quality set. Depending on how often you travel, the investment is worth never having to pay to check a bag ever again! Look for a set that includes a case.
A Guide To The Best Travel Makeup Brushes & Sets
TRINNY LONDON. A three in one stackable brush set for defining lips, brows and eyes. With cruelty-free synthetic, quick drying fibers, this portable brush kit needs to be in your travel makeup kit when you need to pack light. They also all stack together quickly with a magnet fit, making it quick to apply and go!
10 Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets 2022
How We Found The Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets. As always, this roundup was created with the help of our proprietary algorithm, which identifies our top picks using data from word-of-mouth recommendations, expert reviews, best-seller lists, and more. Keep reading to discover each standout. Next up, check out the 10 Best Makeup Brushes.
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Best Overall: Lune+Aster Foundation Brush at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review. Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush at Amazon ($11) Jump to Review. Best Splurge: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6 (See Price) Jump to Review.
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EcoTools Retractable Brush. At under $10, this retractable brush is super affordable and will help you apply powder and bronzer in seconds. It includes a cap to make sure your brush stays safe from whatever has collected at the bottom of your makeup bag. 3 / 6.
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7 Best Travel Makeup Brushes Of 2024. Brush your way to flawless beauty and stay ever-ready anytime, anywhere. Reviewed by Barbara Ritzman, Beauty Specialist Barbara Ritzman Beauty Specialist. Barbara Ritzman is a beauty and skin care specialist and the founder of Barbie's Beauty Bits. With over 16 years of hands-on experience as a beauty ...
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Best Vegan Makeup Brush Set. Hourglass Vegan Face & Eye Travel Brush Set. $320 at Sephora. For a complete brush set that includes options for both your face and eyes, consider this vegan, PETA ...
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Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Pink Travel Set. It doesn't get any cuter (or more travel-friendly!) than this collection of multipurpose vegan brushes. All four have extremely soft and velvety bristles to help makeup glide on without tugging, and the pink cup case seamlessly fits into any carry-on. 3 / 5.
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Achieve flawless makeup application on the go with our curated selection of travel makeup brushes. Designed to be compact, portable, and versatile, these brushes are the perfect companions for jet-setters and beauty enthusiasts alike. From blending brushes to precision tools, our collection ensures that you can create your desired look wherever ...
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Take your beauty routine on-the-go with Morphe's travel-sized makeup and brushes. When it comes to staying fabulous while traveling, Morphe excels with our travel-sized makeup collection of brushes, eye palettes, and compact makeup cases. Whether you're jetting off on a weekend getaway or embarking on a world tour, these mini-sized beauty ...
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How To Pick & Pack The Best Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes

Learn How To Pick Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes:

1. Purchase Retractable Brushes

Retractable Face Brush

Retractable Lip Brush

Portable & Concealer Brush 150

2. Look For Multi-Tasking Travel Brushes

Double-Ended Complexion Brush

T-Kit 3-in-1 Brush Set

Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush

3. Try A Mini Makeup Brush Set

Voyager Travel Brush Set

Most-Wanted Brush Set

4. Buy a Separate Case to House Your Travel Makeup Brushes

4-Way Professional Travel Makeup Bag

Jet Set Vanity Bag

Why Is It Important To Store Makeup Brushes Properly When Travelling?

Top 10 Travel Makeup Brush Sets

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3 best travel makeup brushes according to jet-setters in 2024

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7 Best Travel Makeup Brushes Of 2024

1. Best Professional Finish: Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set