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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.
Vogue’s Favorite Makeup Brushes
- 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, $670
In This Article
- What makeup brushes do you actually need?
- Is there a correct way to use makeup brushes?
- Natural vs. Synthetic
- The Art of Fude
- How to Choose a Makeup Brush
- How to Clean Makeup Brushes
- How often should you clean makeup brushes?
- Meet The Experts
Best Makeup Brush Set: Hourglass Vegan Brush Collection
- Why We Love It: With so many different brushes on the market, sometimes it’s best to opt for a one-and-done kit—and Hourglass’s gives you options. It’s filled with 17 super-soft vegan brushes, each with weighted handles designed for your face, cheeks, and eyes.
- Shape: Multiple options
- Material: Taklon bristles
- Usage: Foundation, concealer, powder, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, eyeliner
- Synthetic: Yes
Best for Makeup Brush Essentials: Sigma Beauty Essential Kit
- Why We Love It: According to experts, you only really need a handful makeup brushes in your arsenal—all the better if they’re multitaskers. “A good starter kit [should have] 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.” But if you are looking to branch out, Sigma’s 12 Beauty Essentials Kit eliminates the guesswork of know which brush to buy next. This comprehensive set includes everything you could ever need, from a foundation brush to a large powder brush to precise brushes for applying concealer, lipstick, and more.
- Shape: Multiple options
- Material: Synthetic antimicrobial fibers
- Usage: Foundation, concealer, powder, eyeshadow, contour, bronzer, highlighter
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Complexion Brush: Saie The Base Brush
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- Why We Love It: The problem with base brushes is that they often soak up too much foundation. Saie’s Base Brush, on the other hand, is super dense and designed to distribute product evenly across the skin without wastage. Easy to clean, it’s made of synthetic hairs that play well with cream and liquid formulas.
- Shape: Round surface
- Material: Synthetic bristles
- Usage: Foundation, tinted moisturizer, skin tints
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Foundation Brush: Rose Inc. Number 3 Foundation Brush
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- Why We Love It: This angled foundation brush is a game-changer for foundation application. It’s made of synthetic vegan bristles that won’t absorb all your product—just remember to use a brush cleaner regularly to prevent buildup. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes recommends priming the brush ahead 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.
- Shape: Angled
- Material: Vegan bristles
- Usage: Foundation, tinted moisturizer, skin tints
- Synthetic: Y
Best Powder Brush: Surratt Beauty Face Brush
- Why We Love It: 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. This Surratt Beauty brush is far from your average makeup tool; it’s akin to a work of art. Although a bit of a splurge, it’s carefully assembled by a skilled artisan using hand-tied natural fibers.
- Shape: Round, fluffy
- Material: Gray squirrel
- Usage: Setting powder, finishing powder
- Synthetic: No
Best Dual-Ended Brush: Hourglass Veil Powder Brush
- Why We Love It: 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.
- Shape: Smaller, tapered side and large, rounded side
- Material: Taklon bristles
- Usage: Setting powder, finishing powder, powder blush and bronzer
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Concealer Brush: Shiseido Tsutsu Fude Concealer Brush
- Why We Love It: 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. 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 won’t take up much space in your makeup pouch.
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Material: Synthetic fibers
- Usage: Concealer
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Drugstore: Real Techniques Expert Concealer Makeup Brush
- Why We Love It: 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. 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.
- Shape: Dense, rounded bristles
- Material: Synthetic bristles
- Usage: Liquid or cream concealers
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Tapered Blending Brush: Merit Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush
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- Why We Love It: 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. Merit is known for perfecting the art of the no-makeup makeup, so naturally, its tapered blending brush is great at ensuring your product blends into skin flawlessly.
- Shape: Densely packed bristles
- Material: Extra soft, vegan bristles; 100% recyclable aluminum handle
- Usage: Blending
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Flat Blending Brush: Chantecaille Buff And Blur Brush
- Why We Love It: Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s easy to spot unblended contour in photographs or on Instagram, but such mistakes are easily avoidable. 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.
- Shape: Flat-surface brush with an oversized top diameter
- Material: Vegan bristles
- Usage: Blending, buffing
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Sponge: Beautyblender Pro
- Why We Love It: If you want your base to look like a second skin, consider the acclaimed Beautyblender. It’s one of the best sponges on the market, guaranteeing an even, smooth blend every single time. Try one of the smaller sizes for concealer or blush application.
- Shape: Large, rounded surface area and a contoured tip
- Material: Latex free foam
- Usage: Blending, buffing
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Powder Puff: Laura Mercier Velour Puff
- Why We Love It: For fans of setting powder, this velour puff was designed to be paired with the brand’s iconic translucent powder. Its large size is great for powdering your entire face quickly, as well as for baking underneath the eyes.
- Shape: Round
- Material: Velour
- Usage: Setting powder, finishing powder
- Synthetic: N/A
Best Blush Brush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush Brush
- Why We Love It: 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.
- Shape: Angled brush
- Material: Synthetic dual fibers
- Usage: Cream and liquid blush
- Synthetic: Yes
Best for Powder Blush: Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel Blush Brush N°110
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- Why We Love It: Chanel’s 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 and picks up all the pigment, so you won’t be wasting any product.
- Shape: Tapered
- Material: N/A
- Usage: Powder blush
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Buff Brush: Ilia Perfecting Buff Brush
- Why We Love It: For complexion products, 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. 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.
- Shape: Round
- Material: PBT bristles
- Usage: Buffing foundation, bronzer, or blush
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Contour Brush: Chantecaille Sculpt Brush
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- Why We Love It: 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.
- Shape: Rounded
- Material: Synthetic fibers
- Usage: Sculpting, contouring
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Highlighter Brush: Surratt Beauty Highlighter Brush
- Why We Love It: The days of highlighters that can be seen from space are over, but the appeal of sparkle endures. 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.
- Shape: N/A
- Material: Gray squirrel
- Usage: Cream, liquid, or powder highlighter
- Synthetic: N
Best Synthetic Highlighter Brush: Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush
- Why We Love It: 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.
- Shape: Rounded
- Material: Beveled Sigmax fibers
- Usage: Cream, liquid, or powder highlighter
- Synthetic: Yes
Best for Eyes Brows: Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush N°200
- Why We Love It: 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. Ultra-dense eyeshadow brushes allow you to achieve the same effect as using your fingers without getting your hands dirty.
- Shape: Round, dual ended
- Material: Not listed
- Usage: Eyeshadow
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Eyeshadow Brush: Hourglass No. 3 All-Over Eyeshadow Brush
- Why We Love It: A rather flat, round-topped brush is useful when you want to sweep eyeshadow across the entire lid. Of the options on the market, Hourglass s No. 3 brush rises to the top for its soft, PETA-approved Taklon bristles that work with all types of eyeshadow formulas—from rich creams to pigmented powders.
- Shape: Round
- Material: Taklon bristles
- Usage: Liquid, cream, and powder eyeshadow
- Synthetic: Yes
Best for Eyeshadow Blending: Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210
- Why We Love It: The right tapered brush can elevate your makeup game, says Surratt. 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.
- Shape: Fluffy tapered
- Material: Synthetic bristles
- Usage: Eyeshadow
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Eyeliner Brush: Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush
- Why We Love It: 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.
- Shape: Slim, finely tapered
- Material: Synthetic bristles
- Usage: Eyeliner
- Synthetic: Yes
Best Brow Brush: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush 12 Precision Brow Brush
- Why We Love It: As the queen of brows, Miss Anastasia wouldn’t disappoint you with just any regular 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.
- Shape: Dual-sided with angled bristles on one end and a spoolie on the other
- Material: Synthetic fibers
- Usage: Eyebrows
- Synthetic: Yes
What makeup brushes do you actually need?
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.
Is there a correct way to use makeup brushes?
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 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. ”
How to Choose a Makeup Brush
Westman says that makeup brushes make all the difference in how refined your makeup application can be. She explains that choosing a brush depends on the products you’re working with and your blending preference. Mehta adds that when shopping, it’s important to consider the brush s quality, function, size, and even the product formula.
Quality: According to Mehta, avoid overly rough brushes and those prone to shedding. "There’s nothing worse than brush hairs all over your face, mixed into your makeup,” she says. Ensure the handles are sturdy and the bristles are soft, densely packed, and securely held by the brush ferrule.
Formula: Consider the type of formula you’ll be using the brush with. Mehta explains that natural hair brushes work best for powder formulas, while synthetic hairs are ideal for creams or liquids, as synthetic bristles are nonabsorbent.
Function: Mehta encourages you to ask: what will the brush be used for, and how much coverage are you hoping to achieve? Flat, dense brushes are great for heavier coverage since they deposit more product or pigment. Meanwhile, fluffy brushes distribute product more evenly, blend harsh edges, and create softer coverage. “This general rule applies whether you’re working with foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, etc. Angled brushes are perfect for chiseling cheeks or creating sharp lines, like eyeliner or brows,” she says.
Size: Mehta explains that smaller brushes provide more precision, while larger brushes are best for covering bigger areas where control isn’t as as important. For example, use bigger brushes for lightly powdering the face or creating a diffused blush look.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
For daily use, Mehta recommends easily spot-cleaning your brushes between applications. “I love Cinema Secrets brush cleaner for this. Just spray a couple of spritzes on the brush, then swirl it on a tissue, towel, or napkin until clean. It does a great job of breaking down product and is quick and easy to use.”
Westman, on the other hand, prefers using a clear, mild soap to avoid dyeing the bristles. “It only takes a few minutes, and I like to use Parian Spirit when cleaning each brush. Simply spritz, wipe on a cloth or paper towel, and lay flat to dry before storing.”
For a deeper clean, Mehta recommends wetting the bristles in warm (not hot) water. “Avoid getting the ferrule or handles wet.” Work brush soap or a fragrance-free gentle shampoo into the bristles, massaging and swirling them on your hand or a textured brush cleaning mat to break down product buildup. Rinse thoroughly, squeeze out excess water, and lightly reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat to dry (not standing!) on a clean towel. This prevents water from entering the ferrule and loosening the glue, which can cause shedding or damage to the brush. “I like to have the bristles over the edge of a counter to prevent flattening as they dry.”
How often should you clean makeup brushes?
Mehta says that, ideally, you should clean your brushes after every use to minimize bacteria, but she acknowledges that most people don’t. At the very least, she suggests cleaning your personal liquid or cream brushes after 1-3 uses and powder brushes at least weekly. “Liquids and creams harbor bacteria at a higher rate than powders. A deep clean should be done at minimum once a month,” she advises. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your brushes but also helps prevent breakouts and ensures smoother makeup application overall.
Meet The Experts
- 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