When it comes to finding the best makeup brushes, consumers are spoiled for choice. Thanks to the internet and numerous beauty companies, there are thousands of options on the market. All this variety can be overwhelming, but thankfully, experts can demystify the process. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about makeup brushes, from the tools every beginner should test to how to clean and maintain your investment.
Askme’s Favorite Makeup Brushes
Starter Kit: Sigma Beauty Essentials Kit, $160
Contour Brush: MAC 187S Synthetic Duo Fiber, $46
Foundation Brush: Sai Foundation Brush, $26
Fluorescent brush: Fenty Cheek Hugging Brush 120, $24
Blush Brush: Rare Beauty Soft-Pinch Blush Brush, $23
Eyeshadow Essentials: Chanel Eyeshadow Brush N° 200, $46
Blending Brush: Chantecaille Buff and Blur Brush, $53
Cruelty-free: Westman Atelier Blender Brush, $125
Brush: Surratt Beauty Face Brush, $260
Complete makeup brush set: Hourglass Vegan Brush Collection, $650
in this article
Which makeup brushes do you really need?
Is there a correct way to use makeup brushes?
Natural vs. Artificial
The Art of Ford
How to choose makeup brushes
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
How often should you clean your 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 disposable kit, and Hourglass gives you options. It’s packed with 17 super-soft vegan brushes, each with a weighted handle specifically designed for your face, cheeks, and eyes.
Size: various options
Material: Taklon Bristles
Uses: Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Eye Shadow, Blush, Bronzer, Eyeliner
Synthesis: yes
Best Makeup Brush Essentials: Sigma Beauty Essentials Kit
Why we love it: According to the experts, you only need one makeup brush in your arsenal—even better if they can multitask. “A good starter kit should have a medium-density face brush that can be used in a variety of ways,” says Surratt. “It can be used with powder, bronzer, foundation, and even blush.” This comprehensive set includes everything you might need, from a foundation brush to a large powder brush to precision brushes for applying concealer, lipstick, and more.
Size: various options
Material: Synthetic antibacterial fiber
Uses: Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Eyeshadow, Contour, Bronzer, Highlighter
Synthesis: yes
Best Complexion Brush: Sai The Base Brush
Why we love it: The problem with foundation brushes is that they often soak up too much foundation. Sai’s base brush, on the other hand, is very dense and designed to evenly distribute product on the skin without any waste. It’s easy to clean, made of synthetic hair, and works well with cream and liquid formulas.
Shape: Round
Material: Synthetic earrings
Uses: Foundation, tinted moisturizer, skin color
Synthesis: yes
Best Foundation Brush: Rose Inc. No.3 Foundation Brush
Why we love it: This angular foundation brush is a game-changer for foundation application. It’s made with synthetic vegan bristles that won’t soak up all your product — just remember to use a brush cleanser regularly to prevent build-up. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes recommends priming the brush ahead of time for a seamless look. “Instead of just squeezing the product out and applying it directly to your face with the foundation brush, you can incorporate the product into the foundation brush itself,” says Hughes.
Shape: Angular
Material: Vegan Earrings
Uses: Foundation, tinted moisturizer, skin color
Synthesis: Y
Best Face Brush: Surratt Beauty Face Brush
Why we love it: While powder is the final touch in most makeup looks, it’s worth considering as the first brush. A good powder brush can enhance the entire application process and, if chosen correctly, can be used to 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. Though a little extravagant, it’s carefully assembled by skilled craftsmen using hand-tied natural fibers.
Shape: Round, Hairy
Ingredients: Grey Squirrel
Usage: Setting Powder, Setting Powder
Synthesis: none
Best Dual-Ended Brush: Hourglass Veil Powder Brush
Why we love it: If you were stranded on a desert island and only had one makeup brush, we’d recommend the powder brush for its versatility. This ultra-soft synthetic material from Hourglass goes one step further with a double-ended design that has a larger rounded side and a smaller tapered side.
Shape: Small thin sides and large rounded sides
Material: Taklon Bristles
Usage: Setting Powder, Setting Powder, Blush Powder, Bronzer Powder
Synthesis: yes
Best Concealer Brush: Shiseido Tsutsu Fude Concealer Brush
Why we love it: Everyone has their own thing they crave a bit of concealer for, but the makeup bag MVP works best when paired with the right brush. Cover any blemishes with a few dabs from this cylindrical brush. Another bonus is that the brush is pretty small so it doesn’t take up much space in your makeup bag.
Shape: Cylindrical
Material: Synthetic Fiber
Usage: Concealer
Synthesis: yes
Best Drugstore: Real Techniques Expert Concealer Brush
Why we like it: If you want to hide dark circles under your eyes, a small, dense brush with soft bristles or hairs is ideal for treating delicate areas. At under $10, there’s almost no reason not to try this brush. Like all Real Techniques brushes, the affordable price doesn’t mean they skimp on quality—it’s soft, durable, and made with dense, rounded bristles that effectively hide any dark spots.
Shape: Dense, round hair
Material: Synthetic earrings
Use: concealer or concealer
Synthesis: yes
Best Tapered Blending Brush: Merit Brushes No.1 Tapered Blending Brush
Why we love it: The allure of a sculpted, contoured look is irresistible, but achieving this look takes practice. Simply creating contrasts with light and shadow isn’t enough, more effort is required. You have to blend the product. Merit is known for perfecting the art of makeup-free makeup, so naturally, its tapered blending brush is perfect for making sure your product blends perfectly into your skin.
Shape: Thick Hair
Materials: Ultra-soft vegan bristles; 100% recyclable aluminum handle
Usage: Mixing
Synthesis: yes
Best Flat Blending Brush: Chantecaille Buff and Blur Brush
Why we love it: Hindsight is 20/20, it’s easy to see disjointed shapes in photos or on Instagram, but mistakes like these are easy to avoid. The best blending brushes ensure that your skin looks airbrushed when used with your favorite foundation. This product from Chantecaille achieves this goal with its extra-large flat top, which both enhances and blurs the effect.
Size: Flat brush with extra large diameter on top
Material: Vegan Earrings
Usage: Mixing, Polishing
Synthesis: yes
Best Sponge: Beauty Blender Pro
Why we love it: If you want your foundation to look like a second skin, consider the critically acclaimed Beautyblender. It’s one of the best sponges on the market, guaranteeing an even, seamless blend every time. Try using one of the smaller sizes of concealer or blush.
Shape: Large round surface area and wavy ends
Material: Latex-free foam
Usage: Mixing, Polishing
Synthesis: yes
Best Powder Puff: Laura Mercier Velvet Powder Puff
Why we love it: For fans of setting powder, this velvety puff is designed to pair with the brand’s signature translucent pressed powder. Its large size is perfect for quickly applying powder all over the face, as well as for concealing under the eyes.
Shape: Round
Material: Velvet
Usage: Setting Powder, Setting Powder
Synthesis: Not Applicable
Best Blush Brush: Rare Beautiful Soft-Pinch Blush Brush
Why we love it: Sure, you can use your fingers to apply makeup, but you can also opt for a brush designed to mimic your fingers, like this angled brush from Rare Beauty. It’s super soft, blends seamlessly with your skin, and pairs perfectly with liquid and powder blush.
Shape: Angular Brush
Material: Synthetic Double Fiber
Usage: Cream Blush & Liquid Blush
Synthesis: yes
Best Blush Powder: Chanel Les Pinseau de Chanel Blush Brush No. 110
Why we love it: Chanel’s super soft tapered blush brush is worth the investment because it’s of such high quality that it will last for years. It feels great on your skin and absorbs all the pigment so you don’t waste any product.
Shape: slim
Content: Not Applicable
Usage: Powder Blush
Synthesis: yes
Best Buff Brush: Ilia Perfecting Buff Brush
Why we love it: For color enhancing products, Sonia recommends using a medium-density brush that isn’t fluffy. “Depending on the pigment of the product, they are easier to apply and spread using a firmer brush with smooth, regular movements,” she explains. This brush may be small, but don’t let its dainty appearance fool you, it’s sturdy; the bristles are tightly packed to buff and blend cream and liquid products with ease.
Shape: Round
Material: PBT Bristles
Use: Polish foundation, bronzer or blush
Synthesis: yes
Best Contour Brush: Chantecaille Sculpt Brush
Why we love it: For shapes that can cut glass, you’ll need an angular carving brush. Chantecaille is one of our favorites because it’s cruelty-free, made from soft synthetic fibers, and delivers defined results every time.
Shape: Round
Material: Synthetic Fiber
Use: Sculpture, Outline
Synthesis: yes
Best Glow Brush: Surratt Beauty Glow Brush
Why we love it: The days of highlighters visible from space are over, but the allure of glitter remains. To create a highlight that won’t be streaky or patchy, you need a brush that glides smoothly across your cheekbones, like this one. It picks up just the right amount of product and dusts just enough to give you a subtle glow, without making your face look like it just had glitter on it.
Size: Not Applicable
Ingredients: Grey Squirrel
Use: paste, liquid or powder highlighter
Synthesis: N
Best Synthetic Highlighter Brush: Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush
Why we love it: If you want a highlighter brush that does more than just add a bit of shine to your skin, Sigma’s High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush is perfect for you. It’s thicker than some of the fluffy brushes out there, allowing you to create intense highlights on your skin.
Shape: Round
Material: Beveled Sigmax Fiber
Use: paste, liquid or powder highlighter
Synthesis: yes
Best for Eyes and Brows: Chanel Les Pinsaux de Chanel Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush N°200
Why we love it: Another dual-ended brush, this one is perfect for adding creamy and pink brow formulas. The beveled edges help draw precise lines, and the spool makes everything look natural and blended. The ultra-dense eyeshadow brush lets you achieve the same effect as using your fingers without getting your hands dirty.
Shape: Round, Double End
Ingredients: Not listed
Usage: eye shadow
Synthesis: yes
Best Eyeshadow Brush: Hourglass No.3 All-Over Eyeshadow Brush
Why we love it: A fairly flat, rounded brush is great when you want to apply eyeshadow across your entire eyelid. Of the many options on the market, Hourglass’s #3 brush ranks highly for its soft, PETA-approved Taklon bristles, which work with all types of eyeshadow formulas—from rich cream eyeshadows to tinted powders.
Shape: Round
Material: Taklon Bristles
Uses: Liquid, cream and powder eyeshadow
Synthesis: yes
Best for Blending Eyeshadow: Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210
Why we love it: The right tapered brush can improve your makeup skills, says Surratt. This synthetic bristle brush is designed to blend eyeshadow into the contour and crease area of your eyelids. It has the right amount of volume and taper to guarantee a perfect smoky eye every time.
Shape: Hairy Thin
Material: Synthetic earrings
Usage: eye shadow
Synthesis: 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 powder liners, but this slim, tapered brush has your back. It’s made with synthetic bristles that glide smoothly and can even be dipped in water to wet the liner.
Shape: slim, slim
Material: Synthetic earrings
Usage: Eyeliner
Synthesis: yes
Best Eyebrow Brush: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush 12 Precision Brow Brush
Why we love it: As the queen of brows, Miss Anastasia won’t let you down with any ordinary brow brush. No, this one is double-sided, with angled synthetic bristles on one side to fill in any gaps and a spoolie on the other to sweep and blend everything.
Shape: Double-sided with angular bristles on one end and a spoolie on the other
Material: Synthetic Fiber
Usage: Eyebrows
Synthesis: yes
In general, celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatti recommends investing in three to seven core brushes for your personal collection. “You want to choose a high-quality brush that is able to be washed and spread the product in a way that doesn’t go waste! I also like brushes that are multi-purpose, and have two-ended brushes.
In general, she recommends looking for:
Fluffy Powder/Cheek Brush: Can be used to lightly apply the product and can also be used to outline.
Eye Crease Brush and Bullet Brush: These two brushes can create most eye looks, from blended to smoky to smudged.
Angled Brow/Eyeliner Brush with Spoolie at the End: This versatile brush creates perfect eyebrows and detailed eyeliner.
One or two fluffy concealer/powder brushes: These brushes are great for blending concealer and targeting shine.
Foundation and concealer brush: This is important if your main concern is the eye area and blemishes. If you prefer to use your fingers, you can skip the concealer brush.
The type of product used with the brush is also important. According to celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta, brushes with synthetic bristles are suitable for applying cream and liquid products, while brushes with natural bristles are better for applying powder. For full coverage, look for a brush with dense bristles. For lighter, more diffused coverage, choose a fluffy brush with more space between the bristles for a natural-looking finish.
Brush shape is also another factor to consider. Flat brushes are typically used for precise application of products like foundation and concealer, while fluffy brushes are great for blending and creating a softer, more diffused look (like eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc.).
Size matters, too: “Smaller brushes will give you more precise application and better control, while larger brushes are better for a lighter, more even, all-over application,” says Mehta. The shape can drastically change the purpose of the brush. For example, an acute-angled brush can be used to shape and define the face, while a smaller, pointed brush is perfect for shaping brows and creating a full winged eyeliner.
Although you can always use makeup brushes for their intended purpose, most brushes are multifunctional and can be used in a variety of ways. This flexibility allows you to create a personalized brush set based on your needs. Here are some tips from Mehta to maximize the best results:
Apply product to the bristles of your brush: “Be sure to apply product to the bristles of your brush before applying it to your face. This will help create a more evenly spread and smoother canvas,” says Mehta.
Apply foundation: When applying foundation with a brush, start from the center of your face and work outward. If using a flat brush, apply the product in a downward motion to prevent peach fuzz and ensure a smooth, even application. For a stipple brush, use small circular motions.
Topical application: To apply concealer, blend the product in a dabbing motion rather than a windshield wiper or circular motion. This technique helps hold the product in place for better coverage.
Use a fluffy or large powder brush: Dip the bristles into the product and blend or tap to remove excess powder, then apply directly to the face. “I like to gently press the powder into the skin so as not to disturb any of the product underneath,” says Mehta.
Applying and blending eyeshadow: When applying eyeshadow with a small, soft brush, 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 applying eyeshadow colors to your eyelids or applying glitter products.
Clean your brushes: Clean your personal brushes regularly (at least once a week) to avoid product buildup and staining. Use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap or brush cleaner. Gently squeeze out excess water, lightly shape the bristles and lay flat to dry. Avoid leaving wet brushes upright to dry as water will get into the ferrules and shorten their life.
Experiment and personalize: Don’t be afraid to try different types of brushes until you achieve the effect you want. Paintbrushes are multi-purpose tools, so find the one that works best for you.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a makeup brush is the quality and type of hair on it. Many natural options include sequoia goats, gray squirrels, silver foxes, and even kolinsky sables. Each type of material serves a different purpose and varies in softness.
Brands are increasingly using synthetic materials like Taklon and microcrystalline fibers to mimic the functionality of natural hair. “The technology behind synthetic hairbrushes is so incredible, [and] I can achieve beautiful, refined applications for myself and the clients I work with,” explains celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman, whose Westman Atelier range is made from cruelly handmade by Japanese artisans using cruelty-free nylon bristles and sustainably sourced birch wood from FSC certified forests. “Synthetic brush fibers can be shaped just like virgin hair, resulting in a softer feel and smoother application. The quality is so close to natural that it would be hard to discern any difference on the skin.”
The best makeup brushes come straight from Japan, where brush making has a long history and handmade brushes are called “fude.” Handmade brushes produced in places like Kumano, Hiroshima Prefecture, originally originated from calligraphy and are exquisite works of art. “There are more than 100 brush workshops of various sizes in the area,” explains Takuya Fujiyama, CEO of Fude Beauty, who has witnessed the region’s transformation from making writing instruments to creating beauty essentials. “The craft evolved from traditional brush-making techniques, [so when] holding a Fude makeup brush, you are mastering centuries-old craftsmanship.”
Japanese brands like Shakuda, Chikuhodo, Koyudo, and Bisyodo are popular among makeup artists and collectors who value their softness and unique touches, like lacquered handles and hand-painted floral embellishments. Attention to detail is what sets the brushes apart from the competition; buying a food tool is an investment that will last a lifetime. Some rare pieces can cost hundreds of dollars and are (usually) reserved for display cases rather than everyday use. “They are entirely handmade, which involves sorting the bristles to ensure only the highest quality bristles are selected and then hand-tying the bristles into various shapes,” says Fujiyama. “The bristles are not cut to take advantage of the excellent natural tips, which make a difference in their softness, product pick-up, and effortless application.” Why splurge on this fancy option? It’s all about elevating your makeup moments from routine to ritual. “It’s not just about functionality,” says Osahiro Maruyama of Shakuda Artisan Brush Co., whose all-wood Ubu collection won a Design Innovation Award. “These designs can be combined with your interior decor or style. These brushes also look great sitting on your desk [because] it enhances your experience while getting ready every day.”
Westerman says makeup brushes can make your makeup look more refined. She explains that choosing a brush depends on the products you are using and your blending preferences. Mehta adds that when buying, it is important to consider the brush quality, features, size, and even the product formula.
Quality: According to Mehta, avoid brushes that are too abrasive and flake easily. “There’s nothing worse than mixing in your makeup by brushing hair all over your face,” she says. Make sure the handle is sturdy and the hairs are soft, tightly packed and securely attached to the brush’s ferrule.
Recipes: Consider what type of recipes you’ll be using the brush with. Mehta explains that natural bristle brushes are best for powdered formulas, while synthetic bristles are best for powdered formulas because synthetic bristles don’t absorb water.
Function: Mehta encourages you to ask: What is the purpose of the brush, and how much coverage do you want to achieve? Flat, dense brushes are great for heavier coverage because they deposit more product or pigment. Meanwhile, fluffy brushes distribute product more evenly, blend out rough edges, and create softer coverage. “This general rule applies whether you’re using foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, etc. Angled brushes are great for shaping cheeks or creating sharp lines like eyeliner or brows,” she says.
Size: Mehta explains that smaller brushes allow for more precision, while larger brushes are best for covering larger areas where control is less important. For example, use a larger brush to apply a lighter powder to your face or create a diffused blush look.
For daily use, Mehta recommends an easy way to clean brushes between uses. “I love Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner. Just spray some on the brush and swirl it around on a paper towel, washcloth, 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 clear, mild soap to avoid staining the bristles. “It only takes a few minutes, and I like to use Parian spirits when cleaning each brush. Simply spray, wipe with a cloth or paper towel, and lay flat to dry before storing.
For a deeper clean, Mehta recommends wetting the bristles with warm (not hot) water. “Avoid getting the ferrule or handle wet.” Apply brush soap or a mild fragrance-free shampoo to the bristles, massage and swirl in your hands or on a textured brush cleaning pad to break up product buildup. Rinse well, squeeze out excess water and gently reshape the bristles. Place the brush upright (not upright!) on a clean towel to dry. This prevents water from penetrating the ferrule and loosening the glue, causing the brush to fall off or become damaged. “I like to place the bristles on the edge of a counter to keep them from flattening out as they dry.”
Mehta says that ideally you should clean your brushes after each use to reduce germs, but she admits most people don’t. She recommends cleaning individual liquid or cream brushes after at least 1-3 uses, and cleaning powder brushes at least once a week. “Liquids and creams are more likely to harbor bacteria than powders. Deep cleaning should be done at least once a month,” she advises. Regular cleaning will not only extend the life of your brushes, but it will also help prevent breakouts and ensure smooth application overall.
Troy Surratt is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of the makeup brand Surratt
Gucci Westman is a renowned makeup artist and founder of the 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 who works in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Sonia G is a Swiss entrepreneur and founder of Sonia G Brush
Takuya Fujiyama, CEO of Beauty Beauty
Osahiro Maruyama is the managing director of hand brush company Shakuda
