Browsing the makeup aisle at a department or beauty supply store in search of the perfect make-up brush can be overwhelming.

Most of the makeup brushes look sleek and unique. You probably want to buy every single one!

Your face, your eyes, your lips, your cheeks and your brows—there is a makeup brush for each one.

However, many makeup brushes sets come with so many different brushes—why on earth do we need that many?

What’s worse is that many professional makeup brushes sets can be expensive.

So, how do you know which makeup brushes set is right for you?

Unlike celebrities and models, we don't have a personal make-up brush professional guide to help us determine which make-up brush set is worth it.

So, if you are still using the same make-up brush to apply all your makeup, we get it.

With so many make-up brush sizes and shapes on the market, how in the world do you know which ones are really necessary? Where do you start?

We are going to help put some of these questions—and fears—to rest.

We have researched many different types of makeup brushes sets, brands, and what each type of make-up brush is used for, and put together this complete guide.

Once you have finished reading this, we are confident that you will have learned everything there is to know about the best makeup brushes available, and that you will also feel like you are armed with the information you need to help you decide which professional makeup brush sets to purchase.

What Are the Different Types of Makeup Brushes?

Before we jump into the best makeup brushes, let’s talk a little bit about the different types of makeup brushes, and why you need them.

Of course, there are those makeup brushes sets that look like unicorn horns or even toothbrushes, which are attractive, but what are they used for?

Do you really need them?

Through the years, you have likely collected a mass of makeup brushes—some of which may never have left their packaging.

But we are willing to bet that you are likely unsure of how to use each one correctly.

However, the truth is that it is quite useful to have multiple makeup brushes in your toolkit.

In fact, according to professional makeup artists, using the wrong makeup brush can throw off your whole look, leading to disappointment and maybe even embarrassment.

Each makeup brush is designed for specific purposes and certain areas of the face.

For example, you have a blend brush, an eyeshadow brush, an angled brush and a synthetic makeup brush to choose from.

So, if you choose the wrong sized makeup brush to apply blush or eye shadow, you could be in for a rude awakening after you apply your makeup and stare in horror in the mirror…

It's truly amazing how much better your makeup can look simply by selecting and using the right makeup brushes for the different parts of your face and also your skin tone.

So, without further adieu, here is a complete list of the basic makeup brushes, their designated purposes, and why you need each one in your makeup brush collection.

Powder Brush - A powder brush is also known as a face brush, and has long, fluffy, and soft bristles designed to evenly distribute powder across the face.

Applying too much powder can make skin look uneven or even make your makeup look cakey in some areas, which is never attractive.

Depending on the size, you could also get away with applying blush or bronzer with this type of brush.

Blush Brush - A blush brush is also known as a blend brush slightly smaller than a powder brush and has a dome-like shape with long, super-soft bristles.

This brush allows you to apply more dense, concentrated product on specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, while still allowing you to blend and build color.

Contour Brush - A contour brush is an angled brush and has soft, dense bristles that allow you to apply more of a dense, concentrated amount of bronzer or blush.

The contour brush is similar to the blush brush, except that it is angled so that it easily glides along the natural curves of the face.

The brush should fit naturally under your cheekbone, almost doing the contour work for you.

Kabuki Brush - You might be thinking: What the heck is a Kabuki brush?

You will likely recognize a Kabuki brush by its flat top and ultra-soft, voluminous bristles.

This type of makeup face brush is designed to apply powder, bronzer, or blending any powder or product.

Foundation Brush - You likely know what a foundation brush is, and you probably have used one before, if not every day.

There are a few different types of foundation brushes (angled, flat, fluffy and dome-shaped).

Most foundation brushes are flat, and are used to apply liquid foundation and powder to create an even and seamless blend of coverage.

Fan Brush - This fun-looking synthetic makeup brush is a must-have, even if you don’t use it very often.

This makeup brush is one you should definitely have one in your makeup brush collection.

A fan brush has two key purposes: applying a gorgeous highlight, and cleaning up powder makeup mistakes.

Fan brushes have ultralight bristles that are perfectly shaped to brush just the right amount of powder highlighter down the cheekbones and on the the nose.

This fan brush can also be used to dust off excess powder.

Concealer Brush - Concealer brushes are useful little brushes that allow you to apply product with precision to the little nooks and crannies of your face, like under your eyes, on either side of your nose, and over a blemish.

It’s also important to make sure that your concealer brush is also antibacterial as it will be coming in contact with pimples and blemishes, which also come in contact with bacteria that you don’t want to spread around on your face.

You also want to clean your makeup brushes from time to time with a brush cleaner, which we will talk a little bit more about later in this guide.

Flat Eyeshadow Brush - here are two different types of eyeshadow brushes that you want to make sure you have in your complete makeup brushes kit, even if you don’t use eye shadow on a daily basis.

The two eyeshadow brushes you should have are fluffy and a medium-sized, not-too-fluffy brush.

One for applying eye shadow to the eye lid and one for blending eye shadow into the crease.

These brushes are great for applying eye shadow to the eye lid and blending it out.

Eyeshadow Crease Brush - The second type of eye shadow brush that is great to have is small and slightly pointed at the tip.

This type of brush will help you apply and blend products into the crease of your eye with ease.

Eyeliner Brush - There is a brush for eyeliner?

The answer is yes. There are actually several different types of eyeliner brushes, including smudger brushes, flat brushes, and angled brushes.

A slim, super-fine brush is great for applying smooth, thin lines, such as creating “wings” or the “cat eye” effect.

Brow Brush - An angled eyebrow brush can be used for applying pomades, powders, and waxes, especially if you have thin eyebrows.

The little comb-like feature, also known as a spoolie is essential for grooming your brows and blending the color product once applied.

The best makeup brushes sets come with a brow brush.

Lip Brush - A thin, pointed lip brush is incredibly useful for applying lip color flawlessly, especially darker shades, which require more precision since they show up easily.

By applying lip color with a brush, instead of straight from the tube, you have more control over how you outline and fill in the lips.

Applying lipstick directly from the tube can leave lips looked “cracked” as the tube doesn’t always get into the crevices in the lips.

A lip brush also helps you build color, which is much harder to do when applying lipstick directly from the tube.

The Best Makeup Brushes

Now that you know what each makeup brush is and how each is essential for proper makeup application, now you understand why a makeup brushes set comes with so many different types of brushes.

Even if you don’t use every brush on a daily basis, it’s good to have each type on hand.

We scoured the Internet to find the best makeup brushes kits that are not only quality products but that are also affordable.

We based our research on the following criteria:

• Quality of materials used in brush bristles
• The number of makeup brushes in a set
• Professional vs. DIY at-home use
• Makeup brush cleaner
• Natural brush
• Affordability
• Portability
• Cruelty-free makeup products
• Money-back guarantee
• 100 percent risk-free purchase

1. Makeup Eye Brush Set - Eyeshadow Eyeliner Blending Crease Kit by Lamora

The first item on our list is a complete makeup brushes kit by Lamora with seven professional-quality synthetic and natural eye makeup brushes.

These different-sized and different-shaped eye makeup brushes are great for applying, shading, and blending eye shadow, under-eye concealer, and other products around the eyes to create a stunning effect.

This eye makeup brush set includes the following different types of makeup brushes:

• Eye shadow brushes
• Eye liner brush
• Eye pencil brush
• Blending brush

This makeup brushes kit are designed with 100 percent vegan-friendly, wooden, lightweight brushes that are easy to handle and that won’t shed.

These brushes were also assembled by hand, and were tested and designed in a cruelty-free environment.

These eye makeup brushes are also easy to clean and dry fast.

The synthetic bristles pick up and dispense product incredibly well, without causing a buildup of animal hair or dirt.

This makeup brushes kit is also great for travel and everyday use.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced makeup artist, this makeup brushes kit is a great addition to your collection.

PROs:

• Makeup kit comes with seven eye makeup brushes
• Synthetic brush bristles that won’t shed or fall out
• Designed and tested in cruelty-free environment
• 100 percent vegan-friendly natural brushes
• Easy to clean and dry fast
• Does not pick up animal hair
• Great for everyday use
• 30-day money-back guarantee

CONs:

• Bristles may be “stiff”
• May be too small for proper or natural makeup application

All in all, this product got great reviews, which is why we had to include it on our list. In fact, 83 percent of confirmed purchases rated this product with five stars.

This makeup brush kit comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and is priced at $13.95.

2. BESTOPE 8-Piece Makeup Brush Set

The next item on our list is an eight-piece makeup brushes set by BESTOPE.

This makeup brushes kit comes with eight different brushes for every area of the face, from the eyes to the lips, and every product, including powder, foundation, blush, eye liner, under-eye concealer and eye shadow for a complete and beautiful look.

These different-sized and different-shaped makeup brushes are designed with soft synthetic fibers, which are suitable for applying product to even the most sensitive skin.

The bristles are made with natural hair to avoid shedding and skin irritation.

This makeup brushes set is also designed with wooden handles and texture to ensure long-term use and easy handling.

This makeup brush kit is also incredibly lightweight, portable, and even comes with a travel pouch, making it great for traveling.

PROs:

• Makeup brushes kit comes with eight makeup brushes
• Portable and kit comes with travel pouch
• Durable and long-lasting
• Lightweight and wooden texture
• Synthetic bristles
• Fluffy and soft bristles
• Do not irritate skin
• Great for sensitive skin
• Great for professional and DIY use

CONs:

• Brush handles may fall apart

According to customer testimonials and reviews, this product is loved by many.

However, a handful of reviews claimed that the handles came apart from the brushes.

All in all, this product is worth a shot. And for a price of $7.99, you can’t beat it!

3. SHANY Masterpiece Pro Signature Makeup Brush Set

This impressive makeup brushes set is impressive—and a true masterpiece.

This complete makeup brushes kit is designed by makeup artist professionals, and comes with 24 different brushes!

This makeup brushes set has every brush you would ever need, and more. You won’t need to purchase any additional makeup brushes for your makeup kit again!

The SHANY signature makeup brush set is handmade, and is designed with various materials, including natural animal hair:

• Sable
• Goat
• Badger
• Pony
• Synthetic fibers (Laser-cut Microfibers)
• Oak wood handles
• Antibacterial-treated bristles

These best makeup brushes are soft, resilient, and long lasting.

These sleek brushes are made with hypoallergenic antibacterial-treated bristles to help prevent breakouts, and are designed with both oakwood and rosewood handles for a real technique.

This best makeup brushes set is great for travel and protecting makeup brushes.

This kit comes with a roll-up travel pouch and makeup brush storage box, which help protect makeup brushes. This kit also comes with a makeup brush cleaner to sanitize brushes after use.

PROs:

• Makeup brushes kit comes with 24 makeup brushes
• Portable and kit comes with roll-up travel pouch
• Designed with handmade materials
• Designed with a variety of natural hair materials
• Made with oak wood
• Antibacterial-treated and hypoallergenic synthetic bristles
• Comes with makeup brush cleaner
• Resilient and long-lasting brushes
• Do not irritate skin
• Great for professional and DIY use
• SHANY is a member of PETA and does not involve animal cruelty in the testing of their products

CONs:

• Brush handles may fall apart

A professional makeup brushes kit such as this might seem expensive, however, individuals can purchase this complete kit—24 brushes, a roll-up travel bag and makeup storage kit, and brush cleanser all for approximately $37—well worth the investment!

4. EcoTools 6-Piece Essential Eye Makeup Brush Set

We selected this next makeup brushes set product because of its unique, economically friendly factors.

This makeup brushes kit comes with six different eye makeup brushes designed for applying, spreading, and evening out eye shadow, eye liner, and highlighter for a complete eye makeover.

These eye makeup brush bristles are incredibly soft and are hand cut for a quality product.

They are also designed with sleek aluminum handles made from recycled aluminum ferrule.

These eye makeup brushes were also tested in a cruelty-free environment, making EcoTools a safe, trustworthy, and cruelty-free makeup brand.

Each brush in the makeup brushes set has its own purpose:

• The large eye brush is used to blend eye shadow over the eye lids.
• The angled crease brush adds definition to the outer crease of the eye.
• The small brush is designed for shading or adding an accent color.
• The highlighting brush helps to accentuate the brows and inner corners of the eyes.
• The smudger brush is used to spread eye shadow and eye liner along the lash line for a smoky look.

EcoTools is a brand that takes the environment seriously.

EcoTools is a favorite of celebrities, beauty professionals, and women around the world.

EcoTools also takes pride in designing effective and quality makeup brushes sets with innovative, natural products, materials, and packaging.

The travel pouches are designed from recycled materials, and the packaging is phthalate-free and PVC-free.

PROs:

• Eco-friendly products and trusted brand
• Packaging and products all designed from natural and recycled materials
• Brushes are made with recycled aluminum
• Comes with roll-up travel pouch
• Soft and fluffy, hand-cut bristles
• Great size and ideal for travel
• Sleek design

CONs:

• Only comes with six brushes
• Smaller brushes are too small

Most customers who have tried this makeup brush kit raved about the quality.

Some users claimed that kit of six brushes was sufficient for eye makeup whereas others claimed six brushes weren’t enough.

Some users also claimed the small brushes were too small. We suppose these differences are a matter of opinion and preference rather than negative reviews on quality.

All in all, the EcoTools eye makeup brushes kit is a great set and incredibly affordable at only $7.95.

5. Kabuki Makeup Brush Set

This Kabuki makeup brush set is another product designed by Lamora Beauty Essential.

Lamora is a high-rated and top-selling brand, known for their quality beauty tools and products, including their makeup brushes sets.

As mentioned above, the Kabuki makeup brushes set comes with ultra-soft, voluminous brushes all with a flat top.

This type of makeup bronzer brush is designed to apply powder, bronzer, or blending any powder or product.

This particular makeup brushes set is designed to apply liquid, powder or mineral foundation and concealer products.

This Kabuki makeup brush set comes with both big and small brushes that are flat, round, angled and tapered.

These brushes are ideal for buffing, blending, contouring, highlighting, shading and getting rid of blemishes and imperfections while also leaving a brilliant glow.

Lamora’s beauty products are all designed with a professional grade, and are not designed or tested on animals.

This makeup brushes set is designed with the highest quality, hand-made synthetic bristles that won’t fall out or shed.

PROs:

• 100 percent vegan
• Super soft and silky bristles
• Will not shed or fall out
• Professional grade
• Cruelty-free makeup products
• Hand-made products with glossy wooden handles and u
• Safe for sensitive skin and all skin types
• Great for covering blemishes and imperfections
• Free bonus eBook all on real techniques
• 30-day money-back guarantee

CONs:

• Bristles may fall out

All in all, this product got great reviews, which is why we had to include it on our list.

In fact, 83 percent of confirmed purchases gave this product a five-star review.

This makeup brush kit also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and is priced at $29.95.

Although it is one of the pricier makeup brushes kits we have reviewed, it is definitely worth the money.

Why You Should Clean Makeup Brushes

You probably use certain makeup brushes on a daily basis.

They are used to apply various product to the face, and are even used to cover up pimples and blemishes.

Although you might not think about it, your makeup brushes should be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent bacteria build up and to help keep skin healthy.

In fact, not cleaning your makeup brushes on a regular basis can actually create more breakouts.

According to dermatologists and professional makeup artists, you should be cleaning and sanitizing your makeup brushes on a weekly basis, particularly your concealer and foundation brushes in order to help keep skin healthy.

In addition, not only will thoroughly cleaning your makeup brushes help prevent future breakouts and the buildup of bacteria, it can also help prolong the life of your makeup brushes.

Soaping up your bristles will help them hold up longer and will also make for a better makeup application.

This is because brush bristles hold onto product, oil, and dirt from the skin, which can reduce the overall effectiveness of application.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Now, that are reading this and probably running to grab all your makeup brushes from your makeup bag or toolkit and throwing them in soapy water, here is how to actually clean your makeup brushes for a healthier and long-lasting result.

Here is the best way to clean makeup brushes:

1. Use a Gentle Soap and Warm Water. The first step is to fill a bowl or tall glass of gentle soap and warm or lukewarm water.
2. Add Brush Cleanser. Second, add a drop of makeup brush cleaner or soap to the palm of your hand and carefully apply to the bristles of your makeup brushes.
3. Rinse the Bristles.
4. Remove Excess Water. Take a clean towel and carefully squeeze the excess water from the bristles.
5. Reshape the Bristles. After excess water has been removed from the bristles, carefully reshape the bristles so that they are ready for the next application.
6. Allow Dry Time. Allow sufficient time for the brush to dry. Let it hang on the edge of the counter so that it dries in the correct shape. Never leave your brushes to dry on a towel as this can cause mold and mildew growth.

Conclusion: The Best Makeup Brush Kits

All in all, the best makeup brush kits greatly depend on your needs, preferences, and makeup skill levels.

However, the above list reviews what we believe are the best makeup brush kits based on criteria on quality, handmade and natural materials, price range and the overall quality and value of the makeup brushes kit.

Additionally, although many users who have purchased and tried these makeup brushes kit complained about quality, remember that your makeup brushes get used everyday.

Therefore, it’s important to protect them and keep them safe in the travel pouches that come with these makeup brushes sets.

We hope that you enjoyed this article, and that you feel more prepared the next time you venture down the makeup aisle at your favorite department store or you peruse Amazon in search of a quality and complete makeup brushes kit.