Our comprehensive list of makeup brushes worth the price

If you asked a makeup artist, chances are they would tell you that smooth product application mostly comes down to the tools you use on your face.

When equipped with the right brushes, you can make even the most affordable products feel high-end; it's just about knowing which options are the best on the market.

As someone who has been deep in the world of makeup for over 10 years now, I've had my fair share of brush trial and error, but these options here are some of the best on the market.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Best base brushes

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Here for $86

This right here is probably my favourite base brush, because the way it applies foundation is next level.

With a super-dense, angled brush head, it seamlessly blends your product into all the little crevices around your nose and in the eye area. The brush density also means that more of the product gets on your face as opposed to being absorbed into the bristles.

Makeup By Mario F4 Foundation Brush

Here for $72

Another highly regarded brush in the makeup space, the Makeup By Mario F4 Foundation Brush is dual-ended, which means you're basically getting two for the price of one!

Merit Brush No.1

Here for $52

While Merit isn't necessarily a new brand, they are new in my rotation, and I couldn't be happier. This brush is designed to be a bit of an all-rounder, blending out your base products with ease, but also working perfectly for blush and bronzer too.

If you're someone who values versatility in your routine, then this is the brush for you.

Best brushes for blush

Hourglass No. 15 Blush Brush

Here for $80

Another one of my favourites from Hourglass, this No.15 Blush Brush is the perfect fluffy but not too fluffy brush that applies blush like a dream.

The slightly angled head has been shaped to contour to the cheek, applying product evenly with every swipe.

Patrick Ta Precision Blush Brush

Here for $71.40

Another dual-ended holy grail! This Patrick Ta Precision Blush Brush has a larger side for diffusing product across bigger areas, such as the cheeks, while the smaller end is great for more precise application on the bridge of your nose, or around the eye area.

Revlon Blush and Bronzer Brush

Here for $24

This Revlon Blush Brush is a different shape from the other two, featuring tapered bristles for a more targeted pop of colour on the cheek. This targeted application also means this brush is great for bronzer, too.

Best brushes for eyes

Morphe Vegan Bold Eyeshadow Brush Duo

Here for $44.75

When it comes to eyeshadow, I am a firm believer that you can achieve almost any look with only a few brushes... so this Morphe Vegan Bold Eyeshadow Brush Duo is a great option.

Featuring the V202 brush, which is large and dense for applying eyeshadow pigment, and the V203 for applying shimmer, smudging out pigment, or applying to smaller areas like the inner corner of the eye.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Brush #7B

Here for $38

I love an angled brush for applying a shadow liner, so even though this Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush is meant for eyebrows, I personally would use it for eye makeup too.

The reason this style of brush works so well for liner is that the bristles are thin and dense, which makes creating straight lines a breeze.

Best brush sets

Morphe Buttery Blends 6- Piece Travel Brush Set

Here for $59.16

For an affordable and durable brush set, you can't go past this Buttery Blends 6-Piece Travel Set from Morphe.

Featuring six of the brand's most loved brushes, you can expect to see the domed foundation brush, the small pointed powder brush, the rounded cream blush brush, the large paddle packer eyeshadow brush, the large rounded blender eyeshadow brush, and the dual-ended angled brow brush and spoolie.

Spectrum Brushes x Katie Jane Hughes 6 Piece Essentials Makeup Brush Set

Here for $95.20

Spectrum was one of my original favourite makeup brush brands, and with regular cleaning and care, my first set lasted me years.

This specific set has been created in collaboration with makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, and includes the underpaint brush, the sheer foundation brush, the multi-powder brush, the multi-define brush, the concealer brush, as well as a dual-ended spatula and detail brush.

What are the basic makeup brushes everyone needs?

To determine the best makeup brushes for you, it depends on what products you use on a daily basis. The key brushes to complete a simple makeup routine include a dense foundation brush, which can also be used for concealer, a fluffy powder brush for pressed, loose, and finishing powders, as well as a blush brush for applying blush and bronzer. If you also wear eye makeup, then investing in a fluffy shadow brush is also a good idea, as it offers precise shadow application.

How can you tell if a makeup brush is high quality?

To tell the quality of a makeup brush, you want to inspect the handle and bristles. Does the handle feel sturdy when being held? If it feels flimsy, then it will likely not last as long as one with a durable handle.

When it comes to the bristles, ensuring they feel soft on your skin is essential, as this is what you will be using on your face each day.

Do expensive makeup brushes work better?

Expensive brushes typically work better as they are constructed from higher-quality materials and practices. This is not to say that an affordable makeup brush won't work, but when shopping for your makeup brushes, it is important to inspect the quality, as a good-quality brush will last longer and perform better.

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