Quirky makeup brushes are all the rage these days - themed brushes, glittery handles, unicorn horn brushes; you name it. It can be tempting to want to splurge on the trendy stuff, but it's important to ask yourself whether those products are worth it. Even beauty gurus and professional makeup artists tend to gravitate towards the classic brushes that have stood the test of time. 

Makeup brushes: Some Basics 

Things to consider when buying a makeup brush

Quality 

Naturally, one of the main things to keep in mind while you're looking for a makeup brush - or really, any product - is the quality. High-end products can undoubtedly break your bank, but you don't need to spend a whole lot on makeup brushes. Instead of considering only the brands, focus on the quality instead. Feel the brush against your skin. Ensure the handle is sturdy and the bristles are soft - these are two qualities of long-lasting and quality makeup brushes.

Application

It's important to keep in mind that not all makeup brushes have the same use. Sure, you could find multipurpose brushes, but more often than not, every type of brush has a specific use in mind. For example, while some can be used to apply eyeshadows, some are solely for blending purposes. So make sure you know what you're looking for so you don't end up with a brush you can't use. 

Type 

Makeup brushes come in two major categories: synthetic or natural. Although natural brushes generally have fluffier texture (and are therefore of good quality), these types of brushes are not cruelty-free, so keep that in mind. Synthetic brushes are man-made, so they're cruelty-free, but you'll need to research a bit before deciding on the best one. Luckily for you, here is a guide to the top-rated makeup brushes on the market!

9 of the top-rated Makeup Brushes

Best for Beginners

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials 

If you're new to makeup and don't want to splurge on the fancy set you saw your favorite beauty guru use, then this is the perfect set for you! The four brushes are essential to apply any kind of makeup and cover all your beginner makeup needs. I have numerous of their brushes and I love every single one!

Best Overall 

ArtisElite Mirror Oval 8 Brush 

Although somewhat on the more expensive end of things, this makeup brush is second to none. It's a multipurpose brush, so you can use it for blending any makeup, be it liquid, powder or cream. On top of that, both the bristles and the handle are made for easy use - you get a good grip on the handle and a soft pillow for your skin.

Best for Eye Makeup Gurus 

Wayne Goss The Eye Set

As mentioned before, different makeup brushes have different uses. If you're into eye makeup, then this is the set for you! There are 5 handcrafted brushes in this set, made in Kumano, Japan.

Best for Blending Eyeshadow 

Make Up For Ever 242 Large Blender Brush

You can't talk about makeup brushes for eye makeup without mentioning Make Up For Ever’s large blender brush. This brush is perfect for softening or smoothing the edges and blending out a layer for your next transition with its soft bristles.

Best for Bronzers

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Powder Brush

Not only are the synthetic bristles of this brush perfect for blending out your bronzer, but the soft, pillowy dome gives off a luxurious feeling against your skin as well. The best part is you don't need to put in too much work - the brush picks up and lets you tap off excess product on its own. 

Best Sustainable kit

EcoTools On The Go Kit 

You may have been on the lookout for an environmentally friendly makeup brush kit for ages but without much luck. In that case, this kit was practically made for you! The handles were created from bamboo, with bristles made of vegan synthetic Taklon - 100% cruelty-free! On top of that, they're the perfect size for traveling. 

Best Vegan Brushes

Zoeva Vegan Prime Brush Set 

Speaking of vegan, what better set of makeup brushes than the Vegan Prime Brush Set? The high-quality synthetic bristles work well with virtually any product - cream, powder, liquid, the whole party! It also covers essentials for your face, so you'll be all set!

Best for Experts 

Royal & Langnickel OMNIA Professional Brush Set 

We've already addressed the bare essentials for beginner makeup users - so what of experts? The Royal & Langnickel OMNIA Professional 14 pc. Brush Set is the makeup brush set of your dreams, with unmatched quality.- you'll be hard-pressed to find a problem this brush set cannot solve!

Best for Foundation

CoverFX Liquid Foundation Brush

Blending out liquid foundations has proved to be a challenge for many. One reason for that is not having the right brush. As is the case for eyeshadow brushes, or brushes for powder, liquid foundation also needs its own brush, and this brush is perfect for it. Although it's smaller than most, the size allows you more control over the product as you blend.

Additional tips to Keep in Mind 

How can you clean your brushes?

Rinsing with water is a daily task, but at times you need to take the extra step for your hygiene. For deep-cleaning, use soap to swirl the brush on and wash thoroughly afterward. Different brushes have different washing techniques, though, so make sure you do your research. 

How often should you clean your brushes?

The minimum limit should be once a week. If you can manage to do it every few days, then all the better! The last thing you want is the excess product and gunk collecting on it and making it unusable.

Do makeup brushes really work?

Makeup brushes are a much better alternative to what would otherwise involve blending with your finger. You get the job done perfectly instead of barely passable. 

These aren't the only brushes out there, but they're some of the best. The key to finding the right brushes for you is knowing the purpose and experimenting with different brands!

Let me know in the comments what some of your favorite brushes are!

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