Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
The best makeup brush sets can make getting ready a lot easier. Instead of guessing which brushes you actually need—or ending up with five different fluffy ones that all do the same thing—a well-curated set gives you the essentials in one go. “I love recommending sets because they remove decision fatigue when someone is building their brush collection,” says Thynna Wagenblast, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles.
There’s also the practicality factor: Buying a set is usually more cost-effective than picking up each brush individually, and the tools are designed to work together for everything from buffing foundation to blending eye shadow. For beginners, that means less trial and error; for seasoned makeup lovers, it’s an easy way to refresh multiple tools at once. Many sets also come with a brush roll or travel case, which keeps everything organized and protects the bristles when you’re on the go.
Our Top Makeup Brush Sets
- Best for Travel: Sigma Beauty Essential Travel Brush Set, $135
- Best Face Brushes: Morphe Buttery Blends, $28
- Best Drugstore: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set, $19
- Best for Beginners: Laura Geller 5-Piece Full Face Brush Set, $49
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What’s the difference between synthetic and natural-hair brushes?
- Can drugstore makeup brushes work as well as expensive ones?
- How do you clean makeup brushes?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
When the brushes are thoughtfully designed—think soft, dense fibers and sturdy handles—blending tends to be easier, and your makeup looks that much more polished. Ahead, the sets we reach for most.
Best for Travel: Sigma Beauty Essential Travel Brush Set
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Sigma Beauty
Essential Travel Brush Set
Ulta Beauty
Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan using the Sigma Beauty Essential Travel Brush Set
Edward Horgan
Why it's worth it: Packing makeup for a trip always sounds simple until you're staring at your vanity, wondering which brushes make the cut. Sigma’s Essential Travel Brush Set streamlines things with “a well-edited, versatile set of everything you need for your entire face,” says Nick Barose, a makeup artist based in New York City. The kit includes seven multitasking eye and face brushes that can handle just about anything in your routine, from buffing in foundation to blending shadow or setting concealer.
Since most of us aren’t exactly washing our makeup brushes mid-trip, it's helpful that these are made with synthetic antimicrobial fibers to resist bacterial buildup. They’re also built for life on the go: The metal sleeves that secure the bristles are made with the brand’s corrosion-resistant SigmaAlloy, helping prevent wobbling or loosening—even after getting jostled around in a suitcase or carry-on. And when you’re done getting ready, everything tucks neatly into a slim carrying case that keeps the brushes protected en route.
Horgan before using the Sigma Beauty Essential Travel Brush Set
Edward Horgan
Horgan after using the Sigma Beauty Essential Travel Brush Set
Edward Horgan
Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
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“These brushes have great handles and a nice soft feel on the face! They’re a great size for traveling and I love the fact that they come with a tube case so you can keep them all in one place on a desk or countertop. It’s hard to find quality high performance brushes in a travel size so an essential kit like this is super convenient. Although the brushes are nice, I would’ve preferred one more condensed face brush compared to the angled eye brush it came with. I had to use another brush at my desk for my creams because the face brushes it came with were for liquid and powder specifically.” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
More to know
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- Bristle material: synthetic
- What’s included: 7 brushes and a travel case
- E30 Pencil Brush (eyeliner brush)
- E40 Tapered Blending Brush (eye shadow brush)
- E55 Eye Shading Brush (eye shadow brush)
- E65 Small Angle Brush (brow/eyeliner brush)
- F30 Large Powder Brush (powder brush)
- F40 Large Angled Contour Brush (blush/bronzer brush)
- F60 Foundation Brush (cream/liquid foundation brush)
Best Eye Brushes: EcoTools Sea Gems Eye Makeup Brush Set
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EcoTools
Sea Gems Eye Makeup Brush Set
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the EcoTools Sea Gems Eye Makeup Brush Set
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: If you’ve ever tried doing a full eye look with just one brush, you know it’s a bit like cooking dinner with only a spoon—it technically works, but it’s not exactly ideal. EcoTools’ Sea Gems Eye Makeup Brush Set gives you five multitasking tools so each step of your eye makeup performs the way it’s supposed to. One brush provides an even wash of color, another blends out the crease, a smaller smudge brush softens liner along the lash line, and an angled brush helps place pigment right where you want it. The brushes work with liquid, cream, powder, or stick shadows, so you’re covered no matter your formula of choice.
Even better: The handles are made with ocean-bound recycled plastic, part of EcoTools’ mission to make beauty tools a little more planet-friendly—and the dreamy, sea-inspired colors give the brushes a subtle beachy vibe that looks pretty cute sitting on your vanity, too.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“This brush set actually makes eye shadow feel foolproof. My most used is the All-Over Eye Brush—the larger size and rounded shape are perfect for applying a smooth, seamless wash of color in seconds. I'm also a big fan of the teeny tiny Smudge Brush for sweeping color along my lower lash line or smoking out my eyeliner. The entire set is easy to use, easy to clean, and well-made (no shedding bristles here). Plus, each brush is labeled on the handle, which comes in handy on days when I'm speeding through my makeup routine.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Bristle material: synthetic
- What’s included: 5 cream/powder/liquid eye brushes:
- All-Over Eye Brush
- Tapered Eye Brush
- Blending Eye Brush
- Smudge Brush
- Angled Shadow Brush
Best Face Brushes: Morphe Buttery Blends 4-Piece Face Brush Set
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Morphe
Buttery Blends 4-Piece Face Brush Set
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor using the Morphe Buttery Blends 4-Piece Face Brush Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it's worth it: True to the name, the plush “buttery” bristles in Morphe’s Buttery Blends 4-Piece Face Brush Set make blending feel almost effortless. The set includes four face brushes designed to cover the key steps of your base routine, from buffing out concealer to blending blush and sculpting bronzer. The standout is the medium-angled powder bronzer brush—exclusive to this set—which hugs the natural curves of your cheekbones to softly diffuse color.
Another perk: The bristles are infused with silver ions, which help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fibers, which is always a nice bonus since you likely use complexion brushes more than the others in your kit. No matter if you’re using creams, liquids, or powders, the plush, soft bristles ensure a flawless blend every time.
Calaor before using the Morphe Buttery Blends 4-Piece Face Brush Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after using the Morphe Buttery Blends 4-Piece Face Brush Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“I use this product every day. I don't always use each brush for its intended purposes: For example, I sometimes use the Slanted Blush Brush for bronzer, the Domed Concealer Brush for sculpting my nose, and the Slanted Cream & Liquid Bronzer Brush for my CC cream. But that's the beauty of this set—four brushes can be used for so many different types of product. That's major, especially with how often I travel—I never feel like I left a tool that I need at home. The bristles are so soft and the pouch it comes in is so convenient.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
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- Bristle material: synthetic
- What’s included: 4 complexion brushes:
- M133 Domed Concealer Brush (cream/liquid concealer brush)
- M202 Slanted Blush Brush (cream/liquid/powder blush brush)
- M242 Slanted Cream & Liquid Bronzer Brush (cream/liquid bronzer brush)
- M244 Medium Angled Powder Bronzer Brush (powder bronzer brush)
Best Drugstore: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set
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Real Techniques
Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If your makeup routine is more about the basics than full glam—or you need a downsized kit to toss in your carry-on—Real Techniques’ Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set is a great place to start. The kit includes four versatile brushes—three for the complexion and one for the eyes—plus the brand’s Miracle Complexion Sponge (a 2025 Best of Beauty winner!), with a unique three-sided design that helps you tap, blend, and buff complexion products with ease.
“If you’re a newbie or minimalist when it comes to makeup, this set is affordable and versatile,” says Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan. “If you don’t have a blush handy but you have bronzer, it’s okay to use the 400 Blush Brush for bronzer,” she says. And the 300 Deluxe Crease Brush isn’t just for shadow: “It also diffuses concealer beautifully.” In other words, you’re covered for face, cheeks, and eyes with just one set.
Felbin using the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brushes from Felbin
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brushes from Felbin
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback of the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brushes from Felbin
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“When I first checked the price on this set, I was shocked—for less than $4 per tool, they perform beautifully and feel much more expensive than they are! The sleek, brushed metal handles have a nice weight to them, and the bristles feel super-soft (plus, they don't fall out as I'm using the brushes). Each brush applies powders and creams flawlessly, making all of my products very easy to blend without disturbing the layers underneath." —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
Tester feedback of the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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“This complexion sponge is really high-quality and effective. I find that it blends well without absorbing too much product, and has a gentle texture that never irritates or rubs too harshly on my skin. It also cleans well and can be used for much longer than many of the makeup sponges I’ve tried.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics
More to know
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- Bristle material: synthetic
- What’s included: 3 complexion brushes, 1 eye shadow brush, 1 sponge
- 400 Blush Brush (powder blush brush)
- 300 Deluxe Crease Brush (eye shadow brush)
- 402 Setting Brush (powder blush/highlighter brush)
- 200 Expert Face Brush (cream/liquid foundation)
- Sponge
Best for Advanced Users: Sephora Collection 8-Piece Pro Face and Eye Brush Set
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Sephora Collection
8-Piece Pro Face and Eye Brush Set
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Before you assume an eight-piece brush set is only for makeup artists—or, ahem, beauty editors with overflowing kits—hear us out: Sephora Collection’s 8-Piece Pro Face and Eye Brush Set actually makes your routine easier, not more complicated. The lineup includes eight face and eye brushes that cover the essentials (foundation, powder, blush, highlight, concealer, and eye makeup), so you don’t have to keep improvising with whatever brush is closest.
Inspired by Sephora’s Pro brush line, each one features ultra-soft vegan fibers that pick up and blend product effortlessly, whether you’re working with powders, creams, or liquids. What’s more, everything comes packed in a sleek case that protects the brushes while you travel and doubles as a handy holder on your vanity—keeping them neatly in place instead of rolling everywhere.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Sephora 8-Piece Pro Face and Eye Brush Set
Sarah Han
Han after using the Sephora 8-Piece Pro Face and Eye Brush Set
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Ever since I picked up the Sephora Pro Bronzer Brush #88 (a Best of Beauty winner!), it’s become my ride-or-die blush brush. It’s perfectly dense—not too much, not too little—key for someone who loves to pack on blush. Yes, I know it’s technically meant for bronzer, but that’s the beauty of this set—you can use whatever feels most comfortable/right for any step. (Likewise, I use the angled Pro Blush Brush for my contour.) While I only started with those two brushes, it made complete sense for me to pick up the entire set. The bristles across the board are so freakin’ soft and pick up pigment beautifully. I like how chic the all-black handles (and silver Sephora logo) look individually and all together, and the chic leather organizer is perfect for longer trips, when I have the suitcase space to plop it into.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Brush material: synthetic
- What’s included: 5 complexion brushes, 2 eye shadow brushes, 1 brow brush, and a case
- #56 Pro Foundation Brush
- #57 Pro Concealer Brush
- #59 Pro Powder Brush
- #93 Pro Blush Brush
- #98 Pro Highlighter Brush
- #15 Pro Eyeshadow Brush
- #27 Pro Crease Brush
- #20 Pro Brow Brush
Best for Beginners: Laura Geller 5-Pc Full Face Brush Set
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Laura Geller
5-Pc Full Face Brush Set
Amazon
Why it's worth it: If you’re a newbie, you might be convinced that applying makeup with your fingers works just fine, but the right brushes can make everything look smoother, more blended, and a lot easier. Laura Geller’s 5-Piece Full Face Brush Set is “especially great for beginners because it keeps things simple,” with three face brushes and two eye brushes that cover the essentials without overwhelming you, says Barose.
The lineup also works particularly well with Laura Geller’s signature baked powders, which are meant to be lightly swirled and buffed into skin. Use the angled brush to sweep on blush or bronzer, the classic bronzer brush to add warmth along the high points of your face, and the retractable airbrush kabuki—a dense, rounded brush with tightly packed bristles that buffs powder or foundation into skin for that smooth, diffused finish. Two eye shadow brushes round out the set for quick washes of color or softly blended smoky looks. They also come with super soft vegan bristles that won’t shed and will keep their shape over time.
More to know
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- Brush material: synthetic
- What’s included: 3 complexion brushes, 2 eye shadow brushes
- Angled Blush Brush
- Bronzer Brush
- Airbrush Kabuki Brush
- 2 Eyeshadow Brushes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Set
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Hourglass
Vegan Brush Travel Set
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it's worth it: If your skin gets irritated at the mere thought of scratchy makeup brushes, the Hourglass Vegan Travel Brush Set is an investment that makes sense. Each brush is made with ultra-soft, PETA-approved Taklon bristles—a synthetic fiber designed to mimic the feel of natural hair without the proteins that can sometimes trigger irritation. “These high-quality vegan brushes help apply makeup beautifully without the risk of allergic reactions to the bristles,” says Barose. The silky fibers glide over skin, blend seamlessly, and are easy to keep clean. The seven-piece lineup covers all the bases. It includes the dual-ended Ambient Lighting Edit brush for powders, bronzer, blush, and highlighter, along with precision eye brushes. You’ll also find the brand’s Vanish foundation (a 2024 Best of Beauty winner) and concealer brushes, which hug the contours of the face for seamless coverage.
A few thoughtful details make the set feel especially worth the splurge: Weighted metal handles offer better control while blending, and the sleek bronze case with a vegan leather roll keeps everything protected in transit. With a little care—regular gentle washing and letting them dry flat—they’ll stay soft, clean, and ready to blend for years.
More to know
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- Brush material: synthetic
- What’s included: 5 complexion brushes, 2 eye shadow brushes
- Ambient Lighting Edit Brush (powder, blush, bronzer brush)
- Veil Single Powder brush (setting powder brush)
- No 14 Detail Setting Brush (powder brush)
- No 6 Tapered Blender Brush (eye shadow brush)
- No 12 Beveled Shadow Brush (eye shadow brush)
- Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush (concealer brush)
- Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation brush (foundation brush)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between synthetic and natural-hair brushes?
The biggest difference between synthetic and natural-hair brushes comes down to the bristles themselves. Natural brushes are typically made from animal hair and can be great for picking up powders, but they may feel rougher on sensitive skin. Synthetic options are made from engineered fibers like Taklon. “Synthetic fibers tend to be gentler and more hygienic than natural hair brushes,” says Wagenblast. “Synthetic bristles are nonporous, so they’re less likely to trap bacteria, oils, or dead skin cells that can cause irritation.” Because of that smooth surface, they’re also easier to clean and tend to work well with a wide range of formulas—from liquids and creams to powders.
Can drugstore makeup brushes work as well as expensive ones?
Some of the best brushes don’t come with a luxury price tag. Sets like the Real Techniques’ Everyday Essentials in our roundup above prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for great performance. “It’s one of the besdrugstore brush kitst drugstore brush kits because it delivers professional performance at a very accessible price,” says Wagenblast. The brushes are “incredibly soft but still dense enough to pick up and distribute product evenly,” making them effective with both creams and powders. Wagenblast also notes that durability matters: These brushes “hold their shape and softness even after frequent washing,” which isn’t always the case with cheaper tools.
How do you clean makeup brushes?
Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly helps prevent product buildup, bacteria, and skin irritation. “I always recommend washing brushes at least once a week with a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo to keep them clean and maintain that softness,” says Wagenblast. To do it properly, swirl the brush bristles in lukewarm water with cleanser, gently massage out makeup residue, then rinse thoroughly. Once you’re done, just reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry. This way, you’ll avoid water messing with the glue inside the handle and keep the brush heads in good shape.
Meet the experts
- Nick Barose, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Thynna Wagenblast, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles
- Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best makeup brush sets, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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