The best makeup brushes according to makeup artists, plus what to wait for in a brush

Face brushes to apply makeup to face laid out on a light pink background

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Whether you realize it or not, brushes can make or break your makeup. A good brush is durable, distributes pigment evenly, and blends seamlessly without irritating the pare or causing patchiness. While different brushes are intended for different purposes, in that location aren't technically any hard and fast rules. The near important thing is to find what works for you and invest in quality brushes — and well-nigh of the time, bristle softness is a major indicator of quality.

Aside from feeling luxurious, the softest brushes will too help your makeup to look its all-time. "Whether they are natural hair or synthetic yous want something that feels soft to touch against the optics and face — this is going to be key to blending," says Charlie Riddle, makeup artist and Stila Global Beauty Managing director. "Any castor that is more coarse is going to make your makeup expect more textured and be difficult to blend."

When choosing brushes, it'south also helpful to consider how often you'll use them. If you typically use makeup brushes daily or travel with them regularly, it is worth information technology to invest in ones that are loftier-quality. "I e'er look for quality because I wash them and so ofttimes," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Tarryn Feldman.

The best makeup brushes, co-ordinate to makeup artists, in 2022:

The best confront brushes

Stila Double-Ended Complexion Brush

Stila

This multitasking tool features a large fluffy castor on one end and a smaller, more precise castor on the other. "I beloved dual ended brushes," says Riddle. "Not simply are you lot getting two for ane but this is great for buffing on a light foundation or foam products. I love to apply concealer or highlighter with the smaller stop."

Japonesque Chroma Castor

Amazon

"I use this brush on every client," says Riddle. "It is so soft and gives an airbrush-like finish. I have used this to employ cream as well equally powder products." Though it's designed for blush, this brush is likewise bang-up for highlighting, contouring, or applying setting powder.

Surratt Artistique Face Brush

Surratt Beauty

If yous're going to treat yourself to one luxury makeup brush, make it this one. "Definitely a splurge but worth it," Riddle says of the fluffy face brush. "It is so soft and perfect for applying powders. Every product goes on effortlessly with this castor."

LYS Foundation Brush

LYS Beauty

Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman recommends this castor due to its ultra-soft fibers that permit for flawless foundation application. "Its gentle beard make for a glowing, skin-like finish," she says.

Westmore Double Characteristic Chroma Brush

Amazon

The double-sided nature of this brush makes it suitable for both liquid or cream blush as well as other confront products. "The sponge finish stipples on the product and the castor end can blend the edges and utilize a powder blush on top for longevity," Dorman explains.

Zoeva Luxe Powder Fusion Blush

Zoeva

If you lot're a highlighter fanatic, this brush will brand a keen add-on to your collection. The fluffy tapered cease is ideal for diffusing liquid or powder highlighter too equally precise pulverisation application, Dorman says.

Hakuhodo Pulverization Brush

Hakuhodo

The fluffy powder brush is perfect for diffused, natural-looking bronzer application. "Its soft edges prevent harsh lines and its tapered tip allows precise product placement," says Dorman.

The all-time center & brow brushes

Senna Forehead Pro 40 Synthetic

Senna Cosmetics

Every makeup drove needs a brow castor, and a double-sided ane like this choice from Senna is ideal. Dorman loves how the dense angled brush side is fine enough to create hair-like strokes while the spoolie side is dandy for blending out harsh lines.

Louise Immature LY38B

Louise Immature

Not all eyeshadow brushes are created equal. "[This] is the perfect brush if you have minor eyes, not much lid space, or need a precisely placed crease shade," Dorman says. "The edges blend the placed line every bit you apply information technology."

MAC Cosmetics 217

MAC Cosmetics

A staple among makeup artists and enthusiasts akin, the MAC 217 is what Dorman calls "the perfect shadow blending brush." She continues: "This brush works for blending harsh shadow, applying a launder of color, or for applying lipstick like a stain. It is one of the most versatile brushes in my kit."

The all-time brush sets

Wayne Goss The Creative person Drove

Beautylish

Inspired by traditional Japanese calligraphy brushes, this 3-piece ready is simply as much a piece of work of art as it is utilitarian. Riddle says the small brush is perfect for blending and a precise application of loose powders.

Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan 11-Brush Set

Jenny Patinkin

This set's higher price bespeak is justified by the impeccable quality and luxurious design. Feldman says they're a staple both in her professional kit and personal collection, touting them as the best vegan brushes she's ever used. "I launder my brushes then frequently and they hold upwardly and so wonderfully," she says. "I love the handles too because they are so durable."

BH Cosmetics BH Signature Rose Gold thirteen-Slice Brush Set

Ulta

Dorman recommends this choice if you're in demand of a full set up of basic makeup brushes, but don't desire to break the banking company. Plus, it comes with a compact case that's convenient for storage and travel.

Natural hair versus synthetic brushes

Makeup castor bristles are bachelor in three main categories: natural, synthetic, or a blend of the 2. If y'all adhere to a vegan lifestyle, prefer vegan products, or have any allergies to fauna hair that's used in natural brushes, you'll want to stick with constructed brushes. These are typically fabricated from nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers.

Both natural and synthetic brushes can be beneficial for dissimilar reasons. "Anything natural hair is amazing for blending; eyes, blush, powder." Riddle explains. "Synthetics are great for applying primers, foundations, concealers, contour. I wouldn't say one is meliorate than the other — it really depends on the specific apply of the castor."

Catherine Santino

Freelance Writer

Catherine Santino is a freelance writer who covers dazzler, culture, and entertainment. Her work has appeared in Hurry, HelloGiggles, Ladygunn Magazine, Wonderland Magazine, and many more. Larn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.

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