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Mar 15, 2025

15 best makeup brushes 2025, according to GLAMOUR editors | Glamour UK

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test. They say “a bad workman blames their tools”, but when it comes to

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.

They say “a bad workman blames their tools”, but when it comes to makeup application, using the best makeup brushes really will make all the difference. Tools have the power to make or break a finished look, no matter the quality of your makeup.

Take foundation application, for example: if you opt for a sub-par brush, your base can look patchy, cakey or streaky, and your coverage might not be as full. Similarly, bronzer that's applied with a light and fluffy brush looks very different to bronzer applied with a thick and dense brush — the former gives a subtle, diffused wash of colour and the latter imparts stronger, more pigmented strokes.

Not all brushes are made equal, which is where we come in. Ahead, we demystify the brush business one bristle at a time - once we're finished, you'll know your kabuki brushes from your all-over complexion brushes and your liners from your spoolies. Keep reading to discover our curated edit of the best foundation brushes, bronzer brushes, blusher brushes, eyeshadow brushes and more to buy in 2025 and beyond…

With hundreds of different products arriving on our beauty desk every week, the GLAMOUR team is no stranger to testing out a range of different makeup must-haves. If a makeup brush has made its way into this edit, then it has been scored competitively by one of our editors as a result of a week's worth of testing. We judge based on size, shape, materials, whether it's vegan, handles, ease of use and value for money. Find out more about how we test beauty products here.

Cult Beauty

Sephora

Selfridges

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Why we love it: With its gently tapered tip that's specifically designed to mimic the seamless effect of finger application, this foundation brush is the tool to choose if you want a truly flawless and poreless base. Expect no streaks or patches — just smooth application thanks to the precise and densely packed, soft vegan bristles.

Save when you shop for the best makeup brushes with these Cult Beauty discount codes.

Liberty

Selfridges

Lisa Eldridge Beauty Seamless Blend Brush No.15

Why we love it: Yep, you've found one of the best concealer brushes, like ever. Lisa Eldridge is renowned (amongst many things) for her pinpoint concealing technique, and this tool makes the perfect pairing. Designed by Lisa herself and crafted by artisans in Japan, this brush certainly injects an element of luxe into concealing blemishes and imperfections (if you want to). Starring an ergonomic wooden handle that's taken from a Japanese cherry tree, no less, and coated with a chic matt black lacquer, this makes applying or blending concealer an absolute breeze.

Sephora

LookFantastic

Selfridges

Morphe X Ariel A14 Precision Setting Brush

Why we love it: Kylie Jenner’s makeup artist Ariel is famed for his flawless makeup looks, and he's developed and tested this brush that's simply perfect for setting powders. Use the side of the brush to press setting powder under your eyes and around your nose, before using the tapered end to sweep away any excess product. You can also use the rounded tip for precision setting, while the weighted handle provides optimum grip and control.

Sweed Beauty

Cult Beauty

SpaceNK

Sweed Angled Blush Brush

Why we love it: Consider cheeks seamlessly sculpted with this angled essential that effortlessly hugs the contours of the face. Crafted as a classic blush brush for the apples of your cheeks (although it can be used to apply bronzers and highlighters too), it stars touchably-soft synthetic bristles that glide across the skin. Designed to pick up the ideal amount of pigment you need in one sweep, this luxe tool is all you need to add instant dimension to cheekbones and high points of the face.

REFY

Sephora

Selfridges

REFY Duo Brush

Why we love it: Searching for the best bronzer brushes or the best blusher brushes? This bestselling makeup brush is made from synthetic vegan fibres and is perfect for pairing with REFY's own bronzer and blush. It comes with two sets of bristles, both of which are designed to pick up just the right amount of product for a glowy, flushed look that won't look heavy.

Charlotte Tilbury

Sephora

Cult Beauty

Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Makeup Brush

Why we love it: After one of the best contour brushes? This beautiful Charlotte Tilbury makeup brush will sculpt the hollows of your cheeks, plus add glow to your cheekbones and highlight your nose and cupid’s bow with effortless precision. It has a maximum hair-count brush head that has been hand-pulled into the perfect shape by a master brush maker in Europe, and the handle is made from sustainable wood. Plus, it's ergonomically designed so that it won't roll off your dressing table.

Save when you shop for the best makeup brushes with these Charlotte Tilbury Beauty discount codes.

Cult Beauty

Boots

Selfridges

Fenty Beauty Precision Highlighter Brush 135

Why we love it: Want to glow like Rihanna? Snap up this brush and glide it across the high points of cheeks, your nose and cupid's bow for a luminous, diffused glow that doesn't disturb your base. With softer-than-soft bristles that are suitable for all skin types and a tapered tip for precise application, this is the perfect accompaniment to powder, liquid or cream highlighters.

Cult Beauty

Sephora

SpaceNK

VIEVE 223 Eyeshadow Packer Brush

Why we love it: There's an abundance of best eyeshadow brushes on the market, but this offering stands out for a reason. With a flat side that’s perfect for packing on shimmery or matte eyeshadows and a tapered end for precisely adding definition to the crease, this brush is a must-have for your everyday eye makeup looks. Plus, reviewers say it picks up the perfect amount of product each time, which minimises your chances of battling with any pesky eyeshadow fallout.

LookFantastic

John Lewis

Boots

Laura Mercier Flat Eye Liner Brush

Why we love it: This brush is super fine, making wet or dry eyeliner application a total dream, and avid shoppers on Amazon adore it. One said: “I purchased this [brush] after watching the Laura Mercier ‘flawless face’ tutorial. It does a beautiful job at a more natural-looking line than using a liquid liner or pencil.”

Save when you shop for the best makeup brushes with these Boots discount codes.

Boots

Amazon

e.l.f. Wing It Liner Brush

Why we love it: Master even the trickiest of wing designs with this curved eyeliner brush. Ideal for use with powder, cream, or gel eyeliner, this innovative tool stars a thin, curved brush head that hugs the contours of your upper lash line, making it so much easier to draw a crisp wing. It also has an easy-control handle, so you can stop wobbling and experience total control and precision during application.

LookFantastic

SpaceNK

Cult Beauty

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush — #7B

Why we love it: Created by the queen of brows herself, it comes as no surprise that this dual-ended, angled brow brush remains a bestseller. With a spoolie at one end, use this to comb through your brows and fluff them up. Then use the angled brush to add thin, hair-like strokes — ideal for thick and thin brow looks alike.

LookFantastic

Boots

Selfridges

MAC 316 Covered Lip Brush

Why we love it: Create sharp, clean lines with ease with this offering from makeup behemoth MAC. Delivering controlled, precise lipstick application with its flat, firm fibres, this brush makes it simple to achieve your dream lip look. Hand-sculpted and crafted from the finest quality materials, it features a metal case to keep the brush protected when not in use (and to maintain the quality of the bristles for longer). It can also be used to extend the handle.

LookFantastic

Sephora

SpaceNK

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

Why we love it: Our go-to for applying foundation flawlessly is the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush. The flat surface makes it easy to reach all of the creases and corners of your face, while the synthetic bristles glide effortlessly across the skin for seamless application every time. Plus, the fact that this brush has two differently sized heads makes it an ideal all-rounder for complexion perfection while travelling.

Boots

Selfridges

Sephora

DIOR Backstage Kabuki Brush N°17

Why we love it: Inspired by backstage Dior runway shows (hence its name), this retractable kabuki brush is ideal for chucking in your bag for on-the-go powder touch ups (it comes with a case to keep it clean and free from biscuit crumbs). Suitable for loose or compact setting powders, blushers and bronzers, this super soft brush makes application simple - just one sweep will deliver a healthy glow and a smooth, even complexion.

LookFantastic

Sephora

Boots

Real Techniques Mini Multitask Brush

Why we love it: Want a one-and-done brush for your trips and travels? Your makeup bag will be delighted with this option, which features a travel-size handle, but with a full-size head - ideal for saving space when you're on the go. Uber lightweight with soft, fluffy bristles, you can use this to apply and blend powder blushers, bronzers, highlighters, contour products and setting powders with a simple sweep. The metal handle makes it easy for you to grip to blend and buff to your heart's desire.

Paige Williams, founder and CEO of P.Louise, says that brushes are the real difference to making your look pop. "If you want that flawless blend, that snatched definition, and that next-level glam, brushes are the way forward. Sponges are fab for a dewy base, but when it comes to precision? Brushes win every time," she says.

The expert explains why. “Think about it - with powders, eyeshadows, contouring... you need that control from a brush to get the placement just right. So a big, fluffy brush for setting powder is essential, and a sculpting brush for chiselled contour is non-negotiable to me. While a sponge will always have a place in our kits, I'd recommend levelling up your makeup game and getting yourself some quality brushes."

Gabriella Elio, founder of Sweed Beauty, says to consider the shape of your brush. “Choose an angled brush to frame the face and give definition, and a round brush to give a softer, diffused look. The shape really matters with what you’re looking to achieve with the brush.”

And makeup artist Sarah-Jane Froom advises to think about the product you're applying and your desired finish. “A denser brush works best for full coverage products like foundation or powder, while a fluffier brush is ideal for lighter, more diffused looks such as blush or eyeshadow. I can't live without my MyKitCo and Zoeva brushes, they take your artistry to the next level and are absolute staples in my kit.”

The size and shape of your brush should suit the area you're working on, according to Sarah-Jane. "For foundation, a medium-sized, flat, or slightly rounded brush is perfect for blending. For contouring, an angled brush allows for more precision. When it comes to eye makeup, use smaller, precise brushes for detail work, such as eyeliner or crease blending, and larger, fluffier brushes for blending eyeshadow over a wider area," she advises.

Paige adds that it’s all about choosing the right tools for the look you want to create.

“For the best foundation brushes, it’s all about a buffing brush to work the product into the skin flawlessly, which is where the the P.Louise #681 Large Multi-Use Face Brush comes in. Or if you’re after that soft, seamless blend for blush and bronzer, I'm obsessed with the P.Louise #637 - it just melts everything together like a dream. Trust me, the right brushes make all the difference!” she says.

“Natural bristles are super soft and classic, but they can shed and come with a higher price tag,” says Paige. “Synthetic brushes are vegan-friendly, more affordable, and perfect for liquid and cream formulas because they won’t soak up all your product, meaning they'll last longer. They're also a dream to clean! But choose what works for you and what makes you feel on cloud nine!"

It's also worth remembering that natural bristles are not suitable for vegans. “Natural bristles are made from animal hair, such as goat, pony, or squirrel, whereas synthetic bristles are created from man-made fibres,” says Sarah-Jane.

“It’s important that the brush isn't too soft and has some density,” says Gabriella. “It’s also essential that the bristles are of a high quality and don't shed, which means a flawless application that doesn’t leave any brush marks behind. A good brush should last for years - just make sure you wash it regularly with a cleanser and lukewarm water.”

Sarah-Jane adds to look for brushes with a sturdy handle that feels well-balanced in your hand. "The ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles) should be smooth and seamless, with no gaps,ensuring durability over time. Quality brushes maintain their shape and softness even after cleaning, and they should not lose bristles with use."