Blog

Feb 20, 2024

The 19 Best Makeup Brush Sets to Upgrade Any Collection

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Ultimately, your makeup look is only as good as the tools you decide to sweep, swirl, and blend products

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Ultimately, your makeup look is only as good as the tools you decide to sweep, swirl, and blend products on your face with.

Whether you choose to create a bold smoky eye, or opt for barely-there beauty, using one of the best makeup brush sets can mean the difference between a practically flawless face and an uneven final look. Even if your friend or family member is new to regular makeup use, surprising them with a brush set from top brands like Sigma Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and more, can take application routine to new heights.

And as an added shopping bonus, many of these tools are available for under $100, which means you're getting a little more bang for your buck. These natural- and synthetic-hair brush bundles are so luxe, we won't blame you if you decide to scoop up a couple sets just for yourself—and put off cleaning your most-loved brushes a little longer.

Here, the best makeup brush sets that can make just about anyone feel like a pro.

Related: The Best Makeup on Amazon Worth Adding to Cart

This complete makeup brush bundle—which includes a number of essentials for the face and eyes—has over 116,000 satisfied customer reviews from Amazon shoppers, with nearly a five-star rating. And did we mention the 14-piece set is available for under $10?

Customer review:

"I love this set. If you are looking for a complete, everyday makeup brush set, I highly recommend this one, especially if you're a beginner wanting to learn all the little brush functions without spending a fortune to play around with techniques. I was pleased to receive the brushes in their own travel case and individually wrapped. The bristles are soft enough for a smooth application and firm enough not to leave streaks, which is always desirable." —Latosha R.

Shop Now

Makeup Brush Set

Amazon

$8.99

Designed by makeup legend Pat McGrath, this synthetic set includes a pair of ultra-soft powder and blurring brushes with slightly tapered bristles for more precise application.

Customer review:

"I mainly bought this for the powder brush but was [happy] to get the smaller brush as an added bonus! The quality of these brushes are amazing and of course the packaging is beautiful." —Lindsey B.

Shop Now

Divine Brush Duo

patmcgrath.com

$52.00

Since each of the brushes in this set—which include two for face, one for brows and liner, and more—are dual-ended, it's almost like they're getting two for the price of one.

Shop Now

Women's Sustainable Luxury 6-Piece Dual-Ended Makeup Brush Set

saksfifthavenue.com

$150.00

If you're gifting a friend or family member who isn't one to spend a ton of time crafting their cheek and eye contours, surprise them this streamlined and travel-ready brush set from Charlotte Tilbury.

Customer review:

"This is an absolutely stunning set. Beautiful red velvet case with perfect size brushes." —Candlelover20

Shop Now

Magic Mini Brush Set

revolve.com

$65.00

This set of three pro-level brushes include staples to define cheek contours, blend out eyeshadow, and emphasize you lash line with ease. And to get the most out of your natural hair brush set, try washing your them once a week with a conditioning shampoo.

Shop Now

Artistique Brush Trio

$198.00

Beauty enthusiasts are raving about this ergonomic 12-piece set from e.l.f, with one satisfied customer writing, "Already in love with e.l.f products but their brushes are so freaking amazing! They are soft and great quality, they are very durable, super easy to clean, and helps blend makeup smoothly! Definitely going to buy another set."

Shop Now

Professional Brush Set

$12.00

This five-piece set of synthetic complexion brushes is perfect for blending out creams and powders, and their signature handle designs ensure they won't accidentally slip out of your fingers mid-swipe.

Shop Now

Tami Professional Makeup Brush Set

amazon.com

$75.00

This ergonomic brush set nicely contains all the essentials—from the makeup brushes themselves to two bottles of foam to cleanse them—making it an extra ideal gift for the artist in your circle.

Shop Now

Elite Gifting 8-Piece Holiday Makeup Brush Set

saksfifthavenue.com

$225.00

Since this well-rounded rose gold brush set includes its own zippered storage pouch, it's easy to quickly pack them all in a suitcase for your next getaway.

Shop Now

Brush Set in Rose Gold (30-Piece)

luxiebeauty.com

$400.00

Here's a professional-level brush collection that's made in Japan, and sophisticated enough for of any countertop. The set even includes its own magnetized plate that makes keeping track of your tools a breeze.

Shop Now

Personal 8-Brush Set and Plate

$481.00

Here's a fluffy, five piece set that's meant to mimic the effect of airbrush makeup, and contains designated brushes for your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and powder.

Shop Now

Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101

Ulta

$59.00

If you're looking to live more sustainably, consider this best-selling brush set from EcoTools. Not only are the brushes made from recycled aluminum and plastic with bamboo handles, but its bristles also feature rounded edges for easy makeup application.

Customer review:

"Great gift—got these for my friend for Christmas and she loved them! Super soft!" —Mykenzie

Shop Now

Vibes Makeup Brush Set

Amazon

$4.18

Here's an all-inclusive set from the pros at Hourglass that makes it seamless to replicate your favorite TikTok or runway beauty look. In addition to 17 tools to choose from, many of these brushes are dual-ended for added extra blending power.

Shop Now

Vegan Brush Collection (Limited Edition)

neimanmarcus.com

$650.00

This is the best $9 you'll ever spend on a set of makeup brushes. Blend your cut crease like an expert with this three piece brush set that's ideal for powder, cream, or liquid-based eyeshadows.

Shop Now

Eye Shade and Blend Duo Pack

$8.99

This limited-edition, gilded brush set for eyes and face is almost too pretty to use, and makes applying pigmented blush or well-placed shadow a total breeze.

Customer review:

"Handles are long and easy to hold." —Katy W.

Shop Now

Secrets From the Amazon Brush Set

tartecosmetics.com

$21.00

Whether you opt for no makeup-makeup or decide to try something a little bolder, this well rounded set from the cosmetics experts at Sigma Beauty has you covered. Not only does it contain tools for foundation, concealer, and powder, but you'll also find a mix of large and small angled options (plus a couple eye specific brushes) to seamlessly complete your next look.

Customer review:

"I love these brushes. So soft and work perfectly. Worth the price—also love the range of brushes in the set! :)" —Lizzie

Shop Now

Essential Brush Gift Set

amazon.com

$160.00

Makeup icon Gucci Westman created this streamlined set of synthetic brushes that include one for foundation, concealer, blending, and powder, plus two eyeshadow brushes, and a smaller tool for the lips.

Shop Now

The Brush Collection

$575.00

Add some variety to your makeup tools with this top-rated brush set—that over 1,100 Ulta customers love—which nicely contains a bonus angled sponge for optimal blending.

Customer review:

"These brushes are amazing and so easy to work with—absolutely a must." —Lexie

Shop Now

Everyday Essentials

ulta.com

$19.99

This professional-level set from Rose Inc will bring a smile to any makeup lover's face this season, which features an angular design that's perfect for flawless foundation, concealer, and blush application.

Shop Now

The Complexion Brush Gift Set

roseinc.com

$84.00

Ultimately, the best beauty tools are the ones that work for you. While a sponge or your fingers can make for easy and even blending, the makeup brushes feature a number of shapes and sizes for mess-free and precise application depending on your needs.

The more often the better; makeup brushes ideally should be cleaned after every use to minimize product build-up and bacteria, but at least once every two weeks is suggested by professionals.

Natural makeup brushes are often made of various animal hair and fur, and often tend to be pricer than synthetic options. Synthetic bristle brushes are typically made from man-made materials, like nylon and other plastics polymers. It's also been said that natural brushes tend to feel softer on the face, but many synthetic brushes are designed to feel equally comfortable during the application process.

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine