The 14 Best Makeup Brushes | 2022
The 14 Best Makeup Brushes of All Time, According to Our Editors
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Building a collection of great makeup products is only half the battle, while the other is finding the best makeup brushes to make application a breeze. When searching for the best face makeup brushes, it's important to keep one thing in mind: the tool that you use to apply your makeup is just as important as the powders, liquids, and creams themselves. That's why when we find a makeup brush we like, we stick to it. For most of us typically search beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty for new makeup brushes to try, but some of the best drugstore makeup brushes can be found at Target, CVS, and Amazon.
On the list ahead, we've rounded up our favorite brushes of all time — ones that have earned that title not only for their ability to seamlessly apply our beauty products but also for their ultrasoft bristles, not-so-hefty price tags, and durability. Some are new to the market, while others have been our editors' go-to's for years. Whether it's a buffing foundation brush that gives skin an airbrushed finish, a dense eyeshadow brush that packs on the pigment, or a travel-friendly kabuki brush you'll want to bring with you everywhere, we've included them all.
Check out our editors' favorite makeup brushes ahead.
Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
The Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush ($25) blends foundation onto your skin quickly and seamlessly. The dense bristles help to get a full-coverage look on your skin.
E.L.F. Kabuki Face Brush
The sturdy, under-$10 E.L.F. Kabuki Face Brush ($7) sweeps loose powder across your face to give you a seamless, airbrushed complexion.
Rephr Brush 22
If you only have one bronzer brush in your makeup collection, make it this one. The Rephr Brush 22 ($110) has soft, fluffy bristles that make it so easy to get a natural-looking sun-kissed complexion. Use it for all-over bronzer, to contour, or to dust on setting powder.
Morphe Flat Buffer Foundation Brush in "M6"
Who needs a filter when you have the Morphe Flat Buffer Foundation Brush in "M6" ($15), which has supersoft synthetic bristles in a dense, kabuki shape that's perfect for buffing.
It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7
It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 ($49) is our go-to brush for applying both concealer and foundation.
MAC Angled Eye Brush
The MAC Small Angle Brush ($21) is an angled eye brush that is typically used for precise gel liner application, but you can utilize it in other ways, too. Get a bold brow look by sketching a white pigment around your arches and then blending it in to make them stand out more.
Morphe Mini Buffer Brush in M173
This Morphe Mini Buffer Brush in M173 ($9) can take away the stress of reaching those hard-to-reach spots on the face (like around your nose) while perfecting under-eye applications.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheek-Hugging Highlight Brush 120
The unique shape of the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheek-Hugging Highlight Brush 120 ($32) allows you to get natural-looking color on your cheeks.
E.l.f. Cosmetics Travel Blending Brush
The E.l.f. Cosmetics Travel Blending Brush ($7) is travel-friendly and great for blending all of your favorite powder products.
IT Brushes For Ulta Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set
The Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set ($50) is the ultimate travel set, featuring six different brushes for all your makeup needs.
Real Techniques Makeup Setting Brush
The soft and fluffy bristles of the Real Techniques Makeup Setting Brush ($8) will successfully lock in your concealer to create a fresh and flawless finish. It can also be used to dust on your favorite highlighter, contour, or blush.
E.l.f. Powder Brush
The $5 — yes, $5 — E.L.F. Powder Brush ($6) buffs out powders like foundation, contour, and blush with its soft bristles.
MAC Cosmetics 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush
The MAC Cosmetics 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush ($21) is thin enough to achieve the perfect cat-eye look using gel or liquid liner or if you're looking to create tiny details to pull a look together.
Morphe Smudger Brush in M213
The Morphe Smudger Brush in M213 ($5) is perfect for any smoky-eye occasion. The compact head makes blending and smudging eyeshadows and eyeliners a breeze.
