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The 15 Best Makeup Brush Sets of 2026 for Every Level of Mastery

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these bestselling brush sets will help you achieve camera-ready results.

Claire Sullivan, Stacia Datskovska, Camila Quimper

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August 21, 2026, 7:38pm

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black makeup brush set

Courtesy Canva, Iryna Veklich/Getty Images

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“I love a good brush set because it can encourage you to start experimenting with new techniques that you might not have otherwise considered,” Vincent explains. “For example, an angled eyeshadow brush can be used in many more ways than a standard flat brush. You might learn to create a color wash with the wide section of the brush, and then use the narrow side to make an accent with a darker color.”

It also helps that there’s “usually a price break,” in Vincent’s own words, when you opt to purchase an entire set versus individual blush brushes, bronzer brushes, and eye makeup brushes. “Even if one of the brushes doesn’t become a favorite, the value is [still] there,” she reiterates.

The best set of makeup brushes for you depends on your beauty preferences, the bristle varieties that work with your skin, and whether or not you’d benefit from special features like weighted handles for shaky hands.

To curate this list of the best makeup brushes in 2026, we spoke with Vincent; celebrity makeup artist Linda Hay; Jamie Makeup founder Jamie Greenberg; and Nechelle Turner, global makeup artist for Jane Iredale.

Ahead, editor-loved eye makeup brush sets, travel makeup brush sets, and professional makeup brush sets with all the implements you need for casual or special-occasion glam.

most searched

EcoTools Sea Gems Face Set

$16.99

Buy Now at iherb

If complexion makeup is your main focus, you may not require an entire brush portfolio. EcoTools’ Sea Gems Face Set pares things down to just four brushes for applying and blending your base, blush, bronzer, and other complexion products. The swirl fou n dation brush buffs foundation, just as the cream blush brush diffuses color on the cheeks. There’s also a kabuki brush for powder in the mix, plus a seashell-shaped sponge (so darling!) made especially for blending.

The handles here are partially crafted out of ocean-bound plastic, and the set as a whole is vegan and cruelty-free.

amazon’s choice

Sigma Beauty Most-Wanted Brush Set

$80.43

Buy Now at amazon

Your makeup brush collection doesn’t need to rival a professional makeup artist’s kit to get the job done. Sigma’s Most-Wanted Brush Set makes a convincing argument for keeping things streamlined — with five versatile brushes that cover the basics, and then some. The F80 Flat Kabuki is ideal for buffing and stippling foundation, while the F35 Tapered Highlighter doubles down on powder, highlighter, and contour. The E25, E40, and E30, in the meantime, handle eyeshadow blending and detail work.

Trust us when we say: These brushes will earn their place in your routine rather than wasting space in your drawer.

revolve’s #1 bestseller

M.O.T.D Cosmetics Hooded Eye Makeup Brush Set

$43

Buy Now at revolve

Hooded eyes can turn even the simplest eyeshadow look into a precision exercise, which is where the M.O.T.D. Cosmetics Hooded Eye Makeup Brush Set comes in to save your day. As you might’ve guessed, the five-piece assortment is designed exclusively for hooded eye shapes, with smaller brush heads that let you put on and blend pigment exactly where you want it. You’ll get dedicated brushes for crease work, eyeshadow application, smudging, blending, and eyeliner. Translation: There’s no need to force one oversized brush to do every job on the resume.

The pro-performance Taklon fibers featured front and center, known to mimic the sensation of boar hair while delivering streak-free finishes and never irritating sensitive skin, are also hypoallergenic and antibacterial — giving the set plenty of practical appeal.

stellar ratings

Evrchgiea Professional Makeup Brush Set

$18.99 $21.99 14% off

Buy Now at amazon

Think of this as the beauty equivalent of having a fully stocked kitchen: You may not use every tool every day, but it’s nice to have the correct one when you need it. Amazon’s Professional Makeup Brush Set is outfitted with 25 brushes, 10 makeup sponges, and a travel case for good measure, making it the most comprehensive option in our roundup.

The bristles you’ll encounter are silky against skin and flexible, while the wooden handles are guaranteed to sit comfortably in your hand as you build pigment. An illustrated guide is included, too, which can come in handy if you’re experimenting with different brush shapes and want a little direction along the way.

affordable & high-quality

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set

$20

Buy Now at ulta

Some makeup brushes are fun to try only once, while others become permanent fixtures in your beauty bag. Real Techniques’ Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set will fall into the latter category, dear reader. The five-part starter set is composed of four brushes covering the complexion and e yes that are joined by the brand’s Miracle Complexion Sponge for tapping, blending, and buffing.

It’s an easy-to-use beauty purchase that our editors continue reaching for year after year… even after testing plenty of other brushes.

over 60k hearts

Sephora Collection The Total Brush Set

$65

Buy Now at sephora

A well-rounded compilation of makeup brushes should give you the proper tool for each task at hand without complicating the regimen unnecessarily. Sephora’s The Total Brush Set offers eight brushes spanning complexion, cheeks, eyes, and brows, with selections for foundation, concealer, powder, blush and contour, eyeshadow, crease blending, smudging, and brows.

Rather than collecting brushes one at a time, you get a coordinated lineup that can readily support you through a complete makeup look. The accompanying bag also makes it easy to take your newest investment on that upcoming getaway.

revolve’s #2 bestseller

Iconic London All Angles Brush Set

$125

Buy Now at revolve

If you love a little sculpting action, look no further than the overqualified All Angles Brush Set. Aside from its everyday complexion and eye brushes, the 12-piece makeup arsenal boasts tools for contouring the nose, defining the high points and hollows of the face, sharpening sculpted edges, and creating a more precise brow or wing.

The collection isn’t limited to full glam, though: Several brushes are meant to work towards sheer, luminous coverage and softly blended color. The choice is completely yours with this Iconic London crowd favorite, no matter if you like to keep things natural or dial up the drama.

luxe look

Laura Geller New York Professional Makeup Brush Set

$49

Buy Now at amazon

You might not be a makeup pro quite yet, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to own professional-level makeup gadgets. This sleek, sophisticated, five-piece set from Laura Geller New York receives high praise on Amazon. What you’ll be getting here? Thick, vegan, shed-proof, and plush brushes that deal masterfully with foundations, powders, blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows, and more.

We specifically have a soft spot for that kabuki brush, which can be swept across your cheeks in broad strokes or patted on them with intent. For bonus points, this is the only brush in the kit that’s retractable, meaning you can take it with you from the plane to the train to the dinner date — ensuring your look stays impeccable every step of the way.

led mirror included

BS-Mall Travel Makeup Brush Set

$17.99

Buy Now at amazon

Going abroad and want to look stunning for all those Instagram posts on the horizon? Instead of figuring out how to pack your larger makeup brush set into a weekender bag or suitcase, temporarily swap it out for a travel makeup brush set — like this Amazon top seller with thousands of positive reviews. Each of its brushes has a wooden handle that’s pleasant to the touch, as well as nylon bristles that will never play rough with your skin.

The marquee element here, though, is undoubtedly that carrying case, which is equipped with a built-in mirror capable of swiveling 360 degrees, LED lights, USB-C charging, and touchscreen capabilities. No longer do you have to stealthily reapply your highlighter while on the go, as this set allows you to flex your artistic prowess from anywhere.

fully recycled

Jenny Patinkin Sustainable Dual-Ended Luxury Makeup Brush Set

$150

Buy Now at jenny patinkin

Beauty expert and makeup artist to the stars Jenny Patinkin knows what people need when it comes to makeup brushes that go the extra mile, and it’s safe to say the ones in this set dole out quality in spades. Inherently space-saving due to their dual-ended nature, the picks all flaunt special features like domed shapes, angled orientations, or “demi-stiff” textures that go better with certain makeup products.

The bristles in question are recycled, and so are the weighted handles adjacent to them. What’s more, the set promises to have 2.5 times as many bristles per brush as competing models.

travel-friendly

It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

$50

Buy Now at ulta

Shoppers can’t stop raving about how beautifully It Cosmetics’ makeup brushes blend face makeup, and the set above more than lives up to the hype. The company’s Heavenly Luxe powder brush alone costs $50, so consider this Ulta exclusive a major bargain: coming to you with six brushes for the same exact price.

Whereas some travel makeup brush sets are made up of miniaturized tools, this one takes advantage of full-sized face and eye brushes that you can store inside a sunglass case–sized pouch.

good for beginners

E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Collection

$15

Buy Now at amazon

Newsflash: You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg in order to get a handful of brushes that feel amazing and know their way around makeup. Two WWD Shop writers use E.l.f.’s Cosmetics Brush Set on the daily, appreciating its nonexistent learning curve and roster of six brushes that pay dividends in context of the brows, eyelids, and complexion.

Psst… We found that they stay in mint condition when washed regularly with mild soap and warm water.

expert-vetted

Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Brush Set

$340

Buy Now at Nordstrom

Hourglass is renowned for its luxury makeup brushes, which get a seal of approval from celebrities like Hailey Bieber. Each brush in the pictured set has bristles that were manufactured out of PETA-approved Taklon, not to mention heavier-than-average metal handles that are godsends for makeup lovers dealing with shakes or tremors. Hay says she can’t live without these Hourglass essentials, explaining that they are beautifully engineered and “become an extension of your hand.”

Individual Hourglass makeup brushes sometimes sell for over $60 a pop, making this crème de la crème offering an absolute bargain at $340.

best for eyeshadow

Morphe Eye Want It All Eye Brush Set

$28

Buy Now at ulta

Eyeshadow palette enthusiasts know that Morphe makes some of the most coveted, colorful ones on the market… so leave it to the brand to create a stellar eyeshadow makeup brush set that doesn’t only cater to its own eyeshadow line. Perfect for those who prefer to make a statement on the lids, the Eye Want It All Brush Set comes with seven makeup brushes in total, from the full and fluffy to the pencil-like.

most elevated design

Saie The Brush Collection

$152

Buy Now at saie

It’s true: Saie makeup brushes are TikTok sensations, and searches for them have tallied hundreds of millions of views on the app at this point. The Big Brush (second from left) gets the most attention on BeautyTok, where testers showcase how it effortlessly applies cream and liquid products for a skin-mimicking result. With this top makeup brush set, you’ll get the tool along with a complexion brush, double-ended eye brush for highlighting and contouring, blush brush, and fluffy brush for powder work.

Name a better quintet, we’ll wait.

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Types of Brushes in a Makeup Brush Set

Despite what you may see on social media, you don’t need an overwhelming number of brushes to achieve a professional-level look. According to Greenberg and Hay, your kit should include a mix of the following types of makeup brushes:

Foundation brushes to apply and blend your face makeup. Hay recommends keeping two: One for applying foundation and the other for polishing the skin.

Angled brushes for brows and eyeliner.

Eyeshadow brushes in various sizes. Hay suggests options that range from the tiniest point for fine work to big, fluffy eyeshadow brushes for buffing and blending shadows.

Pencil brushes to use on the lower lash line and for a more concentrated shadow color in the outer corner of your eye.

Concealer brushes for smaller, more targeted applications.

Powder brushes for applying setting powder to the T-zone, as well as blending powder bronzer or blush onto the skin.

Angled contour brushes for bronzer and contour sticks.

Lip brushes to detail richly pigmented lip colors and to blend-slash-diffuse lip liner.

What to Look for in the Best Makeup Brush Sets

Not all makeup brushes are created equal. When shopping for this beauty category, there are some key details to consider.

Synthetic vs. natural hair: Turner explains that bristles on makeup brushes are either natural or synthetically made from nylon, polyester, and other faux fibers. Natural hair brushes, per Turner, have cuticles, making them porous and therefore better able to attract and keep the product in the brush (which ultimately results in a more sheer application).

“Their porous nature can also make them a breeding ground for bacteria,” Turner says, adding that natural hair brushes tend to have a higher price point with questionable longevity.

Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, are nonporous. As such, they “pick up and distribute more product onto the skin for a defined and precise application,” Turner tells WWD. It’s worth noting that stiff synthetic brushes or those with a shiny coating can result in a streaky final look, so you’d be wise to invest in those with fluffier, softer bristles.

Hay uses a mix of natural and synthetic brushes on her celebrity clients, and she notes that the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. “The quality of synthetic bristles has come such a long way,” Hay explains, noting that Hourglass makes options she loves to use.

“In either case, look for shedding,” Turner warns. “Shedding or lack thereof is a good indicator of the fiber quality as a whole.”

Number of makeup brushes: Be realistic about how many brushes you need and how many brushes you’ll actually use on a daily basis. “If you’re advanced and like to try new techniques, a larger set with a wide variety [of brushes] will suit you best,” Vincent shares. “If you’re relatively simple with your makeup, then an edited set will be great for you.”

“A basic brush set for the minimalist might be a five- to eight-piece one with foundation, blush, powder, lip, and eyeshadow brushes,” says Hay, who also notes that double-ended brush sets are especially handy, seeing as how a five-brush set with dual bristles gives you 10 total brush options to work with.

Handle material and length: Vincent tells us that, as far as length goes, medium or short handles work well and fit better within a personal makeup bag. However, for a professional makeup artist, longer handles are the move when applying powder or blush. “This allows me to view my client from slightly further back, giving me a fuller picture of what I’m creating,” she says.

In terms of handle material, you pretty much have two choices: wooden or plastic. “This may not be important for everyone,” Vincent prefaces, “but specifically for natural brushes, I prefer a beautiful wooden handle and brush hairs that have been hand-cut and tied. This usually means a high attention to detail has been given to the taper and placement of the brush hairs, which I find translates to a more refined lay-down of powdered products.”

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

You wash your face every day, so why should your makeup brushes get a free pass? If you’re wondering how to clean makeup brushes properly, the process is actually pretty intuitive. Regular maintenance can go a long way in removing the makeup, oil, dead skin cells, and debris that build up on your tools — all while keeping the bristles in good shape.

For a typical makeup routine, a weekly deep clean is a solid rule of thumb. However, brushes used with foundation, concealer, and other cream or liquid formulas may require more frequent attention because they tend to hold onto more product.

Rinse with lukewarm water: Start by wetting the bristles with lukewarm water while holding the brush downward. Avoid running water directly over the ferrule or handle, since moisture can work its way into these brush parts and weaken the adhesive.

You also don’t need hot water to get the job done. Lukewarm water is enough to loosen makeup residue while being gentler on the bristles.

Add brush cleanser: Place a small amount of brush cleanser on your palm or a cleaning mat. Swirl the brush through the cleanser using light, circular motions, concentrating on the bristle tips before gradually working toward the middle.

For larger, denser brushes, a textured cleaning mat or glove can help break up the most stubborn foundation and powder buildup. Just remember that greater pressure doesn’t necessarily correlate with a deeper clean.

Rinse until clean: Once you’ve worked the cleanser through the brush, rinse it under lukewarm water once more until said water runs clear. If you still see makeup coming out of the bristles, repeat the cleansing step rather than scrubbing harder.

Gently squeeze excess water out with a towel and reshape the bristles with your fingers. Avoid twisting or wringing the brush, which can cause wear and shedding.

Dry flat: Lay your brush flat on a clean towel to dry off or use a brush-drying rack. Keeping it flat or angled downward prevents remaining water from traveling into the ferrule.

This is one step you don’t want to speed through. Ensure your brush is completely dry before using it again, and avoid putting damp brushes back into a makeup bag or closed container. A hair dryer may seem like a convenient shortcut, but heat can damage delicate bristles and adhesive.

Give frequently used brushes extra attention: If you’re reaching for the same foundation or concealer brush every morning, consider using a daily brush cleaner between weekly washes. A quick spray-and-wipe routine can effectively remove any surface residue, although it shouldn’t replace a proper deep clean.

If your brushes have started looking a little more “well-loved” than luxurious, take that as your sign to double down on upkeep. Cleanness isn’t just better for the instruments themselves — it can also make your makeup go on smoother and more evenly.

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Linda Hay is a world-renowned makeup artist known for her uncanny ability to highlight what is unique within all her subjects. Hay’s work has appeared on the covers of magazines from W to Elle to Allure, and she’s worked with Hollywood elite like Heidi Klum, Selena Gomez, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore, and Naomi Watts — making sure the stars look nothing short of head-turning for red carpet events.

Jamie Greenberg is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup. After painting the faces of stars like Kristen Stewart, Kaley Cuoco, Rashinda Jones, and more, Greenberg has rightfully earned her stripes as one of the top makeup artists in the country. A master of both jaw-dropping red carpet looks and natural, no-makeup makeup, Greenberg has a loyal following of over 350,000 over on Instagram, where you can catch some of her latest work.

Danielle Kimiko Vincent is the founder of ultra-popular makeup brand Kimiko. She’s also a makeup artist and brow expert who’s considered an industry authority in the world of beauty. Vincent’s work has been seen in various national publications, and she’s widely lauded for her trademark less-is-more approach.

Nechelle Turner is a global makeup artist for beauty brand Jane Iredale. Turner has worked in the industry for decades, creating flawless looks for clients (many of whom have walked the red carpets of both the Grammys and BET Awards) while also educating other makeup artists about the craft.

Meet the Authors

Claire Sullivan was the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote and edited beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. Sullivan has reported on and tested makeup brush sets for over eight years.

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on trending beauty products and how to shop them most effectively.

Camila Quimp e r is a Commerce Writer at Penske Media, where she covers fashion, beauty, luxury shopping, and the latest trends across WWD, Footwear News, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rolling Stone. Previously, Quimper was a Commerce Editor at E! News, and her work has also appeared in Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, i-D, Dazed, and other publications. Before joining E! News, Quimper got her start in e-commerce at Hearst Magazines, testing products alongside the Good Housekeeping Institute team, covering major shopping events, and curating gift guides. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism from London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London and loves reporting on the best beauty finds to add to cart.

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The 15 Best Makeup Brush Sets of 2026 for Every Level of Mastery

In this article

View More

Top Makeup Brush Sets of 2026

EcoTools Sea Gems Face Set

Sigma Beauty Most-Wanted Brush Set

M.O.T.D Cosmetics Hooded Eye Makeup Brush Set

Evrchgiea Professional Makeup Brush Set

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set

Sephora Collection The Total Brush Set

Iconic London All Angles Brush Set

Laura Geller New York Professional Makeup Brush Set

BS-Mall Travel Makeup Brush Set

Jenny Patinkin Sustainable Dual-Ended Luxury Makeup Brush Set

It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Collection

Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Brush Set

Morphe Eye Want It All Eye Brush Set

Saie The Brush Collection

Related Articles

EcoTools Sea Gems Face Set

Sigma Beauty Most-Wanted Brush Set

M.O.T.D Cosmetics Hooded Eye Makeup Brush Set

Evrchgiea Professional Makeup Brush Set

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set

Sephora Collection The Total Brush Set

Iconic London All Angles Brush Set

Laura Geller New York Professional Makeup Brush Set

BS-Mall Travel Makeup Brush Set

Jenny Patinkin Sustainable Dual-Ended Luxury Makeup Brush Set

It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Collection

Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Brush Set

Morphe Eye Want It All Eye Brush Set

Saie The Brush Collection

Types of Brushes in a Makeup Brush Set

What to Look for in the Best Makeup Brush Sets

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Experts

Meet the Authors

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