Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best drugstore makeup brushes can be your ultimate companion in the makeup game. Just a bag full of the best makeup products such as eyeshadow, foundation, concealers, or blush isn’t enough. You also need a set of good makeup brushes that help you apply them and blend them well.
Makeup brushes can be those made with natural or synthetic bristles. Each has a different utility, so a different look will need a different brush. With various brushes available online, choosing the best ones can be confusing. Thus, we have listed some great makeup brushes with proven efficacy that you should consider adding to your makeup stash.
Top Picks
15 Best Drugstore Makeup Brushes
1. Best Long-Lasting:Real Techniques Professional Setting Makeup Brush
Image: Real Techniques Contour your face smoothly with this setting brush by Real Techniques and ensure your foundation and concealer are applied accurately. The professional-grade brush is designed to pick up just the right amount of liquid or powder when using makeup. With its soft bristles, the tapered makeup brush lets you accentuate the best features of your face. The brush can also be easily cleaned with sponges and is long-lasting.
Pros
- Tapered for precise application
- Fluffy bristles for natural blending
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ideal for cream or powder highlighters and setting powders
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
- May absorb a lot of product
Point to consider2. Best Cruelty-Free:Wet n wild Powder Makeup Brush
Image: Wet N Wild 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 98,190 reviews on Amazon.
Blend your makeup products with ease with this powder brush. It has a large surface and is plushy, thus allowing you to lift the perfect amount of powder. With the brush, you can avoid using too much powder when applying makeup on your face and get the best results when contouring and highlighting. The highlighter brush is made of materials that are vegan-friendly and is also cruelty-free. This review video demonstrates how the product works, making it easier to pick the right one for your needs.
Pros
- Suitable for all types of makeup products
- Comfortable brush handle
- Works for every skin tone
- Crimped bristles for even application
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Bristles may shed after a few washes
- Edges of the bristles may be coarse for sensitive skin
"This brush has ticked all the right boxes – it's soft, sturdy, and spreads the product without shedding. It has also maintained its fluffiness despite being used and washed regularly. All in all, it has become my favorite brush for blush and bronzer application."
3. Best Best For Easy Application:EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set
Image: Ecotools Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 11,315 good reviews on Amazon.
This set of two brushes has four brush ends that are ideal for applying eyeliner and eyeshadow. Being one of the best brushes for eyeshadow application, it comes in handy when shading and blending makeup around the eyebrow area. On the other hand, the angled liner/smudger brush helps create a perfect cat-eye look. The recycled aluminum and plastic brushes are also of small size and are ideal for travel. The brushes are specifically designed to ensure that the eyeliner and eyeshadow can be applied with accuracy. Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Check out this video showcasing a tester’s experience to understand how this bamboo makeup brush set works.
Pros
- Handcrafted tools
- Soft and shed-free brush
- Offers good grip
- Tapered bristles
- Vegan
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- No dedicated storage case
- Handles may be slightly fragile
Real Techniques Professional Setting Makeup Brush | Wet n wild Powder Makeup Brush | EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handle Material | - | Silicone | Wood |
| Skin Type | - | All | All |
| Color | - | Powder Brush | Green |
| Dimensions | - | 7.28 x 1.77 x 0.39 inches | 2 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.26 Ounces | 0.63 Ounces |
| Material | - | - | Bamboo |
| Bristle Material | - | - | Polyester |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,759 | 98,190 | 11,315 |
| Price | $7.99 | $3.49 | $5.87 |
4. Best Ultra-Soft: Flower Beauty Ultimate Precision Makeup Brush
Image: Flower If you are a beauty enthusiast, the Flower Beauty makeup brush is a good addition to your makeup kit. Its ultra-soft bristles ensure easy blending and buff away your makeup for a flawless finish. The ergonomic handle offers superior comfort during application, allowing you to achieve stunning makeup looks. Additionally, the celebrity-endorsed precision makeup brush is also durable.
Pros
- Ideal for highlighting and defining
- High-quality
- Easy to clean
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might shed over time
"It's only been a few days since I got this brush, but I can even think of returning to my old one. Light and feathery, it applies my blush subtly without overdoing the color, and I can place the product exactly where I want. Overall, it excels at delivering soft, evenly distributed color."
Beauty tip5. Best Vegan-Friendly: e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush
Image: E.l.f Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 5,724 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
e.l.f brings you this drugstore foundation brush designed for use by professionals who use expert technique. The bristles are shaped to pick up the perfect amount of foundation, blush, or bronzer to ensure that the makeup, when applied, is blended perfectly on the face without any lines or visible streaks. This oval brush can be used with liquid, powder, and mousse makeup. It is also vegan-friendly and is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Dome-shaped head
- Densely packed bristles
- Offers even coverage
- Handcrafted bristles
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
- Bristles may shed upon rough handling
6. Best Comfortable:Clothobeauty Premium Synthetic Kabuki Makeup Brush Kit
A brush with a great handle ensures a comfortable grip.This brush comes in an extra-large size and is a nice option when you are looking to apply powder or bronzer on to your face with ease. The brush is composed of ultra-soft and tapered synthetic bristles that ensure even hard-to-reach places around the eyes and lips are easily covered. With this synthetic brush that has densely packed bristles, you can powder your face with ease and provide even coverage flawlessly.
Pros
- Has a copper ferrule
- Handle made of wood
- Offers smooth coverage
- Ideal for quick blending
Cons
- Glue may not be strong enough
- Bristles may be a bit coarse
"Whether applying powder-based products or liquid foundation, this brush is my preferred option. It has also remained shed-free, and the large, fluffy head ensures light-handed application. Plus, the budget-friendly price is much appreciated."
7. Best With Bamboo Handle:Honest Beauty Foundation Brush
Image: Honest The foundation brush by Honest Beauty is the ideal tool for putting on your favorite foundation evenly. It features a bamboo handle and soft, synthetic bristles, ensuring a streak-free natural-looking finish. Moreover, the flexible fibers of bristles don’t trap the foundation, allowing you to create your desired look with just a small amount of makeup product.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Not tested on animals
- Sturdy handle
- Flexible fibers
Cons
- Some might find the bristles too soft
"With this brush, I have found an option that handles products of all consistencies. This brush's firm yet fluffy bristles work wonders with a variety of my products, from liquid foundations to loose powders and tinted moisturizers. Also, they always ensure a flawless finish."
Quick tip8. Best Natural-Looking Finish:Nyx Professional Makeup Pro Dual Brow Brush
Image: Nyx Achieve beautifully defined brows with the Nyx Professional makeup pro dual eyebrow brush. Its extra-soft bristles allow you to pick up and apply the product with precision, while the spoolie-ended brush helps with grooming and blending. Further, the angled brush head of this professional-grade vegan makeup brush seamlessly blends the product for a natural-looking finish, resulting in flawless brows.
Pros
- Synthetic and vegan bristles
- Pointed tip for precise application
- Ergonomic handle
- Works with most eyebrow formulas
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not suit all skin types
- Might not be suitable for creating bold brow looks
"After experimenting with different eye makeup brushes, I have finally settled on this one. Its softer, angled end works well for detailed looks, and the spoolie end is excellent for grooming. I use it daily and have even gifted it to fellow makeup enthusiasts."
9.Best Ultra-Plush Tool: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush
Image: It Cosmetics With this flat top buffing brush, applying a foundation is easy, and you can get an airbrushed finish to hide the flaws. The ultra-plush tool is composed of precisely cut bristles that are packed together densely. It helps pick up just the right amount of foundation or makeup to cover pores and other skin imperfections, including fine lines. The brush has a soft-touch handle that allows for easy gripping.
Pros
- Precision-cut brush head
- Recommended for foundation
- Provides natural looking coverage
- Ideal for setting powder
- Synthetic bristles
Cons
- Some might find the bristles a tad soft
- No bristle protection cover or mesh
"Despite featuring the softest bristles, this brush has stood the test of daily use. Its bristles make my foundation look flawless and blend the products without leaving streaks or a cakey finish. It may require proper care, but it has been a dependable find."
10. Best Anti-Bacterial:Revlon Kabuki Brush
Image: Revlon Try this Revlon brush that is designed with vegan-friendly synthetic fibers. The kabuki design brush has a tall and wide shape, and the bristles are packed to create a dense head. The head is designed to make the process of applying pressed or loose powders, bronzers, and foundations easy and mess-free. The TRX3 bristles are patent-pending and similar to natural hair, while their anti-bacterial coating helps reduce the chances of infections. The makeup artist-approved bronzer brush is long-lasting and can be washed up to 100 times.
Pros
- Great coverage in a single swipe
- Dome-shaped bristles
- Irritation-free
- Compact and convenient to use
Cons
- Bristles may shed after a few uses
"The bristles of this brush are firm enough to hold the product yet soft enough to not feel harsh on my skin. It hasn't shed a single bristle yet, and the compact build makes portability a breeze."
11. Best For Beginners:Revlon Starter Brush Kit, Premium
If you are a beginner and want to learn how to do your makeup properly, this brush kit might be the one for you. The kit contains three all-purpose brushes to help you achieve a seamless base, highlight, and contour hassle-free. These travel makeup brushes have wooden handles to offer a stable and easy grip and long-lasting performance, and the compact size and pouch bag allow you to carry them in your handbag easily.
Pros
- Quality brush head
- Includes a crease brush
- Soft and gentle on the skin
- Suitable for daily use
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Fibers may shed without proper maintenance
"I was gifted these brushes, and I must say I'm impressed. They have a gentle touch, and the quality seems excellent. I love using it for my daily makeup routine and am excited to see how long it will last me."
12. Best Handcrafted:Bella And Bear Blush Brush
Angled makeup brushes are convenient for covering hard-to-reach places. This brush, with angled bristles, is one among the best drugstore makeup brushes as it is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including the application of bronzer and contouring. Its bristles are also tapered to help pick up the right amount of makeup, whether you are using powder, liquid, or cream. The versatile drugstore brush is handcrafted to precise specifications and is ideal for contouring and blending.
Pros
- Mesh cover to protect the bristles
- Ideal for highlighter, blush, bronzers, and contour powders
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Soft bristles
- Perfect even for sensitive skin
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Bristles may shed
- May be larger than you expect
"The highlight of this brush is its wide barrel, a feature that makes it easy to maneuver. Though it shed a bit initially, it has remained sturdy since then, and I always find myself reaching for it when I need to apply bronzer."
13. Best Blending:Undone Beauty Handcrafted Angled Brush
Image: Undone Beauty Lay your hands on this handmade makeup brush designed for use over large areas of the face and body. The brush has angled bristles and ensures that blending appears natural without any streaks. It is also designed to be used with cream and powder-based makeup. It has bristles that are created from synthetic fiber and are soft and long-lasting. The angled bristles make the brush especially suitable for picking up the right amount of foundation and bronzer and for blending makeup in the under-eye region.
Pros
- No animal hair
- Versatile
- Ideal to blend the creams
- Bristles come in a unique shade
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- Has no storage pouch
- Bristles may be a tad long
"This contour brush has been a real asset for creating natural-looking shadows on my face. Its unique shape and density help me precisely place the product where I want it. It's great for cream products, and I love how well it blends."
14. Best Natural-Bristled:Maybelline New York Expert Tools Lip Brush
Image: Maybelline New York To apply the right amount of lipstick and coat your lips perfectly, you require a high-quality makeup brush. This top-quality natural brush for lips is designed with 100% natural fibers and helps users apply lipstick or gloss expertly. It has a retractable opening with a pop-up design, and the bristles are designed to coat the lips from the center and outwards. The natural-bristled makeup brush is especially handy when you want to apply lipstick and then lip gloss to let your lips look fuller.
Pros
- Comes with a secure cap
- Ensures precise application
- Soft bristles
- Easy to apply even on chapped lips
Cons
- May be less suitable for matte lipsticks
- May not hold shape for long
"I've been using this lip brush for a while now - I keep one at home and another in my purse for quick touch-ups. Its slanted shape is ideal for reaching the bottom of lipstick tubes and helps me make the most of my lip products."
15. Best Softening:bareMinerals Light Stroke Brush
Lay our hands on this stroke brush by bare Minerals that ensures easy eye makeup application. This pencil brush with dome-shaped bristles is designed to pick up the right amount of makeup. It is ideal for softening and blending makeup to lighten shadows when highlighting and contouring the face. The bristles of this expert-recommended contour brush are designed to provide a natural finish to makeup.
Pros
- Ensures even application
- Helps soften deep shadows
- Ideal for applying makeup around the eyes and nose
- Perfect for applying foundation or quick touch-up
Cons
- May be a bit scratchy
- Bristles may shed
"The brush is reliable for applying eye products and concealer, as it easily reaches the contours around the eyes and nose. Its bristles haven't shed even with consistent cleaning, so I am assured that it will be a part of my makeup kit for a long time."
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Makeup Brushes?
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right brush.
- Get a Kabuki brush or a loose powder brush with dense bristles and a short handle if you usually use powders that have a superfine texture or a mineral-based foundation.
- Concealer brushes that have a small tip are ideal for applying the right amount of product on a pimple. These brushes also ensure the application of concealer is realistic, and they can be cleaned easily.
- A half-inch wide brush is ideal for applying concealer under the eyes and is useful when you have to cover up dark circles.
- Using a brush with large bristles allows for just the right amount of bronzer/blush to be picked up and used.
- Bristles made from natural materials are better when powder-based makeup is used. Synthetic-bristled makeup brushes are ideal when using beauty products such as liquid or cream foundation as they are easy to clean and maintain.
How Often Should You Clean Drugstore Makeup Brushes?
Brushes that are used for powder-based makeup need to be cleaned less often, about once in two weeks. Those used for cream or liquid makeup should be cleaned after use every time to reduce bacteria formation.
Paula Navarro, a professional makeup artist and style expert, says, “You may clean the tip of your makeup brush using lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo. Rinse well with clean water and lay it flat on a cloth to dry. It is also a good idea to invest in a brush cleanser liquid.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it worth buying expensive makeup brushes?
It’s worth investing in an expensive makeup brush set because most reputed ones are skin-friendly and long-lasting. Moreover, you need the right brushes to get the best out of your makeup products.
2. How can I tell if a makeup brush is of good quality?
Irrespective of the pricing, functionality should be the primary criterion for buying a makeup brush. Quality drugstore makeup brush sets should be ergonomically designed, shed-free, soft-bristled, plush, and easy to clean.
3. Does it matter what kind of makeup brush I use?
Yes, the type of makeup brush you use matters. Using wrong or mediocre brushes can distort your makeup application and harm your skin if the bristles are rough. To protect your skin from irritation and scratches, it’s important to use soft and gentle makeup brushes.
4. Is a foundation brush worth it?
Yes, here are some advantages of using a good foundation brush. It lets you use less makeup and helps spread the products evenly. It also facilitates the buffing process, especially when using powder-based makeup
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product writer with a flair for reviewing beauty and personal care products. She has meticulously sifted through several e-commerce websites and considered reader reviews and ratings to give you these drugstore makeup brush recommendations. Going through various makeup brushes available online may be confusing and cumbersome. Thus, this list eases your task by providing a useful description of each product. Moreover, the writer has also included a buying guide to help you select the product that meets your needs.
The Bottom Line
Drugstore makeup brushes can be the real game-changers in your makeup routine. They help you apply makeup with ease and define and accentuate your facial features. Choose a brush based on your requirements–a brush with large bristles helps spread the makeup evenly throughout the face. For powder-based makeup products, a brush made of natural materials works best, while for liquid or cream makeup, a brush with synthetic bristles makes an ideal pick. You may consider the Real Techniques Professional Setting Makeup Brush, whose soft bristles work well with powders, the EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set for its travel-friendly size, and the Nyx Professional Makeup Pro Dual Brow Brush for precise application and blending. Now, getting your dream look has become easy with the help of the options provided here.
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