Top 10 Must-Have Makeup Brush Sets 2023

Top 10 Must-Have Makeup Brush Sets 2023

Top 10 Must-Have Makeup Brush Sets for Flawless Beauty in 2023

 Buying a makeup brush set can save you the hassle of searching for individual brushes. Sets come pre-packaged with a variety of tools needed to create a full look. Whether you're just starting out with makeup or looking to perfect an advanced look, there's a set for you. Beginner sets provide a good starting point, while eye brush sets are ideal for those looking to perfect their smoky eye.

Choosing the right set can be challenging since you're committing to the entire package. To help you make an informed decision, we asked two professional makeup artists - Kelly La Banco and Daniela Rodriguez - to recommend the best makeup brush sets. Based on their input, we've compiled a list of the top 10 sets, with the Kosas Complete Brush Collection being our top pick for its ease of use, high-quality vegan fibers, and attractive packaging.

Regardless of your makeup skills, you can upgrade your routine with our list of the best makeup brush sets. Check it out now!

1-BEST OVERALL: Kosas Complete Brush Collection at Kosas.com
As big admirers of Kosas, we can't help but sing the praises of this woman-led makeup brand that is revolutionizing the clean beauty scene with skin-friendly ingredients and eco-friendly materials. The Complete Brush Collection offers everything you need for a full face of makeup, without any extras. The brushes are easy to handle and boast an attractive design that will brighten up your vanity. Made from vegan, cruelty-free, and latex-free fibers that give a similar effect to real hair, these brushes have a soft and fluffy feel that will surprise you. Despite their softness, they are still strong enough to provide precise application and lasting use. Our only criticism is that while the angled cheek brush is great for applying powder blushes and bronzers, it may not be the best choice for blending cream formulas. Despite this, this kit is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users.

3-Best Oval Artis Elite 5-Piece Brush Set

Oval-shaped makeup brushes are designed with more bristles than traditional brushes to provide a more uniform and effortless application. According to Rodriguez, the densely packed bristles allow for more product to be applied to the skin. Artis is a leader in the oval brush category and offers exceptional quality, although at a higher cost. The brand's focus on ergonomics provides more control over the tool, leading to superior blending and a smooth airbrushed finish, making them ideal for special events and photo-ready moments. The five-piece set covers the face, eyes, and brows, providing the essential tools, but beginners may want to consider a more user-friendly set.

4-Best Valuee.l.f. Cosmetics 19 Piece Brush Collection

E.l.f. offers high-quality makeup brushes at an affordable price. They are known for durability compared to more expensive options, making them a great choice for those who are always experimenting with new makeup looks. This extensive brush set includes brushes for all your application needs, no matter if you're using cream, powder, or liquid formulas. The kit also includes unique brushes such as an angled eyeliner brush and a mascara fan brush, making it a versatile choice for creating any look. Although there have been some reported inconsistencies in the set, these instances are rare. 

5-Best Design: Tarte All Jazzed Up Brush Set 

The Tarte 5-piece brush set is an affordable and attractive option for those starting a brush collection or looking to add a touch of beauty to their makeup routine. The angled cheek brush is a standout tool that lifts and sculpts, creating a highlighted and glowing look. The set includes all the necessary brushes for daily makeup use, but some may wish the bristles were softer.

6-Best Vegan: Hourglass Vegan Face and Eye Travel Brush Set


Hourglass brushes are the real deal! People go crazy over them because they always land on those "best of" lists, and for good reason. The synthetic bristles are super soft and fluffy, making it super easy to achieve that perfect, blended, and glowy look. And can we talk about those handles? Made of metal, they give you ultimate precision control. But the real MVP has got to be the dual-sided Ambient Lighting Edit Brush - this baby is like the Swiss Army Knife of brushes. It can be used for powders, bronzers, blushes, and highlighters. The brushes in this kit are all top-notch, but this one is just special. The length and weight of these brushes are great for everyday use, but maybe not so much for packing in your travel bag.

7-Best for Face: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush & Sponge Set

Introducing a kit that's got it all, including an eyeshadow brush because hey, why limit ourselves? But it's the face brushes that really steal the show. They work wonders with powder, cream, and liquid products, making it easy to achieve a flawless finish. And don't even get us started on the RT300 brush, which doubles as a crease brush for your peepers AND a concealer builder. The latex-free sponge is like a multitool, with a flat edge for contouring, precision tip for zapping blemishes, and rounded sides for seamless blending. The quality for the price? Unbeatable. Just a heads up though, these brushes may not be forever friends, they may start to shed over time.

8-Best for Eyes: Morphe X Ariel Signature Eyes 8-Piece Eye Brush Set

Get ready to unleash your inner makeup artist with Morphe - the brand that's been the talk of the town amongst beauty gurus and influencers alike! Known for their top-notch brush sets, these bad boys will have you saying "wow" with every stroke. The quality of each brush may vary, but don't worry, we (and countless other beauty buffs) are smitten with this set! With 8 brushes, each one feels as soft as a baby's bottom, creating clean lines and flawlessly distributing makeup. Standout brushes in this set include the A19 Dual-Ended brush for prepping your peepers and the A16 Defining Brush for the perfect liner. And the best part? You get the best of both worlds with some brushes made of synthetic fibers and others made of natural hair. Trust us, a mix of both is key for the ultimate application. The only thing missing? A matching case to store these beauties.

9-Best for Beginners: EcoTools Daily Defined Eye Makeup Brush Kit 
This brush set is the perfect choice for those just starting out with makeup. It includes five essential brushes to create a full look - one for foundation, one for blush and three for eyeshadow application. Despite its affordability, it doesn't compromise on quality. EcoTools, the manufacturer of this set, uses eco-friendly and vegan materials, making it gentle on even the most sensitive skin. I have personally used a set of these brushes for years and with proper care and storage, they have held up well and still perform as well as, if not better than, high-end brands. Plus, they're compact and can easily fit into a tin holder for on-the-go use. However, if you're an experienced makeup artist, these brushes might be too basic for your needs.

10-Best Splurge: Westman Atelier The Brush Collection

Westman Atelier's brush set is a great investment for anyone looking for high-quality, luxurious brushes for their makeup application. The founder, Gucci Westman, has a wealth of experience as an editorial makeup artist and is committed to using clean, holistic materials in all of her products. Each brush is handcrafted in Japan by one of the world's top brush makers and has a buttery feel that makes makeup application a breeze. The included red cylinder is not only practical for storage, but also adds a touch of chic to your vanity. Although good quality brushes can be expensive, they are worth the investment as they will last a lifetime with proper care, which includes regular washing. It's worth noting that the bristles are ivory, so they may require more frequent washing to maintain their quality.

Whether you're a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a brush set out there for you. It all comes down to your skills, goals, daily routine, and of course, budget.

Starting out? No problemo! The EcoTools Fresh Face Everyday Makeup Brush Set, Kosas Complete Brush Collection, or Tarte All Jazzed Up Brush Set are a great place to begin your collection. Want to add some drama to your eyes? The Morphe X Ariel Signature Eyes 8-Piece Eye Brush Set will have you creating stunning eye looks in no time. Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to the luxe Hourglass Cosmetics Vegan Brush Travel Set.

Remember, makeup brushes are personal tools, so choose the set that suits you best. If you're just starting out, a basic set with brushes for foundation, powder, blush, eye shadow, and eyeliner is a great place to begin. And don't forget, the higher quality brushes tend to be more expensive but they're also more durable and long-lasting.

Last but not least, keep your brushes clean and in tip-top shape. Regular cleaning will help maintain their shape and keep them free from bacteria. So, choose wisely, have fun, and let's get brushing!!

How do I use a makeup brush set?

Ready to have some fun with makeup brushes? You've come to the right place! Whether you're starting your brush collection or revamping your oldies, a makeup brush set is just what you need. These sets come with all the essentials (five or more brushes) to create a gorgeous full-face look. And if you're looking for something extra special, there are sets that cater to your eye makeup needs or your love for powders. But hey, if you're only looking to add one or two brushes to your collection, individual brushes are perfect for that too!

The famous makeup artist La Banco says that there are nine brushes that you should have in your kit for everyday use. For a flawless face, she recommends having an angled blush brush (for some face sculpting), a setting powder brush (for a soft focus finish), a small setting brush (for those oily hotspots), and a concealer brush (for hiding redness). And for your peepers, you need crease and blending brushes to blend your eyeshadow seamlessly, angled and flat liner brushes for effortless eyeliner application, and a smudge brush to blend out harsh lines. Now, have some fun with your brushes!

What is the proper way to clean makeup brushes?

As a general guideline, it's recommended to clean your brushes once a week if you're using them regularly to maintain good hygiene and prolong their lifespan. For a deep cleaning, La Banco suggests soaking the brushes in Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner for a few minutes, followed by washing them with Zote Laundry Bar Soap to thoroughly purify and clean the bristles. If you don't have access to these products, you can use any shampoo to clean your brushes. Simply lather the bristles with soap, rinse them with water, and let them air dry. 

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Sources: instyle.com

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