27 best makeup brushes and brush sets of 2023 | CNN Underscored

There’s technically no rule against using your fingers to do your makeup. And sure, you can totally still use those little triangular sponges you get at the drugstore, but if you want high-quality results, it’s time to invest in a great makeup brush set. In fact, the best makeup brushes aren’t always the most expensive, and you don’t need dozens of different types to get almost any look.

“The most important question to ask when looking for a brush is if it distributes product properly,” says Debie Kim, an NYC-based makeup artist. “As a pro, I also need something with a comfortable handle and hairs that won’t shed. More expensive definitely does not mean better quality!”

While there are hundreds of different makeup brush types on the market, Kim says that the only ones that are truly necessary are a foundation brush, a fluffy powder brush, a flat concealer brush and a small blending brush. “The possibilities are endless with those in your set,” she adds.

And while you can — and should — go the a la carte route for the most custom kit possible, sets are often a great way to try out a bunch of brushes at a better price. “A good makeup brush set should include brushes for the face, eyes and brows,” says Kristen Fortier, makeup artist and product innovation lead for Crunchi Cosmetics. “It will also offer versatility within the set so that each brush can be used for multiple makeup applications.”

We asked the experts for their favorite makeup brushes, sets and even sponges. Here are their favorites.

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Best makeup brushes for beginners

If you’re not sure where to start, a makeup brush set is a great way to try out different types of brushes to decide what you need — all without spending a ton of money.

Sephora Collection Complete Brush Set

Sephora

With tons of 5-star reviews, this basic brush set from Sephora is a great value and covers all of your face and eye makeup needs.

$49 at Sephora

Makeup brushes for foundation

Base makeup brushes are meant to blend foundation, concealer, blush and powder into a seamless finish — and the best ones do just that.

Makeup brushes for contour

Whether you prefer an intense contour or more of a diffused effect, the proper makeup brushes will help you achieve your desired look.

Kevyn Aucoin Contour Brush

Kevyn Aucoin

This Kevyn Aucoin brush is perfect for buffing in contour or bronzer and can even be used as a foundation brush in a pinch.

$38
$19 at Kevyn Aucoin

Makeup brushes for bronzer and blending

Applying bronzer and blush is all about creating a seamless blend of color, so big, fluffy brushes work best.

Hourglass Veil Powder Brush

Sephora

Another favorite of Hossain’s is Hourglass’s dual-sided Veil Brush, which is meant for both blush and finishing powder.

$65 at Sephora

Makeup brushes for eyeshadow

Oftentimes, brushes for eyeshadow, brows and eyeliner are smaller and can sometimes be used interchangeably — but if you’re looking for a sharp cat eye or precise application, these are the ones experts love most.

Crunchi Cosmetics Luxury Vegan Brush No. 6

Crunchi

“Crunchi’s Luxury Vegan eye brushes help create an airbrushed finish, blend product beautifully and are versatile for countless eye looks,” says Fortier, who recommends brushes No. 6-9 for a full kit.

$28 at Crunchi Cosmetics

Sephora Collection Pro Eye Liner Brush #22

Sephora

Kim says she reaches for this brush for a sharp cat eye or slim eyeliner look. “It makes me so happy how thin and razor-sharp it is,” she says.

$16 at Sephora

Rose Inc. Number 8 Dual-Ended Shadow Brush

Sephora

“I love that it’s a dual-ended brush with the bigger end perfect for blending eyeshadow colors and the smaller end for highlighting and sculpting,” says Hossain.

$28 at Sephora

Best makeup sponges

While sponges are often second to brushes in terms of application — Fortier says she likes to use a sponge for lightweight product like cream highlighter — most experts by and large agreed that there’s one makeup sponge to rule them all: “My personal favorite is still a damp BeautyBlender,” says Kim. “I haven’t found a sponge that tops its application.

BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge

Ulta

Zias, who says she uses a BeautyBlender for most base makeup, says the all-in-one sponge is a major time-saver for an everyday look. One thing to keep in mind: Be sure to squeeze out excess water before using a makeup sponge, and replace it every six to eight weeks to keep clear of any mold or mildew growth.

$20 at Amazon

$20 at Sephora

$20 at Ulta

Orcé Perfecting Makeup Sponge

Orcé

“A close second is by a smaller brand called Orcé, which is good at getting into tight corners and also happens to be a stunning shade of blue,” says Kim.

$18 at Orcé

How often should makeup brushes be cleaned?

Experts agree: No brush is worth the money if you’re not going to clean it properly. Fortier recommends cleaning brushes once per week with a mild soap and warm water.

You can check out our full guide to cleaning makeup brushes for more tips and product recommendations. Plus, here are few more expert-loved picks.

The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver

Amazon

Kim says that many pro artists, herself included, “like this soap for getting out everything without drying out the bristles.”

$8 at Amazon

Crunchi Cosmetics Makeup Cleansing Pad

Crunchi Cosmetics

A favorite of Fortier’s, this silicone cleansing pad traps dirt and grime that can build up on brushes, even if you’ve cleansed them with warm water. She says it “makes it easy to lather and gently scrub your brushes clean. With proper care, your makeup brushes will last for years to come.”

$10
$6 at Crunchi Cosmetics