When getting the perfect makeup look, you know the products are important. You want to choose ones that work with your skin tone and type, that provide the finish or vibe that you're looking for, that have staying power, and of course, that make you feel confident. But I think we often forget how crucial makeup brushes are to this whole thing, too. A trusted brush will ensure that the makeup is effortlessly blended, that the coverage is just right, and that your makeup looks natural and elevated. No cakey, uneven looks here!
There's good and bad news to this. The good news is that there are so many amazing brushes and sets out there that really do the work for you. And the bad news? Some of them are super splurgy. While brushes can be a worthwhile investment, there are a number of affordable brushes on the market that are just as good as the expensive ones. So there are great options if you're on a budget and want to prioritize your pricier makeup products over your brushes. (Or if you don't want to spend $50 on one foundation brush.)
For ideas, take a look at some highly rated, budget-friendly makeup brushes below.
(Image credit: @sarennya)
1. E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face 6-Piece Brush Collection
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Flawless Face 6 Piece Brush Collection
You've got pretty much everything you need here for any kind of makeup look—and it won't cost you more than $15. The set comes with a concealer brush, eye shadow "C" brush, small angled brush, small stipple brush, eyebrow duo brush, and ultimate blending brush.
Eco Tools
Makeup Brush Set
Each brush in Eco Tools's set is made with eco-friendly materials and have bamboo handles. You get five essential brushes here, plus a handy storage case.
3. Maybelline Facestudio Powder Brush
Maybelline
Facestudio Powder Brush
This brush is designed to fit the angles of your face so you can seamlessly blend your makeup.
4. Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush
Wet n Wild
Small Eyeshadow Brush
Wet n Wild's eye shadow brush is made for ease of use and comfort. The two-toned fibers are designed to mimic the consistency of natural hair so it's not rough or itchy to the touch. And it has an ergonomic handle so you can apply your shadow precisely.
5. Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set
Real Techniques
Makeup Brush Set
This set has all the essentials to apply foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, setting powder, and eye shadows. The brushes are also color-coded so you know which one to use for which product.
6. NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
Nyx Professional Makeup
Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
NYX's foundation brush has bristles that are designed to hold liquids and fit into the angles of your face.
7. Revlon Kabuki Brush
Revlon
Kabuki Brush
A kabuki brush is great for applying powders without that cake-y, creased look. This one ismade with vegan, synthetic bristles that contain fibers that mimic natural hair—so it's a smooth and non-irritating application.
8. Flower Beauty Dual Ended Eyeshadow Brush
Flower Beauty
Dual Ended Eyeshadow Brush
This might be the only eye shadow brush you need since it's essentially a two-in-one. On one end you have a shader brush for lid application and on the other, you've got a domed brush for blending.
9. BH Cosmetics Signature Rose Gold 13-Piece Brush Set
BH Cosmetics
Signature Rose Gold 13-Piece Brush Set
It seems too good to be true that you would get 13 brushes for $26, but fortunately, this set is very real. And I think it's safe to say that you have a brush for every makeup need with this set, from foundation to your brows.
10. E.l.f. Cosmetics Complexion Duo Brush
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Complexion Duo Brush
Here's another two-in-one brush that gets the work done. One end is a large brush for applying foundation and the other is a smaller brush for applying concealer. You can use it with both liquid and powder formulas.
11. Wet n Wild Powder Brush
Wet n Wild
Powder Brush
Use this large, super-plush brush to sweep powder evenly over your face. It works well with all types of powder formulas: foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter.
12. Honest Beauty Foundation Brush
Honest Beauty
Foundation Brush
Honest Beauty's foundation brush works on all skin types and features renewable and synthetic bamboo bristles.
More Popular Drugstore Makeup Finds to Shop
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup
With over 90,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, Maybelline's Fit Me foundation is a winner. It works to refine pores so you get a smooth and natural-looking matte finish.
E.l.f.
16HR Camo Concealer
Like its name suggests, this concealer provides up to 16 hours of coverage. You can use it to conceal, correct, contour, and highlight.
Essence
Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Okay, there are a lot of cult-favorite mascaras out there, but this one might be one of the biggest. It has over 200,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon! The formula volumizes and defines the lashes so well without any flaking or smudging.
Revlon
ColorStay Eyeshadow Palette in Original
You've got your pick of finishes with this drugstore eye shadow palette—shimmer, matte, satin, and metallic. The variety makes it easy to create all types of looks for any occasion.
L'Oréal
Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
You might have seen this foundation all over TikTok. It's labeled "foundation in a powder," which means it goes on smoothly like a liquid version would but leaves a matte finish. It's also so easy to wear since it doesn't feel heavy or cakey.
Maybelline
SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
This is my absolute favorite drugstore lipstick—its staying power istruly magical. The matte formula looks so chic and it lasts the whole night (even after eating and drinking).
Maybelline
Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
For better application, it helps to use a makeup primer. This one from Maybelline is a favorite because it does such a good job of smoothing the skin and minimizing pores.
Covergirl
Lash Blast Volume Mascara
I'd bet that if you're reading this you've probably owned this mascara once and if not, one of your close friends did. It's an OG cult favorite that volumizes and lengthens lashes with no clumping or flaking.
Next, My 73-Year-Old Mom Is Proof That These Cheap Makeup Products Look Expensive
