Like a painter needs his brushes, every beauty junkie needs her quality tools too. We pick the 10 best brush sets for all budgets
Beauty junkies everywhere, we can all agree that an airbrushed finish for any makeup look boils down to the right tools. And while we love using our Beauty Blenders and even hands, nothing beats the flawless and perfectly contoured effect of using quality brushes. Plus, nothing quite tops the luxurious feel of super soft bristles on our skin. From affordable to pricey, we pick the ten best makeup brush sets.
Brea’s Adventures by 13rushes
We’re obsessed about homegrown brand 13rushes. Founded in a bid to create quality, yet cruelty-free brushes, the brand makes all its products by hand. If you’re new to 13rushes, start with Brea’s Adventures ($129), a remake of a bestselling tiffany mint collection from 2013. The 11-piece set features some of the brand’s best sellers, including the flat top foundation and powder puffer. It also comes with a stain-proof pouch that requires little more than a wipe to clean and a six month warranty for any shedding or loose handles.
Available online at 13rushes.
E.l.f Silver 11 Piece Brush Collection
I’ve been a fan of e.l.f. (eyes lips face) for the longest time – both its makeup and tools have rarely failed me, and its affordable price point makes it unbeatable. The Silver 11 Piece Brush collection (USD30) in its sleek, silver case is great if you’re an overpacker (like me), and love bringing all your brushes along while on holiday. It features 11 brushes including a fan brush, powder brush, crease brush and an eyeshadow “C” Brush.
Available online at elfcosmetics.com
BH Cosmetics Bright 15 Piece Rose Gold Brush Set
If you’re a brush novice and looking for a complete starter kit, you can’t go wrong with these soft and sturdy brushes ($69.90). 10 of its brushes are for eye makeup so you can up your blending game. We also love that it comes in fabulous rose gold to make any vanity area heaps prettier.
Available at Zalora
Bloom Kit 5-Minute Make-up Trio
Recently launched by local Youtube beauty guru and makeup artist Roseanne Tang, Bloom Kit caters to beginner beauty junkies – all of its brushes were created based on feedback from students of Roseanne’s makeup classes. Each kit addresses specific functions, and features brushes with handcrafted, high performance bristles to speed up your makeup routine. The 5-Minute Make-up Trio’s ($39) a great set to start with – it features a base, blush and shader brush.
Available online at Bloom Kit.
Zoeva Pink Elements Classic set
Contour, conceal and create with these striking brushes from Zoeva. Eight high-quality brushes for face and eyes make up the set ($122), with each featuring luxuriously soft bristles made from natural and synthetic fibres. It also comes in a sleek leather pouch for easy travel.
Available from Sephora
Real Techniques Core Collection
Started by makeup artists Samantha and Nicole Chapman (more famously known as beauty gurus Pixiwoo on Youtube), Real Techniques delivers professional brushes at pocket-friendly prices. Though small, the Core Collection ($39) has all you need to fake a radiant complexion with four brushes including a pointed foundation brush, detailer brush for concealer, contour brush and a fluffy buffing brush.
Available at Guardian stores or Sephora.
Bobbi Brown Classic Brush Collection
Sure it’s pricey but any makeup lover worth her salt knows you simply can’t go wrong with anything Bobbi Brown. The brand’s Classic Brush collection ($298) features six brushes with sturdy black handles and a gorgeous black faux leather carrying case. Treat these babies well, and we promise this is the last, and only brush set you’ll ever need.
Available at all Bobbi Brown stores and counters.
Sigma Kabuki Kit
For fat, fluffy face brushes, you’ll love Sigma’s Kabuki Kit ($126). Featuring five brushes, including the highly coveted F80 Flat Kabuki Brush, the set lets you achieve a high definition and flawless finish without your foundation being absorbed into the bristles.
Available from Sephora
Too Faced Teddy Bear Hair 5 Piece Brush Set
Not just for girly girls, the synthetic “teddy bear” bristles of this Too Faced brush set ($97) replicate the luxe feel of animal fur without the cruelty involved. The set includes a powder brush, blender brush, contour brush and all-over liner brush. We hate to admit it, but we’re kinda dying over how adorable the accompanying pouch is.
Available at Sephora.
3CE Mini Brush Kit
You’ve not been forgotten, K-beauty fans. If you’ve always wanted the effortless, yet rosy complexion of Stylenanda’s Park Sora, this is your ticket. Seven tiny, yet essential brushes make up this travel-friendly kit ($125) so you can perfect your look on the go.
Available at Sephora.
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