When it comes to makeup, there are many beauty tools out there that can be pretty overwhelming to keep up with the times. From beauty blenders to sponges, each of these makeup tools consists of low and high quality ones as well.
As a beginner or even when you’ve been using makeup for years, makeup brushes can make or break how well your overall makeup application looks like. To really get a flawless application, using the right makeup brushes could contribute a whole lot. If you don’t want to splurge all your money on the best makeup brushes, you could consider purchasing a makeup brush that applies to your everyday makeup look.
Otherwise, start collecting your makeup brushes based on what works best for different applications. Most premium quality brushes tend to last longer, but if you simply can’t afford them, average makeup brushes work just as well too.
With that being said, we’ve compiled some of the best makeup brushes around – from applying foundation to eyeshadow, you’ll find a makeup brush that suits your needs.
What to look out for when buying makeup brushes
Before you go ahead and purchase yourself some makeup brushes, check out the quality of the brushes first. It’s easy to purchase cheaper ones, but you should know that they usually contain hard bristles that could feel kind of harsh on your skin – we certainly don’t want that!
Another thing that depends on the quality of bristles is the lifespan of the brushes. The good quality ones tend to last longer. The best makeup brushes are when it has soft, fine bristles that allow for easy application. You can roughly know how good is the makeup brush based on the bristles.
Other than that – let’s face it, there are so many types of makeup brushes around, from small to big ones with different angles. Each of these brushes serves different purposes as well – so it’s best to learn about some of these brushes. For instance, the blush brushes are meant just for applying blush, foundation brush and so on.
Synthetic vs natural makeup brushes
Now, though all makeup brushes may look the same, there are actually two different types of makeup brushes – synthetic and natural.
Confused yet? Don’t worry, it’s pretty simple!
The main difference between the two is the source of where the brush fibers are made from. Synthetic makeup brush fibers are made from nylon and other types of plastics such as polyester. Natural makeup brush fibers are made from various types of hairs or animal furs such as from goats or squirrels, which is why they tend to carry a heavier price tag than synthetic ones.
15 best makeup brushes to perfect your makeup application
Real Techniques Powder Brush
Made with synthetic bristles, this powder brush offers a smooth, matte finish when you use it to apply powder bronzer, foundation and for setting your powder.
With its domed shape that is large enough for an overall application, it blends powders flawlessly across your skin without any cakiness. It’s also 100% cruelty-free so no animal testing is being done! It’s also one of the wallet-friendly makeup brushes out there.
Real Techniques Powder Brush retails for RM63.92. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
RMS Beauty Eyeshadow Brush
For blending your eyeshadows easily, the RMS Beauty Eyeshadow Brush has soft bristles that are synthetic, allowing the smooth application. The bristles are pretty compact as well, making them firm enough to blend your eyeshadow with ease. Expect an even, smooth eyeshadow on your eyelids as it offers you better control. Bonus: it’s vegan and cruelty-free too!
RMS Beauty Eyeshadow Brush retails for RM90 at Sephora. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush
Whether you’re on a makeup beginner or professional, this brush is perfect to apply your highlighter! You’ll love how the brush doesn’t shed, making it easier to apply since you won’t have to worry about getting rid of bristles on your face – and we all know how annoying when that happens!
Most of the users love to use this highlighter brush on their cheekbones while also using it to apply their concealers or for contouring too.
Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush retails for RM84. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
EcoTools The Wonder Color Finish Brush
Deemed as the perfect vegan blush brush, it offers full face coverage by acting as a contour brush as well. When you purchase this makeup brush, you’ll be saving the earth at the same time due to it being made in an environmentally friendly way. This makeup brush also has soft, fine bristles and doesn’t shed anywhere on your face during application.
Here’s a fun fact about EcoTools: they donate to Glamour’s The Girl Project to support the women’s empowerment movement while helping them to be the best versions of themselves. Doesn’t that make you want to purchase their makeup brushes even more?
EcoTools The Wonder Color Finish Brush retails for RM91.20. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
ZOEVA 106 Powder
Looking for a super, silky soft makeup brush? That’s exactly what you’ll get with the ZOEVA 106 Powder brush! This synthetic makeup brush can be used to blend any loose or pressed powder makeup on such as applying your favourite foundation powders and blush powders.
If you hate cleaning your makeup brushes (or simply too lazy to do them), here’s good news. This brush is super easy to clean without hardening when drying!
ZOEVA 106 Powder retails for RM90. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Hourglass No 7 Finishing Brush
Specifically designed to apply blush, foundation or powder formulas, this fully rounded synthetic brush features Taklon bristles which are known to be ultra-soft and more hygienic than others. Worried about the hair shedding off? Thankfully, even after daily use and several washes, the hair stays intact. It’s a versatile brush that’s suitable for those who are just starting out too!
Though this might be the most expensive makeup brush on this list, it’s worth the hefty price tag, as it is an investment that will deliver good results for a long, long time.
Hourglass No 7 Finishing Brush retails for RM315. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Shu Uemura Petal 55 Foundation Brush
This uniquely shaped brush offers high density of soft hairs and an ergonomic-shaped handle so you can create a streak-free finish and enjoy a comfortable grip.
The wide end lets you apply on larger areas such as the cheeks and chin, while the narrow end is perfect for precise application around the eyes and nose.
The well-designed handle also allows the brush to sit nicely on your vanity after use and after washing for better hygiene.
Shu Uemura Petal 55 Foundation Brush retails for RM238.
MAKE UP FOR EVER 154 Buffer Blush Brush
A round brush made with a flat tip, applying your powder blush would be easy and flawless. Deemed as one of the best dense makeup brushes around, it’s definitely worth every penny, especially if you aren’t a fan of beauty blenders or sponges.
MAKE UP FOR EVER 154 Buffer Blush Brush retails for RM212. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
MAC Cosmetics 239S Eye Shader Brush
There’s no denying how amazing the quality of most MAC professional brushes are, and this eye shader brush, in particular, could be one of the best makeup brushes by MAC thus far.
Applying matte or non-matte eye shadow will be hassle-free with its fine, smooth fibers that allow a perfect blend.
MAC Cosmetics 239S Eye Shader Brush retails for RM135 at MAC boutiques and counters, as well as Sephora. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Fenty Beauty Cheek-Hugging Bronzer Brush 190
Known to be a tool that reaches all the curves of your face, as the name implies, applying your makeup will be quicker with this cheek-hugging brush! Many users have said the bristles are insanely soft, allowing it to deliver a smooth and neat application.
Fenty Beauty Cheek-Hugging Bronzer Brush 190 retails for RM155. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Marc Jacobs Beauty The Conceal Full Cover Correcting Brush No 14
With an asymmetrical brush head, this allows you to work your way around your nose and eye area effortlessly.
Beginners will find it easier to apply their makeup at these difficult spots due to the slanted edges that offer easy reach to tough spots on the face.
Marc Jacobs Beauty The Conceal Full Cover Correcting Brush No 14 retails for RM151. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
KVD Beauty Lock-It Setting Powder Brush
Applying makeup powders will be easy with the help of this large powder brush that’s designed for setting powder. The soft bristles allow the distribution of powder evenly that doesn’t make it clumped up, making it easier to apply without too much effort.
KVD Beauty Lock-It Setting Powder Brush retails for RM216. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12
In need of the best makeup brushes for your eyebrows? Make way for the dual-ended firm angled brush which has firm synthetic fibers, allowing users to shape and fill their eyebrows smoothly.
There’s also a useful spoolie at the other end – great for times when you want to blend out your product evenly without using another tool.
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brush #12 retails for RM90. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Tarte The Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush
Made with bamboo which is sustainable and cruelty-free, this makeup brush offers an airbrushed effect when applying your foundation. It uses lesser foundation based on each makeup application compared to some other brushes out there, so you’ll be saving more on your foundations – a plus point right there!
Even if you’re not the type to use brushes for applying your foundation, we’re sure you’ll change your mind once you’ve tried this.
Tarte The Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush retails for RM150. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
Sephora Collection Lip Brush
Sephora’s house brand, Sephora Collection, carries a range of affordable but high quality products and one of the hidden gems to check out is its brushes.
We particularly enjoy its lip brush, which has a small tapered end that lets you swipe on your lip product effortlessly. The precise tip can also be used to line your lips.
You’ll love that it has a retractable design, which helps the brush stay clean, whether it’s on your vanity or in your makeup bag.
Sephora Collection Lip Brush retails for RM45. Click on the link below for latest promotions.
