The Best Makeup Brushes for Flawless Application

Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
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Pick up the best face makeup brushes for blush, highlight, eyeshadow and more.

Talk to any professional makeup artist and the first bit of gospel they’ll pass on is that brushes are the most important part of their kit -- even more so than the actual cosmetics, in some cases.

That’s because while the pros can make do with whatever makeup is available, nothing takes the place of high-quality brushes. They ensure that application is smoother or that a cat eye or red lip stays put -- and, more importantly, that it all looks flawless. (As if you needed another reason for getting rid of the dinky applicator that came with your eyeshadow.) 

Whether you’re looking for a specialized tool or a comprehensive set, there’s something for everyone’s at-home makeup kit here. 

Discover the best makeup brushes to add to your collection, below. 

Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush

Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush
Bloomingdale's

Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush

The four-petal shape topped with soft bristles, this quality brush is inspired by the camellia. This handy tool can be used to buff out any telltale lines of demarcation between your foundation and skin for a flawless finish.

$49 at Bloomingdale's

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Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush 190

Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush 190
Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush 190

This bronzer brush from Fenty Beauty by Rhianna is an angled to hug your cheeks and give you a warm glow. It's also a cruelty-free synthetic brush.

$36 at Sephora

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Too Faced Mr. Right Eye Essential Brush Set

Too Faced Mr. Right Eye Essential Brush Set
Macy's

Too Faced Mr. Right Eye Essential Brush Set

Aptly named the Mr. Right Essential Brush Set from Too Faced has everything you need to feel like a makeup artist. Use the smudger brush with eye shadow to create a killer smoky eye, use the angled brush for precise lines around the eyes, or use the tapered blender brush for a soft, natural look.

$45 at Macy's

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Morphe M405 Contour Brush

Morphe M405 Contour Brush
Ulta

Morphe M405 Contour Brush

This Morphe brush has natural bristles for contouring and gently highlighting the nose, cheekbones and chin. It's also on of the more affordable makeup brushes for the quality.

$12 at Ulta

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NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush

NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush
Bloomingdale's

NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush

This kabuki brush has dense bristles to make quick work of blending loose powder, blush, highlighter and even powder shadows around the eyes.

 

$40 at Bloomingdale's

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Revlon Professional Blending Brush

Revlon Professional Blending Brush
Amazon

Revlon Professional Blending Brush

Using cream or liquid foundation, this clever sponge-tipped blending brush enables you to work around all the contours of your face. It also exfoliates skin for a super-smooth finish.

$9 at Amazon

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Surratt Beauty Artistique Highlight Brush

Surratt Beauty Artistique Highlight Brush
Bloomingdale's

Surratt Beauty Artistique Highlight Brush

Use this ultra-soft brush to dust highlighter on the tops of cheekbones, the orbital bones, the forehead and even the collarbones. Surratt makes natural brushes and rather than a brush cleaner to wash your brush, they suggest using your favorite shampoo.

$125 at Bloomingdale's

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Artis Elite Black Brush Set

Artis Elite Black Brush Set
Amazon

Artis Elite Black Brush Set

As far as a good brush set goes, this one does it all with the touch of luxury. The oval brush heads are designed to mimic the pad of your finger, so makeup application is the closest you can get to using your hands without getting dirty and feels like you're getting a massage at the same time. This makeup brush set comes with a foundation brush that doubles as a blush brush or contour brush, eyeshadow brush, concealer brush and one for eyeliner or the brow.

$185 at Amazon

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Each product has been selected, and each product’s style has been reviewed, by our editorial team; however, we may receive affiliate commissions from some links to products on this page. Prices listed are subject to change by the retailer.

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