Why it's great: The best makeup brushes don't have to break the bank. When it comes to this $3 E.L.F. makeup brush, readers say they "can't recommend [it] enough." It's made with synthetic fibers, but users insist that it feels as soft as higher-quality, natural-hair brushes. One member calls it "the best thing since sliced bread."
Why it's great: Readers agree that this makeup brush from It Cosmetics is "definitely worth the price." They say it glides over skin with its dense, cashmere-like bristles. "It's the perfect size for picking up enough powder to do my entire face with one swipe," says one user of this luxurious powder brush.
Why it's great: Users consider this product from M.A.C. Cosmetics one of the best makeup brushes on the market, thanks to its "tapered bristles," which create a "seamless eye shadow look." One reader says that it "deposits color lightly and provides a balanced application." Another says, "The brush bristles are fabulously soft."
Why it's great: The dense bristles on this eye shadow brush are just part of the reason readers consider this one of the best makeup brushes. They say this "little workhorse" expertly blends shadows, and is also great for lining lower lashes or applying highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes and under brow bones.
Why it's great: According to readers, "the price is right" on this high-quality makeup brush. The bristles are soft and "densely packed," which makes the brush "easy to use" and excellent for applying loose shadows. "A good product doesn't have to cost a fortune," says one reader.
Having the best makeup brushes in your beauty bag can make all the difference in your makeup routine. Just like a great artist uses a brush to create a museum-worthy painting, we wield our makeup brushes to create perfectly contoured and blended makeup masterpieces.
Indeed, the best makeup brushes can help us create everything from a dramatic smoky eye to an airbrush-like finish with our foundation -- while the wrong one can leave us looking like a blotchy mess. But what should one look for when choosing a makeup brush?
Our readers have tried and tested just about every foundation, eye shadow and contouring brush on the market and ranked them with just about every beauty need in mind. Whether you're looking for a budget makeup brush, a cruelty-free option or one that will withstand constant usage without shedding a single bristle, we have you covered with this comprehensive roundup of the best makeup brushes for every makeup fanatic (or newbie).
