What To Look For In Affordable Makeup Brushes In Australia
Just like any other beauty product, you can find makeup brushes at different price points. But is there really a difference between a five-dollar brush set from eBay and MAC’s hundred-dollar kits?
The short answer is yes, but ‘good quality’ and ‘affordable’ don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With more and more brands coming out, you can easily find great brushes even if you’re on a budget – just follow this no-fail guide!
Purpose
There’s no one-size-fits-all makeup brush – the tools you need for a flawless foundation are very different from the tools you need for those gorgeous eyeshadow looks you see on Instagram.
If you’re just starting out, you can get a basic brush set for less than what it would cost to buy each brush individually. But if you already know which brushes you need, you can save money (and space in your makeup kit) by just buying the brushes one by one.
Material
Brushes come with either synthetic bristles or natural hair bristles. Natural bristles hold more pigment, pack on the product better, and provide better control and precision. There are even Japanese brushes made out of a combination of different animal hairs for optimum softness and quality.
However, if you’re vegan or allergic to animal hair, you’re better off finding a high-quality synthetic alternative. Plus, synthetic brushes are often cheaper, more durable, and come in really cute colours.
Feel
Before buying any makeup brush, see if you can test it out first. Pass the bristles over your skin. If it feels soft, then it’s a good buy. If it feels rough, scratchy, or hard, put it back on the shelf.
Durability
As you’re testing out the feel of the brush, notice if the fibres stay on or if they fall out easily. Over time, bristles will fall out, especially as the glue holding it together degrades. You can maximise a brush’s lifespan by taking good care of it, but getting a durable brush in the first place will help you avoid trouble in the long run.
Design
While design is secondary to quality, it can’t hurt to have a cool brush set that feels and looks good. You can find tons of pretty designs like metallic handles, multi-coloured bristles, or even mermaid and unicorn brushes!
Reviews
Don’t underestimate makeup brushes with dozens of great reviews! There’s a reason why they’re popular in the first place. Do your due diligence, read reviews, and you’ll come away much more satisfied with your purchase.
Price
Of course, we’re talking about affordable makeup brushes here so price is always going to be a factor. This doesn’t mean that you should go for the cheapest available set, but find something that strikes the right balance between quality and affordability. The brushes we list below are a good place to start!
The Best Cheap Makeup Brushes In Australia
Morphe
Face The Beat Brush Collection (5 brushes), $41, from Morphe.
Check out Morphe’s brushes here.
E.l.f.
11 Piece Brush Set (11 brushes), $50, from E.l.f.
Check out e.l.f.’s brushes here.
Sephora
Starter Brush Set (5 brushes), $105, from Sephora
Check out Sephora Collection’s brushes here.
Real Techniques
Everyday Essential Set (4 brushes, 1 sponge), $49.50, from THE ICONIC
Check out Real Techniques’ brushes here.
Sigma
Soft Blend Brush Set (6 brushes), $95, from Sigma
Check out Sigma’s brushes here.
Tarte Cosmetics
Crytal Crush Brush Set (6 brushes), $38, from Tarte
Check out Tarte Cosmetics’ brushes here
The Right Tools For The Job
While you can apply makeup using your fingers or a sponge, brushes are the best way to achieve that perfect airbrushed look. And with these cheap makeup brushes, you can do it without breaking the bank!