11 cheap makeup brushes that we can’t gatekeep for a moment longer

Best cheap makeup brush bundles for beginners

Best for: beginners and experts alike

Covering all the bases (quite literally), this set of seven was created for beginners and experts alike. A standout feature is the compact foundation buffing brush, which helps you achieve a flawless glow.

Set includes:

• Foundation buffing brush – liquid or cream foundation
• Domed bronzer brush – bronzer or powder
• Angled blush brush – blush, bronzer or contour
• Precision complexion brush – highlighter
• Eye shader brush – eyeshadow
• Eye blending brush – eyeshadow
• Angled detail brush – brow pomade, powder or waxes

Best for: an OG brush set that never misses

Among the many British beauty brands, Real Techniques never disappoints. The everyday essential set is your one-and-done brush set that’ll help you level up your MUA skills. And if you love adding a bold eyeshadow look to the mix, then you will love playing with the RT 300 deluxe and RT 402 setting brushes.

“A staple makeup brush set. Super easy to use, so easy to clean, even if you’re rough with them, they bounce back so well,” comments a five-star reviewer.

Set includes:

• RT 400 blush – powder-based products
• Miracle complexion sponge – liquid and cream foundation or concealer
• RT 300 deluxe – cream or powder eyeshadow
• RT 402 setting – highlighter or setting powder
• RT 200 expert face – liquid or cream foundation

Also available at:

• $28 (usually $29.99) from Amazon
• $35.99 (usually $54.99) from Priceline
• $54.99 from THE ICONIC

Best for: makeup-loving travellers

Sephora is a household name when it comes to all things glam. So, it’s no wonder this mini brush set is a must-have item for the beauty-enthused traveller. In that perfect travel size, so you’ll be ready for touchups no matter where you are.

Set includes:

• Multi-purpose complexion brush – cream, powder or liquid
• Eye brush – eyeshadow
• Eyeliner brush – cream eyeliner, and eyebrow gel or powder
• Eyebrow brush – eyebrow pomade, powder or gel

Best for: a set that has everything

Why not go all out with a six-piece starter set? Perfect for beginners, this set has everything you need to kickstart your makeup goals. From a foundation buffer brush for that airbrushed finish, a eye diffuser brush for all your blending needs, and even a micro angled buffer brush that is expertly crafted to hug the contours of your under-eye area, this set is quite literally makeup brush perfection.

Set includes:

• 201 foundation buffer brush
• 008 eye diffuser brush
• 002 cheek colour brush
• 202 petite angled buffer brush
• 207 setting brush
• 210 micro angled buffer brush

Best for: even, streak-free foundation application

Flawless airbrushed skin is a guarantee with this densely packed foundation buffer brush from Glam Theory. No matter your preference for a powder or cream foundation, you can look forward to perfectly dispersed product with every use.

“Love these brushes! Such good quality for the price. My makeup went on like a dream, and it’s perfect for my makeup kit,” comments a five-star reviewer.

Key features:

• Ultra-soft synthetic bristles
• Effortless, flawless coverage
• Flat top design for even and smooth application

Best for: those looking for a multi-tasking, travel-friendly makeup brush

If your Euro summer or on-the-go makeup bag is lacking one thing, it’s this travel-friendly multitasking cheek brush from Benefit. This tapered, dome-shaped brush blends powder seamlessly over your cheeks and face, whether that’s blush, bronzer, or highlighter. Plus, when you pop the brush cap on the other end, it doubles as handle extension, too. Now that’s what we call versatile.

Key features:

• Travel-friendly size with brush cap
• Tapered dome-shaped brush
• Suitable for blush, bronzer and highlighter

Best for: your fail-proof blush and bronzer combo

In our opinion, when it comes to drugstore-grade makeup, Revlon takes the cake. Designed to sweep over a cream base, the tapered dome shape design brings added elegance to both full glam and day-to-day makeup looks.

“First time buyer of Revlon brushes, very impressed by the quality and hoping it lasts well. They have heavier-than-usual handles, which I like, and being on sale was a bonus! Have now purchased many in the range,” comments a five-star reviewer.

Key features:

• Handcrafted nylon bristles
• Tapered dome-shaped brush
• Suitable for powder or cream blush and bronzer

Best cheap makeup brushes for eyeshadow

Best for: bold eye looks

A bold eye is never a bad idea. Pack on the pigment with the smoky shader brush from Zoeva and never fear a muted moment again. For even bolder looks, spray the brush with a little setting spray before dipping it into your eyeshadow to ensure the colour really pops on the lid.

Key features:

• Timber handle with synthetic bristles
• Rounded shape brush
• Suitable for pressed powder eyeshadow or pigments

Best for: beautifully blended shadow

A densely packed blending brush is what dreams are made of. For under $20, why not stock up on these eye shader brushes from Adore Beauty?

Key features:

• Made with high-quality synthetic fibres
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Suitable for pressed powder eyeshadow or pigments

Best for: achieving the best smokey eye

The difference between nailing an Avril Lavigne smokey eye and ending up like Kim Kardashian after upending some bloke’s life is Sephora’s classic smudge brush. Your boldest look is just one smudge brush away.

Key features:

• Made from synthetic bristles
• Compact rounded shape brush
• Suitable for pressed powder eyeshadow or pigments

Best for: a sultry cat-eye and defined brows

Whether you’re rocking the best cat-eye or defining your brows to finish off your look, the 7B brush from Anastasia Beverly Hills will be your holy grail. Dual ended with a tapered, angled head on one side, and a spoolie for effortless blending on the other, this brush from Anastasia Beverly Hills deserves a spot in your everyday makeup bag, stat.

Key features:

• Made from synthetic bristles
• Dual-ended brush with spoolie and brush applicator
• Suitable for cream and powder brow makeup