Any professional makeup artist will tell you the key to flawless makeup application lies in the tools you use. They make all the difference in how everything looks in the end. A high-quality foundation brush will leave you streakless and airbrushed like you applied an Instagram filter in real life, while a great blush brush always hits your cheekbones in all the right places.
While the shape and density of a brush and how it glides on your face is what matters most, finding brushes that look aesthetically pleasing and perform well is like winning the makeup lottery. Unlike other makeup products, however, you usually can’t return makeup brushes once you’ve used them, which can be disappointing if what you’ve purchased isn’t up to standard.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled some of the most eye-catching makeup brush sets that are worth the splurge. They’ll help you slay your makeup looks all the time and have your vanity looking Insta-ready while you’re at it.
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The Insta-Worthy Makeup Brushes You Need for Your Vanity
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Mōda
Prismatic Face Perfecting Kit, $24.99 at Royal & Langnickel
These four ombre brushes are wonderful for applying any base or blending out harsh liquid products like bronzer or contour. No matter how skilled you are at makeup, they are easy to use as each angled brush head makes it simple to work around every contour of your face.
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Spectrum Collections
Earth Brush Set, $64.99 at Spectrum Collections
The zodiac range from Spectrum Collections comes in four different sets complete with a sleek pouch for storing your brushes or carrying around on its own. It’s a playful touch on astrology, one that feels and looks personal, no matter your sign.
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Real Techniques
Luminous Glow, $29.99 at Real Techniques
Created by makeup experts and sisters Sam and Nic Chapman, this option from affordable brush line Real Techniques proves unicorn-themed makeup products aren’t going anywhere — they’re just too pretty to pass up. Everything in this set sits in your hand comfortably, glides on skin smoothly and isn’t ticklish whatsoever since the bristles are incredibly soft. You also get a diamond-shaped sponge that can be used for blending liquid, cream or powder wherever you’d like.
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Sephora Collection
Karen Walker Amber Craft Beauty Brush Set + Stand, $95 at Sephora
Sephora's namesake brand is just as great as the other brands the store sells. This limited-edition brush set made in collaboration with designer Karen Walker is a sight to behold. Each brush is made out of a tortoiseshell pattern with 24 karat gold plated accents. It's so luxurious that it just might turn into a statement piece in your home.
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Juvia's Place
Turquoise Blue 9pcs Brush Set, $50 at Juvia’s Place
If you’re not a fan of prints or symbolism but still want to spruce up your vanity, give this solid turquoise range from Juvia’s Place a try. The makeup brushes are simple, sleek and an awesome addition to any collection.
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Storybook Cosmetics
What’s in a Name Rose Brushes, $55 at Storybook Cosmetics
From cosmetics to brushes, everything this brand comes out with is directly influenced by beloved stories, plays and movies. Case in point: these stunning Romeo and Juliet-inspired makeup brushes. Aren’t they just lovely?
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Iconic London
Ultimate Brush Set, $108 at Iconic London
This stunning pearl-gold makeup rush set is the epitome of luxe. And they aren’t just gorgeous design-wise. Each brush head is super soft and known to blend makeup with ease.
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Lottie London
Best of Brushes Metals Collection, $30 at PrettyLittleThing
This metallic brush set is great for makeup novices. Since it comes in a mix of bright colors that stand out on any vanity, you can quickly find any brush you need at any given moment without the fuss of reading each handle or figuring out which number you should be using on the different parts of your face.
