In my decade-long obsession with beauty, one of the hardest pills I’ve had to swallow is realizing that sometimes, the issue isn’t the product itself—it’s what you use to apply it. (Hence why, in so many of my product reviews, whether I’m talking cream contours or the newest eyeshadows, I always recommend a tool they’d work best with). 

Of course, every so often, I’ll come across a blush that simply refuses to cling to a brush, no matter what technique or bristle type I try—in which case, that’s when you know the problem really is the product. At the same time, there are products you think are horrible, but actually just need the right tool to complement them. Then there are those rare gems that blend seamlessly with just about anything, whether it’s a beauty sponge, a dense kabuki, or a soft, fluffy brush. But more often than not, the tool makes all the difference, especially when you’re customizing your finish: intense, natural, or somewhere in between. And yes, that applies to everything, from primer and foundation to contouring and eyeshadow. 

In the same way that technique and placement define your face or transform your eyes, brushes determine the outcome. Over the years, I’ve experimented with every kind imaginable, from scratchy, shedding nightmares to buttery-soft staples that have outlasted multiple makeup trends. And this year, I can finally say I’ve found my tried and true staples. Some of my favorites have since been discontinued, and I guard them like heirlooms. 

Still, as with most things in beauty, the brush market is completely oversaturated. You’ve probably wondered if there’s even a real difference between a domed blending brush and a flat shader. (Spoiler alert: there is). It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of pro-level options when all you really want are a few foolproof tools that make application feel effortless.  

Whether you’re just starting your makeup journey or looking to overhaul your current collection, this is L’OFFICIEL’s editor-approved guide to the only makeup brushes you’ll ever need. Trust us when we say that these are the ones that elevate your routine and have everyone assuming you’ve got a pro-level eye for detail. Rest assured, there’s something for everyone, no matter your intensity preferences or skill level.

Best Makeup Brushes 2025

L’OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links. These items were gifted. Neither decides our editorial decisions.

Best Foundation Brushes

Pros: Ultra-soft bristles, dual-ended, multi-purpose, and compatible with liquid, cream, and powder formulas.  

Cons: Requires gentle washing; some users note that the brush head may loosen over time and need regluing. 

Shape: Sloped; curved; dense

Plus points: Award-winning, vegan, and cruelty-free 

This dual-ended brush is as versatile as it gets. The larger side features a sloped shape that hugs the natural curves of your face, while the smaller, compact end allows for precise, controlled application. (Read: it’s perfect for layering products exactly where you want them). It also happens to be founder and celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic’s desert island tool; he recently called it his favorite during a masterclass in New York. 

The bristles are incredibly soft and work beautifully with any formula. I don’t usually wear foundation; when I do, I prefer blending with my fingers. But I use this brush every day to press in my concealer and powder when I’m reverse contouring. It also doubles as a great contour brush and delivers an even, seamless finish when pressing in foundation after finger-blending.

Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush, $36, Sephora

Pros: Soft bristles, high-quality, and compatible with liquid and cream formulas. 

Cons: High price point

Shape: Flat and airy 

Chanel’s flat foundation brush is a true luxury staple: lightweight, airy, and wonderfully crafted. It makes applying any liquid formula an absolute dream. Again, I don’t always wear foundation, so I especially love using it for a diffused, natural finish when working with liquid highlighters. When I do wear foundation and reach for this, it offers great control over the level of coverage and finish. As for its performance with cream products, it’s best to tap or press the brush into the skin rather than sweep, so you can avoid streaks and keep the blend smooth and seamless.

Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel Foundation Brush N°100, $50, Bloomingdale’s 

Pros: Ultra-soft bristles, high-quality, multi-purpose, and compatible with liquid, cream, and powder formulas. 

Cons: High price point

Shape: Finger-like angle; pointed tip; dense 

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

I cannot rave about Hourglass’ foundation brush enough. I’ve genuinely convinced so many of my friends and family to buy it. It’s my ultimate, can’t-live-without brush, and I honestly can’t believe it’s still so underrated. If I could only own one brush forever, this would be it. 

It’s designed to mimic fingertip application, and as someone who almost exclusively blends foundation with their fingers, it truly delivers on that promise. Though it’s technically meant for liquid foundation, I’ve found it works beautifully with any formula—even powder blushes when I want angled placement. I use it most often for blending cream foundation and cream contour, and it works flawlessly whether I’m sweeping or tapping the product in. The angled shape makes it perfect for sculpting, while its density gives just the right amount of control for precise application. It has seriously cut my routine time in half. 

And even when I’m guilty of not washing it right away (criminal, I know), it never leaves that dreaded mark from contour when I reuse it for foundation the next day. It’s basically magic. It’s also very easy to clean: it doesn’t hold onto product or stain after washing, which just makes me love it even more.

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush, $49, Sephora 

Best Concealer Brushes

Pros: Ultra-soft bristles, high-quality, and compatible with liquid formulas. 

Cons: High price point; can sometimes absorb too much product when too much pressure is applied.  

Shape: Domed; curve; pointed tip; dense 

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free 

The Haus Labs concealer brush is a best-seller for good reason. Its tapered shape allows for precise placement while diffusing product seamlessly for a natural, streak-free finish. It’s excellent for pressing concealer into the skin, blends quickly, and even reaches those hard-to-reach areas around the eyes and nose. For the best results, use a light hand; pressing too hard can cause the brush to absorb too much product.

Haus Labs Concealer Brush, $28, Sephora

Pros: High-quality, multi-purpose, and compatible with liquid, cream, and powder formulas.  

Cons: Bristles aren’t the softest; high price point.  

Shape: Half-moon; dense 

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

The Hourglass concealer brush is perfectly dense and incredibly versatile. It works for both controlled application and effortless, quick blending—almost like a beauty sponge in brush form. It’s great for pressing in powder and can even double as an eyeshadow brush when you forget to pack one, thanks to its density that isn’t too stiff to sweep product in. Unlike some brushes, it doesn’t absorb product. Aside from wishing the bristles were a bit softer, my only real qualm is that it can sometimes leave streaks or patches when you forget to wash it. (Of course, you should clean your brushes regularly, but that can be a bit inconvenient).

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush, $40, Sephora

Pros: Soft bristles and compatible with liquid and cream formulas.

Cons: Metal ferrule sits close to the bristles, so care is needed to avoid contact with the skin.

Shape: Finger-like angle; balanced between fluffy and dense

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free 

Rare Beauty’s concealer brush was made for those who love blending concealer with their fingers. In fact, the shape quite literally mimics a fingertip. 

Despite its luxe packaging, it’s surprisingly affordable. What I appreciate most about it is that it hits the sweet spot between fluffy and dense, so you can tap, press, or sweep the product for a finish ranging from natural to full coverage. Again, the only caution is to be mindful of the metal ferrule, which can be sharp in some versions.

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush, $18, Sephora 

Best Powder Brushes

Pros: Ultra-soft, multi-purpose, and luxurious design. 

Cons: Angled shape loses structure over time; requires gentle washing, as the head may loosen and needs regluing with prolonged use.  

Shape: Tapered-end; fluffy 

For: Soft, diffused application

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

This brush is the perfect match for Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-favorite Airbrush Flawless Finish setting powder. It’s ideal for achieving that soft, natural, diffused look that makes the entire face appear seamless and cohesive. And, it picks up any type of powder product easily—whether pressed or loose—and distributes it evenly across the skin.

Because it’s not for targeted application, I mainly use it to clean up areas where I’ve gone a little overboard and to sweep loose powder under my cheek contour. It also works surprisingly well for powder bronzer, and even though I use it often with different products, it never seems to hold onto leftover pigment between uses. My only complaint is that I’ve had to reglue the brush head once over the last six years. In truth, I don’t mind; it’s still one of the softest brushes I’ve ever owned, and I’ll probably use it forever.

Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush, $49, Ulta Beauty

Pros: Affordable, multi-purpose, travel-friendly, and compatible with powder, cream, and liquid formulas. 

Cons: Softness can fade over time with frequent washing. 

Shape: Curved; fluffy 

For: Targeted application 

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

Meanwhile, I always keep Real Techniques’ Setting Powder Brush for targeted application and on-the-go touch-ups. I use it mainly to set my under-eyes and any areas where I’ve applied concealer, as well as to control shine throughout the day. On the go, it’s truly the one that keeps my makeup in place without adding unnecessary layers or making it look cakey, hence why it’s earned a spot in my day-to-day handbag. But when I’m traveling and need to pack light, this brush definitely makes the cut; it works well with all formulas, even for applying liquid highlighter or blending cream contour in hard-to-reach areas like the nose and temples.

As far as brushes go, it’s the most affordable one I own. For the price, the quality is seriously impressive. I’ve had mine for about four years, and it still holds up incredibly well. My only minor complaint is that it’s not quite as soft as it was during the first couple of years, though it’s never become scratchy or uncomfortable to use.

Real Techniques Makeup Setting Powder Brush, $8.50, Ulta Beauty 

Best Bronzer Brushes

Pros: Ultra-soft and compatible with cream and liquid formulas. 

Cons: Can sometimes pick up more product than needed. 

Shape: Flat-top; dense

For: Buffing and diffusing

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

I’ve never been the biggest fan of cream formulas packaged in pans—whether it’s foundation, blush, contour, bronzer, or highlighter. They’re often just too difficult to pick up. I can tolerate it when it comes to foundation or highlighter, but bronzer? Only Patrick Ta, Chanel, and Saie’s versions have made the cut. Still, Saie’s Big Buffing Brush has been the ultimate fix for the more stubborn ones. (As someone with dry skin, not having the right tools for cream products is a real struggle, so this brush feels heaven-sent.)

Naturally, I use it most with the brand’s award-winning Sun Melt Bronzer, but as far as kabuki brushes go, it makes picking up any cream formula effortless. (While it’s great for any cream formula, you might prefer a smaller brush for more control with cream sticks, in which case, I’d recommend the Hourglass multi-purpose foundation brush). Aside from how it can sometimes pick up too much product with balm-like textures, my only qualm is that it tends to leave streaks if you forget to wash it for a while. Otherwise, it’s unbelievably soft and has made my routine so much easier.

Saie The Big Buffing Brush, $32, Sephora 

Pros: Soft bristles and compatible with pressed and loose powder.  

Cons: May be too large for precise bronzing on smaller faces.

Shape: Domed; fluffy

For: Diffused blending

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free 

Because I have dry skin, I’m typically not one for powder bronzers. Still, on humid days or when I’m in a tropical climate, my skin can get oily enough that powder bronzer becomes the better option—and when that happens, Sephora’s Pro Bronzer Brush is my go-to. Sephora rarely misses when it comes to ultra-soft bristles, and this brush is no exception. 

What I love most is its balanced size: it’s neither too large nor too dense. Many bronzer brushes lean too angled or overly fluffy, but this is the middle ground. For most of the year, when I skip powder bronzer, I still use it as the final step in my routine to blend everything and erase any harsh lines. My only caveat is that it may feel a bit large for smaller face shapes, especially if you prefer a more precise bronzer placement (in which case I’d recommend the aforementioned Hourglass foundation brush or m.ph beauty’s contour brush, discover ahead). Still, it’s a good pick if you prefer a soft, diffused finish.

Sephora Collection Pro Bronzer Brush #80, $36, Sephora

Best Contour Brushes

Pros: Ultra-soft, luxuriously packaged, and compatible with cream and powder formulas. 

Cons: High price point

Shape: Dense side: fan-shaped; Fluffy side: angled

For: Diffused sculpting and bronzing

Plus points: Award-winning, vegan, and cruelty-free

Contouring can feel intimidating, even for longtime beauty enthusiasts like myself. But Patrick Ta’s contour brush has completely overturned that fear. The fan-shaped, dense side picks up even the most stubborn pan-packaged cream products, making it quick and easy to create natural-looking sculpted contours in just seconds: simply place it on the natural angles of your face, blend, and you’re ready to go. The fluffy, angled side is best for diffusing powder bronzers or any powder product you can think of. My only minor complaint is that the fluffy side can feel a bit large for precise bronzing, but I love how both sides allow you to pick up exactly the amount of product you need for a customized finish. (Read: it simply adapts to your preferences).

Patrick Ta Dual-Ended Contour Brush, $46, Sephora

Pros: Ultra-soft, high-quality, and picks up the right amount of product.

Cons: The handle is too long for travel and storing in shorter makeup drawers. 

Shape: Domed and dense; Small, flat, and dense

For: Precise sculpting, buffing, and blending; Detailed application

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free 

If you prefer precision, m.ph’s Underpainting Brush, created by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips, is your next go-to. The dense contouring side allows you to sculpt your cheeks, jaw, temples, and forehead. The sheer size and density of this side of the brush allow you to pick up any cream product, even if it’s packaged in the smallest pans. Meanwhile, the smaller side is best for detailed work, whether you’re highlighting, color correcting, or contouring the nose, eyes, and lips. Although m.ph has only been out for a few months, this brush—especially when paired with the Underpainting Palette—has already earned a permanent spot in my routine. 

Because it’s very dense, it works best as the first step: picking up the product and placing it exactly where you need it. In truth, I never really have more than 15 minutes for makeup, so I follow up with another brush to blend everything more quickly. That said, if you have more time or simply prioritize precision contouring, you could buff out the contour by working with this brush alone.

m.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush, $38, Sephora

Best Blush Brushes

Pros: Ultra-soft, multi-purpose, luxuriously packaged, and compatible with cream and powder formulas. 

Cons: High price point; requires gentle washing, as the head may loosen and needs regluing.  

Shape: Dense side: domed; Fluffy side: curved

For: Diffused finish

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

If you use both cream and powder blushes, Patrick Ta’s Dual-Ended Blush Brush is the only one you’ll ever need. One side is dense, perfect for cream formulas, while the other is fluffy and ideal for powders. The ultra-soft bristles make it best suited for achieving a diffused, natural-looking flush rather than sharp, precise angles. Again, my only qualm is that, given the price point, the brush head can loosen after a few washes and may require regluing.

Patrick Ta Dual-Ended Blush Brush, $46, Sephora

Pros: High-quality, luxuriously packaged, and compatible with cream and liquid formulas. 

Cons: Softness can fade over time with frequent washing; high price point. 

Shape: Angled, stippling, and airy

For: Precise blush placement

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

While technically designed for liquid formulas, Hourglass’ blush brush makes applying cream blushes a dream thanks to its stippling bristles. As someone who’s particularly nitpicky and precise about blush placement, this angled brush has made it much easier to blend product seamlessly while hitting only the high points of my face. I do wish the bristles stayed soft a little longer, but because it’s so rare to find a brush that’s angled, airy, and precise all at once, I would repurchase it even if it eventually becomes a bit too stiff.

Hourglass No. 15 Blush Brush, $46, Sephora

Best Highlighter Brushes

Pros: Soft, affordable, and durable. 

Cons: Not compatible with cream and liquid formulas. 

Shape: Tapered and fluffy

For: Diffused finish

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free 

If you prefer a diffused, natural finish for your powder highlighter, Rare Beauty’s highlighter brush is a solid choice. It doesn’t pick up excess product, making it easy to work with and blends any powder formulation seamlessly. It can even double as an eyeshadow or pressed powder brush, which is a definite bonus for traveling or keeping your routine simple. That said, it’s not the best option if you’re aiming for a precise, blinding highlight, or if you’re working with cream and liquid formulas.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Precision Highlighter Brush, $18, Sephora 

Pros: Ultra-soft, multi-purpose, and compatible with powder, liquid, and cream formulas. 

Cons: Requires gentle washing; some users note that the brush head may loosen over time and need regluing. 

Shape: Fluffy side: tapered; Dense side: small and flat

For: Targeted application 

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

Makeup by Mario’s EF1 brush is the ultimate multi-purpose tool for reaching the smallest areas of your face. While it’s technically designed for cream and powder formulas, it works surprisingly well with liquids too. Whether you’re using it for highlighter, eyeshadow, or concealer, this is a brush you’ll likely keep forever—it’s compatible with any type of detailed work.

Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush, $26, Sephora

Best Eyeshadow Brushes

Pros: Soft, travel-friendly, and compatible with cream, liquid, and powder formulas. 

Cons: Short brush handle. 

Shape: Fluffy side: curved; Dense side: pointy and tapered 

For: Diffusing a wash of color and deepening the lash line

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

If there’s only one eyeshadow brush I could take on vacation, it would be Merit’s dual-ended eyeshadow brush. It’s not only easy to use on the go, but also incredibly soft. The fluffy side is perfect for diffusing a quick wash of color, while the smaller, dense side is great at packing color along the lash line. It’s also very versatile: it works well with all types of formulas. My only minor qualm is that, while it’s designed to be travel-friendly, the handle is a bit shorter than I’d like for daily use and precise control.

Merit Brush No. 2 Double-Sided Eyeshadow Brush, $20, Sephora

Pros: Ultra-soft, high-quality, and luxuriously packaged. 

Cons: High price point

Shape: Window-wiper; fluffy 

For: Diffusing color and softening a smoky eye 

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

Not to be dramatic, but Charlotte Tilbury’s Eye Blender brush was the first brush that gave me real confidence in my eyeshadow skills. It’s friendly even for beginners who are just starting to experiment with eye looks. Though fluffy, its window-wiper shape provides enough precision for the outer corners of the lids to create a soft, smoky effect, while still offering plenty of fluff to diffuse color seamlessly across the crease.

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Blender Brush, $36, Ulta Beauty

Pros: Ultra-soft and high-quality 

Cons: On the heavier side; high price point

Shape: Flat; dense

For: Soft eyeliner effect

Plus points: Vegan and cruelty-free

I’m not the biggest winged eyeliner girl. That’s partly because  I don’t think it suits my face, and mostly because, even after a decade of experimenting with makeup, I can never seem to get it right. That said, I like to add depth to my eyes by deepening the upper and lower lash lines. Enter Kylie Cosmetics’ shader brush. Beyond being one of the softest brushes I’ve ever used, its short, dense shape is great for buffing and shading, making it effortless to intensify my eyes without fuss.

Kylie Cosmetics Eyeshadow Shader Brush #06, $22, Kylie Cosmetics