One of my worst beauty faux pas is that I am an absolute lazy fiend when it comes to cleaning my brushes. So much so, that instead of washing the ones I’ve already got, I’ll go and buy some more. As you can imagine, I’ve now got a pretty expensive habit and an extensive brush collection.
While I don’t recommend doing that (there are some very good makeup brush cleansers out there now), it has meant that I’ve tried and tested a lot of makeup brushes and can tell you what’s worth your money and what’s not.
But if you are looking for a new set of brushes, you’re in luck. There are some great sets in the Amazon Prime Day 2023 sale, which I’ve rounded up for you here…
Why should I be using makeup brushes in the first place?
Applying makeup is totally personal – everyone has their own way of doing it. However, for me, brushes reign supreme for applying an even base, for blending out eyeshadows, for carefully applying highlighter and especially for dusting powder over existing makeup without smudging.
Plus, using (clean) makeup brushes can help avoid transferring oil or bacteria from your fingers to your skin – a clearer complexion and a more seamless finish, what more could you ask for?
What should I consider when buying a makeup brush set?
There are the obvious things you’ll want to consider when splashing out on a new brush set, first and foremost, what are you going to use the most? There’s no point buying a 12-piece eyeshadow set if you only ever do eyeliner, and similarly there’s no point buying a contour set if you finish your look at foundation, so make your investments in the areas you focus on most.
What’s the difference between natural and synthetic brushes?
Something that’s equally as important to consider is whether you want your brushes to be made out of natural or synthetic brush hairs. Natural brushes are made using animal hair, most often sable, squirrel or goat. Obviously, not an option you’d want to go for if you’re vegan. Some people do prefer the way that product is applied with natural brushes, but imo, I’ve never been able to see a noticeable difference.
While synthetic brushes used to feel a bit more coarse and less pliable, this is no longer the case. In my experience, synthetic brushes can now be as soft, or even more so, than natural brushes, and are often much more affordable, so you’d need to be a fibre expert to tell them apart.
With that in mind, I’ve rounded up the best makeup brush sets for every budget and requirement, from eyeshadow to base.
EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Kit, £8.39 in the Amazon Prime Day sale
Brush type: Synthetic (vegan friendly)
The most affordable brush set in this round-up, EcoTools has been around for a long time and is still going strong as one of the best high street makeup tool brands.
This set is great for someone who is just looking to nail down a basic brush collection and doesn’t need anything too complicated, with a powder brush, foundation brush (which also doubles as a great contour tool FYI), two eyeshadow blending brushes and an angled brush which can be used for brows or liner.
Not only is this set purse-friendly, but it’s also vegan friendly and each brush is made with sustainable bamboo handles, so it’s better for the planet too.
Real Techniques Au Naturel Complete Brush Kit, £19.08 in the Amazon Prime Day sale
Brush type: Synthetic (vegan friendly)
If there’s a universal shared experience when it comes to makeup, it’s got to be the Real Techniques makeup brushes. Chances are, RT were one of the first makeup brushes or sponges you ever bought in your local Boots, and they’re just as much of a staple in my collection today.
These brushes feature a gorgeous chrome design and synthetic ombre bristles: with 9 designs to help you apply everything from liquid concealers to glittery eyeshadows, you’ve got all bases covered (pun intended).
Morphe Eye Obsessed 12-Piece Eye Brush Collection, £25
Brush type: Synthetic and natural
Testament to its longevity, this was the first ever eyeshadow brush set I bought a good few years back and I still use the brushes to this day. It contains absolutely everything you’d need to achieve a mega eyeshadow look, whether that’s a cut crease or a soft glam smokey eye.
My favourites are the Detail Crease Brush and Small Chisel Fluff Brush which allow you to get super precise with your eyeshadow application. The full value of this set is over £90 and although I wouldn’t pay that for it, at £25 for 12 brushes it’s an absolute steal. This set does feature a mix of synthetic and natural brushes so if you are looking for synthetic-only options, Morphe does have a range of great vegan brush sets too.
Beauty Bay Prism 12 Piece Travel Brush Set, £25
Brush type: Synthetic (vegan friendly)
If you’re looking to kit yourself out with a full brush set for under £30, this makeup brush collection has all the essentials you’d need. It contains 5 face brushes, including a soft foundation stippling brush, large domed powder brush, and an angled blush brush, as well as a mix of 7 blending, buffing and liner brushes for your eyes and brows.
As well as the holographic design (cute), it also comes with a handy brush holder that doubles as a travel case, so you can stash your brushes and take them away with you without having to worry about getting them dirty.
EDY London Ultimate Everything Set 507, £86
Brush type: Synthetic (vegan friendly)
In the past I didn’t think there was a huge difference between cheaper and more expensive brush sets, but when I tried these I was proved wrong. The only way I can explain the softness of these brushes is likening them to brushing a kitten across your face. These have never shed on me, the colourway is gorgeous and the No.18 medium angled blender brush is the best I’ve ever used for contouring my nose, if that’s your kinda thing.
It’s one of the pricier sets in this list, but with 11 brushes in the set, that works out at less than £8 a brush, so if you’re looking for a comprehensive brush set, this is the one I’d recommend. Take good care of them and these brushes will last you a lifetime.
KJH x Spectrum Collections 25-Piece Brush Set, £160
Brush type: Synthetic (vegan friendly)
I wouldn’t be being truthful if I did this round-up and didn’t include this incredible collection. I’m obsessed with Katie Jane Hughes and her editorial yet wearable makeup looks, so when I found out she was collaborating with Spectrum on a brush set, I knew it was going to be good. KJH takes makeup artistry seriously and this is evident with this collection, which contains a unique mix of brushes that are specifically tailored to each part of the face.
I can’t stress how high-performance these brushes are: they deposit pigment and product evenly, don’t shed, and contain a variety of designs that you won’t find anywhere else. Not to mention how beautiful they look, with glossy olive wooden handles and a vegan leather storage case to boot. It’s an investment, yes, but one that you won’t regret, and if you break it down, each brush comes to just £6.40 each.
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