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We all know the importance of a flawless makeup application. When your makeup looks like it has been applied by a professional, your self-esteem skyrockets and your overall day has just been made. While an important part of this is the makeup products you use, the most crucial aspect of a perfect application is using the proper tools.
Whether you are a professional or just love having fun with makeup at home, the use of quality blender-type brushes can make all the difference and come in many different shapes and sizes for the eyes, face, and lips for a completed makeup look.
Below are some quality makeup brushes of 2024, both individual and extensive brush sets, that come with everything needed to precisely blend out your makeup. These brushes are all multipurpose and can be used with liquid, powder, and stick formulations, allowing you to create a variety of makeup looks for both day and night.
What Is the Top Blender Brush of 2024?
Lamora Flat Top Kabuki Brush — Best Overall
Lamora’s Flat Kabuki is a premium-quality brush that is great for blending out your everyday makeup for a flawless, airbrushed look. Incredibly versatile, in addition to the foundation, this brush can also be used for blending or stippling in your blush and bronzer, contouring, and application of any sheer powders to set and forget your makeup. This brush is made with synthetic bristles which are ideal for absorption of the least amount of product and has a black wooden handle for a nice sturdy feel.
Pros
- This brush is 100% vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- There might be some initial shedding upon first washing
EmaxDesign Professional Brush Set — Runner Up
The Brush Set by EmaxDesign is a set of 12 essential makeup brushes for your whole face and has the added bonus of one beauty sponge blender. The face brushes in this set include a mini kabuki brush that is great for on-the-go touch-ups and traveling, a multifunction foundation brush that can be used to not only blend out your mineral or liquid foundations but can be used for setting powder and bronzer application, and a regular foundation brush for all your liquid, powder and stick makeup needs.
Pros
- A handy storage bag and product manual are also included
Cons
- It is recommended to wash your brushes as soon as you get them
Real Techniques Complexion Blender Brush — Honorable Mention
Real Techniques makes some of the best drugstore-brand brushes on the market. These brushes are reliable, soft, barely shed, and come with sturdy handles that feel good when used. One of their most versatile brushes is their complexion blender. This brush is designed for blending skincare with makeup for an au natural, beautiful-looking complexion. This brush has multi-level bristles that can mix, blend and smooth out your products and is ideal for blending together moisturizers, primers, or serums with foundation, concealers, or BB/CC creams.
Pros
- These brushes are cruelty-free
Cons
- If you prefer a heavier application, another option might be better
BEAKEY Makeup Brush Set — Contender
The Makeup Brush Set by Beakey is another essential brush set that comes with everything you need for a perfect, flawless face. This set comes with 10 premium brushes made with soft and dense synthetic fiber bristles, two non-latex makeup sponges, and a makeup brush cleaning egg. Five of the brushes are ideal for blending out face makeup and include a blush brush, precision face brush, face powder brush, flat top buffing brush, and powder blush brush. These brushes are all generous in size and have durable aluminum ferrules and comfortable handles that conform to the hand, making application fast and easy.
Pros
- These brushes can be used wet or dry
Cons
- Brush identifications are not included
Lamora Pro Blending Brush Set — Also Consider
Lamora’s Blending Brush Set includes four professional-quality blending brushes that are ideal for shading the eye area and blending your favorite liquid, cream, and powder products. Included in this set are an all-over shader brush, a crease brush, a tapered blending brush, and a soft blender brush that are specifically shaped to perform different duties and can be used together or separately for your ideal eye look. These brushes also have sturdy wooden handles, soft, silky bristles, and durable copper ferrules to make for a long-lasting set.
Pros
- These brushes are 100% vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- There is no storage bag included
Duorime Oval Makeup Brush Set — Editor's Pick
For a more unique brush experience and those willing to try something new, this 7-Piece Brush Set by Duorime is a great option. These oval-shaped brushes have very dense bristles and a specific design that helps make foundation and concealer application quick and blend out evenly, leaving an airbrushed-like finish on your skin. And, their dense, soft bristles are made specially to absorb little to none of your makeup products. This set comes with every brush you need for a completed makeup look including ones for the eyes, lips, and face, and can be mixed and matched depending on your makeup preferences and needs.
Pros
- These are not high-shedding brushes
Cons
- There might be a slight learning curve to using these brushes
BABI BEAR Makeup Brush Set — Another Option
Babi Bear’s Makeup Brush Set comes with 15 different makeup brushes, including six large and fluffy face brushes and nine smaller and denser brushes that are perfect for all your daytime and nighttime looks. Also included in this set are two bonus makeup sponges, a brush cleaner, and a makeup bag for more versatility and convenient storage. These brushes are firm yet soft making them easier to blend and have high-quality wooden handles and ferrules to ensure longevity.
Pros
- The included makeup bag is waterproof, lightweight, and travels well
Cons
- Brush identifications are not included
Finding Your Next Blender Brush: A Buyer’s Guide
Blender brushes are one the most important items in the makeup industry. These days, you can't walk into a drugstore or department store without seeing these little guys on shelves everywhere. And, why shouldn't they be? They make applying makeup such a breeze! If you're interested in getting your hands on one of these babies, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of types that are out there on the market. How do you know which one is right for you? No worries, we've got your back. We have put together this handy guide with all the necessary information so you can pick the right one to achieve a perfect makeup look.
Difference Between a Natural and Synthetic Blender Brush
The difference between natural and synthetic makeup brushes is the bristles. Natural makeup brushes are made with animal hair, while synthetic makeup brushes are made with man-made fibers like nylon or polyester. Natural brushes are best for powder products, such as blush, bronzer, and setting powder. These fluffy brushes are very soft and gentle on the skin. They also don't shed or create streaks on your skin like cheaper brushes might do. The downside of using a blender brush with natural fibers is that they require a lot more upkeep.
On the other hand, synthetic brushes are great for cream/liquid products, and they are generally more affordable than natural brushes. You can use them for applying foundation, concealer, liquid blush, or highlighter. Synthetic fibers don't absorb as much product as natural hair, so more product goes on your face. Plus, they are also extremely easy to clean!
Different Types of Blender Brushes
There are different types of blending brushes, and each one has a different purpose. Let's check them out one by one.
Flat
This type of brush has a flat top base with dense bristles. It helps in applying liquid makeup flawlessly without creating any streaks on your face. It also gives a fuller coverage to conceal all your blemishes, spots, or acne effectively. You can use it to apply cream or powder blush, bronzer, or highlighters.
Tapered
This brush is the perfect brush to apply your eyeshadow. The soft bristles and the precise tip enable you to blend eyeshadow in a seamless manner which is especially helpful if you're using glitter or shimmer eyeshadows that tend to look muddy when not blended properly. It is ideal for applying a highlighter to your cheekbones, cupid's bow, and brow bone for a more concentrated glow.
Powder
A powder brush is designed to evenly apply pressed powder or loose powder onto the skin without creating any streaks. It helps to create a full-coverage matte finish and set your foundation in place. The bristles of this brush are stiff enough to pick up powder but soft enough not to irritate the skin.
Double-ended
This brush has two different types of blending brushes on each end. This allows you to use whatever blending technique works best for you. Double-ended brushes are great for applying eyeshadow or eyeliner with precision. They're also good at smudging out eyeliner when needed!
Kabuki
A kabuki brush is used to give a smooth finish while applying a liquid or cream foundation over the skin. It is very gentle on your skin, which makes it even more perfect for those who have sensitive skin.
Concealer
This is a short, flat, and stubby brush that makes it possible to blend concealer into those hard-to-reach places around your nose and chin, under the eyes and cupid bow. It is a must-have for anyone who struggles to apply their concealer.
Contour
This brush has a slant to it, and with a distinct angle, so you can get in deep under your cheekbones and really make them pop. The best part about this brush is that it's multi-purpose. You can use it for applying blush, contouring, or even sculpting your face.
Crease
Next up, we have crease blender brushes. These brushes come in two different sizes: big and small. They are used for blending eyeshadow and they work amazingly well if you are doing a smokey eye or a cut crease.
How To Choose the Right Blender Brush?
Shape
There are many different sizes of makeup brushes available on the market, so when you're shopping for one, it's important to pick the right size and shape. For example, larger brushes are great for all-over application, while smaller brushes help with creases and little extra details around delicate areas like the eyes or nose.
Brush density
A good makeup blending brush should have bristles that are dense enough to allow for smooth application of makeup on your skin. Such brushes will pick up and hold more product, which means it's better for applying foundation, concealer, and cream contour to achieve an airbrushed finish. However, if you want a more diffused color payoff, go for blending brushes with softer bristles. They are ideal for blending powder products such as eyeshadows, blush, and bronzers. That said, make sure that you check the density of the bristles before making your purchase decision.
Quality of bristles
Just like brush density, the quality of bristles plays a big role in how they will apply and blend your makeup. Natural bristles tend to be better at blending powder-based products, whereas synthetic bristles can do a great job with liquids. However, there are some high-quality synthetic brushes out there that can work well with powder.
Handle length
Another factor to consider when buying makeup brushes is the length of the handle. Shorter handles are ideal for precision work such as applying eyeliner or lipstick, while long handles are best for blending out the foundation and applying blush. Always choose one that's comfortable and conforms to your hand for fast and easy application.
Ferrule
This is the metal part that separates the bristles from the wooden handle. You should choose a ferrule that is rust-resistant and made of stainless steel or aluminum. The best ferrules are seamless, tapered, and crimped tightly onto the handles. This helps in preventing the shedding of bristles while applying makeup. Make sure that it is tightly fitted, so it won't break down during application and lose its efficiency.
How to Clean Your Blending Brush?
Cleaning a brush can be a tedious task. The longer you wait between washes, the more bacteria grows and the harder it is to remove all the makeup out of the brushes. Follow these steps to clean your blender brush:
- Fill a deep bucket with warm water till half an inch from its rim.
- Add some baby shampoo or gentle cleanser to the water. If you wish, you can also use antibacterial soap.
- Swirl the brush around in the liquid for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse them with warm water until all of the soap and makeup has been removed.
- Let it dry completely by keeping it on tissue paper or cloth before using it again.
