Pro Tips for Choosing the Best Makeup Brushes: 7 Expert Guidelines for Flawless Application

The right makeup brush can make or break your look—whether you’re going for a natural everyday glow or a dramatic holiday makeup look. But with endless options on the market (synthetic vs. natural bristles, different shapes, sizes, and price points), choosing the best makeup brush can feel overwhelming. Do you need a fluffy powder brush? A precise concealer brush? And what’s the difference between synthetic and natural fibers, anyway?
As skincare and beauty enthusiasts, we’ve tested our fair share of makeup brushes—from drugstore finds to luxury picks—and learned that the “best” brush isn’t always the most expensive or the most hyped. Instead, it’s the one that fits your needs, your makeup style, and your skin type. To help you navigate the crowded market, we’re sharing 7 pro tips to choose makeup brushes that deliver flawless application, last long, and feel gentle on your skin.
1. Start with Your Makeup Routine (Don’t Buy Brushes You Won’t Use)
The first step to choosing the best makeup brushes is to assess your current routine. There’s no need to splurge on a 20-piece brush set if you only wear foundation, blush, and mascara. Focus on the tools that align with the products you actually use:
Everyday Minimalists: Prioritize a fluffy powder brush (for setting powder or bronzer), a tapered blush brush (for cream or powder blush), and a small eyeshadow brush (if you wear eye makeup).
Full-Face Lovers: Invest in a foundation brush (or beauty sponge), concealer brush, contour brush, highlighter brush, and a blending brush for eyeshadow.
Holiday/Event Makeup: Add a precision liner brush, a fluffy blending brush for eyes, and a fan brush for subtle highlighter.
By focusing on your specific needs, you’ll avoid wasting money on brushes that collect dust in your makeup bag.
2. Understand Bristle Types: Synthetic vs. Natural
The type of bristles (fibers) determines how well the brush picks up and distributes product—so it’s crucial to choose the right one for your makeup formulas:
Synthetic Bristles (Man-Made Fibers like Nylon or Taklon)
Best for: Liquid, cream, or gel products (foundation, concealer, cream blush, liquid highlighter).
Why: Synthetic bristles are non-porous, so they don’t absorb product (meaning less waste and more even application). They’re also vegan, cruelty-free, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Pro Tip: Look for densely packed synthetic bristles for liquid foundation—they blend product seamlessly without streaks.
Natural Bristles (Animal Fibers like Goat, Squirrel, or Pony)
Best for: Powder products (loose powder, powder blush, eyeshadow, bronzer).
Why: Natural bristles are porous and have a slight “grip” that picks up powder product evenly, allowing for buildable, natural-looking application.
Pro Tip: Avoid natural bristles if you’re vegan, cruelty-free, or have sensitive skin (some people react to animal fibers).
3. Check Bristle Quality (Softness, Density, and Construction)
A high-quality brush should feel soft, dense, and well-made—here’s how to test it:
Softness: Run the brush gently over the back of your hand. It should feel smooth and plush, not scratchy or stiff. Scratchy bristles can irritate skin and leave streaks.
Density: Press the brush lightly against your hand. Dense bristles (packed closely together) are better for full coverage (e.g., foundation or contour), while less dense, fluffy bristles are ideal for blending (e.g., powder or eyeshadow).
Construction: Tug gently on the bristles—they shouldn’t fall out easily. The ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles to the handle) should be secure, not wobbly. A well-made brush will last for years with proper care.
4. Choose the Right Shape for the Job
Brush shape dictates how the product is applied—each shape is designed for a specific purpose:
Foundation Brush: Look for a flat, dense brush (for full coverage) or a rounded, tapered brush (for natural coverage). Avoid overly wide brushes for liquid foundation—they can lead to uneven application.
Concealer Brush: Opt for a small, pointed brush (for precise spot-concealing) or a flat, rounded brush (for under-eye concealer).
Blush/Contour/Highlighter Brushes:
Blush: Tapered or rounded (blends color seamlessly on cheeks).
Contour: Angled (fits along the hollows of your cheeks for sharp definition).
Highlighter: Fan-shaped (for subtle application on cheekbones) or small, tapered (for precise highlighter on cupid’s bow or brow bone).
Eyeshadow Brushes: Fluffy (for blending), flat (for packing color), and small, pointed (for precision in the crease or lash line).
5. Consider Handle Design (Comfort and Control)
You’ll be holding your makeup brushes for minutes at a time, so the handle should feel comfortable and easy to control:
Length: Longer handles are great for makeup artists (who stand while applying makeup), but shorter handles are more practical for everyday use (easier to maneuver when sitting at a vanity).
Grip: Look for a handle with a non-slip finish (or texture) if you tend to have slippery hands (e.g., when applying makeup after washing your face).
Weight: A lightweight handle won’t strain your wrist, but a slightly weighted handle can provide more control for precise application (e.g., eyeliner or contour).
6. Don’t Overlook Cleanability (Brushes Need Regular Washing!)
Makeup brushes collect bacteria, oil, and product buildup—so choosing brushes that are easy to clean is essential for skin health (and brush longevity):
Synthetic Brushes: Easiest to clean—they rinse quickly and dry fast. Use a gentle soap (or brush cleanser) and warm water, then lay flat to dry.
Natural Brushes: Require a bit more care—use a mild shampoo (to avoid drying out the fibers) and cold water, then reshape the bristles and lay flat to dry.
Pro Tip: Avoid brushes with intricate designs or hard-to-reach crevices (they trap product and bacteria). Opt for simple, smooth handles and ferrules for easy cleaning.
7. Set a Budget (But Don’t Sacrifice Quality for Price)
Makeup brushes range from $5 to $50+ per brush—but price doesn’t always equal quality. Here’s how to budget wisely:
Drugstore Finds: Great for beginners or anyone on a budget. Look for brands with good reviews (avoid ultra-cheap brushes that shed or feel scratchy).
Mid-Range Brushes: Offer the best value—quality bristles and construction at an affordable price (most range from $10-$25 per brush).
Luxury Brushes: Worth the investment if you wear makeup daily or are a makeup enthusiast. Luxury brushes (e.g., high-end brands) are often handcrafted, last longer, and feel ultra-soft.