The best makeup brushes for flawless application
Buffer, brush and blend for immaculate results
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A good set of makeup accessories can make the world of difference to your beauty routine. Scrap using your fingertips, so long old sponges, and step forward good quality makeup brushes. From layering on your base or foundation to contouring and warming with bronzer to enhancing and sculpting with highlighter, makeup brushes are an essential accessory in any makeup bag. After all, nobody wants patchy, uneven-looking skin.
Available in an array of shapes, sizes, bristle tips and materials, makeup brushes provide hygienic, targeted and precise application of makeup, blending it into your skin effortlessly and smoothly for a long-lasting base, flawless complexion and minimal product wastage. Your skin will be left fresh and radiant, cheekbones chiseled, jawline elevated – a polished canvas ready for mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, the full works.
Of course, not all makeup brushes are created equal, and knowing which brushes to use to achieve different effects or with different products is crucial. Whether a beauty aficionado, a complete beginner or here to improve your application game, we’ve curated an edit of the best makeup brushes on the market, from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Dolce & Gabbana, Lisa Eldridge and Chanel, so you can achieve a picture-perfect complexion in one sweep.
Dolce & Gabbana retractable kabuki brush
Newly launched for 2025, Dolce & Gabbana’s kabuki brush is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. A compact, retractable design with super soft vegan bristles, use with your favourite face powder for smooth, precise application and flawless results. Elegantly finished with the brand’s signature gold aluminium handle and a handy protective cap, take on your travels to keep skin luminous at all times.
Moonglaze multi-use makeup brush
Exclusive to Selfridges, get your hands on Moonglaze’s versatile makeup brush for a multi-functional design that is gentle on the skin and easy to use with powders and liquid foundations alike. Crafted from 100 per cent vegan materials, the brush is suitable for dry, sensitive and oily skin and will provide an even, natural-looking complexion.
Lisa Eldridge seamless blend brush
One for building up your base, blend in foundation seamlessly with Lisa Eldridge’s makeup brush. A chunky handle paired with a head of densely packed bristles, promising smooth and accurate application, it will provide all-over, accurate coverage in just a few strokes. Made from dermocura (a synthetic fibre), the brush is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive of skins.
Spectrum Pantherine 20-piece brush set
Set up your very own MUA station with Spectrum’s kit – a 20-piece set with a makeup brush for every need. Combining style with performance, each brush features a glossy tapered handle and super soft bristles to deliver a full face of sleek and professionally applied makeup. The set includes foundation and powder brushes plus blenders, shaders and definers for the ultimate full package, all wrapped up in a handy canister for easy storage.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion brush
Elevate your makeup routine with Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Complexion brush. A smooth silhouette with a flat brush head, pair with your everyday foundation for even distribution and an all-day glow. Ideal for covering up blemishes and small imperfections, the brush will help achieve a smooth and fresh-faced finish, and skin will be left picture-perfect.
Trish McEvoy The Power Of Brushes set
Equip your makeup bag with Trish McEvoy’s iconic trio of brushes – featuring small, medium and large sizes for every step in your application routine. Begin with Brush 300 for all-over coverage before moving on to Brush 200 for contouring and highlighting and Brush 100 for fine detailing. Use individually or in succession for seamless coverage, accurate sculpting and an air-brushed look.
Sisley Paris blush brush
Achieve a natural-looking glow with Sisley Paris’ blush brush, designed to sculpt your face and enhance features. Featuring an angular, tapered shape, use to blend in powder blushes with the utmost precision, whether opting for an au-natural or an impactful look. The wavy, soft-to-touch bristles promise buildable results and take the stress out of your makeup routine.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit make-up brush
Hourglass’ applicator features two brush heads to use with powder, cream and liquid formulas – use the rounded end for powder and bronzer, and the tapered end for blush and highlighter. The versatile double-ended design is made with ultra-soft bristles and the handle is finished with a playful evil eye motif for a touch of fun.
Chanel 2-in-1 foundation brush
Add Chanel’s foundation brush to your makeup bag for a clever two-in-one design that works with both liquid and powder bases. A hybrid shape, made with soft but strong synthetic bristles, the brush will deliver an even application for a polished, radiant complexion.
Read more: The best body scrubs and exfoliators for silky smooth skin
