Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Find the perfect makeup brushes with our expert reviews and top picks for 2025!
Why Choosing the Right Makeup Brushes Matters
When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, the tools you use are just as important as the products themselves. Makeup brushes can make or break your application, affecting everything from blendability to precision. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, investing in high-quality brushes ensures even coverage, seamless blending, and a professional finish. Poor-quality brushes can cause streaking, uneven application, or even skin irritation due to rough bristles. With the right set, you can elevate your makeup game and save time in your routine.
What to Consider When Buying Makeup Brushes
Navigating the world of makeup brushes can be overwhelming with countless options on the market. Key factors to consider include bristle type (synthetic vs. natural), brush shape, handle design, and durability. Synthetic bristles are often cruelty-free and work well with liquid and cream products, while natural bristles excel with powders. Additionally, consider your specific needs—do you need a full set or individual brushes for targeted application? Price is also a factor, as premium brushes often offer better performance but budget-friendly options can still deliver. At Review Atlas, we’ve tested dozens of brushes to evaluate softness, shedding, ease of cleaning, and overall performance. Our team of makeup artists and beauty editors spent over 100 hours swatching, blending, and contouring to bring you this definitive guide to the best makeup brushes of 2025. Trust us to help you find tools that match your skill level and budget, ensuring a flawless finish every time. With keywords like 'best makeup brushes 2025' and 'top makeup tools,' we’ve crafted this guide to answer all your questions and help you shop smart.
The MAC Cosmetics 217S Blending Brush earns our top spot for its unmatched versatility and performance. Renowned among makeup artists, this brush features soft, densely packed synthetic bristles that blend eyeshadow seamlessly without losing pigment. Its oval shape is perfect for both precise crease work and diffused all-over color. We loved how it picks up just the right amount of product, minimizing fallout, and its sturdy handle ensures control during application. While it excels with powder shadows, it also handles cream formulas well. Pros: Exceptional blending, durable design, cruelty-free bristles. Cons: Slightly pricey for a single brush. After rigorous testing, we found the 217S to be a must-have for anyone serious about eye makeup. If you’re searching for the best makeup brush for eyeshadow in 2025, this is it.
As our Editor’s Choice, the Sigma Beauty E25 Blending Brush stands out for its premium quality and innovative design. This brush features Sigma’s signature Sigmax synthetic fibers, which are incredibly soft and engineered to mimic natural hair for flawless blending. Its slightly tapered tip allows for precise application in the crease while diffusing color effortlessly. During testing, it performed exceptionally with both powder and cream eyeshadows, showing zero shedding even after multiple washes. The lightweight handle offers excellent grip for detailed work. Pros: Superior softness, no shedding, versatile for multiple products. Cons: Higher price point. Perfect for makeup enthusiasts seeking a luxury experience, the E25 is a standout in the best makeup brushes of 2025 lineup.
For those on a budget, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush is a game-changer and our Budget Pick. Priced under $10, this synthetic brush delivers impressive performance for foundation and powder application. Its densely packed bristles provide a smooth, streak-free finish, rivaling much pricier options. We were impressed by how well it blends liquid and cream products without absorbing too much, making it ideal for full-coverage looks. The ergonomic handle fits comfortably in hand, though it’s not as durable as premium brushes. Pros: Affordable, great for beginners, cruelty-free. Cons: Bristles may wear out faster with heavy use. If you’re hunting for the best cheap makeup brushes in 2025, this e.l.f. brush is a fantastic starting point.
The Real Techniques Powder Brush is a staple for setting powder and bronzer application, earning a high spot on our list of best makeup brushes for 2025. Its ultra-plush synthetic bristles are designed to pick up the perfect amount of product for an even, airbrushed finish. During testing, we found it excels at diffusing powder without disturbing foundation underneath. The rounded, fluffy shape is ideal for all-over face application, and the aluminum handle is lightweight yet durable. It’s also easy to clean, showing minimal staining. Pros: Excellent for powder products, affordable, easy to use. Cons: Not ideal for precise contouring. A reliable choice for everyday makeup routines, this brush is a must-have for a polished look.
The Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff Brush is a favorite for eyeshadow lovers, offering professional-grade blending at a reasonable price. Its natural bristles are firm yet soft, making it perfect for packing color into the crease or creating a smoky eye with precision. In our tests, it blended harsh lines effortlessly and held up well after repeated use and cleaning. The long handle provides great control, especially for detailed work. It works best with powder products, though it can handle creams with care. Pros: Great for detailed blending, good value, sturdy build. Cons: Natural bristles may not suit vegan users. A solid addition to any kit, this brush ranks high among the best makeup brushes of 2025 for eye looks.
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 is a dual-ended wonder for foundation and concealer application. One end features a dense, flat-top brush for buffing in foundation, while the smaller end is perfect for under-eye concealing or spot coverage. Its ultra-soft synthetic bristles feel luxurious on the skin and blend products seamlessly for a natural finish. During testing, we loved how it minimized streaks and didn’t absorb excess product. The handle is comfortable for extended use. Pros: Dual-ended versatility, super soft bristles, flawless application. Cons: Slightly bulky for travel. This brush is a standout in the best makeup brushes of 2025 for anyone seeking a multi-tasking complexion tool.
The Sephora Collection PRO Foundation Brush #56 offers professional-quality results for liquid and cream foundations. Its densely packed synthetic bristles create a smooth, even application without leaving brush marks, which impressed us during testing. The tapered shape allows for precision around the nose and eyes, while the flat top buffs product into the skin effortlessly. It’s also easy to clean and maintains its shape after multiple washes. The sleek design and comfortable grip make it a joy to use. Pros: Streak-free finish, great for liquids, reasonably priced. Cons: Not ideal for powder products. A reliable choice for complexion perfection, it’s among the best makeup brushes of 2025 for foundation lovers.
While technically not a brush, the Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100 deserves a spot on our list for its brush-like precision in blending. Designed by Rihanna’s team, this sponge features a unique three-sided shape with a flat edge for contouring, a rounded side for blending, and a precision tip for hard-to-reach areas. In our tests, it applied foundation and concealer flawlessly, mimicking the airbrushed effect of high-end brushes. It works best when damp, absorbing minimal product. Pros: Versatile shape, flawless finish, latex-free. Cons: Requires frequent cleaning. A fantastic alternative to traditional brushes, it’s a top pick in the best makeup tools of 2025.
The Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush is a premium option for achieving a polished, full-coverage look. Its short, tightly packed synthetic bristles are designed to work with liquid and cream foundations, delivering a smooth, even application with minimal effort. During testing, we found it excels at building coverage without caking, and the angled shape fits contours of the face perfectly. The luxurious handle adds a professional feel, though it comes at a higher cost. Pros: Perfect for full coverage, high-quality bristles, ergonomic design. Cons: Expensive for a single brush. Ideal for makeup lovers wanting a luxe experience, it’s a strong contender in the best makeup brushes of 2025.
Rounding out our list, the EcoTools Defining Crease Brush is an eco-friendly option for precise eyeshadow application. Made with sustainable bamboo and synthetic bristles, this brush is soft yet firm enough to define the crease with ease. In our tests, it blended colors smoothly and worked well with both powder and cream formulas. Its compact size makes it great for travel, and the affordable price point is a bonus. While it’s not as durable as higher-end options, it’s a solid choice for everyday use. Pros: Eco-conscious design, budget-friendly, good for precision. Cons: Bristles may loosen over time. A great pick for sustainable beauty, it’s among the best makeup brushes of 2025 for value and ethics.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
MAC Cosmetics 217S Blending Brush Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Last Holiday Rank #2 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face Brush Rank #3 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Real Techniques Powder Brush Rank #4 | N/A | Check price | |
Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff Brush Rank #5 | N/A | Check price | |
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 Rank #6 | N/A | Check price | |
Sephora Collection PRO Foundation Brush #56 Rank #7 | N/A | Check price | |
Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100 Rank #8 | N/A | Check price | |
Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush Rank #9 | N/A | Check price | |
Weekly To Do List Notepad, 60 Page Task Planning Pad w/Daily Checklist, Priority Todo Checkbox & Notes. Desk Notebook to Organize Office 11 X 8.5 Letter Size (1 Pack) Weekly To Do List Rank #10 | 4.6 4.6 |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
