We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Lifestyle Beauty The 7 Best Makeup Brushes, Tested and Reviewed MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush sweeps away the competition By Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 2, 2024 08:47PM EDT People / Tamara Staples A good makeup brush can create the illusion of no-makeup makeup — smoothing out unwanted bumps, blending away discoloration, and creating a streak-free finish. Whether your skills rival professional artists or lie somewhere south of "what end of the brush do I hold," a quality makeup brush can enhance your overall application. To help you find your next favorite makeup brush, our testers created an in-house glam studio, brushing foundation across their faces to test the best uses for each brush and see where they fell short. After each mini makeover, they evaluated the brush's design, application results, and how easy it was to clean, massaging the bristles with soapy water until all the residue washed away. The MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush stole our top spot and the hearts of celebrity makeup artists like Gregory Arlt who tells PEOPLE he loves the precision of this brush for clients like Carly Rae Jepsen, Nicole Scherzinger, and Fran Drescher. Arlt calls this brush a "cordless airbrush since it buffs and blends any formula perfectly!" Read on for the best makeup brushes that PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush at Amazon ($29) Jump to Review Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Splurge: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6 (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Foundation: Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush at Ulta ($32) Jump to Review Best for Contour: Lune+Aster Foundation Brush at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best for Powder: Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation 3-in-1 Brush at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Coverage: Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Overall MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush Nordstrom View On Amazon $29 View On Nordstrom $34 View On Maccosmetics.com Pros Luxurious design Versatile Contours to the face Cons Expensive (but not overpriced, given the quality) Every beauty guru has a go-to tool in their kit, and the MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush will be the one you reach for. MAC makeup artist Anton Khachaturian tells PEOPLE this brush is "the ultimate complexion tool," while artist Jamie Greenberg explains "you can place color with the chiseled flat part and blend it with the amazing bristles." Receiving a perfect score in design, application, and ease of cleaning in our testing, this makeup brush was a clear standout. Our tester loved its synthetic vegan bristles that were soft on her skin, but densely packed to avoid absorption and subsequent makeup loss. The round angled shape also received praise for its ability to "get into the contours of your face" and reach tricky spots (such as around the nose). Designed for foundation, cream contour, blush, and powder, this brush is a universal tool to keep in your glam kit. Our tester said the MAC brush applied foundation quickly, but still created a "beautiful and smooth" finish. Its versatility and effectiveness make this brush ideal for your daily beauty routine — and as an added bonus, it's easily cleaned with soap and a quick rinse. Though our tester didn't find any flaws with the brush (love is blind), it's worth mentioning the high price tag. While it's more expensive than your drugstore makeup brush, we firmly believe the cost matches the value you're getting. Shape: Dome, round | Brush Material: Synthetic vegan fibers | Uses: Coverage, contour | Designed for: powder, cream, or liquid formulas People / Tamara Staples Byrdie / Tamara Staples Best Budget e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush Target View On Amazon $12 View On Target $7 View On Walmart $7 Pros Affordable Well-designed Effective at applying liquid and powder products Cons Rather small for applying makeup to larger areas of the face High-quality beauty tools don't have to break the bank. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation brush offers a sophisticated design, versatility, and easy maintenance for an affordable price. Our tester raved about the soft bristles made from vegan synthetic fibers rather than animal hair. The tapered shape allowed easy access to "the contours and grooves of your face," our tester said, noting that it works best around the eyes and nose. The e.l.f. makeup brush is designed to work with liquids, powders, and creams, and applies each effortlessly. Our tester appreciated how it blended her foundation "quickly and smoothly, without blotchiness." While rinsing the bristles was easy, they did retain a faint stain from the makeup color. Our beauty tester also said she's used to big brushes, and this one was a little small for applying product to larger areas on her face. Shape: Dome, tapered | Brush Material: Synthetic vegan fibers | Uses: Buffing, blending | Designed for: powder, cream, or liquid formulas People / Tamara Staples Best Splurge It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6 Amazon View on Ulta View On Amazon $50 View On Nordstrom $43 Pros Sleek design Applies liquids, powders, and creams effortlessly Easy to clean Cons The price Though designed for powder products, this brush worked flawlessly with liquid foundation during our tests (so it gets bonus points for multipurpose use!). Our tester loved the flat top design of this brush as well as the weight of the handle. The soft but dense bristles allow the foundation to sweep across your face without losing much product en route. "It's a good size for blending foundation onto any part of your face," our tester said, noting the streak-free finish. This brush aced our cleaning test, with all of the foundation rinsing out quickly and fully — with very little of the product absorbed. We briefly sighed at the price, but sometimes you need to treat yourself, and in this case, it's worth it. Shape: Flat top, dome | Brush Material: Synthetic hair | Uses: Blending, contour | Designed for: loose and pressed powders People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best for Foundation Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush Sephora View On Ulta $32 View On QVC $30 View On Tartecosmetics.com $32 Pros Curved design helps seamlessly blend Dense bristles Easy to clean Cons Better results with liquid over powder If a Beautyblender sponge is just not cutting it for you, then you'll want to opt for the Tarte Foundcealer Foundation Brush as an alternative for foundation application. The fluffy dome-shaped brush head is densely packed with soft, synthetic bristles that seamlessly blend your liquid foundation into your skin for a natural finish. This blending brush performed well when tested for design, application, and more, especially when it came to liquid foundation (and according to the name, it should work just as flawlessly with concealer, too). The densely-packed bristles are shorter than some Kabuki or similar blending brushes. This allows for a more concentrated and controlled approach to blending than a longer-haired brush, which may leave unsightly brushstrokes on your skin. Our tester also commented on how "light and easy it was to hold," as some brushes can feel awkward in your hand, resulting in a patchy blend. This brush is the whole package if you're looking for an option that will work for both your foundation and concealer, making this a one-stop shop for all of your base makeup needs. But if you prefer powder foundation over liquid, you may not get the same airbrushed effect, as these bristles blend best with liquid foundations. Shape: Dome | Brush Material: Synthetic fibers | Uses: Coverage, blending | Designed for: Liquid foundation, concealer People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best for Contour Lune+Aster Foundation Brush Amazon View On Amazon $38 Pros Angled brush is perfect for contouring the face Ergonomic handle and short bristles make for easy application and after-care Easy to clean Cons Has a higher price tag Next on our list is a brush that will create shape and definition on your face. With lavishly soft bristles and an angled shape, the Lune+Aster brush is perfect for contour. The synthetic vegan bristles were a hit with our testers, and the short ergonomic handle made it easier to apply pressure and control the brush strokes. This brush earned a perfect score across all of our tests and applied product equally well across large facial areas as well as tight spots around the nose and under the eyes. Suitable for liquids, sticks, and powders, this brush can blend out any formula to achieve a smooth and even result. And after you apply your makeup, "the product squeezes right out of the short bristles, making the cleaning process quick," our tester said. As with others on our list, this makeup brush wears an expensive price tag, but we think the price reflects the value. Shape: Angled, dome | BrushMaterial: Vegan fibers | Uses: Contour, coverage | Designed for: Liquid, stick, or powder foundations People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best for Powder Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation 3-in-1 Brush Ulta View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $11 View On Walgreens $13 Pros Customizable brush levels Light to full coverage Easy to clean Cons Low-quality bristles Had to smooth certain areas more than once There are many different uses for powder, whether you're setting an area with translucent powder, locking in your look with a dusting of finishing powder or using a powder foundation as a full-coverage base. It can be hard (and expensive!) to buy several different brushes for each product, so the Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation brush is a standout because of its multi-level functions. Though this brush can be used for liquids as well, we've found favor with its prowess with powder. "The ability to change the stiffness of the brush helps control where you want coverage," our tester says. "I feel like I was able to waste less product by concentrating it where I wanted it." The handle of the brush has a mini lever that can be pressed to switch the brush length and density between minimum, mid-level, and maximum. Minimum, being the longest setting for bristle length, is best for light swathes of powder to set your liquid foundation. Maximum is the shortest brush level, which allows the bristles to be more compact and dense to allow for more concentrated coverage, a setting that's optimal for powder foundation or baking. "I really liked that I could use the max setting to really build coverage quickly in certain areas," our tester praised. The mid-level is for everything in between. The versatility of this brush can't be beat, which is why our testers approved of this style even though they felt the bristles fell a bit short compared to some of the others. "The quality of the bristles could be better, but the flexibility of use makes up for it," they shared. If you're looking for a brush that can take on all of your powders, this is it. Shape: Dome | BrushMaterial: Synthetic fibers | Uses: Sheer to full coverage, blending | Designed for: Powder, tinted moisturizer, foundation, concealer People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples The 10 Best Face Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Coverage Real Techniques Blend + Blur Brush Ulta View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $27 View On Realtechniques.com Pros Extremely smoothing Easy-to-hold handle Easy to clean Seamless blending Cons May work better with liquid over powder Though unconventional in style, the Real Techniques Blend + Blur Foundation Brush does a standout job of creating some serious coverage. Our tester compared the easy-to-use handle to that of a toothbrush, exemplifying its simple yet ergonomic design. The oval brush consists of a densely-packed head of stiffer bristles, but our tester noted that they were not rough on the skin. The compact brush head allowed for a seamless blend and easy buildup of coverage, which was a huge benefit for this brush. "I was able to get decent coverage without having to continuously add more makeup," they noted, appreciating the flawless finish it provided without the buildup of the product. "I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to build up even coverage where I wanted it when using this brush." Though this test was done with liquid foundation, our tester felt that this brush would perform best with liquid products over powder. The density of the bristles helps to work the liquid onto the skin with a smooth finish, whereas powder may be easily picked up in this process, potentially leaving patches or creating an uneven texture. If liquid foundations are the name of your game and you appreciate an easy-to-use brush, then this could be your end-all-be-all. Shape: Oval, dome | BrushMaterial: Synthetic fibers | Uses: Full coverage, blending | Designed for: Cream or liquid foundation People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Things to Consider Before Buying a Makeup Brush Material There are several factors that play into the design of a makeup brush, and bristle material is a big one. Bristles can be synthetic or natural, which will determine the texture and cost. Natural bristles are sourced from animal fur (squirrels, sables, goats, etc.), which can be difficult to acquire and more labor-intensive — thus, the higher price tag. Synthetic bristles are manufactured from various fibers and polymers and are often as soft as their real counterparts. Considering the ethical controversy around the use of animal fur (and cost!), many brands have re-evaluated their material choices. Shape The brush shape (and size) can affect your application, so to figure out what shape you'll need, you must consider the brush's use. For contour, you'll want a sharper angled brush for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose. On the other hand, for a daily makeup brush, a medium-sized flat brush will be most effective at blending foundation across your face in large strokes to avoid any streaks. Density It's true that the density of the bristles is a key component in an effective makeup brush. If you're using liquid makeup, you need a brush with densely-packed bristles to keep the formula from seeping into the brush, never to be seen again (until wash day). A powder product like blush or bronzer will coat the top of the bristles, so you'll want a looser brush to sweep the granular makeup across your face. Cost Though some makeup brushes can cost you a Benjamin (*crickets*), you don't need something that expensive to create a beautiful finished look. Certain materials, sizes, and brands will affect the final price, but if you're looking for a quality makeup brush to apply and blend foundation, there are great options for every budget, like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Buffing Foundation Brush that retails for less than $10. People / Tamara Staples How We Tested Makeup Brushes Eleven beauty aficionados were treated to midday makeovers as they tested 15 of the most popular makeup brushes on the market. To find picks for our best list, they considered the design, application, and ease of cleaning for each brush. After applying foundation to their faces with each brush, our testers considered the materials the brush was made from, how soft the bristles felt on their skin, and how well the design aided the makeup application. Did the brush absorb most of the foundation or blend it evenly across the skin? They also considered the results — whether the final finish was smooth and natural-looking. For cleanup, they used warm water and soap to massage the bristles and determined how easily the makeup could be rinsed out. FAQs Which brushes are best for makeup? Different brushes are meant for different types of makeup. There are makeup brushes for foundation, concealer, contour, powder, and blush. In general, larger and fluffier brushes should be used for the face, whereas smaller, thinner brushes should be used on the eyes for eyeshadow. A large, fluffy blush can do all kinds of beauty products — everything from setting powder to bronzer and blush — however, we recommend having different brushes for these products, so you're not accidentally bronzing where you're trying to blush. Which brushes are best for beginners? Beginners will do well with a simple set of brushes, including a larger, fluffier, long-bristled brush for loose powder (like finishing powder and bronzer) a separate fluffy brush for blush, a large, yet dense brush for foundation and concealer, and a small, tapered brush for eyeshadow. You can do just about anything with these four brushes. Is a makeup brush or sponge better? It depends on the look you are going for, but both sponges and brushes work interchangeably to blend your face makeup in. Brushes often provide a sheerer, yet more airbrushed finish, whereas sponges are best for concentrated coverage. It depends on the level of coverage you desire, though you can find brushes that provide fuller coverage, as well. With adequate storage space in your makeup organizer, you can keep a few of both. The Best Makeup for Older Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed What Is People Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. Want more product recommendations? Check out all of our PEOPLE Tested content. Updated by Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with two years of experience in the digital media industry. Her expertise lies in the realm of fashion and beauty, where she covers the best products that your wardrobe and makeup vanity need like the best lip oils, boyfriend jeans, workout sets, ballet flats, and more. learn more