16+ Best Budget Makeup Brushes for Beginners

Let’s talk about a beauty essential that often gets overlooked—makeup brushes! The best budget makeup brushes can make or break your makeup look, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to find high-quality options. 

Whether you’re looking for a full brush set or just a few good brushes for your makeup bag, I’ve got you covered with affordable picks that deliver professional results without breaking the bank.

For more on building your makeup collection on a budget…

• ​Best Hydrating Primers
• Best Drugstore Concealers
• Best Drugstore Setting Sprays
• Drugstore Makeup Kit for Beginners

What to Look for in a Good Makeup Brush

Choosing the right makeup brush doesn’t have to be complicated! 

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for budget makeup brushes that are worth buying:

1. Bristle Type

Synthetic bristles are a must-have for affordable makeup brushes. They’re not only cruelty-free but also fantastic for liquid foundation, cream products, and powder foundation. Look for soft bristles that feel gentle on your skin while still being effective for blending. Real hair bristles are more costly, can shed more, and are often not cruelty-free.

2. Brush Density

The density of the bristles matters based on the product you’re using. Densely packed bristles are great for liquid foundation or a streak-free finish, while fluffy brushes work better for setting powder or blending eye shadow. A densely-packed foundation brush is going to give a lot of coverage, and a fluffier brush will give a sheer wash of color.

3. Quality and Durability

Even when shopping on a budget, you want brushes that last. Look for brushes with sturdy handles, secure brush heads, and a comfortable weight. Heavier handles often give a professional feel, but lighter ones can be easier to maneuver for precise application. Sometimes you can just tell that the brush is not made well by holding it in your hand. Those will not last with regular wear and tear.

4. Brush Shapes for Versatility

A good makeup brush kit or set should include a mix of essential makeup brushes, like a complexion brush, powder brush, angled brush, and eyeshadow brushes. This allows you to use them for a full base and eye look.

5. Easy Maintenance

The best brushes are not only effective but also easy to clean and maintain. Look for options with synthetic fibers that wash well without shedding so your brushes stay in top shape for longer.

Once you know what to look for, finding the best budget makeup brush sets becomes a breeze. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for your new set! 

Best Budget Makeup Brushes

Let’s chat about a few of my favorite makeup brush brands and what products I recommend from each of them. I know there is so much out there to choose from, so hopefully this list will help you narrow it down.

Real Techniques

Real Techniques is a cult-favorite brand known for delivering professional-quality brushes at drugstore prices. They’re made with ultra-soft synthetic bristles and are a top pick for beauty lovers and makeup artists alike. I have loved this brand for years, and they consistently make high quality makeup brushes and tools. You really cannot go wrong with any of their products!

Here are a few of my top favorite Real Techniques brushes:

• Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush & Sponge Set: This all-in-one set includes essential brushes for base, blush, and eyes, plus their signature Miracle Complexion Sponge. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a versatile set to cover all their needs.
• Setting Brush: Ideal for the precision application of setting powder or highlighter, this brush is a staple for a streak-free, natural finish.
• Ultra Plush Powder & Cheek Brush: With its fluffy design, this brush is perfect for larger areas like the cheeks or forehead, making it ideal for applying powder products with a seamless blend.

Morphe

Morphe brushes are a go-to for celebrity makeup artists and OG beauty YouTubers (like myself). I feel like we heard all of the beauty gurus talking about this brand in the 2016 full glam makeup era, am I right? They’re known for their affordability and professional-grade quality. Truthfully, they still are some of the best affordable makeup brushes on the market.

Here are a few of my top favorite Morphe brushes:

• M527 Deluxe Pointed Powder Brush: This brush is great for applying powder foundation or bronzer, thanks to its densely packed bristles and precise shape.
• M504 Large Pointed Blender Brush: A must-have for flawless eyeshadow blending, this fluffy brush creates soft transitions and diffuses harsh lines.
• M405 Angled Contour Brush: Perfect for contouring and sculpting, this brush hugs the natural curves of your face to create definition effortlessly.
• Morphe x Ariel 12-Piece Brush Set: Designed by celebrity makeup artist Ariel Tejada, this set features every brush you need to create full-face looks, from base products to detailed eye work.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. is famous for combining high-quality with unbeatable prices. The same goes for their brushes – do not sleep on them! They have especially gotten even better in the last few years. e.l.f. uses cruelty-free synthetic fibers that work beautifully with both cream and powder products.

Here are a few of my top favorite elf brushes:

• Complexion Duo Brush: This dual-ended brush is a multi-tasker, with one side for foundation and the other for concealer or cream contour.
• Brow Lift Applicator: A two-in-one tool for perfecting your brows—one end is a spoolie for brushing, and the other is a flat applicator for precise product placement.
• Cream and Powder Face Brush: Designed for seamless application of both cream and powder blushes or bronzers, this is a great option for creating a natural finish.
• Fluffy Eye Blender Brush: A soft and fluffy eyeshadow brush that blends shadows effortlessly for a polished look.
• 19 Piece Makeup Brush Set & Roll: This complete collection has every brush you could ever need, from eye shadow to foundation brushes, neatly stored in a roll-up pouch for convenience.

Jessup

Jessup is a brand that’s mostly found on Amazon, and it’s a hidden gem in the affordable makeup brush world. Their brushes have a luxurious feel and durable design, making them totally worth buying if you’re looking for good makeup brushes on a budget. You really cannot get much better than these Amazon brushes! If you’re looking for a full set of makeup brushes (rather than a few individual brushes), this is the brand I would choose.

Here are a few of my top favorite Jessup brush sets:

• 25-Piece Makeup Brush Set: This extensive set includes brushes for every step of your makeup routine, from liquid foundation to contouring and eye shadow. It really does have everything you will need. It may be too many brushes for beginners, but my recommendation would be to take out the ones you will repeatedly use and store the rest away. When your skills have improved, add more in the set to your routine!
• 14-Piece Makeup Brush Set: A smaller, travel-friendly set with all the essential brushes for a flawless look.
• 7-Piece Double Sided Makeup Brush Set: Perfect for minimalists, this set combines functionality with space-saving design, featuring double-sided brushes to maximize their use.

No matter which of the brush options from this list you end up adding to your brush collection, you are bound to fall in love. They are the best drugstore makeup brushes for a reason and will have you recreating looks like a professional makeup artist for some of the most affordable prices in the beauty store. 

Best Affordable Makeup Sponges

Now, we cannot forget the makeup sponges! A soft and squishy makeup sponge is a must in any makeup kit, but the cost can add up fast. Fortunately, I’ve found the absolute best makeup sponge! You want these sponges! It comes in a pack of 6 for under $10, and they are the closest Beauty Blender dupes I have found. Trust me, you’re going to love these!

These beauty sponges come in a regular and angled shape. I personally prefer the angled one because I love the flat edge to cover large areas.