The best tools often yield the best results. For an expert and artful makeup application, those tools consist of an array of brushes. The array can seem endless—and each brush may seem shockingly expensive.
But you don’t need to buy every brush, and you definitely don’t need to go broke in the process of assembling a collection that will enhance, extend, and elevate the quality of your makeup application. We’ve found that you can truly get by with a handful of versatile options, and that high-quality, high-performance brushes can be had for as little as $3.
To find the best brushes out there, we tested more than 70 over six months, sent more than 30 finalists to a panel of testers, and found our favorites across seven categories, including a useful and luxe set for a great price, a unique foundation brush, and a game-changing contour option. We also found a standout bronzer brush, a nimble and dual-purpose brow brush, the best blender that money can buy, and a jaw-droppingly affordable line that rivals far pricier competitors.
You’re sure to find a few to add to your daily routine.