The 26 Best Makeup Brushes on Amazon: Affordable Picks for Every Look

Discover top-rated makeup brushes on Amazon for flawless application—from value sets to pro favorites, all under $20 and tested for quality.

By Medha deb
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26 Best Makeup Brushes on Amazon: Tested, Reviewed, and Loved

If you’re browsing Amazon for the ultimate makeup brush upgrade, you’re in luck. Whether you’re an absolute beginner, a makeup enthusiast, or a seasoned pro, Amazon offers a vast range of budget-friendly makeup brushes—from value-packed sets to specialist tools crafted for contouring, blending, and more. This guide highlights the best picks under $20, thoroughly researched and crowd-approved, so you can confidently revamp your routine without breaking the bank.

Why Amazon Makeup Brushes Stand Out

  • Affordable: Most brushes and sets are priced under $20.
  • High Ratings: Consistently top-reviewed by thousands of users.
  • Variety: Brushes for foundation, eyes, contour, blush, highlighting, and more.
  • Vegan & Cruelty Free: Many brands offer synthetic bristles ideal for sensitive skin.
  • Travel Sets: Compact brush kits for makeup on-the-go are especially popular.

Best Value Makeup Brush Sets

Vander Life Make Up Brushes ($8)

Best for: Complete set at a tiny price.
This 24-piece set is Amazon’s best bargain for budding makeup artists and casual users alike. Reviewers rave about both quantity and quality: “They blend like an absolute dream, are super easy to use, pick up a good amount of product, and are very soft on the face.” The handles are sturdy, and the bristles—surprisingly lush—make it easy to experiment with every look imaginable.

  • 24 brushes cover foundation, powders, eyeshadow, and more
  • Perfect starter set for beginners
  • Super soft synthetic bristles
  • Excellent value under $10

Lamora Pro Face Contour Brush Set ($18)

Best for: Versatile contouring tools.
Try this five-piece set for unbeatable contouring. Affordable, but rivaling prestige brands in performance, it’s ideal for sculpting, blending, and shading. Reviewers praise its versatility: “So affordable and do the work of the high end brushes.” The short-bristled angle brush delivers sharp lines, while the longer brush blends softer shadows for a seamless finish.

  • Five brushes tailored for contouring
  • Short bristles for sharp definition
  • Long bristles for diffused effect
  • Multi-use—works for powder, cream, and liquid products

Zoreya Eye Makeup Brushes

Best for: Detailed eye looks.
A full eyeshadow kit sets you up for perfection, regardless of your skill level. The Zoreya 12-brush kit features everything from flat brushes for pigment packing to angled and blending brushes for smokey eyes. Users say: “The bristles of each brush are soft, yet sturdy. They pick up and hold the pigment well and glide on smoothly.” Each brush is made to help you create expertly blended eyes with minimal effort.

  • 12 dedicated eye brushes
  • Soft but firm synthetic bristles
  • Flat brush smooths lid; angled brush lines or smudges
  • Highly rated by both makeup newbies and pros

Top-Rated Single Brushes

Wet n Wild Powder Brush

Best for: Flawless powder application.
This brush achieves cult status for its ability to control shine and deliver a smooth, even powder finish. Its size strikes a balance—not too large, not too small—providing just enough control for a seamless look. Users love the super soft bristles and easy blendability: “Super soft and gives easy and smooth powder application.”

  • Ergonomically shaped handle
  • Gentle and non-irritating synthetic bristles
  • Wide but not oversized brush head
  • Perfect for setting and finishing powders

Energy Concealer Brush

Best for: Precision coverage.
Short, dense bristles give total control to apply concealer exactly where needed—over blemishes, hyperpigmentation, or dark circles. As one user shares: “I fell in love and returned my $50 brush and ordered another one of these!” Its affordable price and precision make it a must-have for anyone looking to perfect their complexion.

  • Compact, flat brush head
  • Dense bristles for controlled coverage
  • Works with all concealer formats
  • Budget-friendly replacement for luxury options

Covergirl Makeup Masters Blush and Powder Brush ($5)

Best for: Soft, diffused blush.
A large, rounded brush crafted to gently blend pigment over your cheeks, this tool is prized for its fluffy bristles and ability to impart a naturally radiant finish. “Lightly swirl the brush across your powder blush, then blend it over the apples of your cheeks and up along your temples to subtly brighten your face,” say reviewers.

  • Wide, rounded bristle design
  • Buildable pigment application
  • Gentle on sensitive skin
  • Perfect for blush and powder formulas

E.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush ($8)

Best for: Multi-purpose blending.
This trusty brush is an all-in-one tool for blending blush, contour, and highlighter. Loved for durability and flawless results, it features consistently soft bristles: “Does NOT shed, and it is very comfortable to use.” Regular cleansing keeps it performing optimally for the long run.

  • Soft, fluffy, rounded bristles
  • Ideal for powders, creams, and liquids
  • Long-lasting with proper care
  • Affordable for daily use

Docolor Fan Brush Face Makeup Brush

Best for: Highlight perfection.
If you love a glowy cheekbone, this specialty brush is designed especially for highlighter application. Fanned-out bristles make it easy to add a subtle sheen where you want it—never heavy or streaky. It also preserves your other brushes from wear and tear by keeping highlighter separate.

  • Unique fanned shape
  • Delicate finish for shimmer or bronzer
  • Prevents over-application
  • Keeps regular brushes in shape

Real Techniques Powder & Bronzer Brush

Best for: Blending bronzer seamlessly.
Designed to deliver warm, streak-free color, this fluffy all-purpose brush is acclaimed for its ease of use and multipurpose prowess: “You don’t have to use a lot of product for results, and it blends well.” Its rounded head is ideal for lightly dusting powder, bronzer, or blush for natural radiance.

  • Round, fluffy bristles
  • Effortless blending of powders
  • No streaks or patches
  • Multipurpose for bronzer, blush, powders

Specialty and Travel-Friendly Brushes

  • Kabuki Foundation Brushes: These dense, flat-top brushes dominate Amazon sales thanks to their versatility across liquid, cream, and powder foundations.
    Kabuki brushes provide a flawless, airbrushed finish, making them highly sought after by consumers seeking multi-use tools .
  • Travel Sets: Compact and lightweight brush kits are trending, ideal for on-the-go makeup routines. Look for sets that include a mix of face and eye brushes, sometimes paired with extras like LED mirrors or powder puffs .
  • Eco-Friendly and Vegan Brushes: Brands like e.l.f. and KESHIMA offer cruelty-free, synthetic bristles suitable for sensitive skin. Vegan brush sets are often budget-friendly and feature recyclable packaging .

Comparison Table: Popular Amazon Makeup Brushes & Sets

Product NameKey FeaturesPriceReviews
KESHIMA Flat Top Kabuki Foundation BrushBuffs liquid/cream/powder foundations, cruelty-free synthetic bristles$9.1525,000+
e.l.f. Ultimate Makeup Brush Set17 brushes, vegan, travel-friendly roll$5.00High demand
20PCs Travel Makeup Brush SetIncludes LED mirror, powder puffs, compact design$20.291,000+
24-Piece Affordable SetHigh-density bristles, flawless application$10.0095,000+ reviews
Energy Concealer BrushShort, dense bristles for precise application$6.99Highly rated

Expert Tips for Selecting Makeup Brushes

  • Check Bristle Quality: Synthetic bristles offer softness and durability, plus they’re often vegan.
  • Look for Multi-Functional Designs: Sets with labeled brushes make it easier for beginners to get pro results.
  • Consider Handle Size: Ergonomic handles enhance precision and comfort.
  • Review Ratings & Photos: User reviews and close-up images can reveal true performance and shed risks.
  • Maintenance: Clean brushes regularly to extend lifespan and ensure flawless application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it better to buy a makeup brush set or individual brushes?

A: Sets deliver unbeatable value for beginners or those seeking a complete upgrade. Individual brushes are ideal for targeting specific makeup needs or supplementing a set.

Q: How do you clean makeup brushes bought on Amazon?

A: Gently wash bristles with a mild soap or brush cleanser weekly. Rinse thoroughly, reshape, and allow to air dry flat to preserve shape.

Q: Are synthetic brushes suitable for sensitive skin?

A: Yes, synthetic bristles are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation compared to some natural hair brushes. Brands like e.l.f. and KESHIMA are particularly recommended.

Q: Which brush type works best for liquid foundation?

A: Kabuki brushes with dense, flat bristles excel at buffing liquid foundation for a seamless, airbrushed finish.

Q: Is it easy to find vegan makeup brushes on Amazon?

A: Yes, many popular brands offer vegan, cruelty-free options with synthetic fibers and eco-friendly packaging.

Quick Shopping Checklist: What to Look For

  • Budget: Stick to sets and individual brushes under $20 for proven quality.
  • Purpose: Choose sets with a variety of brushes if you want versatility, or select specialist brushes for targeted application.
  • Brand Reputation: Opt for brands known for durability and high ratings, such as e.l.f., KESHIMA, Real Techniques, and Wet n Wild.

Final Thoughts

Amazon’s makeup brush selection caters to every style and budget. With thousands of reviews, affordable prices, and options for pros and beginners alike, upgrading your makeup toolkit has never been easier. You’ll find versatile sets for a total routine overhaul, specialty brushes for precision, and multipurpose tools for effortless blending—all designed for flawless results every time.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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