Do You Really Need a Full Set of Eyeshadow Brushes? Experts Weigh In
By Lisa Green, Contributor
The beauty world is in constant debate: should you splurge on a luxury makeup brush set, or is a simple set of eyeshadow brushes enough? With social feeds flooded by influencers unboxing 25-piece kits, many consumers are left asking—what do I really need, and what’s just marketing?
The Great Brush Debate
On one side, luxury brands like Hakuhodo and Sigma argue that craftsmanship and natural bristles deliver unmatched performance. On the other, minimalist makeup artists say that three to four essential brushes—a shader, a blender, and a detail brush—cover 90% of looks.
Meanwhile, younger consumers are shifting priorities. According to a 2024 Statista survey, over 65% of Gen Z beauty buyers prefer vegan and cruelty-free tools, reshaping the market for eyeshadow and face brushes alike.
Bestselling Kits Everyone Talks About
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Morphe Eye Obsessed Collection – Budget-friendly, but mixed reviews on consistency.
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Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Set – Synthetic, cruelty-free, and beginner-friendly.
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Sigma Beauty Essential Eye Brush Set – Loved for durability, though pricey.
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Hakuhodo Basic Series – Handmade luxury, but controversial due to animal hair sourcing.
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NOORELA Diamond Eyeshadow Brushes – A newer entry focusing on vegan performance and ergonomic design.
What Professionals Say
Celebrity makeup artist Jenna Alvarez told Byrdie:
“The myth that you need 20 brushes for your eyeshadow is outdated. You need a flat shader for pigment, a fluffy blender, and one detail brush. Anything beyond that is extra.”
This sentiment is echoed by many artists, who say massive kits often overwhelm beginners rather than improve their artistry.
The Cruelty-Free Shift
Natural hair brushes once dominated the professional space, but the tide is turning. As eco-conscious beauty grows, synthetic bristles are not only matching natural performance—they’re outperforming them in durability and hygiene.
This has created space for indie players like NOORELA Beauty and long-standing names like EcoTools to rise, especially among consumers unwilling to compromise on ethics.
Final Takeaway
The best makeup brush set isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the one that fits your lifestyle, values, and artistry. While luxury brands continue to attract professionals and collectors, the future clearly leans toward sustainable, cruelty-free, and performance-driven sets that don’t require a second mortgage.
Whether you invest in a $200 artisanal kit or a $25 cruelty-free starter set, the real secret lies in how you use the brushes—not how many you own.
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