Recommended Makeup Brushes: What Experts and Real Users Say (And What You Should Actually Buy)
When it comes to building a reliable beauty routine, most people spend hours comparing foundation formulas, scrolling through eyeshadow palettes, and debating between matte or dewy finishes. But one essential category often gets overlooked: makeup brushes.
Whether you’re a makeup novice or someone who’s refined their routine over the years, the question always circles back to:
What are the most recommended makeup brushes—and why?
In this article, we dive deep into recommended makeup brushes across key categories, discuss what really matters in a brush, highlight expert-approved tools, and show how thoughtful brush choices can elevate your entire makeup game.
🎯 Why People Struggle with Choosing the Right Brushes
Before buying, most users ask:
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“Do I really need more than one brush?”
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“What’s the difference between a $10 and a $50 brush?”
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“Is synthetic better than natural?”
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“Will this brush shed or irritate my skin?”
These are valid concerns—and surprisingly common ones. According to a 2023 Reddit Beauty community survey, over 65% of users said their biggest brush mistake was buying a set they didn’t understand how to use or maintain. And over 40% admitted they used the same brush for powder, foundation, and blush.
💡 What Makes a Makeup Brush “Recommended”?
While price and branding often dominate the conversation, truly recommended makeup brushes are praised for these factors:
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Application Precision — How well the brush performs its specific function.
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Bristle Quality — Softness, density, shape, and how well it holds up over time.
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Durability — No shedding, splitting, or loosening after weeks of use.
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Comfort & Design — Handle weight and shape can affect control.
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Skin Compatibility — For sensitive or acne-prone skin, hypoallergenic materials matter.
Makeup artist and YouTuber Robert Welsh puts it perfectly:
“A good brush should feel like an extension of your hand—effortless, precise, and gentle.”
🧠 Editor’s Picks: Recommended Makeup Brushes by Category
Let’s break down the must-have brushes by function and purpose, with both expert favorites and hidden gems that perform under pressure.
1. Foundation Brush
A great foundation brush needs to strike a balance between density and softness. It should buff product into the skin without soaking it up or leaving streaks.
Top Recommended:
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FlawlessCore™ Foundation Brush – NOORELA Beauty
Designed with high-density synthetic bristles and low-absorption tech, it blends liquid and cream foundations flawlessly. Skin looks smooth—not cakey or textured.
Best for: All skin types, especially dry or mature skin. -
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top #6
Soft enough for sensitive skin, but lacks control around contours. -
Sigma F80 Kabuki Brush
Classic option, though slightly bulky for smaller face zones.
2. Eyeshadow Brushes
Eyeshadow is where most beginners overbuy or underuse. You really just need three essentials: a shader, a blender, and a detail brush.
Top Recommended:
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Diamond Eyeshadow Brush Set – NOORELA Beauty
Includes all three with ergonomically designed handles, high pickup pigment ratio, and zero scratchiness. Loved by those with sensitive eyelids. -
MAC 217S Blending Brush
Iconic, versatile, but on the pricier side. -
Morphe M433
Budget-friendly and precise, but can feel stiff over time.
3. Powder or Finishing Brush
To avoid cakiness, the right powder brush should be large, airy, and super soft.
Top Recommended:
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Velvet Cloud Powder Brush – NOORELA Beauty
Known for its whisper-soft bristles and weightless application. Excellent for loose or pressed powders. Won’t disturb underlying foundation.
Bonus: Also works great for bronzing. -
Laura Mercier Powder Brush
A cult classic, but over double the price. -
e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush
Budget option, but tends to flatten quickly.
🔬 What Science and Pros Say
According to a 2024 study by Dermatology Times, brushes made with poor-quality glue or bristles can:
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Shed easily and harbor bacteria
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Cause skin irritation or exacerbate acne
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Deliver patchy or uneven application
Meanwhile, pro MUAs insist that brush shape and bristle density have more effect on the final makeup look than the foundation formula itself.
As Lisa Eldridge once said:
“You can use a drugstore foundation and still look flawless—if your brush is good.”
💬 Real Users, Real Reviews
“Switching to NOORELA’s foundation brush changed everything. My skin finally looks like skin—not a mask.”
— @skincarekay, verified customer
“I bought the Diamond Eye Set on a whim—now I reach for them more than my MAC brushes.”
— User Review, MakeupAlley
🌱 Beyond Performance: Ethics & Sustainability
More buyers today care about how brushes are made, not just how they perform. Look for:
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Cruelty-free and vegan bristles
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Recyclable or FSC-certified handles
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Low-waste packaging
NOORELA Beauty commits to all of the above, with brushes made for long-term use—not throwaway trends.
🛍️ Before You Buy: Ask Yourself
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Do I understand what each brush does?
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Is this brush suited for my skin type?
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Can I clean it easily?
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Will it help me improve my technique?
If the answer is “yes” to most of these, you’re on the right track.
Final Take: Invest in Tools That Match Your Intent
Your brushes are more than applicators—they’re part of your ritual. Instead of chasing big kits with 20+ pieces you’ll never use, focus on a thoughtfully curated set of recommended makeup brushes that deliver performance, comfort, and durability.
✨ With NOORELA Beauty, every brush is crafted not just for makeup—but for moments of confidence, clarity, and expression.
Explore our bestsellers:
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FlawlessCore™ Foundation Brush – Clean finish, zero streaks.
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Diamond Eyeshadow Brush Set – Versatility + glamour in one.
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Velvet Cloud Powder Brush – Silky application, minimal fallout.
Because a great brush doesn’t just apply makeup—it helps you own your day.
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