The Truth About Buying a Set of Eyeshadow Brushes: Do You Really Need One?
When it comes to makeup brushes sets, few topics spark as much debate as whether you actually need a full set of eyeshadow brushes. Walk into Sephora or browse Amazon, and you’ll see hundreds of options ranging from $15 starter kits to $500 professional makeup brush sets from Japanese artisans like Hakuhodo.
But here’s the question beauty lovers keep asking: Do you need all those brushes, or are brands just upselling? Let’s break down the controversy, compare what top brands offer, and uncover the truth about finding the best eyeshadow brush set for your needs.
Why Sets of Eyeshadow Brushes Became So Popular
Eyeshadow is one of the most transformative elements of makeup. But it’s also one of the hardest to master. That’s why brands began selling eyeshadow brush sets — promising to give you every tool you’ll need for blending, shading, smudging, and precision work.
The marketing works. Keywords like “makeup brush sets,” “set of eyeshadow brushes,” and “professional makeup brush set” have search volumes in the millions each month. Beauty influencers constantly showcase 20-piece sets in their GRWM videos, and consumers rush to buy them — often without knowing if they’ll use every brush.
The Case For Buying a Full Eyeshadow Brush Set
1. Precision for Every Look
Each brush has a role:
-
Flat shader brush – packs pigment on the lid.
-
Blending brush – softens harsh lines.
-
Crease brush – defines depth.
-
Smudge brush – perfects smoky eyes.
A complete eye brush set gives you tools for both natural looks and dramatic artistry.
2. Professional-Level Results
Artists like Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kardashian’s MUA) emphasize tools as much as products. Just as chefs use different knives, makeup artists rely on different brushes. For editorial or bridal looks, a full brush arsenal isn’t optional — it’s essential.
3. Hygiene and Longevity
Using one brush for multiple shades leads to muddy blending and bacteria buildup. A makeup brushes set ensures each color gets its own clean tool.
The Case Against Buying a Full Brush Set
1. Too Many Brushes Go Unused
Studies on consumer behavior in beauty show that most people consistently use only 5–7 brushes out of a 20-piece set. The rest? Dust collectors.
2. Minimalist Alternatives Are Rising
Brands like Glossier and Westman Atelier lean into minimalism, proving that great results come from a few high-quality tools. In fact, some MUAs argue that one excellent blending eye brush and a multipurpose shader can do 80% of the work.
3. Sponges, Fingers, and Hybrids
The rise of beauty sponges (hello, Beautyblender) has challenged the “brush-is-best” mentality. Many now blend eyeshadow bases with fingers for a natural finish before switching to one or two brushes for detailing.
Competitor Breakdown: Which Brand Does It Best?
Let’s compare some of the most searched makeup brush sets:
-
Morphe Brush Sets – Affordable, influencer-backed, but often criticized for quality inconsistency.
-
Sigma Beauty – Patented antimicrobial fibers, durable, mid-luxury price point. Great for professional kits.
-
Real Techniques – Drugstore favorite; practical, reliable, and affordable for beginners.
-
Zoeva – Sleek designs, mid-tier, often included in “best brush set makeup” lists.
-
Hakuhodo – Handmade in Japan, considered the Rolls Royce of brushes, priced from $30 to $500+.
-
Wayne Goss – Niche luxury, praised for craftsmanship, not mass-produced.
Compared to these, NOORELA Beauty positions itself at the intersection of artistry and accessibility: vegan, cruelty-free, eco-conscious, but with luxury-level performance.
The Controversy: Quantity vs. Quality
Here’s the core of the debate:
-
Quantity Lovers: argue you need every size and shape to master artistry.
-
Quality Minimalists: claim you’re better off with a luxury makeup brush set of 5–8 well-designed brushes than a cheap 25-piece kit.
Both sides are right — and that’s what keeps this topic so alive.
Pain Points Users Care About Most
From analyzing global search trends and beauty forums, here are the questions consumers care about most:
-
Are cheap brush sets worth it?
→ Often, no. They shed bristles, don’t blend well, and end up costing more over time. -
What’s the best eyeshadow brush set for beginners?
→ A 7-piece kit with essentials: flat shader, fluffy blender, angled liner, small smudge, crease brush, powder brush, foundation brush. -
Do expensive brushes really make a difference?
→ Yes. High-end fibers (like Taklon or Japanese goat hair alternatives) grip pigment better and last years longer. -
What’s the best brush set for travel?
→ Compact travel brush sets with multipurpose tools are trending, especially for Gen Z and frequent travelers.
Where NOORELA Beauty Fits In
Unlike brands that force consumers into buying 30 brushes they’ll never use, NOORELA Beauty focuses on curated, professional makeup brush sets:
-
FlawlessCore Foundation Brush – rivaling Sigma’s flat kabuki, but 100% vegan.
-
Diamond Eyeshadow Brushes – versatile enough to replace 3–4 single brushes.
-
Velvet Cloud Blush & Powder Brushes – ultra-soft, blending seamlessly without waste.
By combining sustainability, artistry, and innovation, NOORELA makes a strong case for quality-driven brush sets — without overwhelming customers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Full Set of Eyeshadow Brushes?
The answer depends on your beauty philosophy. If you love experimenting, a complete brush set makeup collection can unlock endless creativity. If you value minimalism, a luxury makeup brush set with just a few versatile tools is smarter — and often performs better.
The real trick? Choosing brushes that align with your values: cruelty-free, durable, high-performance, and designed to empower artistry.
✨ Keywords naturally integrated: set of eyeshadow brushes, makeup brushes set, professional makeup brush set, eyeshadow brush set, luxury makeup brush set, eye brush set, makeup brush kits, best makeup brushes, brush sets makeup, cosmetic brush set.