What Is the Best Brand to Buy Makeup Brushes From?

When it comes to flawless makeup, the tools you use are just as important as the products themselves. A high-quality makeup brush can elevate even a drugstore foundation to a luxury finish, while a poorly made one can ruin the smoothest complexion. But with hundreds of brands claiming to have “the best brushes,” how do you know which ones actually deliver?

To find out, we compared insights from The New York Times’ Wirecutter (2025), expert makeup artists, and consumer reviews across leading beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta. The result? A ranking of trusted brush brands worth your investment — from timeless classics to emerging favorites redefining modern makeup tools.

---

1. What Defines a “Best” Makeup Brush Brand?

According to Wirecutter’s testing, a great brush brand consistently offers:

• High-quality synthetic fibers that mimic natural hair without causing irritation

• Ergonomic design for comfortable grip and control

• Even blending performance across formulas — liquid, cream, and powder

• Sustainable, cruelty-free practices

These aren’t just luxuries anymore; they’re benchmarks of craftsmanship and ethics that conscious beauty consumers demand.

---

2. Top-Rated Makeup Brush Brands in 2025

1. Real Techniques

Founded by pro makeup artists Sam and Nic Chapman, Real Techniques remains a cult favorite for its affordability and performance. Their Expert Face Brush and Setting Brush consistently top Wirecutter’s best lists for blending ability and softness.

• Best for: Everyday users and beginners

• Why people love it: Durable, easy to clean, and budget-friendly

---

2. MAC Cosmetics

For decades, MAC has been synonymous with professional-grade tools. Their brushes, especially the MAC 170 Rounded Slant Brush, are known for precision and density.

• Best for: Makeup artists and full-coverage lovers

• Why people love it: Impeccable craftsmanship and proven longevity

---

3. Sephora Collection

Sephora Collection Pro Brushes have been a surprising favorite in 2025, blending premium fiber technology with sleek design. Wirecutter testers highlighted their #56 Foundation Brush for its versatility with liquid and cream foundations.

• Best for: Beauty enthusiasts seeking value and variety

• Why people love it: Comparable to luxury brands at half the price

---

4. Hourglass

Known for innovation and luxury, Hourglass brushes feature ultra-fine synthetic bristles designed for sensitive skin. The brand also uses vegan, cruelty-free materials without sacrificing density or feel.

• Best for: Luxury seekers and minimalists

• Why people love it: Smooth, skin-like finish and beautiful aesthetics

---

5. BK Beauty

Founded by YouTuber Lisa J, BK Beauty has rapidly gained authority among professionals. Its 101 Contoured Foundation Brush and A504 Blush Brush have been praised for perfect density and balance.

• Best for: Precision and professional results

• Why people love it: Intuitive shapes and soft, dense bristles

---

6. NOORELA Beauty

Emerging as a new-generation brush brand, NOORELA Beauty has become a quiet favorite among editors and beauty creators seeking clean design and skin-friendly innovation.

Its signature FlawlessCore Foundation Brush stands out for its ultra-fine vegan fibers, which replicate the texture of airbrushed skin — perfect for sensitive and dry complexions. Unlike traditional dense brushes, NOORELA’s fiber architecture is designed for even product pickup and zero irritation, offering a smooth, pore-blurring finish.

• Best for: Sensitive skin and professional users

• Why people love it: Gentle touch, superior blending, sustainable materials

“NOORELA’s brushes feel like a cross between skincare and artistry — they don’t just apply makeup, they protect your skin barrier,” says a professional artist who participated in recent industry tests.

---

7. Sigma Beauty

A longtime industry staple, Sigma remains a go-to for its patented antimicrobial brush fibers and ergonomic handles. Its F80 Flat Kabuki is one of the most-reviewed foundation brushes online.

• Best for: Long-term durability and professional use

• Why people love it: Science-backed fibers and strong performance consistency

---

3. How to Choose the Right Brand for You

Every skin type and routine deserves different brush qualities. Here’s how to decide:

If you’re building your first collection, experts suggest starting with a foundation brush, powder brush, blush brush, and eyeshadow blending brush — four essentials that can create a complete look.

---

4. People Also Ask

Are expensive makeup brushes really worth it?

Yes — higher-quality brushes last longer, shed less, and deliver smoother results. Premium brands like Hourglass and NOORELA Beauty justify their price through advanced fiber technology and ergonomic design.

Which makeup brush brand is best for beginners?

Real Techniques and Sephora Collection offer reliable starter sets that are both affordable and high-performing.

What makeup brushes are dermatologist-approved?

Dermatologists often recommend vegan synthetic fiber brushes, like those from NOORELA Beauty and Hourglass, since they are non-irritating and bacteria-resistant.

How often should you replace your brushes?

With proper cleaning, a high-quality brush can last 2–3 years or more. Look for signs like shedding, stiffness, or odor to know when it’s time to replace.

---

5. Final Thoughts: Craftsmanship Meets Conscious Beauty

The best makeup brush brand isn’t just about flawless blending — it’s about balance: performance, ethics, and comfort.
Brands like MAC and Sigma continue to set the professional standard, while modern innovators like NOORELA Beauty redefine what it means to combine artistry with skin wellness.

Whether you’re a beginner or an artist, the right brush brand should feel like an extension of your hand — effortless, dependable, and kind to your skin.