Even if you apply your foundation [1] with your fingers and some eyeshadow with a pinky, chances are there's some makeup item you either can't, or would prefer not to [2], apply with just your digits. Or, maybe you've nailed an at-home routine [3] with full-size brushes, and now you're looking to take that game on the road [4] . . . but in a tightly packed cosmetics case [5]? Then again, perhaps you're just looking to upgrade your makeup brushes for the new year, and want some ideas for the best ones to pick up next.Well, we combed through all the brushes at Sephora and here are the best sets that your money can buy for all of those situations. There are travel-size ones [6], expansive sets, and even a few that do double duty.
Yup, it's time to get swept away with the best makeup brush sets from Sephora, all collected ahead.
Sephora Collection Eyes: Uncomplicated Brush Set
This bestselling and top-rated Sephora Collection Eyes: Uncomplicated Brush Set [7] ($39) earns many loves and five-star reviews for its value (of about $8 per brush). It's pretty much an ideal intro set that can stick with you through speedy and more complex looks, and the full-size brushes and sturdy case are long-lasting, too.
Sephora Collection Crystal Brush Set
The five brushes in this Sephora Collection Crystal Brush Set [8] ($45) are actually infused with different crystals for different parts of your face. The colours of the crystals match the colours of the bristles seen here: amethyst (for circulation), citrine (for balance), rose quartz (for rejuvenation), ruby (for boosted energy), and aragonite (to soothe redness).
Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Brush Set
The three double-ended brushes in this Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Brush Set [9] ($44) include one to apply and soften colours, one to contour and smudge, and one that's ideal for glitter and cream shadows in particular. Plus, there's plenty of room left in the case for your shadows and liners, too.
Sephora Collection Roll It Up Pro Brush Set
This Sephora Collection Roll It Up Pro Brush Set [10] ($110) comes with eight brushes, but what really sets it apart are the bristles of these professional brushes and the case. The Pro line of brushes offer an aerating effect because of their flexible yet stable bristles . . . and would cost twice as much total if purchased all separately. The case may look like an ordinary roll, but it actually can unzip into five individual pouches so you can add and remove brushes depending on your needs at any time.
Sephora Collection Contouring: Uncomplicated Brush Set
If you already love or are just getting into highlighter, the Sephora Collection Contouring: Uncomplicated Brush Set [11] ($45) has five brushes to contour like a pro — and a tutorial card from the actual pros if you're not quite there yet. The four brushes — bronzer, blush, highlighter, and contour — are valued at $109 total.
Too Faced Mr. Right 5-Piece Eye Shadow Brush Set
If you're looking for a smoky eye (and for Mr. Right), you've found both, at least in this kit's name: The Mr. Right 5-Piece Eye Shadow Brush Set [12] ($45). This set can handle even the most complicated eye looks, and the brush bristles are formed from Too Faced's "Teddy Bear Hair" . . . but no actual teddies were hurt in their creation.
Marc Jacobs Your Place or Mine? Five-Piece Travel Brush Collection
This Marc Jacobs Your Place or Mine? Five-Piece Travel Brush Collection [13] ($79, originally $135) has both your full face and smoky eyes covered with five little brushes that are the same quality as the brand's full-size options. (Oh, and the case can double as a clutch when you're done.)
Sephora Collection Skin Perfecting Brush Set
If you're only looking for makeup brushes for your face (and not your eyes), this Sephora Collection Skin Perfecting Brush Set [14] ($54) is a great option. As a bonus, the bristles of the foundation, powder, blush, and two concealer brushes are all infused with collagen to encourage healthy, glowing skin.
Sephora Collection Touch Up Face Brush Set
For a more portable full-face option, there's this Sephora Collection Touch Up Face Brush Set [15] ($25). The three little brushes (for foundation, concealer, and powder) clip on to a keychain leaving you always set to reapply your makeup, even if you're away from home.
Artis Elite Mirror Ten Brush Set
For a full-on splurge, try the Artis Elite Mirror Ten Brush Set [16] ($370). With 10 stunning oval, linear, and circle options, these brushes are actually meant to mimic the way your fingers would move across your face (if you were putting your makeup on that way).
Artis Rose Gold 3-Piece Set
If you're looking to test out Artis makeup brushes but aren't sure you need 10 brushes quite yet, check out the Artis Rose Gold 3-Piece Set [17] ($135). It comes with two oval and one palm-sized brush to apply and seamlessly blend in liquid and powder products on your face.
Artis Elite Collection Black Set
The in-between-sized Artis Elite Collection Black Set [18] ($175) has five brushes for face, eyes, and brows. You can use these professional-grade brushes with liquids, creams, and powders, and they look pretty sleek, too.
Sephora Collection Ready to Roll Brush Set
Roll out this Sephora Collection Ready to Roll Brush Set [19] ($70), and you've got all the tools you need for a complete look. There are 10 brushes in this set (valued at $195) to cover your face, cheeks, and eyes.
Sephora Collection Holiday Touch Up Eye Brush Set
The uber-portable Sephora Collection Holiday Touch Up Eye Brush Set [20] ($20) is a sweet stocking stuffer or gift any time of year. There are four little brushes for a smoky-eye-to-go, or whatever shadow look you love. (If you're not into this pouch, there's also the same set in a non-holographic case [21] for the same price.)
Sephora Collection Crease: Uncomplicated Brush Set
If you want to achieve the "cut-crease [22]" look — where you make a very visible line where your eye folds using contrasting shadow colours — this Sephora Collection Crease: Uncomplicated Brush Set [23] ($39) has a how-to sheet and the five brushes you need to do so.