best inexpensive makeup brushes

Best Inexpensive Makeup Brushes Tested

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With having hundreds upon hundreds of makeup brushes in my stash, it goes without saying that I cannot use them all for one makeup look, and many have never been used once! There is a selection of brushes that I use almost every time that I do my makeup, and those are the real standouts from my collection. I consider them to be the best inexpensive makeup brushes, because they are all drugstore.

Face Brushes

  • Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: This brush can apply and blend any type of foundation- from powder, to liquid, to cream, and without leaving streaks. Its versatility is unmatched.
  • elf Angled Blush Brush: I have tried a lot of blush brushes in my day, but this is the only one that applies blush exactly where I want it. If you are looking for targeted precision, then look no further.
  • Japonesque Diffusion Powder Brush: My problem with all-over face powder brushes is that they remove coverage, leave marks in my foundation, set some areas but leave other areas tacky, or they do a poor job of picking up powder. This brush does none of those bad things! My face gets entirely set quickly and easily, without harm to my makeup. Not to mention this brush feels high-quality, sturdy, and of professional quality.
  • Moda Highlight and Glow: I love the way that this brush effortlessly packs on highlighter so that I can get the beaming glow that I love. It works better for me than fan brushes, or any other highlighter brush for that matter.

inexpensive face makeup brushes

inexpensive face makeup brushes

Eye Brushes

  • elf Eyeshadow C Brush: Here is a brush that I have used for years and years. It’s shape and size is perfect for applying eyeshadow onto the eyelid and it will not fail you.
  • wet n wild Large Eyeshadow Brush: I use this brush to apply a nude eyeshadow to my eyelids to set the eye primer before eyeshadow application. The size allows me to cover the entire eyelid fast.
  • elf Eyebrow Duo Brush: I always use this brush when applying brow pomades/creams. It is small enough to give you the precision you need without making a mess. The spoolie is a great added bonus.
  • Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush: I know that it has ‘crease’ in the name, but this brush is the boss for blending out the edges of your eyeshadow. I use it blank, meaning with no product applied, to seamlessly blend.
  • Nyx Round Crease Brush: I used a particular crease brush for a long time before finding this one, and I have not gone back! Most crease brushes are round and tapered, starting out bigger at the top and skinnier at the bottom. This one is round, but not tapered, and the best way I can describe it is slightly flat. It is just a different brush all the way around! The way that it picks up eyeshadow pigment cannot be beat, and I get astounding precision in my crease. Of course, it blends like a dream. I credit the pigment pickup to the ingenious round/flat design.
inexpensive eye makeup brushes

Shop The Brushes

No matter what new brushes I obtain, or what look I am going for, I cannot help but come back to these trusty brushes. I promise you that these brushes will not do you wrong, and will prove to be staples in your unique collection. What is your favorite makeup brush of all time? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

More of the Best of Beauty Series:

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Best Fair Skin Highlighter Best Electric Razors Best Drugstore Mascara Best of Maybelline
Best At-Home Skincare Tools Best Multitasking Beauty Best Non-Drying Liquid Lipsticks Best Drugstore Sponges
Best Bronzer For Fair Skin Best Makeup Under $5 Best Blush For Fair Skin Best Cream Makeup Products

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Amanda Vitale
Hi, I am Amanda Vitale, the owner of The Aesthetic Edge. I am a beauty and style expert who has been writing reviews and advice for 10 years. I have had the pleasure of testing hundreds of products, and I have published countless lookbooks. You can see my expertise quoted in top authoritative publications such as Bustle and Real Simple. I have also worked with your favorite brands, such as CurrentBody and AXIS-Y.
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5 Responses

    1. I have been using elf brushes for as long as I can remember! I promise that they are super sturdy and will have you wondering why you ever spent the money on a high-end look alike 😉 I’m glad you found some to try! Let me know how they work out.

  1. Such a great roundup! I always tell people you don’t have to spend a fortune on makeup brushes- there are so many affordable options nowadays at the drugstore.

    1. Yep I do the same! I have very few ‘high-end’ brushes in my collection, but the drugstore always wins out. Thanks for reading!

  2. In this article you will get to know about the best inexpensive makeup brushes. This article is very interesting and attractive. I loved reading this article. It is a pleasure worth reading it. You have done an excellent job with this content I must say.

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