Your Makeup Will Look as Expensive as Hell Thanks to These Under-$26 Brushes

When getting the perfect makeup look, you know the products are important. You want to choose ones that work with your skin tone and type, that provide the finish or vibe that you're looking for, that have staying power, and of course, that make you feel confident. But I think we often forget how crucial makeup brushes are to this whole thing, too. A trusted brush will ensure that the makeup is effortlessly blended, that the coverage is just right, and that your makeup looks natural and elevated. No cakey, uneven looks here!

There's good and bad news to this. The good news is that there are so many amazing brushes and sets out there that really do the work for you. And the bad news? Some of them are super splurgy. While brushes can be a worthwhile investment, there are a number of affordable brushes on the market that are just as good as the expensive ones. So there are great options if you're on a budget and want to prioritize your pricier makeup products over your brushes. (Or if you don't want to spend $50 on one foundation brush.)

For ideas, take a look at some highly rated, budget-friendly makeup brushes below.

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(Image credit: @sarennya)

1. E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Face 6-Piece Brush Collection

2. Eco Tools Makeup Brush Set

3. Maybelline Facestudio Powder Brush

4. Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush

5. Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set

6. NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush

7. Revlon Kabuki Brush

8. Flower Beauty Dual Ended Eyeshadow Brush

9. BH Cosmetics Signature Rose Gold 13-Piece Brush Set

10. E.l.f. Cosmetics Complexion Duo Brush

11. Wet n Wild Powder Brush

12. Honest Beauty Foundation Brush

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.