As with any beauty product these days, the sky is the limit as to what you can spend. However, you don’t need to spend a lot on some items and can put the savings toward higher-quality makeup. This is what the following list of the top ten cheap makeup brushes is for. But saving money on them doesn’t have to mean you compromise on quality.
They all do exactly what you need them to, last a long time, and come in a variety of sizes. You might be surprised as to what you can get for so little. Whatever you are after, the following sets don’t cost a lot but can have a big impact.
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Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Makeup Brushes
Anjou 16pcs Premium Cosmetic Makeup Brushes
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Slightly more expensive than some of the options on the list but because you get 16 pieces, they offer great value. The quality is there, these are no cheaply made makeup brushes despite the price. They are comparable to some of the more expensive packs because the synthetic fibers are velvety and soft as well as cruelty-free. With a rose gold finish on every brush they certainly stand out in your makeup bag and there is a tool or brush for pretty much every need. The powder brush is denser than most out there which is another sign of the quality you are getting.
BS-MALL(TM) Makeup Brushes Premium Makeup Brush Set
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Many people argue that these are the best cheap makeup brushes on the market and it’s hard to argue against their logic. not only are they super cheap but you get 10 quality brushes that are silky soft and make it easy to replicate the tutorials. The handles are bigger than most and make it easier to hold and the best part is they don’t shed so they will last a long time. The black handles look slick and are compliments by the gold finishes to make them look more expensive than they are.
CINIDY 20 pcs Makeup Brush Set tools Make-up Brush Set
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For the price, it is hard to believe the value you get in this pack. With 20 different pieces, it is all you need to apply your makeup and includes brushes and tools for different styles and finishes. They don’t shed hair and feel soft on your skin with high-quality bristles and comfortable handles. You get a brush for applying eye shadow, foundation, mascara, lipstick, and a whole lot more. Ideal for anyone who has normal or sensitive skin with everything you need to apply all your makeup needs.
Ammiy Unicorn Makeup Brushes With Colorful Bristles
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For something a little different, these unicorn horn-style handles look fun and the bristles on the end are high quality to make sure they are practical. The cruelty-free nylon hair looks fun but is effective and the pack comes with a shiny carry case making this a great gift. They don’t look like cheap makeup brushes but the price ensures they don’t break the bank. With 10 unique brushes in pearly lilac color, they stand out and are perfect for the beginner, and are easy to take anywhere.
Makeup Brushes Set 15pc Rose Gold Make Up Brush Set
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As effective as they are pretty, these rose gold makeup brushes are a bargain at the price. They have a high-quality feel in your hands and with 15 pieces to choose from, they can be used to create lots of different looks. There is a vegan-friendly ‘leather’ case bag to store everything away after use and keep the area clean when there is makeup flying around. You get everything from an eyeshadow brush, a blending brush, a powder brush, and beyond so you can mask a blemish or give your eyes a smoky look.
Real Techniques Starter Set Hand Cut Hair Design Makeup Brush Set
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These might be a little more expensive than most of the products on our list but they won’t cost the earth and will last a long time. the soft oversized finish of some of the brushes makes them easy to hold and makes light work of all different types of makeup. There is something for every technique and product that includes an angled brow brush that makes it easy to create the ideal shape. Apply shimmer, powders, creams, and beyond with this starter set that has everything you need to get going. The brush names are on the handles which makes it easy for you to follow tutorials or get to grips Wirth’s new techniques.
BESTOPE Makeup Brushes
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To make a good investment in yourself, you should take a closer look at these cheap makeup brushes. They look more expensive than they are and feel great in your hands. Because you get 14 pieces you might expect the quality to dip but in the 5 x multipurpose brushes, and 9 x precision brushes there is something for every technique. The fibers are fluffy and dense which is what you need to get the right amount of makeup on each application and the wood handles have a better feel than most in the price range. It comes with a convenient case bag and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully Kit Makeup Brush Set
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When you hold each item in your hand you get a sense that this cheap makeup brush set should cost a lot more. With an angled foundation brush, eyeshadow brush, concealer brush, and a whole lot more, this is one of the most complete sets and ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The fibers are 20% cotton and 80% bamboo and cruelty-free and every item can be stored conveniently in the included makeup tray which helps to keep the area clean. Other materials include recycled aluminum and plastic to make this a more sustainable product.
Syntus Makeup Brush Set
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As well as a full set of makeup brushes you get makeup sponges and a brush cleaner making this one of the most complete, cheap makeup brush sets available. The quality is good although as you might expect with 16 brushes and all the extras, you can get better quality. despite this, there is plenty enough to get going and the neat additions of the sponges help you to create different looks. The rose gold aluminum finish looks good and the bristles are soft without irritating the skin.
Dragonmead 32 Pcs Black Rod Makeup Brush Cosmetic Set Kit
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With 32 pieces to choose from, this is a complete cheat makeup brush set that has everything you need. Ideal for beginners they make an excellent present or a top-up of your current setup. They come with a roll-up carry case to help keep them together and are eco-friendly. The natural hair and synthetic fiber combination help to make them soft so they apply different types of makeup with ease. You get a powder brush, lip brush, mascara brush, a larger shader brush, and a whole lot more.
Cheap Makeup Brushes Buyer’s Guide
An essential part of anyone’s makeup bag, makeup brushes don’t have to be low on quality just because they are cheap. There are ways of ensuring you have everything you need for following a tutorial online or just to complete every step of your beauty routine. The problem is, among the products worth buying are twice as many that should be avoided.
To help make this decision easier, we have created the following buyer’s guide. It details everything there is to know about the standout features that even cheap makeup brushes should offer.
What To Look For In Cheap Makeup Brushes
Cruelty-Free Materials
There is a focus on making makeup-up cruelty-free, as there should be. Thankfully, this effort extends to makeup brushes too. This is why we recommend looking for brands that do not test their products on animals and are made from other materials. A lot of the time, this will involve the bristles which is why nylon is a popular choice.
Design
This can complement the other brushes that you already have, or simply bring a little sparkle to your makeup bag. We like a rose gold design but can understand why black is a popular choice – it looks great next to anything.
Variety
For most people, the variety of cheap makeup brushes is almost as important as the quality. The real value can be found in some reasonably priced brands that offer numerous brushes in their set. As long as it covers the main brushes that everyone needs, then it is fine, but it is easy to find a use for a few extras!
Non-Absorbent
Although this might not be so easy to find on a low budget, it is good to own makeup brushes that stay clean and do not hold onto excess makeup. This also means bacteria and other nasties are less likely to stay on the bristles, which lessens the risk of skin blemishes.
Quality
Yes, cheap makeup brushes can still be high quality, and as long as the bristles are durable and the handle keeps everything in place, they should last a long time. If a deal seems too good to be true, like a 32-piece set for $5, then it is probably on to avoid.
Storage Case
We don’t see this as a deal-breaker. More of a neat addition if it is possible to find. A lot of chaos makeup brushes still come in a carry case or pouch to keep everything in place. If not, be sure to make some room in your makeup bag or purchase an additional one to keep everything in place.
FAQs of Best Cheap Makeup Brushes
What Is The Most Important Makeup Brush?
No one makeup brush is more important than all the others, but every set should include a certain few for the user to be able to apply different types of makeup in different ways. Some of the most commonly used are a blender brush, concealer brush, blush brush, and powder brush, among others.
How To Clean Makeup Brushes
Using a makeup cleanser is an easy way of keeping brushes clean. Otherwise soapy water (use a gentle soap if possible as it’ll be better for the bristles) is easy to get hold of and effective. Start by wetting the bristles first, then apply a drop of cleaner or soapy water into the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand and move the tips over the solution. Rinse them off after and squeeze them dry with a towel, then they should be good for another week.
How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?
Not only can product build-up become an issue if. Makeup brushes are not cleaned frequently enough, but bacteria and dead skin cells can collect, which is unhygienic and can result in flare-ups. Because of this, it is important to wash makeup brushes at least once a week.
It is more important to clean larger, foundation-type brushes than eyeliner brushes but around once a week is a good place to start for most brushes. This will not only prolong the lifespan of the bristles but make them kinder on the skin.
How Long Should A Makeup Brush Last?
A lot will depend on how frequently they are used, but generally, most makeup brushes will last 3 months or a little more. Any time the bristles start to fray or shed, this is a telltale sign that it is time to replace the brush.
Make sure they do not start to discolor or no odor starts to linger on the brush as this can be another way of knowing a new set of brushes are due.
What Are The Best Cheap Makeup Brushes?
For us, the best of all the brands out there in terms of value and quality are Anjou 16pcs Premium Cosmetic Makeup Brushes. The rose gold finish is hard to beat and with 16 pieces, it offers just about everything that one could hope for in terms of variety. The synthetic fibers are part of what keeps the cost down, they are generally pretty dense, which also ensures that they are durable brushes.
How Much Do Cheap Makeup Brushes Cost?
When sold separately, cheap makeup brushes can be picked up for a couple of dollars, but as a set, it is possible to get excellent value. Most brands we recommend cost less than $20, and that is for a set of numerous brushes.
What Is The Best Way To Store Makeup Brushes?
Makeup brushes are easily misplaced and lost, but when stored properly, it is easy to keep everything in place. Most people use a separate makeup bag, a stackable drawer, or a designated brush holder. As long as it is easy to keep close to the makeup in your bathroom or on a dresser then most forms of storage should suffice.