The 13 Greatest Eyeshadow Brushes of 2024

Like instruments in a toolbox, the appropriate make-up brushes are essential to reaching a pro-level look. The brushes you utilize are important when doing all of your eye make-up. Whether or not you’re going for a delicate, impartial look in your lids or wish to dive into a horny smoky eye, the eyeshadow brush you select could make or break your make-up software.

The variety of eyeshadow brushes available on the market appears countless, however fret not. We’ve tapped a number of make-up artists to slim down the most effective eyeshadow brushes for each eye look. To make sure we’re providing you with the very best choices, we performed hours of analysis to compile this listing, contemplating form, density, bristles, and forms of seems every brush can obtain. Forward, discover the most effective eyeshadow brushes cash should buy.

The 13 Greatest Eyeshadow Brushes of 2024

PHOTO: Sephora

Dimension: Medium | Bristle Kind: Artificial

This magnificence from Selena Gomez’s line is our favourite. It’s versatile, so it really works with all forms of shadow formulation, from cream to powder and every thing in between. Plus, the bristles are dense for packing on the colour, however they’re nonetheless clean, mushy, and delicate towards the fragile pores and skin on the eyelids. Simply remember the fact that as a result of the comb is dense, it’s most likely not the best choice for mixing product within the crease. You definitely nonetheless can use this for crease mixing, you’ll find yourself making use of extra pigment to your crease space than you’ll a standard fluffy crease brush. Our recommendation: Use this one on the lids for seamless mixing each single time.

PHOTO: Elfcosmetics

Perform: Packing | Bristle Kind: Artificial

This medium-sized, multipurpose brush is massive sufficient to cowl a pleasant floor space, but sufficiently small to help you work with a little bit of precision (nice when you have extra hooded eyes). We love that it additionally has a slim edge, making it nice for smudging shadows alongside the higher or decrease lash line (hi there smoky eye seems). We are inclined to choose a extra rounded, fluffy brush for mixing, however you may get the job carried out with this one. This extremely reasonably priced decide is particularly nice for eyeshadow novices who do not wish to spend a ton of cash or purchase a number of brushes without delay.

Bloomingdale's Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set

PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s

Dimension: Small, medium | Bristle Kind: Artificial

There’s little doubt about it—this set from Sigma is the GOAT, and has been an editor favourite for fairly a while. If you happen to’re misplaced about the way to curate a well-rounded eyeshadow brush assortment, this decide is for you. It comes with seven brushes which can be every thing you will have to create primary eyeshadow seems in addition to extra intricate ones, too. The comb handles are lengthy and durable, and the bristles are all artificial, which means they are not made with animal hair. These brushes are so well-made, in actual fact, that I’ve had my set for over 10 years. And whereas sure, the mixing brush does are inclined to shed a bit, notably at first and whenever you wash it, it nonetheless works fantastically and the bristle loss is not main.

Ulta Real Techniques Everyday Eye Essentials Makeup Brush Kit

PHOTO: Ulta

Dimension: Small, medium, massive | Bristle Kind: Artificial

Actual Strategies has mastered the artwork of making high-quality brushes at an reasonably priced worth. This set with eight brushes will price you lower than the value of 1 high-end make-up brush; it comes with a wide range of different-shaped brushes to create a variety of seems. The purple aluminum handles are sturdy, and the artificial bristles are mushy and work fantastically with each cream and powder formulation. Celeb make-up artist Kelli Anne Sewell loves this equipment from Actual Strategies as a result of “the value level is wonderful and the standard is insane,” she says. “I really like that it is available in a set additionally since you get every thing you want.”

Nordstrom Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush

PHOTO: Nordstrom

Dimension: Small | Bristle Kind: Artificial

Relating to smoky-eye make-up, the appropriate brush is important—and the Eye Smudger is up for the duty. This eyeshadow brush has quick and dense bristles, permitting you to smudge powder or cream eyeshadows in focused areas to create a sultry, smoldering impact. It is also nice at smudging out eyeliner pencils for a softer, extra subtle look. Plus, the small tip is ideal for highlighting the internal corners of the eyes. It is positively a bit dear for a single brush, however you would be stunned by simply how purposeful it’s.

PHOTO: Subtl Magnificence

Dimension: Medium | Bristle Kind: Artificial

We love a superb two-in-one second. This decide from Subtl Staks was particularly designed for straightforward, on-the-go make-up software whereas touring. It options two eyeshadow brushes—one aspect is densely packed to select up colour and apply to your lids, whereas the opposite, angled aspect is much less dense and can be utilized to mix out your shadows. We love that these include two caps, so that you could keep away from getting eyeshadow throughout your make-up bag.

Sephora Merit Brush No. 2 Double Sided Eyeshadow Brush

PHOTO: Sephora

Dimension: Medium and small | Bristle Kind: Artificial

Truthfully, dual-ended something simply makes make-up software that a lot simpler. Skilled make-up artist Genevieve Contreras recommends this decide from Advantage. “This brush is nice for novices and professionals alike due to its comfort and performance,” she explains. “You’ll be able to create a complete eye look with simply this one brush. It blends shadow effortlessly with the fluffier aspect, and the smaller, extra dense aspect is nice for lining and smudging shadow on the lash line.” One factor to notice is that for those who use this with a cream eyeshadow, you’ll most likely want to scrub it with a brush cleaner or cleaning soap and water, because it tends to get a bit sticky if not cleaned earlier than the subsequent use.

Makeup By Mario E4 Eyeshadow Shader Brush

PHOTO: Sephora

Dimension: Medium | Bristle Kind: Artificial

If you happen to love to use glittery eyeshadows usually, this decide is for you. The E4 brush from Make-up by Mario was designed particularly to pack plenty of eyeshadow onto the lid. We love this for glitter shadows as a result of it picks up the pigment very well and makes the colour actually pop. One other bonus with this brush is that you need to use it moist so as to add one other dimension to your eyeshadow look. Celeb make-up artist Tomy Rivero recommends this decide as a result of “it’s nice for packing on colour, pigments, and glitter,” he says. “Plus, it’s straightforward to make use of and is a good measurement for all eye shapes.” Bonus: It doubles as a concealer brush.

Dimension: Medium | Bristle Kind: Artificial

A fluffy crease brush helps to diffuse colours for a well-blended end, and the dimensions of this decide from Sephora Assortment is right for simply that. It is excellent for diffusing shadows within the crease whereas sustaining management. Learn: It is not too large or too small. Contreras likes to make use of this brush in a number of methods, together with mixing, making use of a “transition” colour within the crease, or simply making use of a single shadow everywhere in the lid. “I personally love to make use of this to use the identical bronzer I’m utilizing on the face, everywhere in the eye for a easy and cohesive look,” she explains. Along with the dimensions and form, we recognize that the artificial bristles are mushy and work fantastically to use powders and cream eyeshadows. That mentioned, some reviewers mentioned the bristles have been too mushy for his or her functions.

PHOTO: Anisa Magnificence

Dimension: Massive | Bristle Kind: Artificial

Degree up your primer recreation by utilizing this brush from Anisa Magnificence. Designed particularly with eyeshadow primer in thoughts, this brush contains a scoop-shaped brush head that matches the eyelids properly whereas swiping eyeshadow primer throughout your lids. To make use of, squeeze a small dab of eyeshadow primer straight onto the comb and mix the primer throughout your eyelids utilizing the comb. Rivero additionally likes to make use of this decide for cream merchandise, neutralizing your eyelids for eyeshadow software or mixing concealer or basis. “It gives an airbrush, weightless end,” he explains. This decide can be used as a concealer or basis brush, however due to the density of the bristles, it’s most likely not best for mixing eyeshadow.

PHOTO: Ilia

What We Like

Best for general mixing
Can be utilized to use highlighter
Free and fluffy bristles

Dimension: Massive | Bristle Kind: Artificial

Loosely packed, fluffy, and mushy to the contact, this mixing brush from Ilia is ideal to mix in your eyeshadows for a clean and delicate transition. That is nice to make use of within the crease with a darker eyeshadow shade, or you need to use it throughout your lid for a pleasant wash of colour. Like most fluffy eyeshadow brushes, this decide isn’t best for any shadow seems that require extra precision.

Ulta Morphe M432 Flat Liner Definer Brush

PHOTO: Ulta

Dimension: Small | Bristle Kind: Artificial

A small flat-tipped brush with a straight edge just like the Morphe M432 is right for making use of eyeshadow to your lash traces and buffing out the colour. It is particularly helpful for outlining your decrease lash line and connecting it to your winged eyeliner. We like this one specifically as a result of it isn’t so broad that you just lose precision but additionally not so slim that it takes too lengthy to brush colour alongside your lash line. The bristles are quick and dense, and the perimeters are very sq. so it may well really feel barely tough—simply make sure you use a mild contact.

PHOTO: Ulta

Dimension: Small | Bristle Kind: Animal hair

Having a superb smudger brush in your make-up brush equipment is essential when attempting to nail the smoked-out, ultra-blended look. This dear brush isn’t solely made with tremendous high-quality supplies, however it’ll additionally final you a very long time. You need to use this to mix out harsh liner or apply liner utilizing this decide. Rivero likes to make use of this for mushy, subtle eyeliner seems and features. “That is my go-to brush—it’s mushy however efficient in shifting the product,” he explains.

What to Search for When Shopping for Eyeshadow Brushes

Form: Eyeshadow brushes are available in all sizes and styles. Some have particular functions, like defining your lash line or mixing colour, whereas others have multiuse designs. In accordance with Contreras, fluffy brushes with a extra rounded prime are nice for mixing and making use of a lighter wash of colour, whereas flat brushes are perfect for packing on colour on the middle of the eyelid. Lastly, small dense brushes are nice for smudging and softening liner on the lash line.
Bristles: Brushes have both pure hair bristles or artificial bristles. Most eyeshadow brushes out there right this moment have artificial bristles which can be sometimes vegan, mild on most pores and skin varieties, and designed to select up plenty of pigment. Whereas each forms of bristles work properly for powder shadows, Rivero loves artificial blends due to their versatility in working with many several types of merchandise. One other factor to think about is the density of the comb, which dictates the opacity of the eyeshadow when making use of it to your lids. For instance, Sewell says {that a} flat, dense brush goes to pack on shadow, whereas a fluffy eyeshadow brush will impart a sheer end.
Deal with: Most handles are ergonomic, which means that they’re designed to be straightforward to grip and match comfortably in your hand. That is best for extra complicated eyeshadow strategies, because it reduces fatigue. Not solely that, nevertheless it may give you extra management as you place your hand at varied angles. Brushes with longer handles are usually extra versatile as you’ll be able to grip them additional away from the comb tip to permit for a lighter contact that yields a softer, extra subtle consequence.

FAQ

Add just a few drops of brush cleaner to a big bowl or sink with lukewarm water, then dip the comb heads into the answer, gently massaging the bristles together with your fingers. Another choice that Sewell recommends is to make use of a silicone mat and gently swirl and buff your eyeshadow brush onto the mat to scrub it. Then, rinse your brushes with chilly water and squeeze out any moisture utilizing a clear towel. Kind the comb heads again into their authentic form earlier than permitting them to air-dry.

The very best sort of brush for eyeshadow actually is determined by the look you’re going for. “My most used brush is a small fluffy eyeshadow brush,” explains Sewell. “The sort of brush permits for a sheer wash of colour that may construct with just a few layers.” If you would like extra payoff, extra precision, or simply extra pigment in a concentrated space, Sewell recommends going for a smaller, denser brush. The density will decide up and place extra product with one sweep.

Why Belief Byrdie?

Daley Quinn is a contributing author for Byrdie, overlaying all issues magnificence and wellness. For this story, she used her personal expertise testing many eyeshadow brushes and concerns from make-up artists’ suggestions.

For this story, we chatted with a number of consultants, together with:

Kelli Anne Sewell is an expert make-up artist and the founder and CEO of Make-up by Kelli Anne, a platform of guided make-up tutorials to raise your make-up routine.
Genevieve Contreras is a make-up artist and aesthetician primarily based in San Antonio, Texas.
Tomy Rivero is a star make-up artist primarily based in New York and Los Angeles.

In accordance with our Variety Pledge, 15% of merchandise in our newly printed market roundups will characteristic Black-owned and/or Black-founded manufacturers. On the time of publishing, we weren’t capable of finding sufficient eyeshadow brushes from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded enterprise to satisfy this proportion. If you recognize of 1 we should always think about, please e mail us at contact@byrdie.com and we’ll consider the product ASAP.