The 10 Best Eye Makeup Brushes Are My Secret to a Flawless Smoky Eye and Sharp Cut Crease
Because the key to better-looking makeup isn't just the formula.
Confession: You know those stories of people who buy new underwear instead of just doing the laundry? Low-key, that’s me with makeup brushes. Yes, washing my brushes can feel almost therapeutic—if I’m in the right headspace. But if I’m being totally honest, these days, I rarely am. And given all the winged liner, smoky shadows, and tight-lining I do, you can guess my eye makeup brushes are especially in need of a refresh.
When you live like this, after a while you end up accumulating so many that there’s always a clean replacement on deck (beauty editor problems, I'm very aware). As such, for a mere amateur MUA, I have a pretty extensive collection of makeup brushes—especially eye brushes.
Whether they’re synthetic (the vegan, easier-to-clean option) or made with hair from goats or other animals (usually, but not always, softer), from the drugstore or high-end artisan brands, eye makeup brushes should be soft without losing their shape easily, simple to wash without shedding, and fitted with sturdy ferrules—the fancy word for the little cap that connects the brush head to the handle—that won’t loosen over time.
But which ones fit the bill? Read on to discover 10 of my all-time favorite eye makeup brushes.
Standout Sets
You don’t always know what you’ll want to use and when you’ll want to use it—or, for that matter, how you’ll want to use it. (Some of my favorite shaders are technically blenders.) That’s why it’s very helpful to have several brushes on hand. These sets provide exactly that.
For the beginner or “casual enthusiast,” this set is easily my number one recommendation. Morphe’s soft, synthetic (and antibacterial!) brushes last for years, and between the labels on the handles and the brand’s handy charts, it’s super easy to figure out what to use, where to use it, and what you should and should not use it with.
If you’re a little more advanced on your eyeshadow journey or are generally looking for more of an investment, Sigma is a must. I’ve had my brushes for ages, and the ferrules are still as firm as the synthetic bristles are soft. This specific set includes the E40 Tapered Blending, which—like Jackie Aina or Tarte Shape Tape—has transcended Beauty YouTube fame to become a veritable industry icon.
Budget Buys
It’s true: You can pick up some all-timer makeup brushes right alongside your Tide Pods and bathroom tissue. (And honestly, they’ll probably cost less.) Don't overlook drugstore beauty!
Another YouTube era fave, Real Techniques brushes punch way above their price tag. They’re lightweight but look expensive, and the synthetic bristles are super easy to clean. This trio is ideal if you’re looking to create simple shadow looks and to fill in your brows.
Ecotools’ brushes stand out for their softness: They really feel silky-smooth, even after several washes. This dual-ended duo has heads designed for smudging, blending, and shading—everything you need for a great classic smoky eye.
This relatively dense, compactly bristled brush is technically designed for blending, but I actually prefer it for packing on pigments and glittery shadows.
Middle of the Line
Not drugstore beauty buys but not quite a “splurge,” these brushes offer great quality without breaking the bank—Providing the perfect excuse to go ahead and pick up that eyeshadow palette, too.
The super-tapered end on this internet-beloved brush fits perfectly into the crease, making it ideal for (and very easy to use in) dimensional, multi-shadow looks. You can also apparently use the flat side to stamp on wings, which I literally just learned and now must attempt.
Crafted with a blend of synthetic and natural bristles, this tapered blending brush from Bdellium’s Maestro line is practically indistinguishable from my Sigma E40 (seriously, I grab one thinking it’s the other all the time).
Life of Luxury
While there are excellent options at every price point, I’m not gonna lie: You really can feel the difference when you swipe a higher-end brush across your lids. Consider these two if you’re looking to invest a little more.
If you’re gonna invest in a nicer brush, you might as well get as much use out of it as possible. This mega-popular offering from one of the most mega-popular beauty brands is designed for eyeshadow, but also happens to be the perfect size—and fluffiness—for under-eye setting powder.
Brush nerds know: Japanese brushes are on a whole other level. While I have yet to invest in a Hakuhodo (it’ll be the ultimate beauty “treat myself” one day), I am in love with my Sonia G’s. This maple-handled brush is lightweight but feels far from cheap, and the combo of goat hair and synthetic bristles is super soft, but still friendly to creamier formulas.
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