Top 15 Cheap Makeup Brush Sets: Affordable & Quality Picks

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get great makeup brushes. I used to think the expensive, fancy brands were the only way to go, but I was so wrong. There are tons of cheap makeup brush sets out there that are soft, durable, and blend makeup just as well as the pricey ones.

So, I tested a bunch of them to find the ones that are actually worth your money. These are the sets that won’t shed all over your face or fall apart after one wash. Whether you’re a total beginner or just need to refresh your collection without breaking the bank, I’ve got you covered.

 

 

Our Favorite Cheap Makeup Brush Sets

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set

This set costs around $20, and it’s honestly one of the best values I’ve found. It comes with four essential brushes and a makeup sponge, which pretty much covers your entire face routine. I use this one all the time for my daily look.

The synthetic bristles are ridiculously soft. They pick up and lay down product without any patchiness, and I’ve washed them tons of times without any issues. It’s a perfect starter kit or an upgrade from whatever random brushes you have lying around.

The Downside: It doesn’t come with any kind of case or bag, so you’ll need your own storage solution.

 

 

EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Brush Set

For just $10, this little kit from EcoTools is a steal. I love that the brand focuses on sustainable materials, like the bamboo handles. The brushes are incredibly gentle, which is great if you have sensitive skin like I do.

You get five brushes that cover the basics for face and eyes. They give a really smooth, natural finish, and I appreciate that they’re cruelty-free. This is my go-to recommendation for anyone on a tight budget who still wants quality.

The Downside: The handles are a bit shorter than standard brushes, which might take some getting used to.

 

 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Ultimate Makeup Brush Set

This e.l.f. set is about $35, which is on the higher end for “cheap,” but you get a lot for your money. It comes with a whole collection of face and eye brushes that feel surprisingly professional. Plus, the travel roll is actually useful.

I was really impressed with how well these perform. The synthetic bristles are dense and soft, and they can create almost any look you can think of. If you’re looking to build a full kit from scratch, this is a fantastic option.

The Downside: It’s one of the pricier sets on this list, but the quality justifies it.

 

 

wet n wild Brush Roll 17-Piece Set

At around $15, getting 17 brushes is kind of insane. This wet n wild set is perfect for beginners or anyone who travels a lot. The roll-up case makes it so easy to pack and keep everything organized.

The brushes themselves are soft and get the job done for both face and eye makeup. They aren’t luxury quality, but for the price, the performance is fantastic. It’s a great way to experiment with different brush shapes without a big investment.

The Downside: Some of the handles feel a bit lightweight and less premium than others.

 

 

BH Cosmetics 11 Piece Brush Set

This BH Cosmetics set is usually about $25 and it’s so stylish. The brushes are soft, they apply makeup smoothly, and the set includes a good variety for face and eyes, including a fan brush. The travel case is also really cute.

I found these brushes to blend powders really well, and they look great on my vanity. It’s a solid set that feels more expensive than it actually is, making it a great gift idea, too.

The Downside: They can be a little tough to get completely clean, especially with cream products.

 

 

Real Techniques Core Collection Set

This face-focused set from Real Techniques is about $18. If you want a flawless base, this is the kit to get. It comes with four brushes designed specifically for foundation, contour, and concealer.

I’ve had this set for years, and the brushes are still going strong. The buffing brush is amazing for foundation—no streaks at all. It makes applying face makeup so much quicker and easier.

The Downside: It’s only for face makeup, so you’ll need to buy eye brushes separately.

 

 

Sonia Kashuk Grand Bazaar Hidden Treasure Chubby Brush Set

This set from Sonia Kashuk costs around $20 and it’s just plain pretty. The design is unique, and the chubby handles are comfortable to hold. It comes with a powder brush, a crease brush, and a concealer brush in a little carrying bag.

The bristles are soft and work well for everyday application. I like keeping this one in my purse for touch-ups because the bag is so convenient and the brushes cover the main things I’d need on the go.

The Downside: The “chubby” size might feel a little bulky if you’re used to traditional thin handles.

 

 

e.l.f. Cosmetics 11 Piece Brush Collection

For about $30, this e.l.f. collection gives you everything you need. It’s a really complete starter kit with 11 brushes for face, eyes, and brows. At less than $3 a brush, the value is obvious.

These brushes are reliable performers, especially for someone just starting out with makeup. They aren’t the fanciest, but they are workhorses that blend and apply makeup well without much fuss.

The Downside: The quality of the included case can be a bit hit-or-miss.

 

 

Bestope 16 Piece Makeup Brush Set

You can find this Bestope set for just $12, which is an incredible price for 16 brushes. I was skeptical, but they are surprisingly soft and dense when you first get them. They’re great for basic, everyday makeup application.

This is the ultimate budget find. If you just need a lot of brushes and don’t want to spend much at all, this set delivers. You get a huge variety of shapes for both face and eyes to play with.

The Downside: I’ve noticed the handles can loosen from the metal ferrule after several washes.

 

 

Morphe Eye Want It All 7-Piece Eye Brush Set

This eye-specific set from Morphe is $25. If you love doing detailed eyeshadow looks, this is a fantastic and affordable option. It comes with seven brushes designed for packing, blending, and lining.

The bristles are super plush and they blend eyeshadow like a dream. I can get a really precise application with these, whether I’m using powders or creams. They feel like much more expensive brushes.

The Downside: It’s only for eyes, so it won’t cover your face makeup needs.

 

 

So, Are Cheap Makeup Brush Sets Worth It?

Absolutely. You just have to know which ones to buy. All of these sets prove that you can get great quality and performance without the designer price tag. They’re soft, they blend well, and they last.

Spending less on brushes means you have more money for the fun stuff, like that new eyeshadow palette you’ve been eyeing. So go ahead and grab one of these sets. Your face—and your wallet—will thank you.