Byrdie editors took their time researching today's top-rated, best-selling makeup brushes before selecting 14 to try firsthand in The Lab. Each tool was tested to see how it performed for foundation application and various blending, buffing, and stippling techniques.

Makeup brushes come in both synthetic and natural materials. If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to animal products, you’ll definitely want to go the vegan route. Though, natural brushes can have their place and time as well. Ultimately, when it comes to materials, quality is key. “Cheap brushes will often shed, leaving hairs behind during your application process,” explains Rodriguez. “As a rule of thumb, I look for big names behind the brush,” she says, like the Westman Atelier The Brush Collection. “If a renowned makeup artist created the line, chances are you will be investing in a quality tool that will serve its purpose and last for years.” That said, there are affordable brushes (like EcoTools Fresh Face Everyday Makeup Brush Set) that can last a long time with proper care. Your Makeup Needs You can build up a kit one by one, but if you buy your brushes in a set, the price per brush will likely be a little less. It might be best to invest in a smaller set of brilliantly crafted essential brushes (we love Real Techniques Everyday Essentials). If you never know where to start when it comes to finding the best makeup brushes, look no further. Whether you're looking for a cheap brush kit that won't break the bank, or you want a professional-worthy set, these are the top-rated tools in the UK. The sustainability-focused among you could also try the super cute, minimalist EcoTools set. We couldn't not mention MAC's legendary line of tools, which is a bit more of an investment, but is an expertly crafted collection of brushes that'll make your morning beauty prep a total dream. What's the deal with all the other brush sets?The ivory color sure is pretty, but it’ll get dirty fast (but, it can be used as a reminder to wash your brushes often!). A high-quality brush really does make a difference when it comes to a smooth, flawless finish — and Westman Atelier’s brush set is as high-quality as they come. With founder Gucci Westman’s editorial makeup artist experience and commitment to clean, holistic materials, you know these are brushes you can trust. Each one is handcrafted in Japan by one of the world's most prestigious brush makers and feels like butter as you swipe it across your face. We also love that you can display them on your counter in the included red cylinder — talk about chic. And as for spending money on pricy brushes, Rodriguez says, “sure, good quality brushes can be expensive, but with the right care, they will last a lifetime, and you will be saving money and time in the long run.” Part of that care includes washing them regularly, and because the bristles are ivory you’ll want to wash them more frequently to keep them in tip-top shape. All brushes are not created equal. In fact, they are usually designed with very specific uses in mind, and it’s important to use brushes for their intended use. If you’re new to the makeup world and you’re not quite sure where to start, makeup artist Tamekia Geer of TamGee Artistry Studio recommends beginning with a foundation brush, powder brush, and a blush brush. A flat and a crease eyeshadow brush are also good tools to have on hand. You'll also want to consider what type of finish the brush is designed to provide, whether it's a natural or full, airbrushed effect. When it comes to finding the best makeup brushes, consumers are spoiled for choice. Thanks to the internet and the plethora of beauty companies in existence, there are thousands of options on the market. All that variety can be overwhelming, but thankfully experts can demystify the process. Here, a guide to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about makeup brushes, from the tools every beginner should test out to how to clean and maintain your investments. The Best Makeup Brushes Virtually every beauty stan agrees makeup brushes are integral to applying a full face. There's a lot you can do with your fingers and a blending sponge, but when it comes to achieving a pro-level finish, brushes are the name of the game.

According to La Banco, there are nine brushes to have in your personal kit for everyday use. When it comes to the face, she says it’s imperative to have an angled blush brush (for face shaping), a setting powder brush (to use all over your face), a small setting brush (for targeted oily areas), and a concealer brush (for masking redness). When it comes to eyes, crease and blending brushes help to create a cohesive eyeshadow look, while angled and flat liner brushes make applying eyeliner a seamless experience. A smudge brush is also important to blur out harsh lines. If you’re using your brushes regularly, once-a-week cleanings should be a general rule of thumb for both sanitation and long-term care. For deep cleaning, La Banco recommends soaking brushes for a few minutes in Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner and following it up with Zote Laundry Bar Soap to fully clarify and clean. (If you don't have either of those, you can clean brushes with any shampoo.) Simply swirl your bristles around in the soap to get them sudsy and sanitized, then rinse with water and let them air dry. Why Trust InStyle And for the ultimate indulgence? Rae Morris's vegan, Japan-based offering (scroll down to read more about this groundbreaking (albeit boujie) technology. Multipurpose brushes are an underrated make-up essential: they save clutter, are great for travelling and can do it all. The ultimate one-and-done tool, Saie’s brush boasts luxuriously soft and well-tapered bristles – perfect for diffusing creams and powders onto the skin for a seamless, natural finish. How do I know if my make-up brushes are good quality?If aesthetics mean a lot to you (zero judgement, it's all part of the makeup brush lust), we're all about the millennial pink Lottie London kit. Most natural brushes, especially in the pre-vegan-fiber era, were made from animal hair —o ften blue squirrel, fox, goat, horse, or sable, explains La Banco. These days, vegan brushes are increasingly popular and better constructed. “There are some synthetic brushes that feel so luxurious, it’s hard to tell that they’re not real hair,” she says. Vegan brushes are commonly recommended for those with sensitive skin or allergies (they’re typically made from nylon or other plastic materials), and of course, for sustainability reasons. “Because they don’t soak up the product, vegan brushes are perfect for cream products (foundations, cream blush, contouring, and illuminators). They allow you to blend the product down without streaking,” she adds. We also evaluated the design, including the handle, head shape, bristle material, density, and softness. We cleaned all the brushes as well to see how easily products came off. After awarding each brush a score from one to five for design, application, and ease of cleaning, we narrowed it down to our favorites.