The Best Affordable Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are essential tools that can either make or break your makeup. However, I believe you don’t have to break the bank in order to create a flawless makeup look. Over the past couple years I’ve collected a fair amount of brushes and find myself reaching for my low-end ones compared to the more expensive ones that I own. All of the brushes listed below are under $13 and you can find them at your local drugstore such as Walmart, Rexall or Shoppers Drug Mart which makes them really accessible as well.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This is probably my all time favourite foundation brush! I’ve had this one for two years and use it buff in my foundation when I don’t feel like using a beauty blender. It never leaves any streaks and has the perfect density so it doesn’t sheer out foundation either. It’s also the perfect size to buff out concealer as well! Because it has more than one use I find myself bringing this brush with me whenever I travel. For around $10-11, I’ll definitely repurchase this in the future.

Real Techniques Blush Brush

If you need to pick one brush out of all the ones I suggest, it’s this one! The bristles on this brush are so soft and the unique shape of it makes it great for more than just blush. You can use this brush for bronzing because it’s not too dense or for putting on powder. Since this brush has so many different uses, it’s also great for travel when you don’t want to bring too many items. This brush retails for around $10-12.

Real Techniques Shader Brush

This is a really small brush which is perfect for packing eyeshadow on your eyelid. It’s small enough to get into every crevice on your eye. I also use the top of this brush to put eyeshadow on my lash line since it’s very thin yet fluffy enough to blend. It’s very fluffy and doesn’t scratch my eyes like other brushes I’ve tried! This brush also retails between $7-9.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

This is a giant brush that is super soft and great for setting powder! Since it’s so large you can easily cover your entire face without much effort or adding too much product. I find that it’s also really easy to clean which is great since cleaning brushes can take so long. In store this brush retails for around $14-15 but on Amazon you can get it for only $12.50!

E.L.F Flawless Face Brush

I used to use a different brush for bronzing but once I tried this one, I haven’t put it down! The handle is a little shorter than most brushes and the domed shaped bristles make it great for bronzing the face without being too harsh and accidentally creating a contour instead. I reach for this daily and for $6 you can’t go wrong.

Real Techniques Setting Brush

While this brush is technically for setting your makeup, I find it too small and actually use it as a highlighting brush! It’s the perfect size for going over your cheek bones, nose, chin, bridge of your nose with your favourite highlight. It’s not too dense either so you can evenly spread out product. I’ve had this brush for two years and it’s still in great condition! This one also retails for around $8.

NYX Cosmetics Pro Blending Brush

I’ve used tons of blending brushes that were really scratchy that I actually had to take a break while blending. Not this one! This brush from NYX is super super soft and has long bristles so that you can easily distribute eyeshadow. This is the perfect brush for putting in that first transition colour and blending the final touches for your eye makeup. For $10, you can’t go wrong.

E.L.F Blending Brush

When I first bought this brush I didn’t really know what to use it for but I love using it to highlight my brow bone! The overall shape of this brush isn’t too small and it’s a little dense so you can still pick up product. The best part? It’s only $3!

What are your favourite makeup brushes? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking to expand my collection.

Did you like this blog post? If so, be sure to check out my post on Holidays Sets at Sephora Worth The Price!