These Eyeshadow Brushes Will Make It Look Like a Celeb MUA Did Your Face Beat

by Maya Allen
Maya was an assistant editor at Byrdie for a year and a half. Currently, she serves as Marie Claire's digital beauty editor.
Updated 10/28/19

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Applying eyeshadow is an art form that takes some time to master. You could be a natural at it, or you could spend hours watching YouTube videos and learning the importance of blending. Most of us fall in the latter camp, and that's completely okay because practice makes perfect. Think of eyeshadow brushes like your support system, there to help you along the way. Of course, we all want to walk around with a professional glam team at all times. Don't ever stop dreaming, my friend, and in the meantime, you can do it yourself and trick everyone into believing your makeup was professionally done because it's that bomb. 

There are several different shadow brushes meant for different areas of your eye. Made to shade, define, contour, smudge, and line, the eyeshadow brushes below have everything covered. Consider this your starter kit, and thank us later for those stunning selfies to come. 

Keep scrolling for our list of the best eyeshadow brushes.

Best Overall: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe No Tug Dual Eyeshadow Brush

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe No Tug Dual Eyeshadow Brush

Courtesy of IT Cosmetics

This fluffy brush is meant to give your eyes a glamorous, airbrushed finish without tugging on the delicate skin. It's the first-ever anti-aging eyeshadow brush because yes, even your eyelids can look youthful if you want them to. Beyond its ability to prevent signs of aging around the eye contour, we love how luxurious the synthetic bristles of this brush feel against our skin. It truly makes all the difference.

Best Drugstore: EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set

EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set

Courtesy of Amazon

Both of these dual-ended eyeshadow brushes will define, shade, smudge, and blend to perfection. Plus, they're made with sustainable and recycled materials so you can feel good about buying these in bulk.

Best Budget: Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Set

Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Set

Courtesy of Amazon

These eye brushes feel ultra plush. They're tapered and dense, which will allow for a buildable and blendable shadow application.

Best Value: BS-MALL Kabuki Makeup Brush Set

This top-selling Amazon set is widely loved for a reason. For starters, it's an ultimate steal receiving 15 brushes at such an affordable price. This set will allow you to flawlessly execute a full face of glam, and the tinier brushes (on the right) are made especially for eye makeup. Absolutely no shedding is involved, so these will last you a while.

Best for Beginners: Hourglass All-Over Shadow Brush #3

Hourglass All-Over Shadow Brush #3

Courtesy of Sephora

A basic allover blending brush is crucial to keep close. These luxurious-feeling bristles work for every area of your eye and make blending feel like a breeze, even if you're an eyeshadow beginner.

Best for Smoky Eye: Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush

Courtesy of Sephora

Create the most vivid smoky eye or add definition with a pop of color using this smudger brush. It's easy to pack on and layer shades with these opaque bristles, which help you focus in on one area of your eye. 

Best for Blending: Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush #210

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Tapered Blending Brush 210

Courtesy of Sephora

All you have to do is take one look at Rihanna's consistent eyeshadow slays to know that you need this brush. It's a medium-size fluffy brush crafted for blending and contouring your crease area in a flash. 

Best for Shaping: Bobbi Brown Angle Eyeshadow Brush

Bobbi Brown Angle Eye Shadow Brush

Courtesy of Sephora

Your eyeshadow brush collection isn't complete without an angled brush. You know those elongated cat eyeshadow looks everyone's doing? These brushes are responsible for getting those cut creases and shapes looking oh so precise. 

Best for Lash Line: Make Up For Ever 216 Eye Blender Brush

Make Up For Ever 216 Medium Precision Eye Blender Brush

Courtesy of Sephora

Refine your lash line with this precise brush made to deliver the boldest color payoff. Or go all-in on your crease area; just know that patting this on will guarantee the most striking shades. 

Best for Cream Shadow: Stila #28 Smudge Pot Brush

Stila #28 Smudge Pot Brush

Courtesy of Sephora

Line and smudge your shadow with this dual-sided brush. You can pack on as much color as you'd like. Plus, it's designed to blend cream shadows as well so you can rely on it for eyeshadow and eyeliner pots.

Runner-Up, Best for Cream Shadow: Nars Cream Blending Brush #12

NARS Cream Blending Brush #12

Courtesy of Sephora

When it comes to certain eyeshadow textures, like powder or cream, different brushes work better than others. Like this nylon-bristle brush, which works best for blending creamy consistencies. You can also use this as a concealer brush. 

Best Set: Real Perfection Makeup Marble Eyeshadow Brushes, 8-Piece Set

Imagine how gorgeous these marble brushes will look on your vanity. Besides that, this eyeshadow set is decked out with eight brushes all meant to work cohesively for the most glam eye makeup. Plus, these bristles are made of natural goat hair, so they'll feel light and soft to the touch.

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