7 Drugstore Makeup Brushes That Will Never Let You Down

by Amanda Montell
Amanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie.
Updated 09/24/19

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It’s easy to rationalize splurging on a makeup brush. After all, you’re never going to run out of it, right? A high-quality makeup brush will last you years (if you treat it right and clean it properly, that is). But as long as you know what “high-quality” means, blowing your beauty budget on brushes isn’t actually necessary.

Here’s the thing: There are holy-grail makeup brushes at every price point. But if yours happens to be in the drugstore range, your beauty game doesn’t have to suffer. Want proof? Below, we’ve detailed the best drugstore makeup brushes—picks that can go toe to toe with their luxury counterparts. We’ve got foundation brushes, eye makeup brushes, contour brushes, and more, all from drugstore favorite brands like e.l.f Cosmetics, EcoTools, and Maybelline.

For your guide to the best drugstore makeup brushes, keep scrolling.

Best Overall: e.l.f. Cosmetics Ultimate Blending Brush

elf cosmetics ultimate blending brush

Courtesy of elf cosmetics

Flawlessly blend your foundation and contour products for less than the price of a green juice with this durable synthetic brush. You know you’ve got a good blending brush when the bristles are soft and densely packed, and this pick features both.

Best for Contouring: EcoTools Define & Highlight Duo

ecotools define and highlight duo

Courtesy of Amazon

Get two brushes for a great price with this set that can help sculpt the face and bring out all of your best features. The duo includes a Define Brush to—you guessed it—define and contour the cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. Follow with the Highlight Brush which features fanned bristles to gently dust highlighting powder on the high points of the face including the apples of the cheeks and bridge of the nose.

Plus, both brushes are made from all-natural materials and the packaging is made from post-consumer recycled plastic, so you can rest easy knowing your purchase is socially conscious.

Check out our guide to the best makeup brushes for contouring available online.

Best for Powder: Wet n Wild Powder Brush

Wet n Wild’s line of makeup brushes is about the most affordable on the market—we're talking cheaper than a slice of pizza. This fluffy powder brush allows an even powder application; plus, you can’t beat its pretty pink-and-white packaging.

Take a look at the best blush brushes available for purchase.

Best for Brows: NYX Professional Makeup Pro Dual Brow Brush

nyx dual brow brush

Courtesy of Ulta

Every brow enthusiast needs a great brow brush, and this pick helps you groom and fill in your arches with expert exactness. It’s got a spoolie on one side and an angled-cut brush on the other, making it the perfect tool to use with your favorite brow powder or pomade.

Best for Concealer: No7 Concealer Brush

no7 concealer brush

Courtesy of Walgreens

This convenient concealer brush is great to throw in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups. It works well to conceal small blemishes, broken capillaries or mild areas of pigmentation.

Best for Foundation: Revlon Foundation Brush

revlon flat foundation brush

Courtesy of Amazon

On the hunt for a top-quality foundation brush? This super-soft flat brush from Revlon makes for precise, airbrushed-looking application on the cheap.

Read more reviews and shop for the best foundation brushes on the market.

Best for Lips: Maybelline Expert Tools Lip Brush

maybelline lip brush

Courtesy of Maybelline

Every beauty junkie needs a good lip brush, and this convenient pop-up one works well to apply lipstick or gloss with precision.

Interested in reading some more reviews? Take a look at our roundup of the best makeup brushes available today.

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