Like tools in a toolbox, the right makeup brushes are critical to achieving a pro-level look. The brushes you use are essential when doing your eye makeup. Whether you’re going for a subtle, neutral look on your lids or want to dive into a sexy smoky eye, the eyeshadow brush you choose can make or break your makeup application.
The number of eyeshadow brushes on the market seems endless, but fret not. We’ve tapped multiple makeup artists to narrow down the best eyeshadow brushes for every eye look. To ensure we’re giving you the best possible options, we conducted hours of research to compile this list, considering shape, density, bristles, and types of looks each brush can achieve. Ahead, find the best eyeshadow brushes money can buy.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best for Smoky Eye Looks:
Best for Travel:
Best Dual-Ended:
Best for Glitter Shadow:
Best Crease Brush:
Best for Eyeshadow Primer:
What We Like
Picks up and applies all formulas smoothly
Comfortable to hold and use
Soft yet dense
What to Consider
Not ideal for blending in the crease
Size: Medium | Bristle Type: Synthetic
This beauty from Selena Gomez’s line is our favorite. It’s versatile, so it works with all types of shadow formulas, from cream to powder and everything in between. Plus, the bristles are dense for packing on the color, but they're still smooth, soft, and gentle against the delicate skin on the eyelids. Just keep in mind that because the brush is dense, it’s probably not the best option for blending product in the crease. You certainly still can use this for crease blending, you’ll end up applying more pigment to your crease area than you would a traditional fluffy crease brush. Our advice: Use this one on the lids for seamless blending every single time.
What We Like
Wallet-friendly
Ideal for packing on pigment
Can use narrow edge for smudging shadow along lash line
What to Consider
Could be better for blending
Function: Packing | Bristle Type: Synthetic
This medium-sized, multipurpose brush is large enough to cover a nice surface area, yet small enough to allow you to work with a bit of precision (great if you have more hooded eyes). We love that it also has a narrow edge, making it great for smudging shadows along the upper or lower lash line (hello smoky eye looks). We tend to prefer a more rounded, fluffy brush for blending, but you can get the job done with this one. This highly affordable pick is especially great for eyeshadow beginners who don't want to spend a ton of money or buy multiple brushes at once.
What We Like
Has all the basics needed for an eyeshadow look
Perfect for building your brush collection
Bristles are soft
What to Consider
Blending brush sheds a bit
Size: Small, medium | Bristle Type: Synthetic
There’s no doubt about it—this set from Sigma is the GOAT, and has been an editor favorite for quite some time. If you’re lost about how to curate a well-rounded eyeshadow brush collection, this pick is for you. It comes with seven brushes that are everything you'll need to create basic eyeshadow looks as well as more intricate ones, too. The brush handles are long and sturdy, and the bristles are all synthetic, meaning they're not made with animal hair. These brushes are so well-made, in fact, that I’ve had my set for over 10 years. And while yes, the blending brush does tend to shed a bit, particularly in the beginning and when you wash it, it still works beautifully and the bristle loss isn't major.
What We Like
Affordable and high-quality
Bristles are soft
Brushes work with creams and powders
What to Consider
Missing a few brushes like a pencil brush and flat shader
Size: Small, medium, large | Bristle Type: Synthetic
Real Techniques has mastered the art of creating high-quality brushes at an affordable price. This set with eight brushes will cost you less than the price of one high-end makeup brush; it comes with a variety of different-shaped brushes to create a wide range of looks. The purple aluminum handles are sturdy, and the synthetic bristles are soft and work beautifully with both cream and powder formulas. Celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell loves this kit from Real Techniques because “the price point is amazing and the quality is insane,” she says. “I love that it comes in a set also because you get everything you need.”
Best for Smoky Eye Looks
Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush
What We Like
Easy to smudge
Soft yet dense
Can apply cream and powder
What to Consider
Could be a bit softer
Size: Small | Bristle Type: Synthetic
When it comes to smoky-eye makeup, the right brush is essential—and the Eye Smudger is up for the task. This eyeshadow brush has short and dense bristles, allowing you to smudge powder or cream eyeshadows in targeted areas to create a sultry, smoldering effect. It's also great at smudging out eyeliner pencils for a softer, more diffused look. Plus, the small tip is perfect for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes. It's definitely a bit pricey for a single brush, but you'd be surprised by just how functional it is.
What We Like
Doesn’t take up much room
Dual-ended for multiple eye looks
Caps for cleanliness
What to Consider
Both ends are pretty dense
Size: Medium | Bristle Type: Synthetic
We love a good two-in-one moment. This pick from Subtl Staks was specifically designed for easy, on-the-go makeup application while traveling. It features two eyeshadow brushes—one side is densely packed to pick up color and apply to your lids, while the other, angled side is less dense and can be used to blend out your shadows. We love that these come with two caps, so that you can avoid getting eyeshadow all over your makeup bag.
What We Like
Two very different eyeshadow brushes in one
Super soft
Works with all formulas
What to Consider
Needs to be cleaned often
Size: Medium and small | Bristle Type: Synthetic
Honestly, dual-ended anything just makes makeup application that much easier. Professional makeup artist Genevieve Contreras recommends this pick from Merit. “This brush is great for beginners and pros alike because of its convenience and functionality,” she explains. “You can create an entire eye look with just this one brush. It blends shadow effortlessly with the fluffier side, and the smaller, more dense side is great for lining and smudging shadow at the lash line.” One thing to note is that if you use this with a cream eyeshadow, you’ll probably need to clean it with a brush cleaner or soap and water, as it tends to get a bit sticky if not cleaned before the next use.
What We Like
Pats down eyeshadow well
Can be used wet and dry
Doubles as a concealer brush
What to Consider
Not great for blending
Size: Medium | Bristle Type: Synthetic
If you love to apply glittery eyeshadows often, this pick is for you. The E4 brush from Makeup by Mario was designed specifically to pack lots of eyeshadow onto the lid. We love this for glitter shadows because it picks up the pigment really well and makes the color really pop. Another bonus with this brush is that you can use it wet to add another dimension to your eyeshadow look. Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero recommends this pick because “it’s great for packing on color, pigments, and glitter,” he says. “Plus, it’s easy to use and is a great size for all eye shapes.” Bonus: It doubles as a concealer brush.
What We Like
Medium-sized fluffy brush works for a range of looks
Ultrasoft bristles
Works with creams and powders
What to Consider
Some reviewers say bristles are too soft
Size: Medium | Bristle Type: Synthetic
A fluffy crease brush helps to diffuse colors for a well-blended finish, and the size of this pick from Sephora Collection is ideal for just that. It's perfect for diffusing shadows in the crease while maintaining control. Read: It's not too big or too small. Contreras likes to use this brush in multiple ways, including blending, applying a “transition” color in the crease, or just applying a single shadow all over the lid. “I personally love to use this to apply the same bronzer I am using on the face, all over the eye for a simple and cohesive look,” she explains. In addition to the size and shape, we appreciate that the synthetic bristles are soft and work beautifully to apply powders and cream eyeshadows. That said, some reviewers said the bristles were too soft for their purposes.
What We Like
Great for priming shadow
Scoop-shaped brush head
Doubles as a concealer brush
What to Consider
Not great for blending
Size: Large | Bristle Type: Synthetic
Level up your primer game by using this brush from Anisa Beauty. Designed specifically with eyeshadow primer in mind, this brush features a scoop-shaped brush head that fits the eyelids well while swiping eyeshadow primer across your lids. To use, squeeze a small dab of eyeshadow primer directly onto the brush and blend the primer all over your eyelids using the brush. Rivero also likes to use this pick for cream products, neutralizing your eyelids for eyeshadow application or blending concealer or foundation. “It offers an airbrush, weightless finish,” he explains. This pick can also be used as a concealer or foundation brush, but because of the density of the bristles, it’s probably not ideal for blending eyeshadow.
What We Like
Ideal for overall blending
Can be used to apply highlighter
Loose and fluffy bristles
What to Consider
Shouldn’t be used for precise eyeshadow application
Size: Large | Bristle Type: Synthetic
Loosely packed, fluffy, and soft to the touch, this blending brush from Ilia is perfect to blend in your eyeshadows for a smooth and subtle transition. This is great to use in the crease with a darker eyeshadow shade, or you can use it all over your lid for a nice wash of color. Like most fluffy eyeshadow brushes, this pick is not ideal for any shadow looks that require more precision.
What We Like
Gets close to lash line
Ideal for packing on liner
Firm and dense
What to Consider
Feels a little rough
Size: Small | Bristle Type: Synthetic
A small flat-tipped brush with a straight edge like the Morphe M432 is ideal for applying eyeshadow to your lash lines and buffing out the color. It's especially useful for defining your lower lash line and connecting it to your winged eyeliner. We like this one in particular because it's not so wide that you lose precision but also not so narrow that it takes too long to sweep color along your lash line. The bristles are short and dense, and the edges are very square so it can feel slightly rough—just be sure to use a gentle touch.
What We Like
Smudges out any eyeliner or eyeshadow
Can use to line your lashes
High-quality
What to Consider
Expensive
Size: Small | Bristle Type: Animal hair
Having a good smudger brush in your makeup brush kit is crucial when trying to nail the smoked-out, ultra-blended look. This pricey brush is not only made with super high-quality materials, but it will also last you a long time. You can use this to blend out harsh liner or apply liner using this pick.Rivero likes to use this for soft, diffused eyeliner looks and lines. “This is my go-to brush—it’s soft but effective in moving the product,” he explains.
What to Look for When Buying Eyeshadow Brushes
- Shape: Eyeshadow brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Some have specific purposes, like defining your lash line or blending color, while others have multiuse designs. According to Contreras, fluffy brushes with a more rounded top are great for blending and applying a lighter wash of color, while flat brushes are ideal for packing on color on the center of the eyelid. Finally, small dense brushes are great for smudging and softening liner at the lash line.
- Bristles: Brushes have either natural hair bristles or synthetic bristles. Most eyeshadow brushes available today have synthetic bristles that are typically vegan, gentle on most skin types, and designed to pick up lots of pigment. While both types of bristles work well for powder shadows, Rivero loves synthetic blends because of their versatility in working with many different types of products. Another thing to consider is the density of the brush, which dictates the opacity of the eyeshadow when applying it to your lids. For example, Sewell says that a flat, dense brush is going to pack on shadow, while a fluffy eyeshadow brush will impart a sheer finish.
- Handle: Most handles are ergonomic, meaning that they’re designed to be easy to grip and fit comfortably in your hand. This is ideal for more complex eyeshadow techniques, as it reduces fatigue. Not only that, but it can give you more control as you position your hand at various angles. Brushes with longer handles tend to be more versatile as you can grip them further away from the brush tip to allow for a lighter touch that yields a softer, more diffused result.
FAQ
How do you clean eyeshadow brushes?
Add a few drops of brush cleaner to a large bowl or sink with lukewarm water, then dip the brush heads into the solution, gently massaging the bristles with your fingers. Another option that Sewell recommends is to use a silicone mat and gently swirl and buff your eyeshadow brush onto the mat to clean it. Then, rinse your brushes with cold water and squeeze out any moisture using a clean towel. Form the brush heads back into their original shape before allowing them to air-dry.
What type of brush is best for eyeshadow?
The best type of brush for eyeshadow really depends on the look you’re going for. “My most used brush is a small fluffy eyeshadow brush,” explains Sewell. “This type of brush allows for a sheer wash of color that can build with a few layers.” If you want more payoff, more precision, or just more pigment in a concentrated area, Sewell recommends going for a smaller, denser brush. The density will pick up and place more product with one sweep.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Daley Quinn is a contributing writer for Byrdie, covering all things beauty and wellness. For this story, she used her own experience testing many eyeshadow brushes and considerations from makeup artists’ recommendations.
For this story, we chatted with several experts, including:
- Kelli Anne Sewell is a professional makeup artist and the founder and CEO ofMakeup by Kelli Anne, a platform of guided makeup tutorials to elevate your makeup routine.
- Genevieve Contreras is a makeup artist and aesthetician based in San Antonio, Texas.
- Tomy Rivero is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York and Los Angeles.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough eyeshadow brushes from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.