There are two equally common and valid ways to apply eyeshadow: with your fingers and with brushes. Don't get us wrong, we love the resourcefulness of blending on pigments with your fingertips, but there's just something so nice about having a makeup kit stacked with all of the best eyeshadow brushes [3] to help you pull off Instagram-level eye-makeup looks. From fluffy blending brushes to flat, dense brushes designed to pack on cream formulas, there are a handful of eye-makeup brushes that everyone should own to take their makeup game to a whole new level [4].
When it comes to brushes [5] — and makeup products in general — it never hurts to be stacked with the essentials. Think of an artist: they keep bins upon bins of tools on hand to create their masterpieces, and we think makeup should be treated in a similar fashion. The staples that every collection should contain include a variety of blending brushes, a fine-tip eyeliner brush, a couple of flat shader brushes, an angled crease brush or two, and a stiff dome eyeshadow brush. And the more you have, the less you need to wash your eyeshadow brushes between each use.
Whether you're a bona-fide vlogger with a fully stocked toolkit looking to add some new options into the mix or a makeup beginner starting from scratch, we rounded up the best eyeshadow brushes to buy for sweeping and blending pigment across your eyelids ahead.
Best Eyeshadow-Brush Assortment: Sephora Collection Essential Eye Brush Set
The Sephora Collection Essential Eye Brush Set [6] ($29) contains five brushes in total — two standard shadow brushes, a crease brush, a smudge brush, and a brow brush — at an affordable price. They are vegan and contain extra-soft bristles.
Best Eyeshadow Brush For Detail Work: Morphe Mini Firm Blending Eyeshadow Brush
The Morphe Mini Firm Blending Eyeshadow Brush [7] ($8) is great for detail work and precise eye-makeup looks. The smaller tip allows you to apply eyeshadow pigments on top of each other with ease.
Best Eyeshadow Brush For Eyeliner: E.l.f. Cosmetics Angled Eyeliner Brush
Every makeup kit needs an eyeliner brush, and we love the E.l.f. Cosmetics Angled Eyeliner Brush [8] ($4) because the bend in the handle makes it easy to create smooth lines. Use it with liquid eyeliner or eyeshadow to create graphic or cat-eye makeup looks.
Best Environmentally Friendly Eyeshadow Brushes: EcoTools Daily Defined Eye Kit
Not only do you get five brushes in the EcoTools Daily Defined Eye Kit [9] ($9), but it also comes in a convenient traveling case. The soft brushes, which range from superfine tip to fluffy blending options, are made from renewable bamboo and recycled aluminum.
Best Affordable Eyeshadow Brushes: Real Techniques Everyday Eye Essentials Makeup Brush Set
You can't beat the deal you get with the Real Techniques Everyday Eye Essentials Makeup Brush Set [10] ($20). The eight-piece set has everything you need to step up your eye-makeup game without breaking the bank.
Best Powder Eyeshadow Brush: Fenty Beauty Plush Eyeshadow Brush 240
Create dazzling eyeshadow looks with the Fenty Beauty Plush Eyeshadow Brush 240 [11] ($24). Use it on powder or cream eyeshadow for a soft, diffused look.
Best Shader Eyeshadow Brush: Sigma Beauty E20 Short Shader Brush
The dense, short bristles of the Sigma Beauty E20 Short Shader Brush [12] ($15) allow you to pack on pigment for a super-saturated look, kind of like your fingers. You can also hold it sideways and use it as an eyeliner brush.
Best Cream Eyeshadow Brush: MAC 242 Synthetic Shader Brush
The firm paddle shape of the MAC 242 Synthetic Shader Brush [13] ($28) makes it best suited for applying cream or emollient eyeshadow formulas.
Best Angled Eyeshadow Brush: Luxie 207 Medium Angled Shading Brush
Not only does the Luxie 207 Medium Angled Shading Brush [14] ($8) look pretty sitting on your vanity, but it's super functional, too. Use it to blend eyeshadow into your crease, or if you're on the go and down a few tools, sweep on some highlighter with it, too.
Best Crease Eyeshadow Brush: Giorgio Armani Large Maestro Contouring Eye Brush
The Giorgio Armani Large Maestro Contouring Eye Brush [15] ($38) is a uniquely shaped, round, tightly packed brush with short, angled bristles, which makes it great for smudging cream or powder eyeshadow into your crease.
Best Packaging on an Eyeshadow Brush: Moda Angle Eye Blender Makeup Brush
For just $4, the Moda Angle Eye Blender Makeup Brush [16] ($4) stacks up against brushes triple its price. It also comes in a variety of fun colors.
Best Basic Eyeshadow Brush: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Eye Shadow Brush
The Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Eye Shadow Brush [17] ($37) is the ultimate multitasker. Use it to shade, buff, pack, and blend cream and powder pigments onto your eyelids.
Best Multitasking Eyeshadow Brushes: Sonia Kashuk Essential Collection Complete Eye Makeup Brush Set
The five-piece Sonia Kashuk Essential Collection Complete Eye Makeup Brush Set [18] ($20) makes a great gift. The brushes are top-notch quality and a welcome addition to any makeup stash.
Best Packing Eyeshadow Brush: Urban Decay The Finger Brush
Aptly named The Finger Brush [19] ($26), this short, stubby eyeshadow brush from Urban Decay mimics your fingertip, allowing you to apply thick layers of product.
Best Travel Eyeshadow Brush: Makeup by Mario EF 1 Makeup Brush
The dual-sided Makeup by Mario EF 1 Makeup Brush [20] ($22) is great for travel or keeping in your work bag, because you can create a multidimensional eye-makeup look with it.