The best make-up brush sets to buy now

If you like to apply your make-up with brushes, one the best investments you can make is with a set.

They can come complete with different sizes and designs to work with cream, liquid, powder and gel, and can be better value for money than buying multiple brushes individually.

Some are streamlined and very multi-purpose, with four or five brushes, while others can span up to 15, sometimes more, offering an extensive selection.

We've handpicked our favourite make-up brush sets which do both, while also catering to a variety of budgets and needs.

Whether you want to perfect your eyeshadow blending skills, or ensure a smooth, even foundation every time, there's something for everyone in our shopping guide.

The best make-up brush sets

Edy London essential set 505 | £60 from Cult Beauty

This eight-piece set from celebrity make-up artists Edy, is great value for money without compromising on their luxury feel. Inside this set is a foundation brush, contour brush, tapered face, large shader, medium angled blender, angled brow brush, mascara brush (for separating clumpy lashes) and a lip brush.

Brushes by Joy the full multi-use brush set | £130 from By Joy Adenuga

Joy Adenuga is an expert bridal and celebrity make-up artist who launched her own range of tools in 2020. We've been huge fans ever since, every brush is soft, washes well without moulting, have long, easy to hold handles and are all multipurpose. This 10-piece kit is full of reliable, durable tools that can be used with every product in your make-up routine.

Space NK Ultimate Eye Brush Set | £32 (Was £40) from Space NK

Each luxury brush in this Space NK set works out to be just £8 each, and it's a handy selection of tools for eyeshadow and targeted application of products like concealer. They also come in a zippered pouch which doubles up as a compact make-up bag on the go.

Hannah Martin x Ciaté London 24-Piece Professional Brush Collection | £169 from Ciate

Hannah Martin is a renowned make-up artist who collaborated with beauty brand Ciate to launch this extensive brush kit. Each is made with vegan, synthetic fibres, packaged in a vegan-leather case for easy storage. The bristles are super soft and can be used with foundations, brow gels, blusher and more.

No7 Core Collection Brush Set | £29.95 from Boots

For a sleek, uncomplicated kit, this No7 is ideal. It contains a foundation brush, concealer brush, eye colour brush and face brush for use with powders, creams, gels and liquids. One happy shopper wrote in their review: "I love these brushes, its the perfect collection! The bristles are super soft and apply makeup flawlessly."

Real Techniques Flawless Base Set | £19.99 from Sephora UK

Real Techniques is one of the best budget-friendly brush brands on the market, and can often be found on offer at Boots. This four piece set are all the essentials you need for a flawless complexion that's seamlessly blended in. It has a contour brush, detailer brush, buffing brush and foundation brush, alongside a brush cup to keep them organised.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Glitter Brush Set | £32.99 from Sephora UK

Sephora's return to the UK means we can now get our hands on its budget-friendly range. Spanning make-up, skincare and tools, this brush set immediately caught our eye. Housed in a reusable box, with synthetic, vegan bristles, they consist of three face brushes and one eye brush.

Spectrum Pink 8 piece eye brush set | £30 from Boots

If you're keen to expand your eye make-up skills, this eight-piece set from Spectrum is both extensive and great value. However the denser designs can also work well for buffing in concealer and packing on an even coverage of glitter onto lids.

Ruby Hammer Magnetic Brush Set 01 | £28 from Cult Beauty

This clever compact set is magnetic, with three brushes that slot into each other. Ideal for travel or touch ups on the go, there's a pointed crease brush for eyeshadow and concealer, a smudge brush for lip colour and eyeshadow and an angled brush to eyeliner or filling in your brows.

Vieve The Edit Brush Set | £100 from Cult Beauty

If you're shopping with a bigger budget, this luxury brush edit from Vieve is a super soft selection of tools. Vegan and cruelty-free, there's five large and small bristled brushes to perfect your make-up application. One five-star review says: "The softest and most flawless brushes I’ve used. Always used a sponge for my foundation now I only use a brush absolutely amazing."

KIKO MILANO Travel Brush Set | £17.99 from Sephora UK

This is a great option from Kiko Milano if you want compact tools which can easily fit in your make-up bag or suit frequent travelling. It consists of eight different brushes for face, eye and lip make-up products that are durable, easy to wash and quick to dry.

The Complete Brush Set | £204 (Was £255) from Charlotte Tilbury

Shoppers have high praise for this Charlotte Tilbury set. One wrote: "The brush set is just so beautiful, elegant for ones vanity, made with attention to detail and quality. When using the brushes the application feels soft to the touch. I appreciate the cosmetic bag is included. Just a beautiful set set."