Fashion

The Best Makeup Brushes Under $10 That You Need In Your Collection Immediately

They say the key to perfect makeup application is using the right tools. But with so many out there, how do you choose? Going by popularity might not always be the best option, because with so many touting the abilities of high-end makeup brushes, you could end up spending hundreds on just your basic, core collection. And yes, generally speaking, the higher the price tag on a brush, the higher quality it usually is. But there are actually a number of excellent brushes at the drugstore, in every category. So if you want quantity without having to sacrifice quality, here are the 10 best makeup brushes that you can score for less than $10.

Image: Sodanie Chea/Fotolia

by Miki Hayes

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Super densely packed bristles make this brush excellent for flawlessly buffing in cream or liquid foundation.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, $9, Amazon

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I know it’s not technically a brush, but for those of you who lust after the Beauty Blender but don’t want to spend $20 on a sponge, this is the closest dupe out there. The flat edge of this sponge is perfect for blending in foundation while the pointed end blends in concealer like a dream.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $7, Amazon

e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush

If you’re not ready to drop $30+ on a kabuki brush, try out this one for size. The soft, synthetic bristles can be used with wet or dry products.

e.l.f Studio Kabuki Face Brush, $6, Amazon

e.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush

This is your one-and-done for face products. The size and shape of this versatile brush makes it perfect for applying foundation, powder, blush, and bronzer. Parfait.

e.l.f Complexion Brush, $6, Amazon

e.l.f. Studio Small Stipple Brush

This smaller sized stippling brush is perfect for applying cream highlighters, blushes, and bronzers; as well as blending out any harsh edges of your makeup.

e.l.f Small Stipple Brush, $3, Amazon

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Brow Brush No. 119

This angled brush features stiffer bristles to help work product, whether it’s powder or pomade, perfectly into brows.

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Brow Brush No. 119, $6, target.com

Eco Tools Bamboo Eye Shading Brush

The shape of this brush is perfect for packing on color, but it can also blend nicely too. Bonus? It’s made totally from natural and recycled materials.

Eco Tools Bamboo Eye Shading Brush, $5, ulta.com

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Pointed Blending Brush No. 109

Everybody needs a good blending brush. This tapered one is the perfect size for both placing and blending color for a flawless eye look.

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Pointed Blending Brush No. 109, $4, target.com

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Bent Eyeliner Brush No. 107

The bent nature of this brush along with the tiny, tapered bristles make this the perfect tool for achieving the ever-elusive cat eyeliner.

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Bent Eyeliner Brush, $6, target.com

Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush

Make sure to have a lip brush like this one to help achieve crisp, defined edges (especially with darker colors). And the best part is the cap allows you to carry this brush with you for touchups.

Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush, $5, Amazon

110