Eyeshadow has been around since the beginning of beauty products, and most people participate. Applying makeup is a form of art, but that does not mean that those born with artistic capabilities should try it. However, applying eyeshadow can sometimes be rough if it is not part of the everyday routine. It is all about strategy in terms of applying eye makeup; it takes much practice to master it, and anyone can do it. The most important thing to consider before applying eye makeup is the right set of makeup tools, and these are eyeshadow brushes. Choosing the best and right set of eyeshadow brushes provides the most iconic and sparkling eye looks. Thus, vital for defining, shading, and blending eyeshadow makeup on the way to expert-level makeup.
There are various types of eyeshadow brushes and their proper usage. To select the best and high-quality brushes, every user must know the features and characteristics of each brush. Some experts and professional makeup artists recommend brushes made up of natural materials and cruelty-free, as it is healthier for the skin and contains fewer toxins. Anyone wishing to use brushes should learn how to invest appropriately in eye makeup brushes and learn every eyeshadow brush’s functions and purposes. An eye makeup brush is used to apply makeup products to the eyes. Using the correct brush set benefits the user as it will result in a flawless and more attractive look. In this article, there are 15 must-try best eye makeup brushes in 2022 that are being discussed.
Listed below are the top selected best eye makeup brushes in 2022.
1. Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush (Best Overall)
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush has soft synthetic bristles and a full rounded, perfectly inclined head. It is made for applying powdered shadows, picking up and holding pigment effortlessly until the excess is removed from the lids. It is used all over the lid to define the lash line, smooths colour into the folds of , and overall blends. It is also perfect for contouring, smudging, and is ideal to use with all the formulas of eye shadow. To easily apply eye shadow in the corners and in the folds of the eye, use the angled edge of the brush after dipping the Bobbi brown eyeshadow brush into the eye shadow and tapping the excess lightly. Proper application of eyeshadow using Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush can guarantee the user has a flawless and glam look. Its average price ranges from £27 to £32 GBP, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars due to its high-quality material and easy use.
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush Advantages |
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush Disadvantages |
Soft and dense bristles |
Expensive |
Makes blending smooth and easy |
|
Sloped shape |
2. e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush (Best Budget-Friendly)
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush is an ultra-soft synthetic-haired brush and super absorbent which can be used for both wet and dry makeup products. It is used to apply eye shadows that create a perfect smokey eye and flawless finish. Its medium-sized brush also provides more control for fineness blending. The proper way to use e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush is by dipping the brush into the product, then applying gently to the eyes. By pressing the colour in a C shape from the lash line, apply the tip of the brush to the outer edges of the eyes. To form an outward curve, flip the C on the right eye and blend properly the colour inward for details. With that, it will result in a perfect smokey eye. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush is a cruelty-free brush because it is made up of animal hair-free, vegan, and does not contain any harmful chemicals. The average price of e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush is £4.12 GBP. The overall review rating of e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush is 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is inexpensive, provides flawless and perfect results, and is harmless both for humans and animals.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush Advantages |
e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow "C" Brush Disadvantages |
Can be used with both wet and dry products |
Poor quality |
Inexpensive |
Sheds |
Cruelty-free |
Feels rough on skin |
3. MAC #217S Synthetic Blending Brush (Best for Blending)
Mac #217S Synthetic Blending Brush is a black woody brush made of soft and synthetic fibres that are formed in an oval shape. It is designed for brushing and blending powder and cream products. It is ideal for softening the edges of the eyeshadow highlightinging the eyeshadow on the lid and crease of the eye. Blending, patting, and fluffing colour using Mac #217S Synthetic Blending Brush, it is recommended to use with cream and powder products to obtain a natural and flawless makeup look. It absorbs fewer products, which is why it works better with creams. Mac #217S Synthetic Blending Brush was not a cruelty-free makeup tool, not until its bristles changed from natural, animal-sourced to synthetic fibres. Its average price is £23.10 GBP. The overall rating of Mac #217S Synthetic Blending Brush is 4.3 out of 5 stars, mainly because it has a soft, fine design and is of great quality but expensive.
Mac #217S Synthetic Blending Brush Advantages |
Mac #217S Synthetic Blending Brush Disadvantages |
Blends easily |
Not for all eye looks |
Rubs away harsh lines |
Expensive |
Great for diffused looks |
4. EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set
The EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set is a dual-ended set of brushes that is designed mainly with four uses: define, smudge, shade, and blend. It consists of soft bristles designed for applying gentle makeup. Use the angled liner in defining the eye look to improve the line and shape of the eye. Along the lash line, smudge shadow and liner to achieve a perfect eye makeup look. To apply the product all over the eyelid, use the shade ends with the soft and thin bristles for a better definition. To remove streaks and harsh lines, blend and blur shadows by utilising the blend end brush. EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set is handcrafted and made up of recycled, eco-friendly, and sustainable materials such as lightweight bamboo handles, synthetic Taklon bristles, and sleek aluminium ferrules and plastics. They are also a hundred percent cruelty-free and vegan, as their products and materials were never tested on animals. Its average price is £4.95 GBP with overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars due to its quality, price, and its various functions.
EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set Advantages |
EcoTools Duo Eyeshadow Makeup Brush Set Disadvantages |
Soft bristles |
Some bristles stand out and lose some of them throughout the years |
Travel and eco-friendly |
|
Variety of uses |
5. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush
The Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush is an eyeshadow brush made up of a uniquely dense, angled shape that emulates the fingertips to smoothly and easily blend or apply colour. Adequately fluffy and firm enough to blend flawlessly and provide control in terms of sweeping eye colour. It is also easy to blend out pigment due to its soft, densely packed bristles. For great blending of all formulas and products, especially liquids and creams, it is made to be matched with Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow for the most perfect finish. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush is used for the application of eyeshadows all over the lid with its proper method by using the rounded side to apply and blend the product. While, for more precise application of shadow towards the lash line or packing pigment on the lid’s centre, it is suggested to try the flat side of the brush. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush is a dermatologically tested and cruelty-free makeup tool. Its average price is £12.37 GBP, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is not that expensive, and it provides users with full control when blending eyeshadow.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush Advantages |
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush Disadvantages |
Unique angled brush, imitates fingertip |
Slightly expensive |
Provides excellent control |
Small |
Soft, densely packed bristles |
6. Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend
This Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend tool is a two-way function in one brush designed for shading and blending easy two-pigment eyeshadow application. It has an ultra-plush synthetic bristle that is ideal for cream or powder eyeshadow application. It is used to apply eyeshadow to the eyelid to achieve natural, seamless looking makeup. Furthermore, it is a hundred percent cruelty-free and vegan. It is also easy to apply and colour coded due to its lightweight material, which is the extended aluminium ferrules. It also has a long-lasting effect in applying makeup and is easy to clean with the use of Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel or Spray. Its average price is £6.6 GBP. Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars due to its two-colour shadow purpose and is not expensive.
Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Advantages |
Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Disadvantages |
Quality is good for the price |
Not good for packing colour |
Can be used with cream or powder |
|
Easy to use and clean |
7. NYX Professional Makeup Pro All Over Shadow Brush
Nyx Professional Makeup Pro All Over Shadow Brush is a wide eyeshadow brush with soft synthetic fibre that is designed for all-over shadow coverage. It is used to apply and layer eyeshadow and glitter onto the lids by simply tapping and blending the eyeshadow. This brush is also ideal for pressed powders and pigments, which helps the user to apply it on the eye easily and smoothly. It is also recommended to finish the eye makeup with Epic Ink Liner for a more attractive and glam look. Nyx Professional Makeup Pro All Over Shadow Brush is made of natural and synthetic fibres with no derived ingredients or materials from animals, which is why this brush is cruelty-free and safe for all skin types. However, to keep it safe and clean, wash the brush once a week with an on-the-spot brush cleaner disinfecting solution to prevent harbouring bacteria. Nyx Professional Makeup Pro All Over Shadow Brush's average price is £8 GBP. Its overall rating value is 5 out of 5 stars, mainly because it feels soft when applied to the lids and consists of high-quality bristles, even if it is not expensive.
Nyx Professional Makeup Pro All Over Shadow Brush Advantages |
Nyx Professional Makeup Pro All Over Shadow Brush Disadvantages |
Provides sheer coverage |
Cause streaks |
Blends easily and smoothly |
Produces uneven application |
Can be applied with glitters |
8. Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210
Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210 brush is a custom-cut tapered eyeshadow used for applying and blending eyeshadow in the eye’s contour and crease area. The most important thing in applying makeup products, especially on the eyes, is to blend the product. That is why Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210 is recommended for the proper blending of eye makeup. It is used to blend and contour the eyeshadow into the upper lid of the eye effortlessly to acquire an unblemished diffused finish. With the use of Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210, an ease and control contour is achieved whatever the shape of the eye and type of the lid. Everyone can play with pigment like a pro due to its ultra-flexible domed head of the brush, which was designed globally. The back-and-forth windshield wiper motions can be used effortlessly to blend the eyeshadow all over the eye. For the artifice pro-tip, it is suggested to use the tapered point of the brush to achieve a more detailed application. It can also be used to apply Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter toward the inner surface of the eyes, or to add a touch of light to any look along the bottom of the lash line. It was never used or tried on any animals; thus, it is cruelty-free and no harmful substances or products were used for this brush. Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210 average price is £6.6 GBP, with 4.8 out of 5 stars as an overall rating.
Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210 Advantages |
Fenty Beauty Tapered Blending Brush 210 Disadvantages |
Tapered shape |
Expensive |
Can easily blend |
Bristles are sometimes hard and rigid |
Does not shed and retains its shape |
9. Sigma Beauty E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush
The Sigma Beauty E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush has bristles that are extra fluffy and perfectly angled, and edges that are slightly bevelled. It is designed to provide a soft application onto the lids, and is the go-to application of sheer and medium eyeshadow. It is also perfect for an everyday makeup routine. Moreover, it is used for sweeping shadows across the lower lids, shading the folds, and highlighting the brow bones. The materials used are synthetic fibres to manage a better hold, application, and blending of the product, vegan, and hypoallergenic fibres to protect the skin from bacteria. In order to make the brush shine and ensure its longevity, durable wood, primer and painted coats, and corrosion-resistant SigmaAlloy ferrules are used. The average price of Sigma Beauty E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush is £13.22 GBP. It received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is good for its price; however, it cannot fill up enough pigment.
Sigma Beauty E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush Advantages |
Sigma Beauty E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush Disadvantages |
Can build up shadow from sheer to medium |
Does not fill up enough colour |
Create various looks |
|
Perfectly angled |
10. IT Brushes for ULTA Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush #112
IT Brushes for ULTA Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush #112 has a small, soft rounded head and brush that is designed to apply the product perfectly on the delicate eyelid. It has a lightweight, durable hand-grip that gives comfort and enables the user to properly control the application of makeup resulting in a more detailed eye look. It is also ideal to use with all cream and powder shadows because it is a streak-free brush that achieves a stunning dense pigment and a flawless-looking coverage. In using the IT Brushes for ULTA Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush #112, gently pat eye shadow onto the eyelid from the lash line to the folds and blend it as needed through a sweeping motion. Moreover, to make the eyes more bright and awake, it is recommended to put a light eyeshadow in the centre of the eyelid as the final touch. It is made of high-quality synthetic bristles, making it a cruelty-free durable brush. Its average price is £12.40 GBP. The overall review rating of IT Brushes for ULTA Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush #112 is 4.8 out of 5 stars.
IT Brushes for ULTA Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush #112 Advantages |
IT Brushes for ULTA Airbrush Precision Shadow Brush #112 Disadvantages |
Wipes away harsh lines |
Cannot take up much product |
Blends easily and smoothly |
|
Can fill on pigment |
11. Real Techniques Rebel Edge Fine Make-Up Brush
Real Techniques Rebel Edge Fine Make-Up Brush is cut in half fan uniquely made for defining and blending powder, highlighter, and blush. Its bristles are soft and flexible, which makes it easier to sweep and line the eye precisely. It also has lightweight aluminium ferrules which make the user handle it comfortably and can properly control it when applying products. The fan head is the best part for defining and blending products. Meanwhile, the flat surface is used for blending, finishing or sideways details, and for contouring. Proper usage of this brush together with proper application of products achieves a flawless result. It is a hundred percent vegan and cruelty-free, which indicates that it is safe for the skin. It also provides a long lasting makeup result. Maintaining its cleanliness, it is recommended to clean it weekly with the Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel and Spray for better brush performance and to keep healthy skin. Its average price is £7 GBP. The overall review rating of Real Techniques Rebel Edge Fine Make-Up Brush is 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Real Techniques Rebel Edge Fine Make-Up Brush Advantages |
Real Techniques Rebel Edge Fine Make-Up Brush Disadvantages |
Unique fan cut |
Does not provide precise application |
Dense and soft bristles |
|
Easy to clean |
12. NARS #24 High Pigment Eyeshadow Brush
NARS #24 High Pigment Eyeshadow Brush has a dense brush designed for the application of glitter and high-pigment coverage. Its bristles are angled which, taking up pigments and setting them evenly as if they were being compressed on by the fingertips for the most impact, helps lessen the fallout. Cream or powder products, either wet or dry, can be applied with this brush. Proper usage of NARS #24 High Pigment Eyeshadow Brush is to apply the product using a sweeping motion into the eyelid. It is made of synthetic hair and hypoallergenic fibres, which is good for all skin types. Experts recommend cleaning NARS #24 High Pigment Eyeshadow Brush with a small amount of soap, then rinse with water until there is no excess dirt seen from the water. Remould the brush by laying it flat or hanging it upside down to dry. Its average price is £23.13 GBP, with a 4 out of 5 stars overall rating.
NARS #24 High Pigment Eyeshadow Brush Advantages |
NARS #24 High Pigment Eyeshadow Brush Disadvantages |
Ulta-precision |
Expensive |
High quality |
|
Contains hypoallergenic materials |
13. Jones Road Eye Detail Brush Precision
Jones Road Eye Detail Brush Precision is not that noticeable compared to other eye makeup brushes. It is a small and dense brush designed for creating magnitude. It is used to apply product into the upper and lower lash line that leaves intense pigment. It provides precision and eye detail with a soft feel to the skin. The Jones Road Eye Detail Brush Precision is made up of a vegan material and is suitable for all skin types. It is recommended to clean with lukewarm water and a gentle soap or brush cleanser, only once a week. To maintain its shape, do not position the brush upright inside a cup when drying. It should be positioned horizontally. The benefit is it can pack intense pigment along the upper and lower lash lines, however, it is quite expensive. The average price of Jones Road Eye Detail Brush Precision is £18.17 GBP. Even if it is not quite popular, this brush received a 4.8 out of 5 stars overall rating.
14. Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush
The Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush has short, rounded, domed bristles that easily pick up large amounts of products to provide a more pigmented eye makeup. It also has innovative bristles and a comfortable handle that enable users to have a good grip and control the application of the product onto the lash line, brow bone, and inner corners of the eyes properly. It is also reported that it is easy to clean, and it dries fast. The Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush consists of vegan material, which makes it a hundred percent cruelty-free. Its average price is £1.65 GBP. The overall review rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars because aside from its cheap price, it is also proven to have a high-quality material and effect.
Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush Advantages |
Wet n Wild Small Eyeshadow Brush Disadvantages |
Soft synthetic bristles |
Does not pick up enough product |
Provides eyeshadow pigment on the eyelids effortlessly |
Bristles are easily lose |
Easy to clean and use |
15. Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush
The Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush is the best pick for achieving a smokey-eye makeup look. It has soft, dense, and short bristles allowing users to smudge dark colour eyeshadows to the chosen areas of the eyes such as the eye sockets or lash lines resulting in a more attractive look and fierce-looking result. It can also be used with cream or powder. Its bristles use synthetic fibre and ferrule, and its handle is made from resourceful wood, resulting in easy use and grip. It is a cruelty-free brush which guarantees users a safe application of makeup products. The average price of Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush is £29.74 GBP. Its overall rating value is 4 out of 5 stars.
Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush Advantages |
Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush Disadvantages |
Soft and dense bristles |
Expensive |
Smudge easily |
|
Can be applied with cream or powder |
How to choose best Eye Makeup Brush?
The types, bristle, and handle should be considered in choosing the best eye makeup brush. The best types of brushes should be made of a hundred percent vegan and cruelty-free materials because it is softer and more effective. The softer the type of brush, the healthier it is for the skin. Also, it is ideal to choose brushes with a dome-shaped tip because they roll evenly on the skin, which allows easy blending resulting in an even result. Moreover, handles are also important in choosing the best eyeshadow brushes because it the users to get a comfortable grip and control the brush freely when applying products. Correct and best eyeshadow brushes are healthy for the skin and leave no harmful or dangerous marks on the skin.
How to apply eyeshadow?
To apply eyeshadow, it is important to choose first the colour and shade of the eyeshadow that best fits the user’s skin tone. After choosing the preferred colour and shade, swipe the brush lightly to the base colour while holding it gently and picking up fewer products for the first application. Tap the brush towards the palette or back of the hand to remove excess powder, then, apply the eyeshadow all over the eyelid, and slowly add up pigment layer by layer to prevent uneven application. Next is the application of the darker colour with the same process as applying the base colour. However, this time, it is applied in the outer corner of the eye about ¾ on the way down to the crease of the eyelid, through a half-moon shape, and back-and-forth motion. After accomplishing the desired makeup look, repeat the same process to the other eye. Applying eyeshadow is not easy, but learning how to apply eyeshadow correctly guarantees users that they will be able to come up with a perfect and glamorous result.
What is the best way to clean eyeshadow brush?
The best way to clean the eyeshadow brush is once a week because cleaning it after its usage can easily damage the bristles, especially when the user uses it in their everyday makeup routine. Clean it with lukewarm water and preferred cleanser or baby shampoo. The baby shampoo contains harmless chemicals that cannot easily damage the bristles, but still can get rid of dirt and oils. Remove excess water using a clean towel and preferably dry the brushes while hanging the bristles on the edges to maintain its shape. It is important to know how to clean makeup brushes the right way in order to maintain its shape and improve its performance.
What are the best eyeshadow brush for beginners?
Everyone who is new to the beauty industry has a hard time choosing the best eye brush set. Applying eye makeup is quite terrifying, especially when the person does not have much knowledge about it. It is better to ask professionals about the best eye makeup brushes for beginners. However, some are afraid and shy to ask when it comes to this matter, so, in this section, best eye makeup brushes for beginners will be discussed.
Listed below are the top 5 best eyeshadow brushes for beginners.
Can eye makeup brush use in cream eyeshadow?
Yes, eye makeup brushes can be used in applying cream eyeshadow. Applying cream eyeshadow is more difficult to layer with than powder eyeshadow, however, it makes the texture richer and the colour more pigmented. Cream eyeshadow can be applied using fingers or brushes. But using the right brush in applying cream eyeshadow makes blending easier and has a long-lasting effect.