The Luxury Makeup Brushes I Actually Think Are Worth It
One of the biggest improvements I've made to my makeup routine wasn't buying more products. It was investing in better brushes. While fingers work in a pinch, I've found that the right brushes make blending easier, give a smoother finish, and help makeup look more natural. Over the years, I've used affordable favourites like EcoTools and Real Techniques–they're still brands I'd recommend to anyone starting. As my makeup routine evolved, though, I became curious about whether luxury brushes really lived up to the hype. Rather than replacing everything at once, I gradually invested in a few brushes from Hourglass and NARS, and they've since become staples in my makeup routine. These are the brushes I reach for most often and think are worth the investment.
Hourglass Veil Powder Brush
I've found that this brush is a cult favourite among beauty creators, and it's easy to see why. I originally bought it to use with the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, but it's quickly become the brush I reach for when I’m using powder formulas. I use the smaller end to set concealer under my eyes and around my nose before using the larger end to lightly dust powder across the rest of my face. I also use it to apply powder blush, and it leaves everything looking soft, smooth and seamless. My only criticism is that, because it's double-ended, it isn't the easiest brush to store.
Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush
While the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush tends to get more attention on TikTok, I actually prefer the Vanish Foundation Brush because I like a fuller-coverage finish. Even though it's dense, it's soft enough that it fits into the contours of my face, particularly around my nose and under my eyes.
I use it with several liquid complexion products in my collection, including the NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, Light Reflecting Foundation, and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser. It blends each of them beautifully without leaving streaks, and I've also found it works well with cream and stick formulas. Because it's quite compact, it's perfect for travelling too.
Hourglass Vanish Concealer Brush
The bristles are firm yet soft and blend concealer flawlessly. The half-moon shape of the brush helps me control how I blend my concealer, especially under my eyes, around my nose, and anywhere I'm trying to spot conceal.
NARS #17 Cream Cheek Brush
The Cream Cheek Brush* is a recent addition to my brush collection, but it’s already become one of my favourite brushes. It’s soft yet dense, picks up cream bronzer and blush beautifully and blends everything effortlessly without disturbing the makeup underneath.
How I clean and care for my brushes
To keep my brushes performing their best, I wash them regularly using lukewarm water and a gentle brush cleanser or mild soap.
I wet only the bristles, swirl them over cleanser in the palm of my hand or on a silicone cleaning mat, then rinse them under running water while keeping the brush pointing downwards to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule.
Once the water runs clear, I gently squeeze out any excess moisture, reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat on a towel to air dry.
Are expensive makeup brushes worth it?
I don't think you need to replace your entire brush collection overnight. I didn’t. I still think EcoTools and Real Techniques make excellent brushes, especially if you're just starting. I still regularly use my No7 blending sponge, Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and my BeautyBlender. There are also times when my fingers are simply the best tool, whether I’m tapping highlighter into place with my ring finger or quickly swiping cream eyeshadow across my lids for a more effortless look.
However, after trying a few luxury brushes from Hourglass and more recently NARS, I can appreciate the difference in how they apply product and how well they've held up over time.
For me, investing in a few high-quality brushes that I use every day has been more worthwhile than owning lots of brushes that I rarely take out of my makeup bag.
If you’re thinking about investing in luxury brushes, I’d start with complexion brushes first. They are the tools I use most often and where I’ve noticed the biggest difference. Even when I apply products with my fingers, I usually finish by going over everything with a damp Beautyblender to smooth out any edges and create a more seamless finish. Eye brushes and additional powder brushes can always come later. If you're only going to invest in one luxury makeup brush, I'd recommend the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush because it's the one that’s made the biggest difference to my everyday routine.
Looking back, investing in a few well-chosen brushes has made a bigger difference to my makeup routine than I ever expected. They've become some of the tools I use most in my beauty collection.
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