10 Best Vegan Makeup Brushes in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
Going vegan means a change in your lifestyle; you change the food you eat, the makeup, and the skincare products you buy, but one thing that's easy to overlook is the makeup brushes you use. If you haven’t yet, it’s best to make the switch and opt for cruelty-free and vegan alternatives. These brushes are made with artificially and ethically produced materials and are often more durable and easier to maintain and care for.
With that being said, we put together some of the best vegan makeup brushes you can buy online. Our favorite is Luxie's Signature Rose Gold Brush Set. It comes in this pretty rose gold and pink design and a handy case you can bring anywhere. Scroll down to find out what other products made it to our list. But if you find yourself needing more tips and information, check out the buying guide reviewed by a professional makeup artist!
Quick List - Top Vegan Makeup Brushes
Real Techniques
Complete Brush Set Offers Multifunctional Tools for a Full Makeup Routine
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose Vegan Makeup Brushes
Before making a choice, there are a few things you have to keep in mind, like the brush’s material, bristle density, number of brushes, and case.
Pay Attention to Your Brushes’ Materials
When picking the right vegan makeup brush for you, you have to pay attention to the material used for its bristles, handle, and ferrule.
Choose Between Taklon and Nylon
This is a given, but when picking vegan makeup brushes, you want to go for ones made of synthetic materials instead of hair from animals. The most common materials used for vegan brushes are taklon and nylon.
Taklon is a soft and delicate synthetic fiber made from polyester, while nylon is more durable and firmer than taklon. Taklon is best for brushes where you want a smoother texture like blush and powder brushes. Nylon’s firm texture is excellent for foundation or concealer brushes.
But you can also find brushes made of both taklon and nylon fibers that will give you a soft yet firm brush to blend your makeup correctly.
Check if the Handle is Easy to Use and Grip
You should also pay attention to the brushes’ handles. When it comes to handle materials, you can choose between wood, plastic, metal, or bamboo.
Wood is great because it is not too heavy or too light, and it is comfortable to hold. But you can also opt for bamboo for something more eco-friendly as it's more sustainable to produce bamboo. Metal brush handles are durable, and the grip and ferrule come in one piece.
Another essential detail to keep in mind is the handle length. Longer handles about six to seven inches can be easier to grip and hold, but shorter ones that are three to four inches can be easy to bring around wherever you go.
The Ferrule Affects the Brush, Too
When it comes to the ferrule, the part of the brush that connects the bristles to the handle, you want to pick something that is non-corrosive. Brushes usually come with stainless steel, copper, or aluminum ferrules.
Make sure the ferrule is placed and glued well because this affects the bristle shed. You should also check to see reviewer comments about this, or you can test this by lightly pulling on the strands when you get the brush.
The Bristle Density Affects Coverage and Finish
When choosing your vegan makeup brushes, you should think about bristle density because it affects your makeup’s coverage and finish.
For a full-coverage finish and higher color payoff, you should go for a denser brush. The thicker the brush, the more product it can hold on to. This type of brush is ideal for foundations and eyeshadows.
But if you want something that will give you a more sheer and natural finish, go for a brush with loosely packed bristles. This is ideal if you’re going to achieve a softer effect with full-coverage and thick foundations.
Denser bristles can cling onto the makeup brush better and spread product evenly over the face for a full coverage finish. It gives you precision and blending capability. It also diffuses the product onto the skin, giving you an airbrushed look.
Using a fluffy brush can result in lighter product on the skin, possibly causing brush strokes on the face. However, a dense brush can be used to pack on product faster and more evenly. The right tool for the makeup job best.
Know How Many and Which Brushes You Need
There are many brushes you can choose from, so knowing which ones you need and how many of them you need is essential.
You can buy brushes in sets of threes or up to 20 pieces and beyond. If you’re just starting on your makeup journey, you can opt for a standard eight-piece set. This will have your basic brushes: foundation, concealer, blush, powder, eyebrow, spoolie, eyeshadow, and lip brushes.
But if you want to experiment more with your makeup and need the complete collection of makeup brushes in your arsenal, you can opt for brush sets with 15 brushes or more.
You need anywhere from four to six different brushes for a full makeup look. For a beginner, all you need is a foundation brush, which could be a big fluffy powder brush or kabuki brush; an eyeshadow crease brush, which is a round small blending brush; a small, flat brush for shimmer eyeshadows; an angle brush or thin liner brush to apply eyeliner or brows; and lastly, you would need a round fluffy brush or an angled fluffy brush to apply bronzer or blush to the cheeks.
If you are experienced with makeup, you can never go wrong with too many brushes. Having options and multiple brushes can help you create a more dramatic look. You can also create different colors on the eye since it may be hard to just use one brush for an eye look that uses different shadows and highlights.
Consider Vegan Brushes With a Case
It’s essential to keep your brushes clean, which is why you should consider buying a brush or a set of brushes with a case. This will also come in handy if you’re someone who likes to do their makeup while they’re out and about or while traveling.
A case will not only keep your brushes clean and protected, but it will also help to keep their shape and form.
You should never keep your makeup brushes stored by a window where they can collect dust, or in a messy bag or drawer where they can collect bacteria and get messy from other surroundings. If they are stored in a drawer or a bag, they can easily lose their shape or become messy. Protect your brushes so they can last and perform longer.
There are cup holder brush cases and roll-up brush cases. A roll brush case has individual slots to store your brushes separately from your other makeup products. A makeup brush cup holder can be covered to store your makeup brushes on the go. There are also individual makeup brush cup holders where you can keep each brush separate from the others. Makeup brush cases are space-saving and easier to travel with.
10 Best Vegan Makeup Brushes Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Luxie Signature Rose Gold Brush Set | | Wide Range of Rose Gold Makeup Brushes | |
2 | Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set | | Complete Brush Set Offers Multifunctional Tools for a Full Makeup Routine | |
3 | EcoTools Enhancing Eye Set | | Made of Sustainable Material From Brush to Packaging | |
4 | Hourglass Veil Powder Brush | | Double-Ended Brush Designed for Loose Powder | |
5 | Morphe Set 686 - 18 Piece Vegan Brush Set | | Comprehensive Set of Vegan Brushes | |
6 | RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush | | Say Goodbye to Streaky Foundation | |
7 | e.l.f. Professional Set | | Set With Eye and Face Brushes | |
8 | BH Cosmestics Marble Luxe | | Brushes With a Unique Marble Design | |
9 | Cleof Bamboo Makeup Brushes Professional Set | | Set of Soft Bamboo Brushes | |
10 | Vela Yue Retractable Kabuki Brush | | Take This Kabuki Brush Wherever You Go |
LuxieSignature Rose Gold Brush Set
Wide Range of Rose Gold Makeup Brushes
These vegan makeup brushes from Luxie are made of nylon fibers that are soft and durable. The set comes with 12 essential face and eye brushes that will allow you to create many makeup looks.
The brushes are designed with rose gold-colored ferrules and pink handles. You also get a brush cup holder made of pink faux leather. This will allow you to keep your brushes clean and bring them anywhere you go.
Most reviewers were pleased with how soft the brushes were. In addition, they noted the brushes worked well in seamlessly applying and blending their makeup. Reviewers also thought the case they came with was made of high-quality material.
Real TechniquesEveryday Essentials Makeup Brush Set
Complete Brush Set Offers Multifunctional Tools for a Full Makeup Routine
The Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set includes five key tools designed for comprehensive makeup application. This set features the Blush Brush for even powder application, the Deluxe Crease Brush for precise eyeshadow and concealer blending, the Setting Brush for highlighter and setting powder, and the Expert Face Brush for foundation and contouring. The set also includes the Miracle Complexion Sponge, which provides a dewy finish with its three-point application design.
All tools in this set are made with UltraPlush synthetic bristles and extended aluminum ferrules for ease of use and durability. The brushes and sponge are vegan, cruelty-free, and latex-free, making them suitable for all skin types. The versatile design allows the brushes and sponge to be used with liquid, cream, and powder products, catering to both everyday use and professional application. Regular cleaning with recommended products ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Made of Sustainable Material From Brush to Packaging
Although this set only comes with two brushes, it has all the essentials for you to apply your eye makeup well. The brushes are double-ended, featuring two eyeshadow and eyeliner brushes. These are great for those who travel a lot and like to do their makeup on the go.
These brushes are made from sustainable and recycled material from the brush to the packaging. The bristles are soft synthetic and are gentle on the skin, while the handle is made of recycled and renewable bamboo.
A couple of buyers said the brushes didn't pick up powder makeup products well. But, other than that, many reviewers loved that they were easy to use and can quickly be brought anywhere. They also liked that they were gentle on the skin and blended makeup well.
Double-Ended Brush Designed for Loose Powder
This double-ended powder brush is made of synthetic Taklon fibers that are soft and will hold and transfer powder products well for a smooth finish. It features a smaller brush to help set smaller areas like your lids and undereye, while the larger one is great for the whole face.
Although some buyers said that the bristles were a bit stiff, most were happy that the brush helped them apply powder smoothly and seamlessly. They also loved that the brush could multitask and can be used for many other things like contouring, baking, setting, and blending.
Comprehensive Set of Vegan Brushes
Morphe's set of brushes is perfect for people who want a set that has everything they need for themselves or for clients. This set includes 18 different brushes for the eyes, lips, cheeks, and face.
The brushes' bristles are made with high-quality synthetic material, which works well with applying and blending powder and cream-based makeup products. Plus, they come in a handy brush case.
A few reviewers complained about the brushes not being labeled. Still, many buyers loved that the brushes were soft and helped them achieve a smooth and even finish. They found the pouch handy too!
Say Goodbye to Streaky Foundation
No one likes streaky and patchy foundation. Let RMS Beauty's vegan foundation brush help you with that. The brush is made of durable and soft synthetic fibers. It easily picks up powder, cream, or liquid products. The slightly stiff fibers will promote blood circulation and gently massage your face, too.
A reviewer did not like how small this brush was; some of the reviewers think this is better for blending concealer. Meanwhile, many praised how effectively it blended their makeup, giving them a full-coverage yet natural finish. They also loved that it was light and easy to use.
Set With Eye and Face Brushes
This set is perfect for beginners and makeup professionals alike. It contains 12 brushes you need for a full face of makeup. These brushes are made with 100 percent vegan synthetic bristles that are soft and gentle on the face. They also have a durable handle that is easy to grip and use.
A small group of reviewers found some of the brushes flimsy and a bit rough on the skin but liked other brushes in the set. Overall, most reviewers noted that they worked well in blending their makeup. The buyers also liked that the brushes were easy to clean and didn't shed.
Brushes With a Unique Marble Design
These uniquely designed vegan brushes feature a marble design and rose gold ferrule that will look great displayed on your vanity. The set includes various brushes that can be used to seamlessly apply your foundation, concealer, bronzer, highlighter, and eye makeup.
However, a couple of reviewers were disappointed to note that the brushes weren't as soft as expected, and some said the bristles shed. Overall, most reviewers thought they were pretty and durable enough to last them a long time. They said they blended makeup well, and they recommend the set for both beginners and pros.
Set of Soft Bamboo Brushes
This set is made of synthetic bristles that are soft and dense, giving you a smooth finish. The brushes have bamboo handles, making them durable, lightweight and comfortable to hold. They are also easy to clean and maintain. The set comes with 13 brushes for the eyes, lips, and face.
Some buyers noted that the brushes were smaller than expected. A few were also disappointed that the bristles were too thin. But, most liked that the brushes were soft and thought the handle was made of good quality bamboo. They also appreciated that the brushes came with a pouch.
Take This Kabuki Brush Wherever You Go
You can bring this handy and compact retractable kabuki brush anywhere you go to help you set your face in case it gets greasy throughout the day. It is made with synthetic bristles that will help you smoothly apply powder to your face. Plus, it comes in a slim aluminum case that is easy to store and clean.
A few reviewers found it difficult to retract and put the cap back on. Otherwise, most reviewers loved that it was easy to bring around everywhere. They also thought the bristles were soft and having the cover helped keep the brush clean and sanitary.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Natalya took the time to answer a commonly asked question about vegan makeup brushes.
Are vegan makeup brushes good?
"In short, yes," Natalya states. "Vegan brushes tend to be cheaper than animal hair brushes, and they are hypoallergenic. They're great for applying your foundation or any liquid products. A vegan brush is also eco-friendly and more humane.
People with more sensitive skin should reach for a vegan makeup brush to prevent the risk of allergic reactions. Vegan brushes perform well and blend beautifully on the face."
Complete Your Vegan Beauty Routine
Look your ideal self while sticking to your ideals with these other products for body care!
In Collaboration With Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Vegan Makeup Brushes
No. 1: Luxie｜Signature Rose Gold Brush Set
No. 2: Real Techniques｜Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set
No. 3: EcoTools｜Enhancing Eye Set
No. 4: Hourglass｜Veil Powder Brush
No. 5: Morphe｜Set 686 - 18 Piece Vegan Brush Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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