Best makeup brushes & sets to upgrade your kit

Makeup brushes are evolving. From softer, cruelty-free bristles to multi-tasking designs, our beauty tools have come a long way since their free-with-your-beauty-product days.

But, with so many new options to choose from (catering to every millimetre of your face, no less!), it can be overwhelming hunting for your new go-to. Which is why we’ve scoured the shelves and 5-star reviews to round up our best makeup brushes, sets and sponges available from Superdrug. Now let’s create your ultimate kit…

Foundation brush

Kind to the Earth and kind to your base, this foundation brush from EcoTools will check all your boxes! We’re talking – sustainable bamboo handle, super soft synthetic (and cruelty-free) Taklon bristles and can-cover-a-bad-nights-sleep blending ability. Perfect for using with both liquid and cream foundation formulas, it will serve you well if you treat it with respect – or, you know, a deep clean every month!

EcoTools Foundation Brush £0.10

Blusher brush

Want a subtle, natural-looking, sculptured look? The softer and fluffier the blusher brush, the better. Cue our fave Studio London Blusher and Contour Brush. Its tapered edge allows you to add definition effortlessly without creating harsh lines.

Studio London Studio London Blush Brush £5.99

Concealer brush

Concealers are complicated. Because stick formulations and sponge applicators trick our fingertips into thinking they’re the best tools for blending. It’s a trap. Don’t fall for it.

Whether you want to soften dark circles, uneven skin tone or blemishes, gently dabbing with a dedicated concealer brush can give you a flawless finish. Featuring soft, synthetic bristles, this design from Studio London is sure to become your new go-to.

Studio London Studio London Concealer brush £4.99

Fan brush

There’s something incredibly satisfying about applying the finishing touches with a fan brush. A little highlighter over here. Dusting away a little eyeshadow excess over there. And this tool from Studio London, with its pretty pink design and super soft bristles, adds a little extra special magic to the makeup ritual.

Studio London Studio London Fan Brush £2.49

Eyeshadow brush

With its dual-ended design, this eyeshadow brush from Studio London can help you master any eye look. Use the flat, angled tip for creating definition and the fluffier dome tip for buffing and blending.

Studio London Studio London Dual ended eye brush £2.49

Makeup brush sets

Does your entire kit need a makeover? Like, yesterday? Go for a covers-all-bases (quite literally) makeup brush set. Perfect for guiding you through each step, discover sets that can help you break down complicated eye looks and apply your base like a pro.

Real Techniques Real Techniques Flawless Base Makeup Brush Set £19.99

Eco Tools Daily Defined Eye Kit Make-Up Brush £2.25

I Heart Revolution I Heart Revolution Chocolate Brush Set £0.10

Sponges

You know the blending sponge that you’ve revived with that Tik Tok microwave hack, more times than you care to admit? You may think it’s got a little life left in it, but those stained splotches could be harbouring havoc-wreaking bacteria. And that’s not a good look.

Start anew with the multi-tasking Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques. With antimicrobial properties (to help keep the nasties at bay) and clever edges, it can apply liquid or cream contour with skilled precision.