When it comes to makeup, your look is only as good as the tools you use to blend, swirl, and sweep each of your products into place. Whether you decide to chisel out your cheekbones or create a smoky eye effect, using high-quality makeup brush sets can make all the difference. That is, between an overly complicated application routine and an effortlessly flawless face! And when it comes to excellent makeup peripherals, nothing can quite match up to Ulta. The best Ulta makeup brush sets take beauty to the next level and enhance your overall face beat. As they say, an artist is only as good as their tools, and the same rule applies to makeup brushes. That’s why it’s a great idea to keep upgrading your collection of makeup brush sets every once in a while.
But, why Ulta? That’s because it’s the best of both worlds. So, you can even find drugstore staples from L’Oréal and Maybelline, as well as high-end skincare and makeup brands such as Smashbox and Clinique. So, why not upgrade your makeup brush set this December? Here are the 13 best Ulta beauty makeup brush sets.
BH Cosmetics Travel Series 7 Piece Face & Eye Brush Set with Bag
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The wanderlust is real in the BH Cosmetics Travel Series 7 Piece Face & Eye Brush Set with Bag. Unlike traditional makeup brushes that are slim enough to tote around, these are even thinner. Thus, they’re the perfect small size to make room for everything else that you require on the go. This nifty and well-design seven-piece travel kit features mini versions of all makeup brushes you need, all of which come in a gorgeous travel pouch. Whether you love a bold lip or a contour one, these vegan essentials will keep you looking prim and proper, no matter where you are.
Pros
Cons
- Affordable and inexpensive.
- Features seven brushes.
- Comes with a pouch.
- Durability.
EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully Kit
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Fans of makeup minimalism know that all you need is a few essential brushes to execute your daily makeup routine flawlessly. That’s what makes the EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully Kit one of the best Ulta Beauty makeup brush sets ever. This essential kit features a blush brush, an angled liner, a crease brush, a blurring brush, and an angled foundation brush. However, most fans of this brush set like that the brushes are interchangeable. So, the crease brush works great as an eyeliner brush, and the angled foundation brush moonlights as a contouring brush. And if you’re someone who maintains brushes well, then these incredibly soft ones will last you years. The best bit? They even come with a storage tray!
Pros
Cons
- Features five interchangeable brushes.
- Comes with a storage tray.
- Very soft.
- Long-lasting.
- Some users mentioned that they didn’t like the angles on the crease brush.
IT Brushes for Ulta Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set
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Travelers who don’t want to sacrifice brush sizes just because they’re on the go will love the IT Brushes for Ulta Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set. For one, every brush has a nice weighted balance to it. Secondly, and equally importantly, the amount of brush hairs in each brush is plush and plentiful. Plus, quality isn’t compromised, which makes the cost of this set as much as 50 USD! Additionally, these can even be used as everyday brushes as they make applying brow liner, eyeshadow, blush, powder, and foundation an absolute breeze. Not only do the brushed feel sturdy and don’t shed, but they’re also some of the softest on the market and blend flawlessly. It’s what makes it one of the best Ulta makeup brush sets on this list.
Pros
Cons
- Feel sturdy and don’t shed.
- Softest brushes on the market.
- Easy to apply.
- Slightly expensive.
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set
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The Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set is one of the best Ulta beauty makeup brush sets ever. These brushes have been created by sisters and renowned makeup artists Sam Chapman and Nicola Haste and are beloved by many makeup lovers. Firstly, they’re super functional and of excellent quality. Despite being minimal, this five-piece set features everything necessary, including an eyeshadow brush, a setting brush, a foundation blender, and a powder brush. Additionally, it even comes with a flexible blending sponge, which means you can create a beautiful look. For a price tag of 20 USD, this sure is one of the best value products on this list.
Pros
Cons
- Features five pieces plus a blending sponge.
- Affordable.
- Great quality.
- The bristles aren’t the softest.
Lottie London Ombre Brush Set
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Are you someone who loves having fun and experimenting with her makeup tools? Then the Lottie London Ombre Brush Set is one of the best Ulta makeup brush sets you could ask for. Don’t let the pretty-pink millennial brushes fool you, for they’re one chic addition to your vanity table. Besides feeling great on your skin, the brushes in this five-piece set are super soft. So, they take care of pretty much all your blending needs. What’s more, the collection includes a tapered blending brush, a pointed concealer brush, a tapered highlighter brush, a tapered bronzer brush, and a dense buffer brush. Finally, the bonus is that the set is not only super-cute but also inexpensive, making it a value-for-money buy.
Pros
Cons
- Features a set of five brushes.
- Perfect for all your blending needs.
- Value for money.
- Some said that the ferrule wobbled after a few uses.
e.l.f. 19-Piece Brush Collection
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The e.l.f. 19-Piece Brush Collection is another gorgeous of all Ulta Beauty makeup brush sets. Suppose you want to experiment with looks but don’t want to spend a lot, this e.l.f. set is for you. The truly affordable and tried-and-tested brand’s set features ergonomically designed brushes. So, they not only satisfy your every need but also fit perfectly into your hand thanks to the no-slip grip. Moreover, the set includes, among other things, a mascara brush, a complexion brush, a blush brush, a stipple brush, a small precision brush, an angled eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow “C” brush, an eyebrow duo brush, a flawless face brush, and even a contouring brush. Phew! Finally, all the bristles are vegan, which means you’re using a cruelty-free product. All because kindness is chic!
Pros
Cons
- Features a set of 19 brushes.
- Value for money.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Some said that the bristles had too much give.
IT Brushes for Ulta Airbrush 101 Makeup Brush Set
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The IT Brushes for Ulta Airbrush 101 Makeup Brush Set is one of the best Ulta makeup brush sets on this list, and for more reasons than one. This super fluffy and soft set of five brushes is perfect for sensitive skin. The collection includes multiple brushes, including airbrush crease brush, airbrush shadow brush, airbrush concealer brush, airbrush foundation brush, and airbrush powder brush. So, no matter where you are, these brushes are perfect for applying makeup on the go.
“I’ve had these brushes for 4 years now. Their still soft, still look brand new, no missing hairs or anything their still in pristine condition. Best brushes ever and just cause I want to I’m gonna buy them again soon!”
By Mya, Adelanto.
Pros
Cons
- Soft and fluffy brushes.
- Features five brushes in one set.
- Don’t shed.
- Expensive.
IT Brushes For ULTAYour Airbrush Masters 6 Pc Advanced Brush Set
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The IT Brushes For Ulta Your Airbrush Masters 6 Pc Advanced Brush Set is one of the most glamorous Ulta Beauty makeup brush sets. This amazingly luxe brush set is the Mercedes “S’ class of makeup brush sets! Not only is it effortless and quick to apply and blend, but it also gives your features a lovely airbrushed finish. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about seeing edges and lines, unlike other lower quality brushes, as the blending is superb. Furthermore, the bristles on these brushes don’t shed either. Finally, the set features flawless over shadow brush, precision crease brush, bent liner, buffing foundation, soft-touch brush, and blurring powder brush.
Pros
Cons
- Features six brushes in the set.
- Doesn’t shed.
- Easy and quick to apply.
- Expensive for the products.
- It’s missing a lip brush and an angled brow brush.
Real Techniques Flawless Base Brush Set
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The Real Techniques Flawless Base Brush Set is one of the best Ulta makeup brush sets you can own. This budget-friendly brush set has a lot going for it, starting with the fact that it features four brushes – contour, detailer, buffing, and square foundation brushes. What’s more, it even comes with a perk – a handy dandy storage cup/brush holder for when the brushes aren’t being used. Whether you want to apply concealer, highlighter, bronzer, stick foundation, or a liquid one, these brushes do everything from highlighting your brow tone to blending color corrector. Finally, the pickup and application of pigment are lovely, considering it’s a budget-friendly brush set costing just 20 USD.
Pros
Cons
- Versatile and budget-friendly.
- Comes with a brush holder.
- Features four brushes.
- The detailing brush is a tad too small.
IT Brushes for ULTA Your Face & Eye Essentials Mini Travel Brush Set
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Yet another of the better Ulta Beauty makeup brush sets is the IT Brushes for ULTA Your Face & Eye Essentials Mini Travel Brush Set. This brush set is a godsend for anyone who does a ton of traveling. So, if you’ve picked out the most gorgeous of ASOS wedding guests’ dresses and silver-heeled DSW shoes, all you need is this brush set to set your makeup flawlessly. This compact brush set features five brushes – a liner/brow brush, a smudger, a crease, a shadow brush, and a complexion brush. What’s more, its handles are “mini” compared to the entire set, but the size of the brush heads is the same. Thus, you aren’t compromising on that!
Pros
Cons
- Features a full set of five brushes.
- The size of the handles is smaller without compromising on the size of the brushes heads.
- Comes with a neat travel pouch.
- Some users mentioned that they don’t blend well.
Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Makeup Brush Trio
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The Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Makeup Brush Trio is another gorgeous Ulta makeup brush set. This trio includes an RT brow definer, an RT 300 deluxe brush, and an RT 301 base shadow brush for applying makeup flawlessly. Not only are the brushes soft, but they also make the blending process very easy. The tapered blending brush is a favorite as it blends beautifully and is a dream to clean as well. Moreover, the large fluffy brush is perfect for applying color all over the eyes and adding transition colors. The best bit? They’re multipurpose and versatile and can even be used to blend out concealer or blend in nose contour.
Pros
Cons
- Comes with three brushes.
- Soft and easy to clean.
- Versatile.
- Those with smaller eyes might find the fluffy brush too large.
BH Cosmetics Crystal Zodiac 12-Piece Brush Set
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Makeup is a whole lot of fun with the BH Cosmetics Crystal Zodiac 12-Piece Brush Set, one of the best Ulta Beauty makeup brush sets ever. There’s a lot to love about this well-rounded zodiac-themed brush set. It’s inspired by an array of energizing crystals and features handles in a riot of fun colors ranging from yellow to blue to green. What’s more, the unique eye and face brushes define, blend, and buff your features like a dream. The set includes the following – a pencil brush, a fluffy shader brush, a flat smudger brush, a flat shader brush, a small blending brush, a blending brush, an angled shader brush, a round setting brush, an angled contour brush, a blush brush, a flat foundation brush, and a round powder brush. Phew!
Pros
Cons
- Comes in a set of 12 brushes.
- Value for money.
- Blend, buff, and define beautifully.
- Some users said that the fibers were hard.
ULTA 5 Piece Eye Essentials Brush Kit
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The ULTA 5 Piece Eye Essentials Brush Kit tops the list of the best Ulta makeup brush sets. With this compact yet comprehensive eye brush set, you get to zero in on makeup detailing. What’s more, it even comes with a convenient carrying case! The collection features the thinnest pointed liner brush in the world so that you can perfect the pointiest of cat eyes! Moreover, the set also has an angled brow brush, a smudger brush, a crease brush, and a large shadow brush. The brushes feature premium synthetic bristles that are soft and make defining and blending a dream. The best bit? The set costs just 25 USD!
Pros
Cons
- Features five eye brushes.
- Value for money.
- Made from premium synthetic bristles.
- None!
How To Choose The Best Ulta Makeup Brush Sets?
Whether you like to spend your money at higher-end makeup counters or buy drugstore cosmetics, nothing will help your skin glow if you don’t have good-quality makeup brushes. The right kind of brushes can make all the difference between a flawless face and a clowny mess. What’s more, they bring your entire cosmetics palette to life. Check out the 5 Cs you need to look out for in a good makeup brush.
Class
When it comes to makeup brushes, quality matters, as this is something you put on your face. The classier the brush, the better it is. Brushes made of high-class and the finest quality materials will give you that flawless makeup look and last longer. When it comes to looking for the quality of the brush, look for soft bristles that don’t feel ragged or frayed. Moreover, the bristles should be held in place by a metal-made and secure ferrule that prevents shedding.
High-class brushes are long-lasting, create a more natural, flawless, and even look, and make it easy to blend different pigments and shades. On the other hand, low-quality brushes have bristles that tend to shed, are rough, cause skin irritation, and are difficult to use.
Characteristics
There are many characteristics of the parts of a brush that you need to watch out for.
- Brush: The shape of the brush’s head should be either tip/slant/angled/tapered/dome or square. Plus, the head sizes range from extra large, lage, medium, small to fine (extra small).
- Bristles: Bristle density ranges from dense to stiff to firm, while the textures are coarse/soft/fine. Furthermore, bristle material can be either made from natural hair or synthetic hair.
- Handle: The handle length can either be mini (travel-size), short, or long.
- Ferrule: The ferrule can either be made from brass, aluminum, or other metal.
Cost
You may have heard that ‘expensive’ is equivalent to ‘best choice,’ but remember that cost doesn’t always indicate quality. There are plenty of options available out there. Instead of relying on the price tag, carefully inspect the brushes for the abovementioned features.
Care
Depending on the kind of bristle you choose, caring for your makeup brushes is very important. The more you care for your brushes, the longer they’ll last you. Our recommendation for those who use makeup every day is to clean their brushes once every week. The process is simple – wash them in mild liquid soap before rinsing and laying them flat on a dry towel to air-dry them. Please note that the handles should never be submerged in water, as it’ll lead to shedding and damage to the bristles.
Cruelty-free
Finally, you must stay away from animal hairs, especially since high-quality synthetic materials are available on the market. Also, there could be allergies caused by the animal products used in the brushes, which is an additional incentive to stay away from them.
Are Ulta brushes good?
Ultra brushes use synthetic brush hair for the bristles and feature simple handles, making them ‘makeup bag friendly.’ What’s more, the brushes are practical, durable, and lightweight and give you a high-end and quality experience, no matter the kind of brush.
Which makeup brush set is the best?
We’d recommend the BH Cosmetics Crystal Zodiac 12-Piece Brush Set, featuring 12 brushes. So, no matter what part of makeup you want to focus on, you have an excellent brush to do just that. Plus, the zodiac-themed brush set comes in a gamut of fun colors!
Are BH cosmetics brushes good?
BH cosmetics brushes are amongst the best on this list, especially the Travel Series 7-Piece Kit. Besides being high-quality and having a good variety of facial and eye brushes, they don’t shed and perform well.