How do you clean eyeshadow brushes?

“Gel eyeliner and cream eyeshadows don’t come off easily, so I usually use Cinema Secrets to get most of the product off,” says Milan. “Brush cleaner can be pretty rough on the bristles and the glue that holds it together, so I try to only dip the very tip of the brush. For a deep clean, I usually use brush soap or even dish soap and water. This is definitely the most thorough way to clean, but it takes the brushes a while to dry,” Milan explains. Duyos also adds, “Once a week, treat your brushes to a good deep clean using your favorite dish soap or a clarifying shampoo . This will get rid of any lingering makeup and buildup. Washing your brushes regularly is important to prevent bacteria from growing inside the brushes, which can lead to breakouts or eye irritations.”

What type of brush is best for eyeshadow?

The best type of brush for eyeshadow really depends on the look you’re going for. “If I want a soft, diffused eye, I usually go for domed, fluffy blending brushes that allow me to sweep the shadow across seamlessly. But, if I’m going for more precision, like a cut-crease or eyeliner, I will use a brush that has short, stiff bristles to allow for exact placement,” explains Milan.

The 10 Best Eyeshadow Brushes of 2026, Researched and Approved

Three makeup brushes displayed suitable for applying eyeshadow — Byrdie

TL;DR

Our Top Pick: The Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush has a unique, dense, angled shape that mimics the movement of your fingertips for better control.
Budget-Friendly: We also love the e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow C Brush with its curved shape that’s ideal for smudging along the lash line, all at an affordable price.

Like tools in a toolbox, the right makeup brushes are critical to achieving a pro-level eye makeup look. Whether you want a subtle, neutral glam look or want to dive into a sexy smoky eye, a good eyeshadow brush makes the process much smoother and easier. So we decided to tap a few professional makeup artists for help choosing the best eyeshadow brushes. “The first thing to consider is how it feels in your hand. Does it have a good weight?, says Eddie Duyos, pro makeup artist and lead brand educator at Make Up Forever. “Think about the density of the bristles. Do you want a brush that softly blends color or one that gives a more precise application? And finally, look at the shape of the brush head—will it fit nicely into the contours of your eye? No matter if you go with synthetic or natural fibers, quality is key to prevent shedding,” Duyos explains.

We conducted hours of research to compile this list, considering shape, density, bristles, and the types of looks each brush can achieve. Ahead are the best eyeshadow brushes money can buy, from fluffy blending brushes to angled liners.

Top Picks

Best Overall:

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush at Sephora $15

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow C Brush at Amazon $6

Jump to Review

Best Brush Set:

Morphe Eye Want It All 7-Piece Eye Brush Set at Ulta $28

Jump to Review

Best Double-Ended:

Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush at Sephora $26

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:

Sigma E54 Sweepr Brush at Amazon $24

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Make Up Forever Medium 226 Shader Artisan Brush at Makeupforever.com $25

Jump to Review

Best for Blending:

Ilia Blending Brush at Amazon $27

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Best for the Crease:

Sephora Collection PRO Crease Brush #19 at Sephora $23

Jump to Review

Best for Smoky Eye Makeup:

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush at Ulta $36

Jump to Review

Best for Hooded Eyes:

Merit No. 2 Eyeshadow Brush at Sephora $20

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush

Credit: Sephora

$15 at Sephora $15 at Kohls.com $15 at Rarebeauty.com

What We Like

Picks up and applies all formulas smoothly
Comfortable to hold and use
Soft yet dense

What to Consider

Not ideal for blending in the crease

Size: Medium | Function: Blending | Bristle Type: Synthetic

This beauty from Selena Gomez’s line is our favorite. It’s versatile, so it works with all types of shadow formulas, from cream to powder and everything in between, so you can achieve virtually any eye look with ease. Plus, the bristles are dense for packing on the color, but they’re still smooth, soft, and gentle against the delicate skin on the eyelids. Just keep in mind that because the brush is dense, it’s probably not the best option for blending product in the crease. You certainly still can use this for crease blending, though, you’ll end up applying more pigment to your crease area than you would a traditional fluffy crease brush. Our advice: Use this one on the lids for seamless blending every single time.

Best Budget

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyeshadow C Brush

Credit: Elfcosmetics

$6 at Amazon $6 at Ulta $6 at Walmart

What We Like

Wallet-friendly
Ideal for packing on pigment
Can use narrow edge for smudging shadow along lash line

What to Consider

Could be better for blending

Size: Medium | Function: Packing | Bristle Type: Synthetic

This medium-sized, multipurpose brush is large enough to cover a nice surface area, yet small enough to allow you to work with a bit of precision (great if you have hooded eyes). We love that it also has a narrow edge, making it great for smudging shadows along the upper or lower lash line (hello smoky eye looks). We tend to prefer a more rounded, fluffy brush for blending, but you can get the job done with this one. This affordable pick is especially great for eyeshadow beginners who don’t want to spend a ton of money or buy multiple brushes at once.

Best Brush Set

Morphe Eye Want It All 7-Piece Eye Brush Set

Credit: Ulta

$28 at Ulta $28 at Morphe.com

What We Like

Has all the basics needed for an eyeshadow look
Perfect for building your brush collection
Bristles have antibacterial benefits

What to Consider

Makeup transfers easily onto the cream color of the handles, but this can be fixed with makeup remover

Size: Small, medium | Function: Packing, blending, lining, smudging | Bristle Type: Synthetic fibers

There’s no doubt about it—this set from Morphe is everything you need to build out a makeup brush collection and craft intricate eye looks. It comes with seven brushes, featuring long and sturdy handles and synthetic bristles that are antibacterial, meaning they’ll prevent less grime buildup. These brushes are so well-made that I now exclusively reach for them on my vanity. They’ve also been pull-tested, so you won’t have to worry about any shedding. Just keep in mind that makeup shows up easily on the lighter brush handles, so you’ll want to clean these more often.

Best Double-Ended

Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush

Credit: Sephora

$26 at Sephora $26 at Makeupbymario.com

What We Like

High-quality
100% FSC-certified birchwood handles
Brushes work with creams and powders

What to Consider

The ferrule can be too loose

Size: Small | Function: Packing, blending | Bristle Type: Synthetic and vegan

Mario Dedivanovic mastered the art of creating high-quality makeup brushes. This dual-ended brush features a soft, flat brush head that’s great for applying cream eyeshadow formulas and shadows. The opposite end features fluffy hairs that are great for diffusing, blending, and setting. The handles are also sturdy and smooth, thanks to being crafted from 100% FSC-certified birch wood, although it’s worth noting that the ferrule (the metal clamp around the bristles) may come loose from the handle.

Best for Mature Skin

Sigma E54 Sweepr Brush

Credit: Amazon

$24

$21 at Amazon $24 at Sigmabeauty.com

What We Like

Can create sheer and buildable finishes
Solid polymer-based handle is waterproof
Synthetic antimicrobial fibers

What to Consider

The bristles can feel scratchy

Size: Medium | Function: Packing | Bristle Type: Synthetic antimicrobial fibers

If you love to go between sheer and more pigmented eyeshadow looks, this is the brush for you. The E54 brush was designed specifically to pack lots of eyeshadow onto the lid. We love this for glitter shadows because it’s dense and wide, which allows for controlled lid application and helps pick up the pigment really well. Another bonus with this brush is that you can use it wet to add another dimension to your eyeshadow look. Just keep in mind that the bristles aren’t as soft as some of the other options on our list.

Best for Beginners

Make Up Forever Medium 226 Shader Artisan Brush

Credit: Make Up Forever

$25 at Makeupforever.com

What We Like

Can be used with cream, loose, and pressed powders
Offers intense pigment payoff
Blends product seamlessly

What to Consider

Only available at Make Up Forever

Size: Medium | Function: Packing and blending | Bristle Type: Synthetic antimicrobial fibers

“When it comes to fiber size and shape, I’m all about efficiency. I always hunt for brushes designed to do exactly what I need in just a few strokes,” says Duyos. “It’s about working smarter, not harder.” And that’s exactly what you’ll get with this artisan brush. It’s also a favorite of Duyos for allover eyeshadow application. We love that the dense bristles allow for moderate to intense color payoff, and it’s tapered, which makes it easier to target certain areas of the eye. It’s only available on the Make Up Forever website, however.

Best for Blending

Ilia Blending Brush

Credit: Ilia

$27 at Amazon $27 at Nordstrom $26 at Iliabeauty.com

What We Like

Ideal for overall blending
Can be used to apply highlighter
Loose and fluffy bristles

What to Consider

Shouldn’t be used for precise eyeshadow application

Size: Large | Function: Blending | Bristle Type: Synthetic

Loosely packed, fluffy, and soft to the touch, this blending brush from Ilia is perfect to blend in your eyeshadows for a smooth and subtle transition. This is great to use in the crease with a darker eyeshadow shade, or you can use it all over your lid for a nice wash of color. Like most fluffy eyeshadow brushes, this pick is not ideal for any shadow looks that require more precision.

Best for the Crease

Sephora Collection PRO Crease Brush #19

$23 at Sephora $23 at Kohls.com

What We Like

Medium-sized fluffy brush works for a range of looks
Ultrasoft bristles
Works with creams and powders

What to Consider

Bristles can be too soft

Size: Medium | Function: Blending | Bristle Type: Synthetic

A fluffy crease brush helps to diffuse colors for a well-blended finish, and the size of this pick from Sephora Collection is ideal for just that. It’s perfect for diffusing shadows in the crease while maintaining control. Read: It’s not too big or too small. In addition to the size and shape, we appreciate that the synthetic bristles are soft and work beautifully to apply powders and cream eyeshadows. That said, some might find the bristles too soft for their purposes.

Best for Smoky Eye Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Smudger Brush

Credit: Nordstrom

$36 at Ulta $36 at Nordstrom $36 at Bluemercury.com

What We Like

Easy to smudge
Soft yet dense
Can apply creams and powders

What to Consider

Could be a bit softer

Size: Small | Function: Smudging | Bristle Type: Synthetic

When it comes to smoky eye makeup, the right brush is essential—and the Eye Smudger is up for the task. This eyeshadow brush has short and dense bristles, allowing you to smudge powder or cream eyeshadows in targeted areas to create a sultry, smoldering effect. It’s also great at smudging out eyeliner pencils for a softer, more diffused look. Plus, the small tip is perfect for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes. It’s definitely a bit pricey for a single brush, but you’d be surprised by just how functional it is.

Best for Hooded Eyes

Merit No. 2 Eyeshadow Brush

Sephora Merit Brush No. 2 Double Sided Eyeshadow Brush

Credit: Sephora

$20 at Sephora $20 at Kohls.com $20 at Meritbeauty.com

What We Like

Two very different eyeshadow brushes in one
Super soft
Works with all formulas

What to Consider

Needs to be cleaned often

Size: Medium and small | Function: Blending, lining, smudging | Bristle Type: Synthetic

Honestly, dual-ended anything just makes makeup application that much easier. Professional makeup artist Genevieve Contreras recommends this pick from Merit. “This brush is great for beginners and pros alike because of its convenience and functionality,” she explains. “You can create an entire eye look with just this one brush. It blends shadow effortlessly with the fluffier side, and the smaller, more dense side is great for lining and smudging shadow at the lash line.” One thing to note is that if you use this with a cream eyeshadow, you will probably need to clean it with a brush cleaner or soap and water, as it tends to become sticky if not cleaned before the next use.

What to Look for When Buying Eyeshadow Brushes

Shape: Eyeshadow brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Some have specific purposes, like defining your lash line or blending color, while others have multiuse designs. According to Karina Milan, a bicoastal celebrity makeup artist, fluffy brushes with a more rounded top are great for quickly blending and sweeping color over the eye, while flat brushes with a round tip are better to pack on color in the center of the lid. If you want a sharp liner, stick to a dense angled brush or a thin liner brush.
Quality: Brushes can have either natural hair bristles or synthetic bristles. Most eyeshadow brushes available today have synthetic bristles that are typically vegan and designed to pick up lots of pigment. “No one likes to feel a scratchy brush on their face, so I usually go for brushes that have soft bristles. Because I do so many different eye looks, I always shop for a variety of shapes,” says Milan. Another thing to consider is the density of the brush, which dictates the opacity of the eyeshadow when applying it to your lids. For example, Milan says that a fluffy, flat brush is going to apply powder more lightly and make it easier to sweep across the lid.
Handle: Most handles are ergonomic, meaning that they’re designed to be easy to grip and fit comfortably in your hand. This is ideal for more complex eyeshadow techniques, as it reduces fatigue. Not only that, but it can give you more control as you position your hand at various angles. “Brushes are an investment, and good ones really can last a lifetime. Look for brushes with nice wooden handles or high-quality resin,” says Duyos. Brushes with longer handles tend to be more versatile, as you can grip them further away from the brush tip to allow for a lighter touch that yields a softer, more diffused result.

FAQ

How do you clean eyeshadow brushes?

“Gel eyeliner and cream eyeshadows don’t come off easily, so I usually use Cinema Secrets to get most of the product off,” says Milan. “Brush cleaner can be pretty rough on the bristles and the glue that holds it together, so I try to only dip the very tip of the brush. For a deep clean, I usually use brush soap or even dish soap and water. This is definitely the most thorough way to clean, but it takes the brushes a while to dry,” Milan explains.
Duyos also adds, “Once a week, treat your brushes to a good deep clean using your favorite dish soap or a clarifying shampoo. This will get rid of any lingering makeup and buildup. Washing your brushes regularly is important to prevent bacteria from growing inside the brushes, which can lead to breakouts or eye irritations.”
What type of brush is best for eyeshadow?

The best type of brush for eyeshadow really depends on the look you’re going for. “If I want a soft, diffused eye, I usually go for domed, fluffy blending brushes that allow me to sweep the shadow across seamlessly. But, if I’m going for more precision, like a cut-crease or eyeliner, I will use a brush that has short, stiff bristles to allow for exact placement,” explains Milan.

Meet Our Experts

For this story, we chatted with three experts for additional insights:

Karina Milan is a bicoastal makeup artist celebrated for her refined technique, versatility, and commitment to inclusivity. She has collaborated with Venus Williams, Yara Shahidi, Ice Spice, and Jodie Turner-Smith, crafting everything from fresh, radiant skin to bold, editorial looks.
Eddie Duyos is a professional makeup artist and lead brand educator at Make Up Forever.
Genevieve Contreras is a professional makeup artist and co-founder of Veil Artistry.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shauna Beni-Haynes is a former senior editor at Byrdie who covered all things beauty and wellness. For this story, she used her own experience testing many eyeshadow brushes and considerations from makeup artists’ recommendations. To compile this list of the best eye makeup brushes, she also relied on our research, considering shape, density, bristles, and the types of looks each brush can achieve.

Edited by Caitlyn Martyn

In This Article

Best Overall

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable All-Over Eyeshadow Brush