I tested HUNDREDS of makeup brushes, and these are the best 12

[@tammihunter5913]

I have 3 natural hair brushes from MAC that are 25+ yrs old. I also love my rephr brushes. Have some great synthetic brushes from Sigma, Sephora, elf, Japonesque, and Quo. (black multi-tasker) Taking care when washing and drying them has kept them all in great shape!

[@meepenjaap7999]

I used to use a lot of Brandon brushes. I was a natural bristle snob but I have been reformed. There are times you do not want porosity in your brushes.

[@Randilynn66]

Mac 239. Original goat hair. I have 2. I use them daily

[@selenachan4230]

If you take care of natural hair brushes, they'll last a lifetime

[@lucymara2505]

Marlena is an amazing teacher!

[@MarlenaStell]

Thank you so much!

[@lucymara2505]

@@MarlenaStell ♥♥♥

[@lisajmakeup]

Marlena this video is amazing! Always so informative and educational, I love your how thorough you always are! Thank you for featuring BK, I am honored that we made your list!

[@sarahphillips295]

Lisa!!!! ❤️Your BK Beauty brushes are some of the best, most versatile out there. I love my 101, 105, 106, and 109. I ordered the N14 from your collaboration with Nikki and 107 because of this video. Keep up the great work.

[@bkbeautybrushes]

Such great picks and very educational, Marlena! So honored to be included in this list!

[@carrielevin]

I still LOVE and use my Makeup Geek brushes!! They’re still the best!❤ I bought them when you first released them, so a decade or more? Still as good as when I bought them! ❤

[@PurpleCactus143]

Same here, i regret not getting more for backups

[@ADJP64]

YES!!! This video is a HOME RUN! You have rapidly become one of my MUST WATCH MUAs on KZbin. Thank you so much for this exceptional video. I love how simply and clearly you describe things to your audience! Chefs Kiss!

[@MarlenaStell]

Wow, thank you! 🥹❤️

[@ChristinePacinda]

Those Anisa brushes are SO good. I actually bought two full-size and one travel-size of the foundation brush because I just don't like applying my makeup without it, and that concealer brush is simply amazing.

[@MarlenaStell]

They’re so good right?!!

[@kcly2222]

Can you do a video with best brushes under $25. I'm a beginner and don't need something that is super expensive. Love the theme of this video

[@daphadila]

This video is about to get millions and millions of views!!!!! Great content! I love how real you are!!!💕💕💕

[@stephaniepugh4963]

I absolutely love my Rephr brushes. I started with the eye brushes, now I need to invest in some great face brushes. It's crazy how much easier makeup is with great brushes! Thanks for another great video Marlena!❤

[@jcurry1125]

I love my rephr brushes. I was able to get them at a discount through their concept store. Now that I have them and know how wonderful they are, I would gladly pay full price for them.

[@aliceiw4325]

I still use a Mac 217 that I purchased 15 years ago. Washing after each use, and drying them on a stand keeps all my brushes well.

[@Queenmarie88]

You wash them after each use ??? Wow !! 😎

[@brittneydiprosperis6527]

OMG. Brushes make sense to me now. Subscribed! You did amazing for newbies like me who the prime of makeup was in 2000s..... upgrading today!

[@fantabulous6657]

As a Japanese I love our Japanese brushes so much❤ can’t beat

[@MsNin4eto]

I completely agree, Japanese brushes are the softest, the best quality brushes!

[@jennifermolina4396]

I adore the BK Beauty 101, 107, 109, 111, 113, the A506, the Elf duo complexion brush. The Anisa concealer brush is outstanding. I also have the pinnacle foundation brush, but I prefer the BK Beauty 101 and 109 brush for foundation over that. I also agree about the 109... it is very versatile. I also use it for most of my makeup. The Elf duo complexion is amazing. All of my cream products go on with that. I have 3 of those because they are affordable and amazing. Thank you for the brush explanations. Very helpful.

[@BiancaHernandez-o1n]

Incredibly educational video. Thank you for your opinions and suggestions since brushes I consider to be the #1 item in the outcome of the overall finish. And ladies don't be cheap look at the purchase of quality brushes as an INVESTMENT.

[@karenweinberg5585]

I already own bk 101, 109, Angie's 506 concealer, and Nikki's 17. Angie's small eyeshadow. And because of you, when Anisa had their last sale and I didn't really need another foundation brush I bought the travel size foundation brush.

[@ibsunshinesu6011]

You are the best!!!!! Thank you beautiful Queen!!!!! I feel so proud a couple of these I have and love. Those now it makes sense having you explain it❤ & now that means I can trust the rest of the recommendations ❤️❤️❤️

[@lilic6616]

My first eyeshadow palette was from MG, I´m so happy to be here listening your advices Marlena. Love you.

[@MarlenaStell]

Awww I miss makeup geek! 😢

[@deborahmiller6387]

This is a WONDERFUL reference video since you have included everything we should know before investing in any makeup brush! Thank you so much!❤

[@cindygirard5170]

WOW! This was a fabulous tutorial! So informative!! I purchased the Anisa Pinnacle brush on your recommendation and love it ! Thank you! Also love Rephr’s brushes and the BK 109!

[@razz2552]

This video literally came out at the perfect timing. I've been wanting to explore more make up brushes, especially for the eyes since I have been playing more with eyeshadow palettes more often now. I am always branching out for more complexion brushes too so this is a useful video while I am shopping around.

[@leminenza]

Hi Marlena!! I just bought the Anisa pinnacle foundation and contour brush set thanks to your video. I’m very much looking forward to trying them out!! Thank you so much for the well informative video and I hope you’re doing well, love! ❤

[@kathleenangel8196]

Love my Anissa pinnacle brush and concealer brush, BK beauty concealer brush (AH&F) and 101, Rhefyr, and Singe Beauty - all worth the cost to buy and ship to Australia ❤

[@RR-ux8fl]

This was a Masterclass on brushes. A free Masterclass! Thank you so much, Marlena! 🙏 you are amazing ❤

[@megank3412]

Thanks for the video. I have all the BK and Rephr brushes you mentioned, but just bought the Anisa foundation and concealer set on your recommendation! Thanks!❤

[@JackOllie4]

Ordered the MAC 212 before the video finished! I'd love all the Anisa brushes you mentioned, too.

[@melanieknisely5045]

I just adore you and value your professional opinion. You are such a boss!

[@MarlenaStell]

Thank you so much Melanie! ❤

[@i-am-star]

Hi Marlena, I just ordered BK brushes and I gave you the credit. Thank you for such an awesome video. 🙏🏽

[@Lynnonymous]

Rephr. Rephr. Rephr. Be careful with Rephr. 😅 They were my gateway to natural hair brushes. They are amazing quality brushes and i couldn't believe the difference. I loved them so much i started splurging on Sonia G and Chikuhodo. Wayne Goss has great natural hair brushes too. And he came out with a synthetic set. Have you tried those? I'm curious how they compare. BK Beauty is awesome for synthetic. I have the same ones you mentioned and love them. I'm too scared to use creams/liquids with natural hair brushes so i always go to BK or Sigma. I've never tried Anisa so they're on my list now. 😂

[@lesliehatch-herman9325]

lol-we may need a 12-step program to help us with our brush addictions! 😂❤

[@jt9058]

I have a lot of Rephyr brushes and use them with creams and liquids. Why are you scared to use them for that?

[@Lynnonymous]

@@jt9058 I've always heard the creams and liquids were hard on natural hair brushes. You haven't had any issues? How long have you had the brushes that you use on creams and liquids?

[@jt9058]

@@Lynnonymous I want to say 6-12 months. They came out with brushes specifically for creams and liquids. I haven’t had any issues with them.

[@Lynnonymous]

@jt9058 oh, the newer ones that came out? I didn't buy any of those, I just have the originals. I'm trying to not buy more brushes. But if they are specifically for creams and liquids I may grab a few.

[@glamyumable]

One of my favorite foundation brushes is the Makeup Geek one. I still have it and I regret not buying a back up. I do love natural brushes for my eyes and powder face.

[@beckyjohnsen3128]

This was SO incredibly helpful! That really breaks it down and takes some of the mystery out of makeup application. THANK you!

[@shari247peace]

I agree Rephr brushes are a great value for Japanese handcrafted brushes. Rephr’s website, and you also stated, the brushes bristles are natural hair, but they don’t disclose what type of hair. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way Rephr uses goat hair for their brushes. I am allergic to goats, many people are. The shape of their brushes are amazing, but the goat hair caused my eyes to swell shut, huge red blisters and welts, bad rash that turned to big chunks of skin peeling off. Also caused anaphylaxis shock, trip to ER and MONTHS for my skin to return to normal. Rephr was initially not helpful. They said it was impossible to be allergic to their brushes because they are natural hair. I had to keep pressing them to reveal what kind of animal hair is it. Once they said goat, then I knew THAT was the source. My doctor agreed that was the cause of my reaction. After much back and forth with Rephr they refunded my $300ish dollars I had spent with them. So if you have allergies, my advice, even if aren’t sure exactly what your allergies are, avoid brushes made with goat hair. Goat is a very common cause of allergies. You could end up like me in ER out thousands of dollars .

[@420Zara]

So sorry for your experience with Rephr and their brushes. They really should have been more proactive of the situation and resolving it in a timely manner. I hope you are aware that they are not the sole providers of Japanese brushes. I have bought many from other reputable sellers such as CD Japan, Beautylish.....where for most of the brushes they specify the bristle hair type. Once again, glad you recovered, but so sorry for the awful experience.

[@MichelleVanDeusenRoberts]

Thank your for sharing. The Surratt Brushes...they have rocked my world! I also love my Hakuhodos. I have a couple Suqqus I love as well. I guess it all comes down to personal preference.

[@AnyaAnnika67]

Marlena thank you for such an informative video ❤. Can you please do a video on caring for your brushes & how often we should wash them?😊

[@MarlenaStell]

Absolutely!! ❤️

[@gingerhopkins5168]

I have so many of your favorites! I agree with the quality and price. Thank you for breaking this down. Would love to see you do a a 101 series on makeup application. Trends have changed. What we did 5-7 years ago is not what we are doing now and as we grow wiser we need an updated approach.

[@Highlycaffeinated788]

I bought the 2 Anisa brushes today. They are currently 40% off 😊😊😊.

[@RochelleLong924]

THANK SO MUCH JUST BOUGHT THE FOUNDATION BRUSH! For only 22 bucks 😊

[@Highlycaffeinated788]

@@RochelleLong924 just received mine and I LOVE IT! I have many great brushes…but this one ❤❤❤

[@jenaiafarah7341]

It’s great! So is the concealer brush from this brand.

[@CherrieWells]

I freaking LOVE your informative videos about products!!! And brushes 😍😍😍 loooove to learn about great brushes! I have the Anisa pinnacle foundation and concealer brush, as well as the BK beauty 101 and 109. I'm dying to try Rephr! Thank you for the great information! ❤❤❤

[@dutchgram3799]

It is SO nice to see you Marlena! I must have missed a few videos of yours because it seems like it's been a while. Good information in this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@tinyme2428]

I love my Wayne Goss brushes, the more recent white gold collection is affordable and fantastic bristles.

[@kalondiacasey]

Marlena, I own several of the brushes you mentioned and now I want a few more. I have never heard of the Anisa Pinnacle Brushes but will now be looking into those. Thank you. KC

[@MarlenaStell]

@@kalondiacasey it’s SUCH a great brush!!

[@stephaniescofield9433]

I always look forward to seeing your videos. I need brushes, but limited income holds me back. I was able to buy two Anisa brushes. Oh my goodness, I looove these. You take good care! Do you have a video of how to care for brushes?

[@MarlenaStell]

I’m glad the anisa brushes are working for you! I love them so much

[@kellyparish7669]

I am literally brush shopping TODAY! This was meant to be ❤

[@MarlenaStell]

Yay! Happy brush shopping! ❤

[@sandybrown9025]

Appreciate all the info on these brushes.

[@cindylux333]

What an amazing video Marlena! Learned so much. I appreciate you being the best educator❤ my MAC brushes have lasted 20 years. It’s time to spend on some new brushes 😅

[@latherandlace]

No Wayne Goss?

[@MarlenaStell]

I love his brushes also! But the ones I am in love with have been discontinued or I can’t find 😫

[@janicedevereux2839]

REPHR also does 50% off sales every July… I believe they also do it at holiday time but I’m not positive about that. I am positive about the July sale because every July I picked up one or two of the larger face brushes at 50% off.

[@rondawiebe1505]

This is a video I needed! Thank you.

[@brittkam]

I purchased 5 brushes from your links. Thank you for your recommendations and for your wonderful videos!

[@user-zk8ed4kd2b]

Great video. I need that Mac 212 brush ASAP. WHAT SHOULD WE CLEAN OUR BRUSHES WITH?

[@LenaSheppard]

Thanks for doing this. I love the rephr brushes but the handle came off of my 03 & I had to glue it back together. I appreciate you immensely !

[@MarlenaStell]

Definitely email them to let them know - their customer service has been great and I’m sure they’ll take care of you ❤

[@beverlywatt9648]

Great video for us ladies Marlena! ❤

[@libertychic8926]

I whole heartedly agree with all of these recommendations! Anisa, rephr and bk are my top brush brands for real!! I'm curious how u feel about the Ariel x morphe collab brushes? I know there's duoes like Jessup that are very good too, but those as a whole, would u recommend? Especially when ulta had them 50% off the sets!!?? 😍

[@Spike-m2p]

I bought Anisa brushes after watching one of your videos. Their foundation brush is the best I’ve ever used-and as a former MUA I’ve tried plenty!

[@meepenjaap7999]

As a former house painter I think a few things apply to makeup brushes. Material quality and weight of handle, method used to glue bristles and ferrule.

[@MarlenaStell]

Yes all of this 🙌🏼 I actually spoke on handles more but ended up cutting as the video was too long

[@meepenjaap7999]

@@MarlenaStell You are always thorough.

[@emilykinsler9765]

Incredibly helpful and informative! 💜💜💜

[@Armi-D.]

Incredibly good! Incredibly Helpful! All of your videos are very top line instructional- 2 years ago I decided it was time to grow up and get some real brushes!I tried to research, and watched every KZbin But non were as clear and put together as yours- would have made everything easier 😂 endless videos on categories of brushes- to detailed to the point of confusion, try to grasp the proper way to use the proper brush was an obsession till I was at my table with 10 mins left and no idea which was for what and my husband wondering why it takes hours- Finally I had to go back to finger painting than use my brushes my way no rules for awhile - after recovering some confidence I found I wasn’t to far off the mark in how I come to use them-Thankfully I found BK beauty- and Rephr after some bad choices- anyway I would have saved my self a year of struggle with your extremely helpful video- the only other fav I have is Angie’s BK Beauty “kitten paw” “concealer brush” it has similarities to the last Anis you mentioned. Anyway off to buy a few more brushes 😂 thank you sooo much! Been searching for one like that Mac- seriously maybe a co-lab for “special technique brushes” with you and a smart brush company? Just saying… 😀

[@alinepms]

I learned about the mac 228s from Hindash, and I'm so happy that I was able to get it here in Brazil before it completely vanished from their website and stores. It's the perfect density and flexibility to smudge pencil eyeliner and make it more even, or to flick into a wing. Sigma e21 does a very similar job, butthe mac one performs better, in my opinion. For me, it's an absolute staple, because I eyeliner is a must for my deep set eyes. I love your content, Marlena

[@ovalteenies93]

Hi, Are you able to provide options for small faces please?

[@ChrisCupcake3]

Thx for doing this video. Can't wait to get some of these in the future 😊

[@jodieclark4518]

Great tutorial of brushes-Thank you!! I love my collection of brushes-from back in the 90’s , collector’s brushes-from Trish McEvoy, just a number of different brands, depends on the brush and applications-agree🤗

[@jkulikova]

I tried at least several of the discussed brushes, and I don’t disagree with their descriptions. But I would have trusted the recommendations more had there been a variety that included not only brushes with affiliated links.

[@AnitaHelton-cz1zp]

You are a great teacher! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! ❤

[@Brenda_Leigh57]

I have all of those brushes but the Rephr brushes. I love the BK Beauty brushes especially the 101 foundation brush. I love the Angie Hot and Flashy kitten paw brush ( concealer) brush , also the Nikki LaRose N17 and N14 brushes. I have the BK Beauty Essentials Eye brushes. Love them! Also I do love the Anisa Beauty Brushes. I have most of them. I really love the fan out eye brush with a one and done shadow ( like the new Merit Solo Shadows) ! I’ll have to look into the Rephr Brushes. Thank you Marlena for this tutorial, brushes are a very important when applying makeup properly.❤️🙋‍♀️😊🇨🇦

[@donnadrane4977]

Marlena, thank you so much for this video. I so appreciate your expertise and recommendations!

[@sandraherrera8351]

Hi I disappointed you don't have any drugstore brushes. Could you please share any drugstore brushes you like.

[@bevyoung2009]

Thank you gorgeous Marlena for your updates.

[@ridinreiners]

Hi Marlena. I’d like to know what you think of the BK Beauty A506 concealer brush. There is a lot of hype. I’d just like an unbiased opinion on it 😊

[@Spark1221]

Love you + your content, Marlena. xx I also love that you're NOT sponsored which makes me trust your recommendations more. So, I hope you can understand my confusion over your recommendation of several Rephr brushes in this video. Not too long ago, you responded to a comment saying you didn't like Rephr brushes, and because I trust you, I've avoided them. Now you're singing their praises, which is understandable but confusing messaging. (???)

[@MarlenaStell]

I don’t remember saying I didn’t like Rephyr brushes 😫 Was it Morphe brushes I didn’t like? I’m so sorry if I’m confusing! I might have let people know that Rephyr is natural hair so if anyone is vegan it wouldn’t be a good fit. I do think they’re good quality but this is based off my recent experience with them and my testing this year 🙏🏼

[@Spark1221]

Here's what you wrote in response to my comment on your video 1/18/24 'DOES YOUR EYESHADOW LOOK PATCHY' @@MarlenaStell Marlena, I'm surprised you didn't include Rephr brushes in your list of recommended brushes...is there a reason for that? PLMK, I was about to invest in them...xx Reply Marlena Stell @MarlenaStell 7 months ago I just don’t enjoy Rephyr and believe they are pushed so much because of sponsorships vs actually being good 🫣

[@Spark1221]

@@MarlenaStell Here's what you wrote, please read my comment + your reply, above...copied from the comments on your Jan. 18. 2024 video: Why Your Eyeshadow is Patchy

[@Spark1221]

@@MarlenaStell Please see your reply about Rephr brushes copied/pasted below. @MarlenaStell 7 months ago I just don’t enjoy Rephyr and believe they are pushed so much because of sponsorships vs actually being good 🫣

[@MarlenaStell]

@@Spark1221 You are right! I apologize as I was thinking of Artis brushes - the ones with the handles that look like shower brushes (I’m not sure how to describe but they have handle to the side and were gimmicky. Every influencer was pushing those 3-4 years ago.) I was wrong in that comment and was thinking that was the brand. Rephyr I have had good experience in my testing so far. They have been soft and held up well with washing. I’m so sorry I was mistaken in previous comment! Rephyr brushes are somewhat new to my collection - have been testing this year. Did many cleanings and trial runs and so far I enjoy and have been reaching for them often. I like the eye brushes best.

[@veronicahayes2635]

You should also mention that all the Rephr brushes are usually half price in the concept store and they have a lot of sales

[@MsBNoodle]

Yes I never buy them full price

[@tc432]

boy do you know your stuff. Great value in this video.

[@mariabrady01]

I absolutely love your videos! They are extremely informative and detailed! Thank you for doing all the work for us!💞

[@silllykitten329]

I was looking on Sephora for makeup brushes. I mainly have morphe brushes from forever ago which are Alibaba quality, and real techniques. Which RT is good, just not the best imo. I love makeup sponges but the OG beauty blender lasts waaaaaay longer and blends a bit better than the RT sponges. Sure it’s more expensive but you’ll spend the same in the end replacing RT sponges. I wonder if IT for Ulta brushes are good? They’re half off during 21 days of beauty rn.

[@gloriaboyette6530]

Fabulously helpful information Sweet Woman! Thank you so much.

[@nastynat1001]

The GOAT right here.

[@lisagreene7186]

This was so helpful! Thank you

[@samanthacooley800]

Thank you so much for this video. It was very helpful!!! ❤

[@MarlenaStell]

Glad it was helpful! 🙏🏼

[@darlenehelms5921]

Thank you for all the knowledge you bring! You are awesome!

[@monicamartins2511]

Marlena, this is a great and educational video. Thank you for sharing your opinion 🙏

[@tedoymisojos]

Or .. Real Techniques 😅. Hey, they work. If I lost all my brushes I could just go to ulta and get a kit from RT, a sponge, and some single brushes from Morphe and be good. If I wanted a Luxurious experience Sonia G and Omnia pro (their synthetic bristles are beautiful). I like Rephr skincare, so that would work out too, pick up everything in one spot. I think they even have bedding now. Love their eye brushes.

[@xena0217]

I love anisa brushes, they are absolutely perfect, for me better than the BK .

[@EvelynKwan-n8l]

The anisa crescent crease brush is also very nice. Also the mac 217 is a hg staple for me

[@SquintyBubbles]

Excellent video, thank you so much for taking the time to make it. ❤

[@skincaremakeup40]

❤i have 2 from Zoeva,1 from ABH and 4 from Sephora...but I apply eyeshadows with my fingers...is that so bad?a hug from Sicily,Italy

[@MarlenaStell]

If fingers works for you then that’s amazing! Do what works for you- there’s no right or wrong ❤

[@MommaOsoIrish67]

I have "Decent" brushes. They weren't cheap by any means, but were very affordable, from a variety of companies. I keep hearing that great brushes make all the difference, but with prices at $40 a piece. It would take me the best part if a year to colkect a new set. If I can maybe get two or three to start with, what are the first three I should get? Id appreciate suggestions.

[@danielaajamie9469]

Marlena, what brush do you recommend for loose finishing and setting powder? Did I miss that in the video? Thanks

[@mariacardaropoli90]

You’re the best teacher!!! Marlena has a question for aging gals do you prefer loose setting powder or compact setting powder? I’m using the tilbury flawless but not sure if I should try the loose. Am I missing out lol thanks ❤❤❤

[@angierosales1606]

How do you store your makeup brushes? Do you have them out on the vanity all the time or put in a drawer? I don't like when they get dusty!

[@HoneyDJeong]

Just when I needed some info on makeup brushes, the notification of your video went off! I'm a rookie makeup artist just starting my journey 😅 i thought ive had so many makeup brushes but i need more 😅 any good makeup brush sets you could recommend plz 🙏

[@jzwilkinson]

Lol same! The universe answered 😂

[@Kcatsara]

Marlena, well done. With your knowledge base and clear concise explanation you've just upped our game. I am brush shopping immediately ( pro makeup artist who is updating her kit, greatly appreciated) p.s. Would ,Ove to hear your thoughts on Haku hodu brushes as I've become addicted through shows

[@kristinkemplen2063]

What's the best way to make sure you're cleaning your brushes well and what should you use to clean them? Is there anything you shouldn't use to clean them?

[@ebonywilkes3589]

I love my Anisa foundation brush but the concealer brush was scratchy under my eyes. I can’t use it , I messaged them and took pics but they said there was nothing wrong with it. My BK beauty concealer brush is my favorite , I have all of ones you mentioned and I love all of them but the Anisa concealer one.

[@foxnflower]

Marlena can you please recommend a brush for applying all over translucent face powder? I use one size powder for my face and their ultra peach shade for color correction under my eyes. Thank you so much!!! I LOVE 💕 your videos!!!

[@lesliehatch-herman9325]

Love all this info on the brushes!! What would you recommend looking for in a lip brush? Thanks, Marlena!

[@Margot346]

Great tutorial on brushes

[@allmypetsandme]

I like to use cream shadows, what brushes are the best for that?

[@mrspenguinlips]

I got the Anisa brushes on sale for 40% off and I use them every day. They def live up to the hype.

[@rabbitholegirl1]

My favorite brushes are from Rephr & Wayne Goss

[@zozel77]

Wayne Goss synthetic brushes are fantastic, unbelievably soft and very affordable.

[@AnnieBarrett-kh1tt]

Marlena, Do you have a lip brush fav? Thank you for the recommendations! Your videos are outstanding!