№ 1
Glow 9.4
Brush Set
Best for best beginner set
Synthetic-bristle, vegan, professional-grade. The starter brush set that doesn't disappoint.
Editorial Ranking · Makeup · 2026
Best Makeup Brushes in Australia (2026)
Brush sets tested across 12 weeks of daily use. Scored on bristle quality, blend, and durability after 100 washes.
6 products tested
April 2026 editorial visit
5-axis Glow Score
0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6
Glow's full ranking.
Most makeup brushes are theatre. The picks below earn their place by being durable, performance-grade, and worth the price over five years.
№ 2
Glow 9.2
Brush Collection
Best for pro workhorse
Decades-old quality. Buy individual pros, not the kit. Each brush should last 10+ years.
№ 3
Glow 9.0
Brush Set
Best for premium daily
Synthetic premium. Strong on foundation and powder application.
№ 4
Glow 8.7
Brush Set
Best for budget premium
Underrated mid-market brush set. Real performance at sub-$100 prices.
№ 5
Glow 8.8
Brush Collection
Best for premium luxury
Each brush is sculpted, premium, and earns its price for daily-wear users.
№ 6
Glow 9.1
Beauty Sponge
Best for sponge benchmark
Not a brush, but the most-used face tool in any kit. Original BeautyBlender outperforms imitators.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
How often should I wash makeup brushes?
Foundation brushes weekly; powder brushes monthly; eye brushes after every use of pigmented colour. Bacterial growth on dirty brushes triggers breakouts.
Synthetic vs natural-hair brushes?
Synthetic for most uses (better with liquid and cream products). Natural for powder application. Synthetic has caught up in quality across the board.
How long do makeup brushes last?
Quality brushes: 5-10 years with care. Cheap brushes: 1-2 years. Investment in good brushes pays off across years of use.
How should I dry brushes after washing?
Lay flat, never store handle-down. Bristles dry out and warp if water settles in the ferrule (the metal section).
More from Glow.
For more makeup editorial, see our Makeup hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.