12 Best Vegan Makeup Brushes For Ethical Beauty

EcoTools

If you are going vegan with your brushes, synthetic fibers can present some environmental problems that you might not like. 

EcoTools hasn’t invented some magical plant-based replacements for synthetic fibers, but they have cut down on the waste of making brush handles by making interchangeable bristles that fit a select number of handles.

If you’re only looking for your basic buffer brush, you can use this one for powder, or this one for liquid foundation. 

If you’re looking for something a little more comprehensive, try the daily essentials face brush set.

Real Techniques

Real Techniques is great at balancing style and substance. Not only are there several collections for you to choose from to fit your personal aesthetic, but they’ve got a brush for everything.

Their original collection is a crowd favorite and you can’t really go wrong with any of their brushes, but we love that they give you everything for your eyes in this set. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller more for everyday use, they probably have one of the highest-rated powder brushes

If you want something with a different design, you’ve got your pick there as well. Nostalgia for the 70s is pretty big right now, but if the 80s is more your thing, try the electric love collection.

BH Cosmetics

If you couldn’t find your favorite styles at Real Techniques, BH Cosmetics might be the brand for you. Almost every beauty junkie has a set of BH brushes or two and they’ve fit them into their routine regardless of style.

As far as picking only one favorite, you would be pretty hard-pressed. Every single set has a five-star review upon five-star review, so really it’s just a matter of picking your style.

This can be challenging if you’re only looking for a couple of pieces since the majority of products are sold in sets, but most sets are under $20 each so you’re not breaking the bank even if you do get a few pieces you don’t necessarily need.

Elate Cosmetics

If you want synthetic bristles, but generally do want to keep the plastic at day, Elate Cosmetics has great synthetic brushes with bamboo handles.

Now, it is quite expensive for the full set at over $100, but if you’re really looking for one brush that can do it all, we recommend the aptly named multi-use brush. 

As long as you combine it with something smaller like the bamboo travel brush, you should be able to get your full routine done without spending a ton of money.

Fenty

As if the foundation and lip paint wasn’t enough, Fenty has some great brushes too. 

All of the face brushes at Fenty have glowing reviews, but we really like the kabuki brush. The handle is a little easier to hold than what you might be used to, which is great when you’re doing a full face.

Essentially any face brush is flawless at Fenty, and it doesn’t hurt that they look amazing. In fact, our favorite artistry complexion set has already sold out, but you can get on the notification list.

Saie

There is only one brush here, but we had to show you this one because we love a carbon-negative company.

This one’s nothing fancy, just your basic fluffy brush for blending, but props to the company ethics!

Zao Cosmetics

If you’ve been looking for some zero waste makeup lately, you’ve probably noticed our affection for Zao Cosmetics and their sustainable bamboo pots. 

There really isn’t a sustainable alternative to synthetic brushes, but Zao cuts down on their impact by using their signature bamboo in their brush handles.

We normally wouldn’t recommend buying a whole set just because you can, but Zao really did make their brushes to go with each product they offered, so it’s worth it here.

e.l.f Cosmetics

Low price does not mean low quality and e.l.f. is living proof of that. Even though their brushes are about $5 each, the reviews are wonderful and the smoky eye brush kit was a Glamour award winner in 2019.

Every product on this list is pretty solid with the exception of a few, and you can get a full 19 piece kit for $50. Personally, we would go for something a bit smaller for everyday use like this 6 piece collection. 

If you’re just starting out with makeup, there’s really no better brand to use.

MAC Cosmetics

MAC has been a staple in cosmetics for years, and their brushes are no different. 

The brand is most well known for its lipsticks, so it’s no surprise that their lip brush is one of their most popular items.

It does seem that some of their powder brushes do have some shedding problems, particularly with the duo fiber brushes. 

That said, the lip brushes are pretty solid, as are the foundation and cheek brushes. If you’re going for a blending brush, we recommend the 240 tapered brush.

RMS

RMS Beauty offers a wide variety of makeup brushes for your whole face such as a foundation brush, blush brush, kabuki brush, and brow brush.

They use high-end synthetic fibers for quality brushes without the guilt.

KVD

This line of vegan makeup brushes by KVD combines high-quality synthetic bristles with a sleek aesthetic.

They provide smooth, professional makeup application without any animal products. As they put it, they offer “makeup made with love, not animals.”