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Packing is a skill that’s all about editing—especially if you want to avoid extra fees or checking a bag. On the cosmetics front, travel makeup brush sets help keep your toiletry case compact and organized without sacrificing your routine. Even better, these pre-selected kits remove the guesswork, giving you everything you need to maintain a your look without hauling your entire collectsion.
And it’s not just a first world pain that only every day makeup lovers encounter—the pros do too. “This is something I come across constantly, both as a professional makeup artist and as a makeup user,” pro makeup artist Andi Bisbal tells Vogue. “I think it’s natural to want to simplify while not compromising the luxury of having options or limiting your artistry.” Bisbal recommends looking for sets that feature double-sided brushes to reduce the number of brushes you need to bring with you.
Vogue’s Favorite Makeup Brush Sets
Per celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard, makeup brushes are essential to the overall quality of your look. “With a high-quality set of brushes, you’ll see your makeup transform into a more cohesive, better-blended final look,” he previously said. “You’ll also notice a more even application of your cream and liquid complexion products, giving you a smoother, more balanced result.”
To make your jet setting a bit easier, Replica Handbag Store editors and pro makeup artist reveal their go-to travel brush sets—with options from shockingly affordable to splurge-worth.
In This Story
- How to Choose a Makeup Brush Set
- Do non-pros really actually need a variety of makeup brushes?
- What are the essential brushes in every travel set?
- How To Store Your Travel Brush Set
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Set
- Why We Love It: Bisbal refers to Hourglass’s travel set as an entryway to optimizing your makeup. This set, in particular, is so beautifully curated and takes the decision-making right out of your purchase process,” she says. Fellow pro makeup artist Cass Lee is also a fan. “I love the Hourglass Brush Travel Set because it has everything you need, and the dual-ended brush is so convenient!” Lee explains. The vegan brushes are made from high-quality Taklon bristles, known for being incredibly soft. Meanwhile, the bronze vegan leather not only looks sleek, but keeps each brush tucked away in a small sleeve.
- Editor’s Experience: “Never in my life have I experienced a makeup brush softer than any of Hourglass’s brushes—they’re quite literally unmatched. This feature in particular matters to me because I’m averse to any application tools that feel slightly scratchy. This set, in particular, combines five favorites. I use the foundation and concealer brush daily, and often use the Ambient Lighting Double Edit Brush for both blush and setting powder.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Pieces: 6 (Concealer brush, foundation brush, beveled eyeshadow brush, double-sided powder brush, double-sided blush brush, set exclusive domed powder brush)
- Material: Taklon
- Travel Case: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Excellent quality, soft bristles | One of the pricier sets on our list |
| Vegan leather case included for storage | |
| Double sided brushes for added efficiency |
Best for Complexion Makeup: Saie The Ultimate Brush Collection
- Why We Love It: Those more keen on perfecting their base makeup, with a minimalist approach to the eyes, will appreciate Saie’s skin-first collectsion comprised of six brushes with densely-packed nylon bristles and aluminum handles manufactured in a sustainability-certified facility. While this isn’t a travel brush set per se, it’s Saie’s entire brush collectsion, which is curated down to the essentials. There are two fluffy powder brushes (one tapered, one fluffy) for all your powdery needs, alongside two complexion brush sizes, a liquid blush brush, and a dual-sided option. The base brush, in particular, is popular—one that celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta described in our best makeup brush guide as perfect for blending. “It distributes product evenly and leaves you with a soft, skin-like finish that feels polished and natural,” said Mehta.
- Editor’s Experience: “I use a Saie makeup brush every day. The Base Brush is reliable for foundation and skin tints, while The Double Brush has versatile uses for concealer and setting powder. Being sleek and black is truly an added bonus.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Pieces: 6 (The Base Brush, the Big Brush, the Double Brush, the Fluffy Brush, the Powder Blush, the all-over Powder Brush)
- Material: Aluminum handles, with nylon bristles
- Travel Case: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Vegan and cruelty-free | No eye makeup brushes |
| Double-sided brush included | Some find the brushes to feel a bit firm |
Best Variety: Morphe Buttery Blends 6-Piece Travel Brush Set
- Why We Love It: Despite only just launching this past January, Morphe’s aptly named “buttery” bristles, are in fact, already living up to their ultra soft reputation. This six-brush collectsion is designed to handle the essentials of your complexion and eye routine whether you’re smoothing out concealer, sculpting your brows, or buffing out bronzer. Which, it’s worth noting, provides more variety than many affordable sets. Plus, the silver ion-infused bristles help to reduce harmful bacteria build up in between brush washes. Whether you’re working with cream, liquid, or powder formulas, the soft, dense fibers deliver a smooth, polished result with minimal effort.
- Pieces: 6 (Domed foundation brush, small pointed powder brush, rounded blush brush, large paddle eyeshadow brush, large rounded eyeshadow brush, dual-ended angled brow and spoolie brush)
- Material: Iron-infused synthetic bristles
- Travel Case: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Super soft, and anti-bacterial bristles | Require more intentional care—don’t wash in hot water or fully submerge |
| Includes compact, waterproof travel bag | |
| Covers complexion and eyeshadow |
Best Luxe Minis: Westman Atelier The Complete Petite Brush Collection
- Why We Love It: Westman Atelier not only makes some of our favorite vegan, cruelty-free makeup brushes—they’re also handmade in Japan (a marker of the highest-quality brush making) with sustainably-sourced birchwood and nylon bristles. “Synthetic brush fibers can be shaped more like virgin hair, which results in a soft feel and smooth application," Westman previously said. “The quality can so closely mimic natural ones that it can be hard to tell any difference upon the skin.” This set, in particular, is a limited-edition pairing of nine mini-sized brushes (basically, just shorter handles—great for traveling and storing) that span complexion, eye, lip, plus cream, liquid, and powder application.
- Pieces: 9 (foundation brush, liquid blender brush, spot check brush, blender brush, baby blender brush, powder brush, eyeshadow I brush, eyeshadow II brush, lip brush)
- Material: Sustainable wood handles with nylon fibers
- Travel Case: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sustainably sourced materials made with high-quality manufacturing in Japan | One of the pricier sets on our list |
| Mini-handles for travel ease | Brush case may be bulky to travel with so might be best to use a separate container |
Best Eco-Friendly: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Makeup Brush Set
- Why We Love It: If you’re new to makeup, shelling out big bucks for brushes can feel downright unreasonable—especially when you’re just getting the hang of using them. That’s where EcoTools comes in: they offer a budget-friendly set of five must-have brushes to cover your whole look, all packed into a handy kit. The bamboo handles add an eco-conscious touch, and the soft synthetic bristles are 100% cruelty-free.
- Pieces: 5 (Angled Liner Eye Brush, Defined Crease Eye Brush, Full Blush Face Brush, Blurring Concealer Brush, Angled Foundation Face Brush)
- Material: Nylon
- Travel Case: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | Some find the brush bristles to be a bit too stiff, particularly the foundation brush |
| Versatile selection from complexion to eye brushes |
Best Portable: Sigma Essential Travel Brush Set
- Why We Love It: Another affordable option, Sigma’s set features seven brushes—four eyeshadow brushes and three complexion brushes, which you can use interchangeably for everything from blending eyeliner to setting concealer and foundation. Aside from the slightly-shortened handles for space-saving packing, the brush fibers are antimicrobial to resist bacterial buildup. And when you’re done with it, you look, everything tucks away in the small cup-shaped case.
- Editor’s Experience: “If someone is looking for great-value makeup brushes beyond the drugstore aisle, I always recommend them Sigma. The brushes are great for beginners—blending product with ease via soft, synthetic bristles.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Pieces: 7 (E30 Pencil Brush, E40 Tapered Blending Brush, E55 Eye Shading Brush, E65 Small Angle Brush, F30 Large Powder Brush, F40 Large Angled Contour Brush, F60 Foundation Brush)
- Material: Polymer-based handle, anti-microbial fiber bristles
- Travel Case: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Bacteria-resistant brush fibers | Not as sufficient for complexion makeup |
| Full-sized brush heads | Some users experience minor shedding |
| Portable brush cup case well for brush display and travel. |
Best Multi-Tasking: Real Techniques 6 Piece Everyday Essentials Set
- Why We Love It: Among drugstore beauty brands, Real Techniques stands out for its high-quality brushes that stay soft, don’t shed, and make blending a breeze. What’s more, the six brushes are surprisingly versatile—they make it simple to achieve a smooth foundation, seamless concealer, and set everything perfectly, with a variety of brushes, or one in particular you’re fond of. Plus, these brushes are compatible any formula, from liquid and cream to powder.
- Editor’s Experience: “Before I had access to testing luxe beauty brands (or a steady income to even consider splurging), Real Techniques were my go-to brushes—and they’re still the affordable tools I’m loyal to. Firstly, it’s often hard to find low-cost options that aren’t firm or slightly scratchy to the touch—these are soft and plush. My all-time favorite brush from the brand is its 402 setting brush—I have used that brush for just about every step in my complexion makeup routine, unapologetically. And you know what? It works like a dream from blending liquid blush and concealer, to strategically placing setting powder.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Pieces: 6 (Blush Brush, Crease Brush, Setting Brush, Foundation Brush, 2 complexion sponges)
- Material: Aluminum handles, and trademarked UltraPlush synthetic fibers
- Travel Case: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Frequently reviews as being super soft | Some report the aluminum sleeves of the brush loosen over time |
| Versatile for different makeup applications | Travel bag not included |
| Includes brushes and sponges |
Best Value: Sephora Collection The Total Brush Set
- Why We Love It: Sephora Collection’s total brush set provides a well-rounded assortment. The eight brushes cover every step of your routine, at an accessible price point—from creating an even, flawless base to defining eyes and adding finishing touches. The synthetic bristles maintain their softness for a smooth application, while the handles are made from a mix of recycled plastic and rice husk byproduct. Plus, there’s a clear travel case included for convenient storage.
- Pieces: 8 (Foundation brush, concealer brush, powder brush, cheek brush, eyeshadow brush, crease brush, smudge brush, brow brush)
- Material: Rice husk and recycled plastic handles, synthetic bristles
- Travel Case: Yes
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Soft synthetic bristles | Not as suitable for cream or liquid complexion makeup |
| Eco-friendly handles |
Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose a Makeup Brush Set
Westman previously explained in our best makeup brushes guide that choosing a brush depends on the products you’re working with and your blending preference. Below, Mehta adds that when shopping, it’s important to consider the brush’s quality, function, size, and even the product formula.
- Quality: Per Mehta, quality brushes have sturdy handles, soft, densely packed bristles, and are held securely by the brush ferrule to avoid shedding.
- Function: It’s key to consider what the brush will be used for and the coverage you’re after. As Mehta previously described, brushes that are flat and dense are best for full coverage, since they deposit more product. Alternatively, fluffy brushes are ideal for blending edges and softer coverage, since they distribute product evenly. “This general rule applies whether you’re working with foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, etc. Angled brushes are perfect for chiseling cheeks or creating sharp lines, like eyeliner or brows,” she said.
- Size: It may seem obvious, but brush size matters when it comes to application. Mehta also explained that smaller brushes provide more precision, while larger brushes are best for covering bigger areas where control isn’t as as important.
At the end of the day, choosing a makeup brush set requires you to consider these factors; plus, what sorts of tools will enhance and streamline your routine.
Do non-pros really actually need a variety of makeup brushes?
The experts unequivocally agree that every day beauty lovers should invest in a brush set for variety. “I personally like to have a separate brush for each step; you don’t want to be using your foundation brush for your blush or your eyeshadow brush for your concealer,” says Lee. “It’s nice to have options, and I also find it’s easier to build a makeup look when you have the correct size brush for each part of your face.”
Bisabal agrees, adding that tools are the key to achieving a better-quality makeup look. “Oftentimes, it’s not having the proper tools and cutting corners that makes your application fall short,” she says.
What are the essential brushes in every travel set?
Per Lee, there are four essential brushes that should be part of any travel kit. “When I’m traveling and trying to stay concise—I always bring a concealer brush, a medium-sized eyeshadow fluffy brush, foundation, and powder brush,” she says. “All of these can be used multiple ways in a pinch!”
How To Store Your Travel Brush Set
“Most brush sets will come with pretty fantastic brush pouches or tubes,” says Bisabal. “I personally love a plastic pouch so I can easily sanitize it.” With that in mind, Lee recommends placing your brushes at the top of your travel case when packing to help maintain their shape.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from professional and celebrity makeup artists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to travel makeup brush sets, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: material, shape, durability, comfort of use, how well the brush blends different types of formulas (basically, we want a streak-free finish that doesn’t take minutes to blend), and portability. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Andi Bisbal is a professional make-up artist based between Mexico City and New York.
- Cass Lee is a New York based face and body makeup artist whose work spans editorial, major campaigns, and creative projects. Her work has been featured in Nylon, Office Magazine, and more.
- Amrita Mehta is a celebrity makeup artist working between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
- Kasey Spickard is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Jenna Lyons and more.
- Gucci Westman is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Westman Atelier.
