In the ever-expanding world of beauty tools, a high-performing brush set has long been considered the secret weapon behind flawless makeup. But while many associate quality with cost, a new generation of budget-friendly brush kits is challenging that narrative—proving that luxury doesn’t always carry a luxury price tag. With just $15 USD, savvy beauty lovers are now curating entire brush wardrobes that rival high-end collections in softness, durability, and function.
We scoured the market, tested dozens of kits, and narrowed it down to the most impressive makeup brush sets under $15. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, these carefully curated tools strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
1. DUcare 8-Piece Essentials Brush Set
💰 Price: $12.30
📦 Includes: Powder, foundation, blush, blending, flat eyeshadow, angled liner, and two detail brushes
🌟 Best For: Beginners looking for a comprehensive starter kit
DUcare has built a solid reputation in the beauty community for producing high-quality brushes at an accessible price point. Their 8-piece essentials set feels anything but basic. Each brush features plush, synthetic fibers that mimic the softness of natural hair, and the matte black handles exude understated elegance. The foundation brush buffs product seamlessly without streaking, while the eyeshadow brushes offer enough variation to execute everything from subtle day looks to full smoky eyes.
The kit also includes a velvet pouch, ideal for travel or touch-ups on the go. For just over $12, this set offers versatility, quality, and style in one neat package.
2. Jessup 15-Piece Pro Makeup Brush Set
💰 Price: $13.50
📦 Includes: A wide range including powder, contour, flat kabuki, concealer, blending, pencil, and lip brushes
🌟 Best For: Intermediate users who want to experiment with more technical looks
Jessup is a name that surfaces repeatedly when discussing professional-grade tools at a drugstore price. This 15-piece set is a testament to why. The brushes are dense, yet flexible enough to blend product evenly without soaking it all up. The soft, vegan bristles are gentle on sensitive skin and work beautifully with both creams and powders.
Unlike many budget kits, Jessup’s set includes precision tools like a pencil brush for smudging and a concealer buffer for targeted blending. The rose gold ferrules and champagne handles lend the set a chic, elevated look that belies its price.
3. Maange 12-Piece Marble Makeup Brush Set
💰 Price: $9.50
📦 Includes: 4 face brushes and 8 eye/detail brushes
🌟 Best For: Aesthetic lovers and frequent travelers
The Maange marble set is a social media darling for a reason. Beyond its stylish white-marble handles and rose-gold accents lies a surprisingly capable brush collection. The large powder brush is impressively fluffy, laying down loose or pressed powders with minimal fallout. The blending brush holds its shape after multiple washes, a rare feat for brushes in this price range.
Despite the affordability, this set doesn’t skimp on performance. The angled blush brush applies cheek color with precision, and the flat shader brush picks up pigment like a dream. It’s perfect for those who appreciate good design as much as functionality.
4. AMORTALS 7-Piece Minimalist Brush Set
💰 Price: $8.10
📦 Includes: 3 face brushes, 4 detail brushes
🌟 Best For: Daily use and minimalist makeup routines
If minimalism had a brush set, this would be it. AMORTALS (Yuemengsha) focuses on simple, practical tools that serve everyday beauty needs. Each brush in this 7-piece set features ultra-soft bristles and pastel pink handles with a non-slip texture. The set feels incredibly lightweight—ideal for everyday makeup or for tossing into a handbag.
Though the face brushes are slightly smaller in size, they’re effective for quick powder application or blush touch-ups. The inclusion of a tapered brush for under-eye setting powder is particularly thoughtful. At under $9, it’s hard to beat the elegance and utility of this offering.
5. MISSHA x Superface Travel Brush Set (6 pcs)
💰 Price: $13.60
📦 Includes: Compact face, blush, eyeshadow, angled brow, blending brush, travel pouch
🌟 Best For: On-the-go beauty lovers
This limited-edition collaboration set between Korean brand MISSHA and Superface brings both form and function into the fold. Each brush is retractable or short-handled, fitting neatly into the accompanying travel pouch. Despite their compact size, these brushes don’t compromise on application quality. The bristles are dense, resilient, and work well with cream and powder formulas alike.
Notably, the angled brow brush in this kit performs with surgical precision, ideal for drawing individual brow hairs or applying gel with control. If you’re building a mini travel kit, this is your brush set soulmate.
6. MINISO 6-Piece Bamboo Handle Brush Set
💰 Price: $6.70
📦 Includes: Powder, blush, eye blender, shadow, brow, and liner brushes
🌟 Best For: Eco-conscious consumers and beginners
Known for budget-friendly lifestyle goods, MINISO’s bamboo-handled brushes combine sustainability with value. The wooden handles are smooth to the touch and easy to grip. Each brush uses cruelty-free fibers that glide over the skin without irritation.
While they may not offer the same density as higher-end tools, these brushes get the job done for daily light makeup application. Ideal for clean beauty lovers or those just entering the makeup world.
What to Look for in a Budget Brush Set
Even at a low price, not all brushes are created equal. Here are a few tips for evaluating brushes under $15:
- Bristle Softness: Soft synthetic bristles are preferable—especially for sensitive skin. They should feel smooth to the touch and not scratchy or stiff.
- Shedding Test: Lightly tug on the bristles or wash them. High-quality brushes won’t shed excessively.
- Handle Comfort: Look for well-balanced handles with a good grip. Plastic can work, but wood or matte finishes tend to feel more luxe.
- Versatility: A mix of face and eye brushes allows more flexibility, especially for those who like to experiment with different makeup techniques.
- Storage: A pouch or case, though often overlooked, adds value and keeps brushes clean and travel-ready.
Gone are the days when flawless makeup required a hefty investment in tools. These under-$15 brush sets not only defy expectations—they redefine what “budget” beauty can be. From marble-handled marvels to travel-sized charmers, the options today prove that style, softness, and structure no longer have to come at a premium.
Whether you’re curating your first kit or seeking a reliable backup set for travel, these budget-friendly heroes promise performance without compromise. Beautifully designed and shockingly affordable—they’re proof that great brushes don’t have to break the bank.