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The 11 Best Concealer Brushes Your Makeup Routine Deserves
Featuring picks from top brands like M.A.C Cosmetics and Westman Atelier
Along with the help of a sturdy foundation brush or versatile sponge, using one of the best concealer brushes makes getting a seamless makeup base a no-brainer.
“For concealing, you need a smaller brush that can be used to target specific areas. It also needs to be soft enough to be used under the eyes with the right density for picking up and depositing the right amount of product,” celebrity makeup artist Hannah Murray tells Bazaar. The artist also notes that while you could use a foundation or kabuki brush all over the face, they’re typically much bigger than concealer tools and made for more generalized application.
Shop the Best Concealer Brushes
If you’re debating whether to try a synthetic or natural-hair brush, Murray explains that both types can serve a purpose in your larger makeup routine. “I find synthetic brushes are flatter in shape and easy to apply concealer smoothly. Natural-hair brushes work well to buff edges,” she says.
Here, we’ve narrowed down the best concealer brush worth adding to your routine based on expert insights, customer ratings from beauty lovers, and Bazaar editor must-haves. From the M.A.C Cosmetics 217 Synthetic Blending Brush to Makeup by Mario’s F5 Concealer tool, the application favorites that made our short list lie ahead.
M.A.C Cosmetics 217 Synthetic Blending Brush
Pros
- Works for eye shadow and concealer
- Features soft bristles
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bristles are too stiff.
This versatile brush contains soft, densely packed fibers that make blending creamy concealers a breeze. Its rounded oval shape fits nicely under the eyes and around the nostrils for a flawless finish. “The MAC 217 blending brush is one of my favorites. I like to use it to buff the area after concealer application for a polished finish,” Murray explains.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Powder or cream
One satisfied customer writes: “This is a very nice blending brush. I have used it for eyeshadow and concealer, works great! I have had issues with brushes being very dense and too hard, but this brush is very soft and nice.” —J.C. Ahmari
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Concealer Blending Brush
Pros
- Reviewers say the brush is easy to clean.
Cons
- Narrow design may not provide enough surface area coverage for some users
Here’s a brush from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics that is ideal for minimizing the appearance of dark under-eye circles. The narrow shape of its bristles allows for even, expert-level precision to disguise unwanted darkness. “My go-to concealer brush is the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics concealer blending brush,” Murray says. “I love the flat shape and soft tapered edge for easy and seamless application. It picks up the right amount of product and smooths perfectly.”
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Color corrector and concealer
One satisfied customer writes: “Great tool to ensure smooth, even application of corrector (and concealer). Allows you to really get into the corners of the eyes, under the lash line with ease...and gently...without pulling on the delight skin surrounding the eye.” —Justine
Pros
- Great for hard-to-reach areas of the face
Cons
- Some reviewers say the brush doesn’t hold product as well as others.
Although this Chanel brush isn’t designed for concealer, Murray says she keeps it in her kit for finishing touches when applying clients’ base makeup. “I keep Chanel’s small #13 eyeliner brush on hand for precision to help conceal marks and blemishes,” she says.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Eyeliner and precise concealer application
One satisfied customer writes: “Great for small detail work.” —Bradley
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bristles are too scratchy.
Bazaar editors are big fans of just about everything celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic creates, including this top-rated concealer brush. The rounded, sloped shape of its bristles creates a fingerlike effect for a more natural concealer finish.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Liquid and cream concealers
One satisfied customer writes: “This brush is amazing. 10/10. It blends concealer under the eye and around the face flawlessly. Didn’t realize how poorly my other brushes were performing until I got this one.” —lmb1108
Real Techniques Expert Concealer Brush
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some reviewers say they’ve experienced bristle fallout.
With over 8,500 five-star reviews on Amazon and at under $10, this beloved concealer brush from Real Techniques will deliver plenty of bang for your buck. And since the over 20,000 bristles of this brush are nonporous, you won’t have to worry about it absorbing your concealer before it’s applied. “I like Real Techniques for value, and I find the concealer brush soft and fluffy,” Murray says. “It works well with liquid concealers.”
- Brush type: Synthetic (taklon)
- Best for: Liquid and cream concealers
One satisfied customer writes: “I love this for concealer and it blends perfectly. I have mature skin and it blends my concealer amazingly.” —Heather
Pros
- Made with FSC-certified birchwood
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bristles are too firm.
There’s a reason Ami Colé’s angled concealer brush has a five-star rating. Its fingertiplike design is one of my favorites of all time, with bristles that aren’t too soft or too hard. The brush even comes with a reusable mesh cover to help it keep its shape.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Liquid and cream concealers
One satisfied customer writes: “This is a quality makeup brush. I was very pleased with the craftsmanship and feel. Definitely would love to try other brushes.” —Irina K.
Sarah Creal Beauty The Ultra-Soft Concealer and Complexion Brush
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- May not be ideal for precise concealer application
This gilded concealer and complexion brush is almost too pretty to use. Its half-shell shape makes it simple to quickly and evenly apply your product of choice, since it is designed to hug the under-eyes and inner corners.
- Brush type: Synthetic (nylon)
- Best for: Liquid concealer
Pros
- Celebrity makeup artist–approved
- Includes carrying pounch
Cons
- Some reviewers say the brush is too narrow.
To ensure every area of the face is covered with concealer—especially the nooks and crannies—reach for this handy spot-check brush from Westman Atelier. It features a pointed tip for precise application, which helps ensure you don’t overapply your base makeup.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Liquid concealer
One satisfied customer writes: “This brush is smaller than I expected but I bought it to blend under eye and spot concealer and this works well for that!” —Kristy
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Extremely soft bristles
Cons
Anisa Beauty’s angled brush is another of my regular go-tos when building coverage under my eyes. Despite being synthetic, its domed bristles feel extra fluffy on the skin and make concealer application practically effortless.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Color corrector and liquid and cream concealers
One satisfied customer writes: “The Angled Concealer brush is very soft and blends concealer perfectly. The brush washes nicely and does not shed. The brushes are beautiful to have on my makeup table! One of my favorite colors. Very high-quality brush!” —Sharon M.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush
Pros
- Extremely soft bristles
- Easy to use
Cons
Although this brush from Hourglass is optimized for the brand’s Vanish Airbrush concealer, the tool’s contour-hugging half-moon shape works well with any of your favorites. And not only are its taklon bristles extremely soft, they’re also PETA-approved.
- Brush type: Synthetic (taklon)
- Best for: Liquid and cream concealers
One satisfied customer writes: “Best concealer brush out there for a flawless finish.” —LiMW
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Some reviewers say the brush doesn’t blend their concealer smoothly enough.
Here’s a brush that helps cut your makeup application time in half. Tarte’s Quickie concealer brush features two sides for professional-level blending: One is rounded to buff out product around the eyes, chin, and forehead, while the other, angled end is perfect for contouring your cheekbones and the sides of your nose. But if you prefer to use both sides to perfect your concealer application, you’ll have two brushes in one.
- Brush type: Synthetic
- Best for: Liquid and cream concealers
One satisfied customer writes: πThis is the perfect brush for applying and blending my concealer. Love it!” —Barney
Meet the experts
- Hannah Murray is a celebrity makeup artist and the global artistic director at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
How often should makeup brushes be cleaned?
We understand putting off cleaning your makeup brushes for as long as possible, but experts recommend giving them a good scrub weekly at minimum. “I clean my brushes after every use, but at home, I would say every few days give them a good shampoo,” Murray advises. “Either a gentle hair shampoo or a special makeup cleanser or soap is best—just make sure that when you have rinsed them you shape them by pulling your fingers over the hair (to gently squeeze excess water out) and letting them dry flat on a towel overnight.”
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