8 Bronzer Brushes for a Seamlessly Blended Look

Best Overall

Saie The Base Brush

$28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora View on Saiehello.com

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Ultrasoft, synthetic

The Base Brush from Saie is the ultimate pick for applying bronzer because of its supersoft bristles that don’t absorb too much of the product. Another bonus? It’s a vegan, cruelty-free tool that several users think is the perfect, compact size for traveling and applying makeup. If you’re looking for a multipurpose brush, consider this option—it works incredibly well for the brand’s skin tint foundation and bronzer but also applies other products wonderfully.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “This brush imparts a smooth, streak-free finish that looks like skin, and I experienced zero pilling. Plus, it is a really compact size, so it fits in all of my makeup bags.”

Best Budget

Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush

$9 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $9 at Target

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Synthetic and aluminum

This brush proves you don’t have to spend much money on quality results. The dome-shaped, thick bristles work wonders for buffing and blending, and washing the brush is a breeze. Even though it’s on the cheaper side, you’re not skimping on quality when it comes to this makeup brush.

Shannon Stubbs, writer: “While the bristles on this brush are super soft to the touch, it blends all formulas easily—no matter if they’re cream, powder, or liquid. The small shape also makes it efficient for blending in specific areas such as contour or blush. It feels gentle on the skin, doesn’t cause any irritation, and creates a smooth, airbrushed finish.”

Best Contour Brush

Patrick Ta Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush

$62 at Amazon $45 at Sephora View on Patrickta.com

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Synthetic

Define your cheekbones using this contour brush from Patrick Ta. On one end, there’s an angled, fan-shaped brush perfect for sculpting, and on the other side, there’s a fluffier, broader brush that blends incredibly. The synthetic bristles are soft yet strong enough to hold makeup well. And did we mention this brush works with both powder and cream formulas?

Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor: “This dual-ended brush is what contouring dreams are made of. Both ends are fluffy and incredibly soft, so I was impressed by their sturdiness and blendability. One end is a bit skinnier and more angular, which proved to be great for sculpting my nose and eyes, while the other is longer and fluffier, which was ideal for the hollows of my cheeks and my forehead.”

Best Buildable

REFY Duo Face Brush

$45 $34 at Amazon $24 at Sephora View on Refybeauty.com

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Synthetic

For certain looks, you might want varying degrees of product on your brush. That’s why you should consider this tool from Refy. The two ends provide different services: one has denser bristles, providing a more controlled application and making it buildable, while the other is great for blending products. Several users appreciated how it gave them a natural finish and a super blended look.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “This brush does it all. I love how the stippling bristles blend product for a seamless, more natural look, while the buffing brush always picks up the right amount of product for a more controlled application.”

Best for Light Coverage

Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush

$65 $60 at Amazon $49 at Asos View on Charlottetilbury.com

Key Features: Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Synthetic

During the warmer months, when humidity is up and the sun is in full force, you might want fewer products on your face. This brush from Charlotte Tilbury delivers a natural finish and light coverage thanks to the velvety soft bristles (the brand boasts that they’re hand-pulled by a European master brush maker). The gorgeous wood handle is thicker in the middle, which likely makes for an easier grip while applying makeup.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “This is by far the softest brush I've ever used—plus it's stunning and looks and feels luxe. It’s great for collecting the loose powder and packing it into one place.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

Hourglass Powder Brush

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Ulta

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Taklon

If you have sensitive skin (and are particularly allergic to brushes made with animal hair), you’ll want to add this Hourglass brush to your makeup arsenal. Both ends of the dual-sided brush are made with synthetic, soft Taklon bristles that’ll give you a natural finish without allergies. The smaller, tapered side is specific for concentrated areas (think using bronzer to contour!), while the larger brush can be used for allover coverage.

Best Angeled Brush

Makeup By Mario F1 Makeup Brush

$45 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Kohls.com

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Material: Synthetic and natural blend

This buildable, dual-ended brush works with several products, including bronzers, highlighters, foundations, and blushes, and the relaxed bristles deliver a gorgeous, blended finish. Both brush ends are angled, which allows you to get a sculpted look in more concentrated and broader areas.

Best Fluffy

Sephora Bronzer Brush

$36 at Sephora

Vegan: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No | Material: Synthetic

A brush should feel as luxurious as the looks it delivers, and this bronzer brush from Sephora does just that. The domed, hand-shaped, vegan, synthetic bristles give a flawless finish. The large size makes it versatile as you can use it to bronze your face or your overall body. Plus, the brand says that the paper packaging and wood brush handle are made from sustainably managed forests, which is a green bonus.