Top 5 Alternatives For Expensive Makeup Brushes

With these affordable and effective alternatives, you may never go back to fancy makeup brushes.

Reviewed by Nyssa Green, Makeup Artist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)

Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) • Nov 15, 2023

Top 5 Alternatives For Expensive Makeup Brushes

Image: shutter stock

The secret behind perfectly blended and flawless makeup is a good makeup brush. However, you need different brushes for applying different makeup products, and you cannot always go for the expensive ones. That is why we tell you all about the alternatives to expensive makeup brushes. These low-cost versions are no less effective and help you achieve your desired makeup look effortlessly. So, if you have been looking for some affordable makeup brushes, we have got you covered. Swipe up!

Keep In Mind

Concealer And Foundation: Concealer And Foundation Use your ring finger to apply concealer and foundation easily and quickly.
Bronzer: Concealer And Foundation Swipe soft tissue over your bronzer and apply it in circular motions on the desired areas.
Brush Cleaning: Concealer And Foundation Add olive oil or coconut oil to the soapy solution for a better cleaning of the makeup brushes

In This Article

Top 5 Cheap Alternatives Of Expensive Makeup Brushes:

Here are the 5 secrets revealed for you to go on a budget-friendly makeup.

1. Cotton Swab As A Smudge Brush And Pencil Brush:

Buy Cotton Swab As A Smudge Brush And Pencil Brush For ₹ 1,126.06 @ www.amazon.in/cotton-swab-as-a-smudge-brush-and-pencil-brush

Have you ever thought that cotton swabs can also turn out to be must haves in a makeup vanity case? Yes, a cotton swab can work not less than a miracle to make your makeup look.

You can simply replace your smudge and pencil brushes for cotton swabs. It can be used to simply to apply eyeshadow on your lower or upper lash line, smudge out your liner or tap shadow on the bottom liner to set it. Having said that, Posh, a blogger shared her opinion on why she prefers using a Q-tip instead of an eye makeup brush. She writes, “I like to use different colors daily, and more than one color at a time. This means I can just throw away the Q-Tip and I’m on to the next color instantly(i).” The blogger also stated that this way one can eliminate the need to frequently wash eye makeup brushes and this helps to make the eye makeup application process much easier.

If you are a beginner in makeup, cotton swabs can help you make your eyeliner perfect. You needn’t worry anymore as you can simply fix the eyeliner mistake with a clean cotton swab. You absolutely won’t need any makeup remover or water for this trick. All you have to remember is, once you have completed doing your eyeliner or mascara, the next step is to correct the mistake. As eyeliner and mascara formulas set and dry faster, you would have to try and quickly fix your mistake. Simply correct the eyeliner or even mascara mistake by grabbing a clean cotton swab and then, place it over the mistake and create soft to and fro motions to remove it. And now you are done!

Related: Different Types Of Mascaras

2. Tissue Paper For Blush And Powder Application:

Buy Tissue Paper For Blush And Powder For ₹ 297.00 @ www.amazon.in/tissue-paper-for-blush-and-powder

Tissue papers are used commonly for blotting your skin to instantly remove excess oil and shine. But, did you know that there are several ways to use your tissue papers for makeup? You can easily skip powder and blush brushes for tissue papers. Yes, you heard it right. Blushes give a gorgeous flushed look for your cheeks. But the trick is to get the flush appear natural without looking harsh or bold. Most of us easily tend to overdo our blushes after which we have strong streaks of red or pink tones on our cheeks. But here our humble tissue papers come to rescue!

Fold the tissue paper to give it a triangle shape and use it for application of blush or powder.
To correct the heavily done blush, use a clean tissue against your skin to tone it down and remove excess color.
All you have to remember is to always use clean tissue paper to avoid any breakouts due to bacterial infections and for easier blending.

Related: How To Apply Compact Perfectly

3. Sponge Tip Applicators For Eyeshadow Application:

Buy Sponge Tip Applicators For Eyeshadow For ₹ 1,400.82 @ www.amazon.in/sponge-tip-applicators-for-eyeshadow

Sponge tip applicators are easily available and are value for money. They are flat in shape, which makes eyeshadow application perfect.

You can simply apply your eyeshadows all over your eyelid or apply it only to the outermost corners of your eyes.
Then, use another sponge tip applicator to blend out any sharp edges in your eye makeup.

4. Try Paint Brushes:

Buy Paint Brush Series For ₹ 210.00 @ www.amazon.in/paint-brush-series

Paint brushes are the best cost-effective and reasonable makeup brushes. Then, why not use them for your makeup? The benefit is that they work well for your eye makeup application like those expensive makeup brushes.

Angular paint brushes work perfectly for applying eyeliner or gel liner to your upper as well as lower lash line.
Thinly pointed paint brushes work amazingly for applying liner to your waterline or for precise lining of your eyes.
You could also pick a short flat bristle paint brush to pat eyeshadow all over your eyes.

Quick Tip

You can use a paintbrush to apply face makeup as well. Use wide brushes for applying blush and bronzer and fan brushes for applying glitter and powder.

Related: How To Apply Kajal Perfectly?

5. DIY Your Own Makeup Brushes:

Have you ever thought that you can easily DIY your own inexpensive makeup brushes?

Simply grab a pencil with an eraser end. Then, pull out the eraser with the help of a blunt scissors.
Now, you can take hair from a wig or artificial fibers.
After choosing the bristles, place them into the rubber placed end and press the metal tightly to secure the bristles in place.
Now, use a sharp scissors to trim the edges according to your preference.
You can easily make flat eyeshadow brushes, angled eye makeup brushes and also blending brushes for your eye makeup application with this DIY.

Quick Tip

As a general rule of thumb, look for synthetic bristles for liquid makeup application and natural ones for powdered makeup.

Are not you amazed to learn about all the pocket-friendly alternatives to expensive makeup? We cannot deny that good makeup products come with a price. Not every time do we feel up for burning a pocket in our holes for makeup. But alternatives can save our day. Now that you know it all, you can effortlessly get that flawless makeup look with the right value for money. No one can stop you from being the showstopper and stealing the show. So go ahead and get your makeup done with these alternatives..

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any makeup brush materials or technologies that are commonly used in both expensive and affordable options?

Both expensive and affordable makeup brush options often include brushes made from synthetic fibers. Brushes with dense and soft synthetic bristles work well with cream and liquid formulas and are easier to wash.

How can someone care for and maintain their makeup brushes to ensure they last as long as possible?

Rinsing the brushes with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo regularly to remove residual makeup, storing them properly in a hygienic condition, using the right brush with the right product and handling them with care can help maintain them and make them last longer.

Are more expensive brushes better?

The quality of brushes depends on bristles, handles, and durability. It is possible to find a good-quality brush at a cheap price.

Is it okay to use cheap makeup brushes?

Yes, but you might have to frequently replace them as they are less durable.

How many years do makeup brushes last?

Makeup brushes can last 1 to 10 years, depending on maintenance and quality.