When they’re full-sized, I like them, because you can often save a little money compared to buying them separately. I prefer smaller brush sets (3-7 brushes), rather than mega-sets, as mega sets often include shapes/sizes that I would rarely use. I’m not a fan of minis/travel-sets in general as they tend to be lower in quality, even though I’d love to see more short-handled options out there.
— Christine
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Love the fact that you usually get a good deal with a set. Then again I usually don’t use and/or need all brushes that come in a set, which is why I still prefer to buy separates most of the time.
I agree about mini sets being low quality! It’s a shame because a lot of people “test” brands by starting with those sets, and they get turned off before trying the actual good brushes.
I love EcoTools’ dual-ended eye brush set because it’s four brush heads combined on two handles…but I’ll be honest, I rarely use the brush heads for their designated purposes. I go with whichever ends are the cleanest. There does seem to be a disconnect between the way companies curate their sets and the ways that women generally do their makeup. I’d love to see sets of “five normal shadow brushes for the price of four – because we all know you’re not washing them as often as you should.”
I may be unique or bizarre in this, but frankly I hate brush sets. They typically contain a mix of brushes where there’s one or more that I don’t want/need. I also don’t see much difference between high dollar and cheap brushes – I’ve bought both. I have some high dollar brushes that are awful and some cheap ones that are great. I frequently don’t use brushes for the purpose they are intended for either. I mix and match and use whatever brush I think will provide the application I’m looking for. I do agree with your comment on travel sizes with the exception of the MUFE kabuki brush in a zip case that I have (I believe it came with a powder). I love the brush and think it’s one of the better ones in my collection; although I do use it in my makeup bag and not for daily application.
I love ’em! I can get a variety of brushes that I need, at a cost efficient value. Like Christine, I’m also not a fan of travel-size brush sets. To me, they seem a little…child-like; as though I’m playing with toy makeup tools. Those sets are just way too ‘Polly Pocket’ for me. Lol. If my brushes are going to be short, I prefer them to be kabuki/buffers.
Full-size brush sets are in my zone. I love the 15 to 36-piece sets. The assortment for face and eyes are usually quite excellent, and some sets come with uniquely shaped brushes. I like to keep my tools out on display for easy makeup application access, and full-size brushes allows me to see what I need, right away.
I still enjoy buying individual brushes, here and there, but owning a [full-size] set is more advantageous.
I never buy sets because rarely do they contain the brushes I want which quickly negates any financial benefit. 🙁
p.s. I hates the ‘throw-ins’.. spoolies (high end, or not :D, or brow/lash combo combs)
Oh I did laugh at this! I totally agree!
They can be a good deal, but I often get stuck with brushes I don’t have a use for. I find often times the sets have lower quality than the single brushes, but that depends on the brand and which set. One has to be very careful. I usually prefer to buy single brushes. I like the smaller Real Techniques, EcoTools and Sonia Kashuk sets. Mini travel sets tend to be crap, as do GWP sets.
It depends on the set! I’ve had some that have been super useful and good quality and others that are terrible.
I have used regular artist’s brushes my whole cosmetic life. They have lasted me just about forever, clean easily with baby shampoo and water, and come in various sizes so I can get exactly the thing I want. I don’t like synthetic bristles and don’t really like brush sets. I’ve never even been tempted to get a brush set, especially lately since most of them sport synthetic bristles unless they are so expensive I can’t even afford to look at them. I love the look of that Nars long-handled brush that looks like some kind of beautiful artist’s calligraphy brush but can’t bring myself to spend $50+ for it.
Sephora had a mini set with the 55 brush and several others that were the same quality as the pro brushes, thry were pro brushes, that is about the only travel set I have seen like that and I supplemented with a couple of other brushes bought individually elsewhere.
Often the brush sets are part of a deal, which is great value and you never know when you are going to need a different type of brush. The only thing with buying them online is that you can’t tell the quality of them. You just have to rely on the brand’s good name.
The only brush set I’ve purchased is the Original Wayne Goss set that first came out a few years ago. They are beautiful brushes and made well, but they are SO soft that it seems hard to pick up much product with them Does anyone else have that problem?
Rave: I think it’s good (when they’re full sized) if you’re starting out (I got a few Real Techniques sets to begin with) and need to get a decent stock in, and also if you see specific sets you’re interested in once you’ve been using makeup for a while as it’s much better value for money.
Rant: I don’t like the mini ones as they get lost in the candle jars I store them in. Also sometimes sets may be poorer quality than individual brushes as they think they can get away with that. I also don’t like the HUGE sets as you end up never using at least half the brushes which is a total waste.
I have purchased sets in the past because the bristles were pretty but I didn’t use them. So I don’t do that any more. Well at least for a while.
I never like brush sets except a few ones from Sigma. Brush sets typically come with brushes which I will never use so always prefer individual ones. Hey Christine, could you please do a Morphe Brushes guide like the must haves?