I travel a lot for work (check out my luxury travel blog), and I don’t always have the luxury – or space – to carry around a full set of makeup brushes.
Instead, I bring a compact brush set that fulfils all my makeup needs in a pinch. It takes no space at all and weighs practically nothing.
In this article, I’ve listed some of the best travel makeup brushes that I’m still using to this day. They’re all good quality and budget-friendly, so you can’t go wrong with any of them!
This post contains affiliate links.
At a glance
- Best Overall: Ms. Wenny Makeup Brush Set
- Runner-Up: Jilier Travel Makeup Brushes
- Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Blavvennt Travel Makeup Brushes Set
- Best for Beauty Mavens: Shany Vegan Makeup Brushes
Best Travel Makeup Brushes
1. Ms. Wenny Makeup Brush Set
Best Overall
Of all the travel-friendly makeup brushes I’ve tried, I often find myself falling back to the Ms. Wenny Brush Set.
This 4-in-1 brush set is super compact, measuring only 5.5 inches. It comes with a blending blush, an eyeshadow brush, a lip brush, and an angled powder brush, covering all the essentials you need for a basic makeup routine.
The bristles are firm enough for precise application, and they’re made of high-quality, cruelty-free synthetic fibers.
I’ve been using these brushes for travel for well over five years and the bristle fallout is minimal, which is impressive considering the price.
2. Jilier Travel Makeup Brushes
Runner-Up
When traveling, it’s only natural to want to pack as light and compact as possible. And you can’t go any more compact than the Jilier Travel Brush Set.
This double-ended brush splits in the middle to reveal another small double-ended brush inside.
The inner brushes are perfect for concealers and eyeshadows, while the outer brushes are ideal for larger applications such as foundation and powder.
As for the quality of the brushes, there’s little to complain about. The bristles are soft and fluffy, made of synthetic fiber.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the only problem I have with this brush is that the inner brush is extremely tiny – no more than a finger long. But that’s a small tradeoff for compact portability.
3. Blavvennt Travel Makeup Brushes Set
Best Budget-Friendly Pick
Traveling light doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. This budget-friendly travel brush set by Blavvennt is surprisingly solid for its price.
The brushes are soft to the touch and the handle is made of ABS material, durable enough to withstand the occasional tumble.
The foundation/powder brush isn’t dense enough for heavier foundation, but it works well for sheerer coverage or setting powder.
4. Shany Vegan Makeup Brushes
Best for Beauty Mavens
If you have a multi-step makeup routine, four brushes might not be enough to achieve the look you desire. This is where the Shany Vegan Brush Set comes in handy.
It has six double-ended brushes, offering a total of 12 unique functions. The bristles are synthetic and the handles are made of wood.
The brushes are packaged in a compact carrying case, keeping them organized while taking up minimal space in your luggage.
How to Store Your Makeup Brushes For Travel
The best advice I have when storing makeup brushes is to not loosely store them in your makeup bag.
Your makeup bag is a breeding ground for bacteria, which will transfer to your face whenever you use your brushes.
And even if your makeup brush is miraculously bacteria-free, you’ll still end up rummaging around the bag to find the brush you want to use.
This is why you should always store your makeup brushes in a dedicated pouch or container. If you don’t have a pouch, wrap your brushes individually with a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
To prevent breakouts and other skin issues, it’s important that you clean your brushes at least once every week. Here’s how:
- Rinse the tips of your brushes under lukewarm water.
- Apply a small amount of cleanser to the brussels and gently massage the brush tips.
- Rinse the brushes again under lukewarm water until it runs clear.
- Squeeze out any excess water with a clean towel.
- Let dry for at least 12 hours before next use.
If you’re using a sponge or beauty blender, wash it after every use. Sponges are notorious for accumulating bacteria because they stay wet for a while after use.
If you store them away immediately, all the dust, dirt, and bacteria in its surroundings will stick to the sponge.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide on the best travel makeup brushes helped you find the right brush set for your next adventure!
All the brushes on this list are lightweight and compact, so they won’t eat up a lot of space in your luggage. The brushes themselves are good quality, with soft yet firm bristles.
Let me know any of your favorite travel makeup brushes in the comments below!