Local Makeup Brush Sets: Which One is for You?

Makeup brush sets are really having a moment recently. Gone are the days that you have to order online for a Sigma, Morphe, or Real Techniques brush online or at bazaars because local beauty brands have really been stepping it up not just with every beauty product that they release but also for beauty tools. 

Now, makeup paraphernalia is definitely not a necessity. You can always just use your hands to apply makeup products, but it can’t be denied that these tools will make your life easier and make your makeup more polished. So if you’re interested in elevating your makeup game, having your own brushes is really the next step. Furthermore, buying them in sets is worth the investment as they eliminate the confusion of having to guess which individual brushes you should buy. They’re already curated and more often than not, it’s cheaper to buy it that way. So to make sure that you get your perfect match, we’re breaking down the content, pros and cons, and prices of four popular local brush sets so you’ll know which one suits your needs the most.

1. Happy Skin x Marj Full Brush Set, Php 3,203

What you’re getting: Buffing Brush, Foundation Brush, All-Around Powder Brush, Cream Cheek Brush, Setting Brush, Concealer Brush, and an All-Around Blender and a travel-friendly Standing Brush Case

Starting off strong with arguably the most popular brush set out there, a cult fave for makeup enthusiasts that can be spotted in almost any beauty creator’s vanity— the Happy Skin x Marj Full Brush Set. There’s a reason this beauty brainchild from Happy Skin and beauty content creator Marj Maroket is a Metro Beauty Awards 2023 winner in the best tools and gadgets category. It’s a 7-piece brush and beauty sponge set that is 100% vegan and cruelty-free with each brush being made of premium synthetic fibers that feel soft and plush on the skin.

Who it’s for: If you want a no-nonsense brush set that you know will perform, whatever makeup level you’re at, this set is for you. The collection literally covers all your bases as it’s composed mainly of brushes meant for your complexion. It features brushes for both creams and powders and even if you can use brushes however you want, each brush in this set has a label on it so it serves as a helpful guide if you need it. But because it’s mostly face brushes, it’s not as versatile as the other sets on this list. It’s also the second most expensive so it’s really something that you have to think about before buying. The good news is this set does also include a sponge and a case so you don’t have to worry about storage. Plus, you’re for sure going to have these brushes for a long time. Shop here.

2. Vice Co. W'EVER Jelly's Faves - Travel Brush Set, Php 999

What you’re getting: Universal Base Brush, Tapered Fluff Brush, Spot Diffuser Brush, Angled Cheek Brush, Point Blending Brush, Dual-Ended, Detailing Brush, and Flat Filler Brush

Launched together with the highly-anticipated Vice Cosmetics x Jelly Pretty Sweet and Pretty Sexy Filter Palette, the Vice Co. W'EVER Jelly's Faves - Travel Brush Set is a product professionally created and tested with veteran makeup artist and beauty content creator Jelly Eugenio, this 6-piece brush set is a curation of brushes that will help you achieve the best results when you do your makeup routine. 

Who it’s for: If you’re looking for efficiency and want a set that can accomplish a complete makeup look, go for this set. It has brushes starting from the base, to the brows, down to the lip so it’s almost a guarantee that no brush will go unused. As its name suggests, it’s great for travel but because of its compact size, it might take you a little time to build up the products you’re putting on. On the other hand, because of the very same feature, you’ll get more precision. It’s also the most inexpensive option from the list that still feels and performs like a luxurious brush set. 

3. Strokes The Pro Brush Elite Collection Premium Kit, Php 3,598

What you’re getting: 01 - Recommended for overall buffing using powders, 02 - Recommended for powder application, 03 - Perfect for a seamless blend of foundation, liquids, and creams, 04 - Recommended for cream or liquid contour and bronzer, 05 - Recommended for powder contour, bronzer, and highlighter, 06 - Perfect for concealing smaller areas around eyes, nose, and lips, and 07 - Recommended for powder detailing, precise blending and diffusing harsh lines

The Strokes The Pro Brush Elite Collection Premium Kit is a set that boasts seven pro-grade tools that were intricately designed by beauty industry legend Momoi Supe. It uses the softest faux goat hair bristles and a deluxe amber marble handle to give you that first-class blend. It’s a masterfully-created brush set that’s designed to perfect and elevate your makeup.

Who it’s for: If you’re really looking to perfect your complexion specifically, this is the brush set to buy. As the name suggests, this brush set might not be for a makeup neophyte, but better suited for someone more proficient with makeup tools. The brushes are purposely not named, and only labeled by numbers as the brand promotes using it however you want it to be used. So for someone new to makeup who might need more guidance when it comes to identifying which brush to use, it might become a challenge. But out of all the items on this list, this set looks and feels the most opulent. From the design to the incredibly soft feel of the brushes to the ergonomically efficient grip of the handle, you’ll really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. The set might be a splurge but fortunately, the brushes can be bought individually at a Php  200 to Php 300 price range. Shop here.

4. Lovely Causemetics Essential Brush Set, Php 2,488

What you’re getting: Foundation brush, anything creamy brush, contour brush, powder brush, small cream brush, concealer brush, highlighter brush, fluffy blending brush, universal blending brush, universal blending brush, precise blending brush, shadow brush, firm shadow brush, detailing brush, pointed packer brush, upper crease brush, and angled liner brush

One of the OG local brush sets, the Lovely Causemetics Essential Brush Set has made its rounds in the beauty community and has been perfected over the years. The brushes are made of high-quality synthetic bristles and come in a blended white and silver shade, with glossy, soft-touch handles. 

Who it’s for: With 16 brushes for under Php 2,500, this set is definitely the best bang for your buck. The brushes are soft and the set has several brushes for both the eyes and the face. The only downside is some brushes do feel similar to each other so you might not be able to use all of them. They’re great if you need extras for when you use different shades and finishes and don’t wanna color contaminate. This set is also a good choice if you want to share with a friend. You can pick and choose which ones you like and you’ll still each end up with a complete set even if you split them! Shop here.