Best Synthetic Brushes for Professional Makeup Artists in 2024

If you're an artist, you know that the right brush can make all the difference in your work. Synthetic brushes are a popular choice for many artists due to their affordability, durability, and versatility. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, synthetic brushes can provide you with the quality you need to create beautiful art.

When it comes to choosing the best synthetic brush, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The type of bristle, the shape of the brush, and the size of the brush are all important factors to consider. You'll want to choose a brush that's appropriate for the medium you're using, whether it's acrylics, oils, or watercolors. Additionally, the size and shape of the brush will affect the type of strokes you can make and the level of detail you can achieve.

After researching and testing various synthetic brushes, we've compiled a list of the best synthetic brushes for artists. We've taken into consideration the quality of the bristles, the shape and size of the brush, and the overall value for the price. With our recommendations, you'll be able to find the perfect synthetic brush to help you create your next masterpiece.

Best Synthetic Brushes

If you're looking for high-quality synthetic brushes that perform like natural hair brushes without the animal cruelty, you've come to the right place. In this roundup, we've compiled a list of the best synthetic brushes on Amazon that are perfect for all your painting needs. Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner, these brushes will help you achieve the perfect stroke every time. So without further ado, let's dive into the list of the best synthetic brushes available on Amazon.

Jerry Q Art 12 PC White Synthetic Hair Round and Flat Paint Brush Set with Short Wood Handle for Acrylic, Watercolor and All Media JQ17931

If you're looking for an affordable brush set that offers great quality, the Jerry Q Art 12 PC White Synthetic Hair Round and Flat Paint Brush Set is a good choice.

Pros

• The high-quality synthetic hair is perfect for acrylic, watercolor, and all media.
• The short wood handles are natural and easy to grip.
• The good quality secured aluminum ferrule ensures no wobbles while painting.

Cons

• The tips of the brushes don't hold their point well for detail work.
• The brushes may not be suitable for use with oils.
• The set doesn't include larger brush sizes.

This brush set is ideal for beginners, students, hobbyists, and artists. The small size round shapes are perfect for detailed work creating thin lines, while the bigger size round shape brushes are great for creating thick to medium strokes, round stippling, and dots. The flat shape brushes are good for creating broader strokes, and thin lines can be created when the side of the brush is used.

To better protect your brushes, keep them immersed in water when not in use. Do not allow paint to harden in the brush. Rinse out color thoroughly in warm water and reshape.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a budget-friendly brush set that offers good quality, the Jerry Q Art 12 PC White Synthetic Hair Round and Flat Paint Brush Set is a great option for acrylic, watercolor, and all media painting.

U.S. Art Supply 3 Pack of Variety Size Synthetic Bristle Paint, Chip and Utility Paint Brushes for Paint, Stains, Varnishes, Glues, and Gesso

If you're looking for a set of synthetic brushes for your painting needs, the U.S. Art Supply 3 Pack of Variety Size Synthetic Bristle Paint, Chip and Utility Paint Brushes for Paint, Stains, Varnishes, Glues, and Gesso might just be the one for you.

Pros

• Provides a smoother finish with its 100% synthetic bristle
• Comes with smooth sanded wood handles and tin ferrules
• Great utility brushes for use with most paints, stains, varnish, acrylic, and gesso

Cons

• Bristles are 1-1/2" to 1-7/8" long, which may not be suitable for some painting styles
• Some users experience bristles coming off on the canvas
• Quality may not be as good as more expensive brushes

The U.S. Art Supply 3 Pack of Variety Size Synthetic Bristle Paint, Chip and Utility Paint Brushes for Paint, Stains, Varnishes, Glues, and Gesso is a set of affordable brushes that provide a smoother finish with its 100% synthetic bristle. The brushes come with smooth sanded wood handles and tin ferrules, making them comfortable to use for extended periods. They are also versatile utility brushes that can be used with most paints, stains, varnish, acrylic, and gesso.

However, the bristles are 1-1/2" to 1-7/8" long, which may not be suitable for some painting styles. Some users also experience bristles coming off on the canvas, which can be frustrating. While the brushes are affordable, the quality may not be as good as more expensive brushes.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable set of synthetic brushes that can be used for various painting needs, the U.S. Art Supply 3 Pack of Variety Size Synthetic Bristle Paint, Chip and Utility Paint Brushes for Paint, Stains, Varnishes, Glues, and Gesso is worth considering.

Jerry Q Art Detail Paint Brushes

Looking for a set of high-quality synthetic brushes for your detail works? Jerry Q Art has got you covered with their 12-piece brush set suitable for artists, students, and hobbyists of any age. This set comes with a beautiful product packaging, making it an ideal gift set.

Pros

• The golden synthetic hair of the brushes is of high quality and does not shed, providing you with a smooth painting experience.
• The ferrules of the brushes are highly secured, ensuring that they do not wiggle while painting.
• The short wooden handles of the brushes make them easy to handle and control, making them perfect for fine details.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the brushes are not suitable for heavy-duty painting.
• The brushes may require frequent cleaning to maintain their quality.
• The set may not include all the brush sizes that you need for your painting projects.

Jerry Q Art's Detail Paint Brushes are perfect for oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting on various surfaces such as canvas, pottery, ceramics, wood, paper, metal, and plastics. These brushes are usable for your detail miniature works and provide you with a smooth painting experience with no shedding.

To better protect your brushes, keep them immersed in water when not in use, do not allow paint to harden in brush, rinse out colors thoroughly in warm water and reshape. Overall, this set is a perfect choice for students, beginners, and artists looking for high-quality synthetic brushes for their detail works.

ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set, 16Packs/160Pcs

If you're looking for an affordable and versatile paint brush set, the ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set might be worth considering.

Pros

• With 16 packs/160 pcs of brushes, this set includes a wide variety of sizes and shapes, making it suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children, and painters of all levels.
• The brushes are designed with anti-falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrules, and solid wood handles, ensuring high quality and durability.
• This set can be used for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, and more.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the colors of the brushes are not the same as the photo on the product page.
• While the quality of the brushes is good overall, some users have noted that a few of the brushes are equivalent to about a size 2 round brush.
• The set may not be suitable for professional artists or those who require very specific brush sizes and shapes.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable and versatile paint brush set that can be used for various types of painting, the ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set might be a good choice. However, keep in mind that the colors of the brushes may not match the product photo, and some of the brushes may not be the exact sizes and shapes you need.

1 inch Flat Paint Brushes for Acrylic Painting,12 Pieces Large Synthetic Paint Brushes Bulk with Wooden Handle for Acrylic, Watercolor, Oil, Crafts, Face Body Art

If you're looking for a set of synthetic brushes for your painting projects, the 1 inch Flat Paint Brushes from GACDR is a great option.

Pros

• Hand crafted and high-quality aluminum double-crimped ferrules ensure the brushes won't loosen or fall apart.
• The wooden handle is straight and persistent, providing the perfect combination of balance and comfort, even for long painting sessions.
• The 12-piece set provides a range of brush sizes for different painting needs.

Cons

• Some users reported issues with the metal ferrule coming loose on one brush.
• The brushes may not be as durable as more expensive options.
• The bristles may not be suitable for all types of paint.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly set of brushes for your painting projects, the GACDR 1 inch Flat Paint Brushes are a great option. The hand-crafted and high-quality aluminum double-crimped ferrules ensure the brushes won't loosen or fall apart, while the wooden handle provides a comfortable grip. The 12-piece set provides a range of brush sizes for different painting needs, and the brushes are easy to clean and maintain. However, some users reported issues with the metal ferrule coming loose on one brush, and the brushes may not be as durable as more expensive options. Additionally, the bristles may not be suitable for all types of paint.

Fuumuui Synthetic Paint Brush Set

If you're looking for a versatile paint brush set that can handle acrylic and oil paintings, the Fuumuui Synthetic Paint Brush Set might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The soft synthetic bristles have excellent load capacity and control of colors, providing consistent smooth flow of paint.
• The double-crimped copper ferrules are strong and won't loosen over time, ensuring the brushes last long.
• With 24 brushes in 8 series and a variety of sizes, you have the flexibility to bring your vision to life on a large scale, in tiny detail, or anything in between.

Cons

• Some users have found the palette knife to be too rigid to be useful in painting.
• The fan brushes could be better constructed.
• The brushes may not be suitable for professional artists who require higher quality brushes.

The Fuumuui Synthetic Paint Brush Set is a great choice for beginner and intermediate artists who want a wide variety of brush shapes and sizes at an affordable price. The soft synthetic bristles provide excellent control of colors, while the sturdy ferrules ensure the brushes last long. However, the palette knife could be improved, and the brushes may not be suitable for professional artists who require higher quality brushes. Overall, this set is a great value for the price and is perfect for those looking to experiment with different brush shapes and sizes.

ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set

If you're in the market for a versatile set of paint brushes suitable for various painting mediums, the ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The set includes 10 different sizes of brushes, making it easy to choose the right one for your project.
• The brushes are made of high-quality materials, including anti-falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrules, and solid wood handles.
• The set is easy to maintain, with brushes that can be easily cleaned and reshaped with warm soapy water.

Cons

• Some users may find that the brushes shed bristles during use.
• The brushes may not be suitable for very fine details or intricate work.
• The set may not include all the sizes and shapes of brushes that some users prefer.

This set of paint brushes is suitable for artists of all levels, including students, teenagers, children, and professionals. The brushes are versatile and can be used for a variety of mediums, including watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts, and crafts painting.

The high-quality materials used in the brushes ensure that they are durable and long-lasting, while the solid wood handles provide a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue during long painting sessions. The set is also easy to maintain, with brushes that can be easily cleaned and reshaped for long-term use.

Overall, if you're looking for a versatile set of paint brushes that are easy to maintain and made of high-quality materials, the ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set is definitely worth considering.

Great Andrew Foam Paint Brush with Wooden Handle 24-Pieces Paint Brushes,Paint Brush,Paint Brush Set

If you're looking for a versatile and affordable set of foam brushes, the Great Andrew Foam Paint Brush Set is worth considering.

Pros

• This set includes a variety of sizes, making it suitable for a range of painting projects.
• The foam brushes are easy to use and clean, with no brush marks left behind.
• The hardwood handles are lightweight and easy to hold, with beveled foam tips for getting into tight areas.

Cons

• The foam may disintegrate quickly, particularly when using the larger brushes.
• Some users have reported that the brush heads become loose after a few minutes of use.
• The quality of the brushes may not be consistent across all pieces in the set.

If you're looking for a set of foam brushes that you can use for a variety of painting projects, the Great Andrew Foam Paint Brush Set is a good option to consider. With 24 pieces included, you'll have a range of sizes to choose from, making it easy to tackle everything from small crafts to larger furniture items.

One of the standout features of these brushes is the beveled foam tips, which make it easy to get into tight areas and achieve a feathered look. The hardwood handles are also a nice touch, as they're lightweight and easy to hold.

However, some users have reported that the foam disintegrates quickly, particularly when using the larger brushes. Additionally, some have noted that the brush heads become loose after just a few minutes of use, which can be frustrating.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable set of foam brushes that will get the job done, the Great Andrew Foam Paint Brush Set is worth considering. Just be aware that the quality may not be consistent across all pieces in the set, and that the foam may not hold up as well as you'd like.

ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set

If you're an artist looking for a versatile and high-quality brush collection, the ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set could be a great choice for you.

Pros

• The ferrules won't come off easily, as ARTIFY uses a premium glue where wood and bristles come together.
• The possibility of hair loss is minimized thanks to the selection of high-quality nylon materials specifically intended for this purpose.
• The brush construction is advanced in terms of water absorption and elasticity, ensuring the shape won't be distorted even after long-term use.

Cons

• Some users have experienced fallout from the bristles.
• The palette knife could be of better quality.
• The nylon cloth roll may not be durable enough for long-term use.

This brush set includes 24 different shapes and sizes, including liner, flat, angular, filbert, round, fan, and comb brushes. The nylon hair is imported from Korea, ensuring excellent elasticity and shape retention. The set is suitable for acrylic, watercolor, oil, and gouache painting.

The nylon cloth roll is portable, stylish, and lightweight, making it easy to store in a carry bag or backpack. It also provides essential protection for your tools from unwanted damage.

Many users have found this set to be of great quality for the price. However, some have experienced fallout from the bristles, and the palette knife could be of better quality. Overall, the ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set is a great choice for artists of all levels looking for a versatile and high-quality brush collection.

Transon Synthetic Filbert Paint Brush Set 10pcs

Whether you're a professional artist or a newbie, the Transon Synthetic Filbert Paint Brush Set 10pcs is a great addition to your painting kit.

Pros

• These filbert brushes are suitable for both professional and newbie artists.
• The nylon bristles are soft, durable, and flexible, allowing for controlled application of paints.
• Nylon brushes are secured with aluminum crimped ferrules, preventing them from loosening or falling apart easily.

Cons

• The set only includes filbert brushes, limiting the variety of brush shapes available.
• The brushes may not be suitable for oil painting due to their softness.
• Some users may find the brush handles too short for their liking.

This brush set is perfect for those looking for a versatile and affordable option for acrylic painting, watercolor, gouache, and ink painting. The set includes 10 pieces of filbert paint brushes, ranging from sizes 2 to 16.

The soft nylon bristles make it easy to apply and control paints, while the durable and flexible material ensures longevity and prevents shedding. Additionally, the aluminum crimped ferrules keep the bristles securely in place, ensuring that the brushes will last for a long time.

While the set only includes filbert brushes, the range of sizes available makes it easy to achieve different effects and create intricate details. However, some users may find the brush handles too short for their liking, which can be uncomfortable during long painting sessions.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and affordable set of filbert brushes for your painting needs, the Transon Synthetic Filbert Paint Brush Set 10pcs is definitely worth considering.

Falling in Art Synthetic Brush Set

If you're looking for a versatile brush set that's perfect for a variety of painting techniques, the Falling in Art Synthetic Brush Set is a great choice.

Pros

• The set includes 18 brushes with different shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect brush for any project.
• The synthetic nylon bristles are durable and soft, allowing for even paint distribution and easy cleanup.
• The wooden handles are sturdy and comfortable to hold, making it easy to create intricate strokes and details.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the brushes don't hold their shape well over time.
• The bristles may become discolored after use, especially when working with darker colors.
• The set may not include all of the brush sizes and shapes that a professional artist may need.

If you're a beginner or intermediate artist looking for a quality brush set that won't break the bank, the Falling in Art Synthetic Brush Set is a great choice. The brushes are versatile and easy to use, and the set includes a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any project. However, if you're a professional artist with specific needs, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end brush set.

Brusarth Artist Paint Brush Set of 14

If you're looking for a versatile set of painting brushes, the Brusarth Artist Paint Brush Set of 14 is a great option.

Pros

• The set includes a variety of brush shapes and sizes, allowing for a range of painting techniques and surfaces.
• The bristles hold a good amount of paint, and the easy-grip handles give you fine control.
• The brushes hold up well regardless of what you're painting on, and there is no staining or shedding.

Cons

• The set may not include all the brush sizes and shapes you need for your specific project.
• Some users may find the bristles to be too soft or too stiff for their preferences.
• The fan brush included in the set may not be as effective as other brushes for certain techniques.

This paint brush set is suitable for watercolors, acrylics, gouaches, oil, and tempera. It comes with a variety of brush shapes and sizes, including round, angular, filbert, flat, cat's tongue, and fan brushes. The set is perfect for both hobbyists and professionals, and the brushes are suitable for painting on fabric, canvas, wood, or board.

The bristles are soft yet firm, allowing for a good amount of paint to be held and applied to the surface. The easy-grip handles provide fine control, making it easy to create detailed and precise artwork. The brushes hold up well regardless of what you're painting on, and there is no staining or shedding.

However, the set may not include all the brush sizes and shapes you need for your specific project. Some users may find the bristles to be too soft or too stiff for their preferences. Additionally, the fan brush included in the set may not be as effective as other brushes for certain techniques.

Overall, the Brusarth Artist Paint Brush Set of 14 is a great option for those looking for a versatile set of painting brushes that can be used with a variety of painting techniques and surfaces.

Amagic 9Pcs Flat Tipped Art Paintbrush Set

If you're looking for an affordable and versatile set of synthetic brushes, the Amagic 9Pcs Flat Tipped Art Paintbrush Set is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Meets all-purpose painting needs with a variety of sizes suitable for professionals, beginners, kids, and hobby painters
• Professional flat-tipped brushes with strong absorbent and springy nylon hair suitable for watercolor, oil painting, nail art, detail embellishment, body & face painting with acrylic paints
• Ergonomic handles with long solid wooden handle, straight and persistent foaming, providing the perfect combination between balance and comfort, to deliver consistent paint strokes that every artist desires

Cons

• May not be suitable for heavy use or professional-grade painting
• Some users have reported shedding or fraying of the brushes after extended use
• The included storage container may not be very durable and may not fit all of the brushes securely

These brushes are made of high-quality materials and are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of painting styles and techniques. The ergonomic handles and versatile brush tips make them comfortable and easy to use, even for extended periods of time. However, they may not be suitable for heavy use or professional-grade painting, and some users have reported shedding or fraying of the brushes after extended use. Overall, if you're looking for an affordable and versatile set of synthetic brushes, the Amagic 9Pcs Flat Tipped Art Paintbrush Set is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best synthetic brush, there are a few key features you should consider before making a purchase. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can ensure that you select a product that will meet your needs and deliver the results you desire.

First and foremost, consider the type of bristles used in the brush. Synthetic brushes are typically made from nylon or polyester, and each material offers unique benefits. Nylon bristles tend to be more durable and offer good spring, while polyester bristles are softer and more flexible. Think about the type of painting you will be doing and choose a brush with bristles that are appropriate for your medium and technique.

Another important factor to consider is the shape of the brush. Synthetic brushes come in a variety of shapes, including flat, round, filbert, and fan. Each shape is designed for a specific purpose, so think about the type of strokes you want to create and choose a brush shape that will help you achieve that effect.

The size of the brush is also an important consideration. Brushes come in a range of sizes, from small detail brushes to large wash brushes. Think about the size of the canvas or surface you will be painting on, as well as the level of detail you want to achieve, and choose a brush size that will allow you to work comfortably and effectively.

Finally, consider the quality of the brush. Look for a brush that is well-made, with securely fastened bristles and a sturdy handle. A high-quality brush may cost more upfront, but it will likely last longer and provide better results over time.

By considering these factors and taking the time to choose the right synthetic brush for your needs, you can enjoy a more enjoyable and successful painting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated synthetic brushes for miniature painting?

When it comes to miniature painting, synthetic brushes are a popular choice due to their ability to maintain their shape and hold paint well. Some of the top-rated synthetic brushes for miniature painting include Winsor & Newton Series 7 Miniature, Da Vinci Maestro Series 10, and Raphael Kaerell.

Which synthetic brushes are preferred by professionals for acrylic painting?

Acrylic painting requires brushes that can handle the thicker consistency of acrylic paint. Some of the synthetic brushes that are preferred by professionals for acrylic painting include Princeton Catalyst Polytip, Escoda Versatil, and Silver Brush Black Velvet.

What characteristics define a high-quality synthetic brush?

A high-quality synthetic brush should have a good snap, meaning it should be able to return to its original shape after being flexed. It should also have good paint retention, be durable, and have a smooth and even application. Additionally, the brush should feel comfortable to hold and have a good balance.

Are there synthetic brushes that perform well with watercolor techniques?

Yes, there are synthetic brushes that perform well with watercolor techniques. Synthetic brushes that are designed for watercolor painting should have good water retention, a sharp point, and a good snap. Some of the synthetic brushes that perform well with watercolor techniques include Da Vinci Cosmotop Spin, Escoda Prado, and Silver Brush Black Velvet.

How do synthetic paint brushes compare to natural ones in terms of performance?

Synthetic brushes have come a long way in recent years and can now perform just as well as natural brushes. They have the advantage of being more durable, easier to clean, and less expensive than natural brushes. However, some artists still prefer natural brushes for their unique qualities and feel.

What brands are known for producing the best synthetic artist brushes?

There are several brands that are known for producing high-quality synthetic artist brushes. Some of the most popular brands include Winsor & Newton, Da Vinci, Escoda, Raphael, and Silver Brush. It's important to note that the best brand for you may depend on your personal preferences and the specific type of painting you are doing.