Fashion

11 Weird (But Cool) Makeup Brushes You Need

by Rosie Narasaki

Sometimes, when it comes to building your makeup brush collection, it can become all about the basics: After all, you're looking for multi-functional workhorse pieces to really make your budget count. Still though, it can be fun to shop for weird (but cool!) makeup brushes at times. I mean, when you think about, most of them look weird for a reason — and their weirdness is key to their greatness! Of course, some of them just plain look weird. But that's always awesome too! When it comes down to it, really: who doesn't want a few strange-looking standouts in their daily brush rotation?

So, where to start? Well, perhaps most infamously, you've got Artis Elite's toothbrush-looking full brush set, carefully made for ergonomic blending precision, but don't fear — most of your favorite brands sell a strange brush or two, from Sephora's in-house brand, to rms beauty, all the way to vintage-inspired favorite Bésame Cosmetics. Suffice it to say, weird makeup brushes are everywhere — and you should make it your mission to incorporate at least a few of them into your collection. And with all that in mind, let's take a quick look at 11 of the best weird makeup brushes out there!

1. NARS Yachiyo Brush

NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush, $55, Sephora

This one's definitely got quite the quirky look — but it's great for a light dusting of illuminator. Plus, that cool lookin' handle is made with hand-woven wisteria.

2. Artis Elite Mirror Brush Set

Artis Elite Mirror Brush Set, $170, Artis Brush

If you ever feel like treating yourself to amazing makeup brushes from the future, you might want to give Artis' wares a try. They apply makeup like a dream — and they've even got ergonomic handles. Oh, and if you're in need of any more convincing? Well, Kylie Jenner uses them to apply moisturizer.

3. MAC Oval 6 Brush

MAC Oval 6 Brush, $42, Mac Cosmetics

If you were into Artis' brushes, it might also be worth looking into MAC's — they offer a similarly deluxe high-tech line of brushes.

4. BlendSmart Automated Makeup Brush System

BlendSmart Automated Makeup Brush System, $69, Amazon

Speaking of high-tech brushes? This one actually helps you blend.

5. RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush

RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush, $38, Sephora

Looks like something straight out of a Candyland dream, right? Apparently the swirls are supposed to help give a natural finish, just like your swirly fingertips.

6. Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Perfector #51

Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Perfector #51, $34, Sephora

It's super soft and super good and blending foundation — and most importantly, it looks cool af.

7. Elizabeth Arden Foundation Blender Brush

Elizabeth Arden Foundation Blender Brush, $15, Elizabeth Arden

It's like a beauty blender on a stick!

8. IT Cosmetics Tightliner 10-In-1 Dual-Ended Brush #13

IT Cosmetics Tightliner 10-In-1 Dual-Ended Brush #13, $24, Ulta

It may look like something that belongs at the dentist's office, but it's actually ideal for precision eyeliner application.

9. Bésame Cosmetics Boudoir Short Hair Contour Brush

Bésame Cosmetics Boudoir Short Hair Contour Brush, $48, Sephora

Low-key looks kind of like something you'd use to brush a horse — but it's still gorgeous in that classic Bésame vintage way. It's inspired by the '30s, and buffs like a dream.

10. Sephora Collection 412 Medium Paintbrush

Sephora Collection 412 Medium Paintbrush, $43, Sephora

How cool is this paintbrush-looking makeup brush? Plus, it's every bit as functional as it is tongue-in-cheek.

11. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Foundation Brush & Spatula

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Foundation Brush & Spatula, $30, Ulta

Apparently, the little swirly thing on the bottom is for scooping the foundation the brush is meant to blend. Weird-looking, but handy!

Images: Courtesy of Brands