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Do you want to hear something interesting? I was once that person who would cram a huge thick makeup bag into my luggage despite my amazing travel kit ideas and, of course, bring every all brush from home as well. Does this make sense to you? The same stupid result was that brushes would become tangled and take up heavy luggage space, half of them would get lost first in the depths of my bag, and then in my toiletkit as well.

The entire situation flipped when I came across the game-changing must-have of a good travel makeup brush set. After much downsized retesting (and way too many airport security line struggles), finally, I have figured out the combinations that are real for the real-life travel situations. Here I have for you my very own thoughts on 4 travel makeup brush sets that have really changed my way of dealing with beauty on the go.

In case you want to renew your makeup stuff completely not only with brushes, I have created an exhaustive list of the best makeup sets for every beauty lover which covers everything from the simplest sets for beginners to the most professional collections.

Why Every Traveler Should Have a Travel Makeup Brush Set

Before we go to my favorites, let’s have an honest chat about why it is essential to buy a proper travel makeup brush set. I acquired this life truth on a business trip to Chicago and I learned it the hard way. My regular brushes took a huge portion of my carry-on space, and I couldn’t even get the look I wanted with my tiny hotel bathroom mirror.

The fact is, with travel makeup application, you are in a totally different world. It is impossible to create a look on the road just like the one you do at home. It requires the use of small but versatile, heavy-duty brushes that can endure the tossing in luggage and, at the same time, the same brushes should be able to create a perfect look for you in very little time. A travel makeup brush set is a special solution for all these issues while keeping your luggage light and tidy.

My Top 4 Travel Makeup Brush Set Recommendations

These great 4 travel makeup brush sets are the fruits of months of testing countless alternatives while moving around three continents. Each one has a different use and travel style, which is why I will explain when you need it and why.

1. LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Retractable Black Kabuki Brush for Liquid

Let me begin with what I consider the best and the most sophisticated way to go about powder application while traveling. This retractable kabuki brush from Laura Geller handed its claim of being the elegant one to me two years ago, and even now it performs like it was just bought.

The brilliant idea of this brush is that it is retractable. You will never have to deal with the caps that you can’t help but lose or brushes that get crushed in your makeup bag because this one simply retracts into its own handle. This is a genius idea! This is a great travel makeup brush because the brush head is just right for both setting powder application and blending bronzer and blush.

The bristles are synthetic and quite soft – the quality amazed me when I first used them. The bristles pick up the right amount of product thanks to little density, which means you won’t, in fact, land in a situation where you will accidently get too much powder in the bad light bathroom. I have used liquid foundations, cream blushes, and setting powders, and all of them work great with this brush.

The only issue is that it mainly serves to use powder products so you will need additional brushes for a complete travel makeup routine.

2. Daubigny Makeup Brushes Dual-ended Foundation Brush Concealer Brush

This practical dual-ended brush deserves to take all the glory in the travel makeup brush set world. It’s like having two essential brushes in the space of one, which is exactly what smart packing is all about.

One end is a foundation brush that complements both liquid and cream foundations. The bristles are densely packed but still soft enough for comfortable blending. I have found it to be particularly effective in layering coverage gradually, which is super when you are in lighting conditions that are less than optimal.

The other one is for concealer application, that’s where the brush actually shines. The smaller, more precise head allows for targeted coverage under the eyes, around the nose, and on any blemishes. The shape is perfect for blending concealer seamlessly without disturbing the foundation underneath.

What I love most about this brush is its ability to streamline my morning routine when I’m traveling. Instead of searching around for different brushes, I can use it for just this one tool to finish my base makeup. It’s a must in my travel makeup brush set as it saves a lot of time by doing two steps that usually take a lot of time.

3. Alleyoop Multi-Tasker 4-in-1 Travel Makeup Brush Set

Now, if you are thinking about real ideational breakthrough, the Alleyoop idea is obviously far ahead. This brush not only serves as a travel makeup brush set but it is also a multi-tasker like a Swiss army knife, just for your makeup routine.

The idea behind the design is pure genius: four separate brush heads that you can magnetically attach to one handle. You get a foundation brush, eyeshadow brush, lip brush, and brow spoolie all in one compact tool. The magnetic system means you will never lose a brush head, and the whole thing takes up less space than a single traditional brush.

Originally, I was not sure what to think about this product. I thought that four different brushes in one tiny package could not deliver the same quality. But after a three-week European trip where I used it, I am now a true believer. The foundation brush gives good blending and coverage, the eyeshadow brush is the best weapon for both color application and blending, while the lip brush ensures that you get the polished look.

The brow spoolie deserves a separate mention since it is the brush that is often left out in travel sets, however, it is the most important for the brow to look polished. Having got it in the multi-tool system means you will not be trying to use a mascara wand to tame your eyebrows again.

The latest updates in travel beauty tools are reflections of other revolutionary products I have stumbled upon not long ago. If you are on the lookout for more such products which will enhance the way we do make-up check my review of the top four brilliant make-up engineering sets that is a game changer for you.

4. e.l.f. Complexion Duo Brush

This is the budget-friendly option that is in the upper league for its performance. The e.l.f. Complexion Duo Brush is an answer to the question of whether you can get quality tools for your travel makeup brush set without spending a fortune.

This dual-ended brush has a foundation brush on the one end and a concealer brush on the other – it is similar to the Daubigny brush, but it has its own impressive qualities. The price point makes it an ideal choice for travelers who need extra brushes or have no qualms about periodically replacing tools.

The foundation section works well with both liquid and cream products. I feel that it reaches its maximum effectiveness with medium to full coverage foundations. The bristles are synthetic but surprisingly soft for that price. The concealer section is the right size for under-eye applications and spot concealing.

The defining reason for this brush to be an ideal travel option is the affordability. If you are a person who travels a lot for work or if you are the one who tends to break beauty tools, the addition of an affordable but effective option in your travel makeup brush set removes the chance of worry involving if you will lose or damage an expensive item.

How to Pick the Right Travel Makeup Brush Set for Your Needs

Picking a travel makeup brush set is solely based on your makeup routine and preferred travel style. Here is how I make a decision in such a situation:

Think about your everyday makeup. If you are the type of the person who likes natural and minimal makeup, a dual-ended brush might be all that you need. But if you enjoy creating complex looks while being on the go, like getting Alleyoop system then you can have it all.

Consider your traveling style and frequency. Frequent business travelers might evaluate the beauty of the retractable brush not only for its durability but also for its style whereas backpackers might find the granting of space through multitasking tools most helpful.

Similarly, don’t ignore that your skincare also requires changes with the travels. This is especially true for people with dry skin that can be more severely affected by the air in planes and different climates (I wrote extensively about this in my complete dry face skin care routine guide).

Wouldn’t hurt to remember your destination. For example, a beach vacation demands tools that are completely different from those of a city trip or business trip. Hot, humid places might be the reason why you will need brushes that perform better with thinner, blend-able products.

My Personal Travel Makeup Brush Set Plan

My years of experimentation with travel beauty bag packing have resulted in a system that is going to work for almost any trip. My principal travel makeup brush set is equipped with Laura Geller retractable kabuki for powder products, Daubigny dual-ended brush for base makeup, and I just add the Alleyoop system when I know that I will have a chance for more eye makeup.

In case of short trips or for going minimal with packing, I solely teach the Alleyoop multi-tasker which covers all the basics excellently. Such tool choices can create great versatility indeed.

Last Words: Trading in Your Travel Beauty Routine

In all honesty, a suitable travel makeup brush set is the kind of minor investment that will yield a considerable difference in your trip. Isn’t it satisfying to be able to do your makeup the way you want it quickly and efficiently regardless of your location on the planet?

Whether you opt for the retractable design of Laura Geller which is very much sophisticated, the nice dual-ended tool of Daubigny, the unique multi-tasker of Alleyoop, or the trustworthy budget-friendliness of e.l.f. You have set yourself up for a whole new level of travel beauty.

Remember, the top-tier travel makeup brush set is the one you will be devoted to every time. Select the instruments that best fit your routine, your budget while traveling, and you will be left to wonder how you did without them. Trust me, once you feel the practicality and performance of the travel-specific brushes, you will not go back to the time when you crammed your entire vanity into your suitcase.