The best affordable makeup brushes

Decent tools can make all the difference when it come to applying makeup, but you shouldn't have to spend a small fortune on them in order to get good quality. Over the past few years, there's been a massive increase in the number of purse-friendly brands that have created makeup brushes that really perform. I've put together a list of some of my favourites, along with a few brush recommendations from each. 

Crownbrush - I know a lot of makeup artists that use Crownbrush brushes as they have a massive range to choose from, are great quality and incredibly affordable. If you're looking for a starter kit, they have pre-selected brush bags already put together, or for something specific, there are over 100 different styles to choose from. I have a lot of their eyeshadow brushes in my collection - the C325 Large Pro Angle Blender is fantastic for blending, while the BK15 Oval Fluff is a bit stiffer and good for packing on the pigment. Crownbrush offer a range of synthetic and natural brushes, with prices ranging from £1.69 to £123 (for a fifty piece brush set).

Real Techniques - created by the Sam and Nic Chapman, Real Techniques are a drugstore favourite as they can be easily found on the shelves of Boots and Superdrug. The range is all made out of synthetic taklon fibres, so a great option if you're not a fan of natural hair brushes. They offer a small range of brush sets (for face or eyes) that are around the £22 mark, plus some solo brushes which range from between £6 to £12. My absolute favourite from them has to be the Buffing Brush, which comes as part of the face collection - I've not found anything quite like it when it comes to blending out creams and powder foundations. 

The Body Shop - now, brushes probably aren't the first thing you think of when you head into a Body Shop store, but these are really great quality and pretty affordably priced. The range is a little smaller than the other brands listed here, but each brush  in the range is made out of cruelty-free synthetic fibres and they feel incredibly soft against the skin. I have about 3 of their eye shadow brushes at home as they're so good for packing on pigment with minimal effort, and the large powder brush is also great for translucent powder or a wash of bronzer across the skin. £9 to £16 (but look out for value kits in store which usually have extra brushes in for a lower price).

Zoeva - Zoeva hit the UK shores in 2014 and their infamous Rose Gold brush kit has become a bit of a blogger favourite. Zoeva focus on creating excellent quality brushes at an affordable price point and offer a massive selection of single brushes, plus a range of brush kits which have everything you need to get you started. I'm loving their Pink Elements kit (full review here) - the Face Paint brush is an odd shape, but great for contouring! Prices start from £6 for a single eye brush, up to £55 for a 12 piece brush kit.

Nanshy - Nanshy are a small, less well-known brand, but they make seriously good brushes! They've created some great value brush sets - face, eyes etc as well as making certain brushes available to buy singly. All of their brushes are made from synthetic, cruelty-free fibres and are a certified member of PETA. The brushes are incredible value - a 7 piece eye brush collection is less than £30, but the quality rivals much more expensive brands. Prices range from £5.95 to £49.95.

Ecotools - another great value brand, Ecotools have a small range of eco-friendly brushes that feature bamboo handles and cruelty-free bristles with bargain prices. I've found their eye brushes to be great for blending and eye shadow application and the Large Powder Brush is amazing for bronzer/setting powders. Prices range from £4.99 for 6 mini brushes, up to £19.99 for a five piece brush kit.

What are your favourite bargain brush brands? Have you tried any of these before?