I don't know what makes a makeup brush better but my mom used to work in cosmetics in a department storer when i was in high school and she bought top of the line brushes for me for christmas or birthdays presents...I still have them 25 years later. In fact, my own teen daughter tries to steal them from me. I have no idea what brand they are but they certainly were worth the money. I think I remember the one powder brush being $80 in the late 80s (she got a discount or incentive gifts).

I bought my daughter a set of Artis brushes last christmas which were kind of an expensive purchase (5 brushes for $145). I ended up keeping them for myself because she didn't really wear makeup at that time. They are shaped like a toothbrush and made of microfiber so they clean off instantly after each use by rubbing against a special cloth. I do really love these and can recommend them. There are tons of youtube videos on them.

http://www.artisbrush.com/shop-1

I like the eco tools makeup brushes. As an artist I have used every brush conceivable over 30 years and in the past 5 years, have found great synthetic brushes at low prices that I like as much as my series 7 brushes. The brush industry has changed, from when only the best natural fibers would perform perfectly to great quality synthetics. I imagine this is true in makeup brushes too but I am not a makeup aficionado by much.

I can't remember the brand I bought a few years ago, but they weren't top of the line and I'm extremely pleased. I don't wear makeup every day so maybe that's why they seem pretty good.

The best way to find brushes and not spend more than necessary is to look at the ratings on Amazon. If the ratings aren't at least 4 star, I won't buy anything. Skip the first two or three reviews though. :)

I don't really know how to shop for a good brush-- well, other than it has to feel good and last. I very much like my chanel brushes-- but I didn't really shop for them. I wear chanel makeup so I picked up chanel brushes. Before my current brushes, I had a selection of various brands but the only one I remember is the body shop. They all dropped hairs and some actually irritated my skin.

I am sure there are plenty that are cheaper than the Chanel (and some more expensive). I'd check out reviews and/or seek the help from a sales clerk.

A good brush absolutely does not need be expensive. I have a variety. Some inexpensive nice options look at Eco Tools, ELF studio line (black ones), Sonia Kashuk, Real Techniques (Created by makeup artist sisters pixiwoo) Dense ones that don't shed are ideal for most applications. If you use a brush for foundation that's more important than that say an eyeshadow brush. I can even make junk brushes that shed work for eye makeup.

Ulta carries a line of IT brushes made especially for them. They are excellent and not over-the-top expensive.

I read a lot of recommendations for brushes (on makeupalley). I don't buy one without researching it first. I've had many brushes over the years that I didn't like, because they shed, or felt rough on my face, or the handle was too long.

I love the Real Techniques and Eco Tools brushes, and have a few others mixed in.

I give a thumbs up to Real Techniques brushes. I watch a lot of makeup videos and those are popular. I don't own any, but MAC brushes seem to be favorites. I've also been hearing that despite their low price, the Target brand of brushes are high quality. A lot of people love certain ELF brushes too, super cheap! OH another highly recommended is Sonia Kashuk which is exclusive to Target. If you purchase MAC brushes and they aren't up to your expectations, you can easily return them.

I have a couple ELF brushes I like and use daily. The are the black handled ones. I picked the up at Target. I too, have a mish-mash of make up brushes. I picked up some Real Technique brushes for DD for Christmas. I may give them a test drive. They have pretty good overall reviews online. Ulta has them often buy one, get 50% a second.

I use some Mac,some Aveda. And some Sonia Kashuk, which are my favorite three brands. I have a set of cheap ones, and only use a couple of those, since they don't hold the product well.

I don't know what 'makes a good brush good' but I have always heard sable bristles are the best. Others say synthetic are fine.

I wear mostly Bobbi Brown makeup so I started investing in their line of brushes a long time ago and they have held up really well. The only ones I have had to replace are the ones I use and wash frequently such as the fine tip eyeliner brush.

I have a BB face blender brush I received free that I use on occasion for a particular illuminating powder that does shed a hair or two when I use it & it doesn't appear to be sable. The others almost never shed but this one does. Easy to pick the one hair off my face though.