BS-MALL Makeup Brushes Review: Best $10 Starter Kit (2026)

Cracking open the purple travel case, you’re greeted by 14 neatly arranged rose-gold brushes — everything a beginner needs to start experimenting. The bristles feel incredibly soft to the touch, and the case’s elastic slots keep brushes secure without jostling. Unlike pricier sets, there’s no shedding straight out of the box. A quick wash with baby shampoo (a Reddit tip) leaves them smelling fresh and ready to use. The case itself is compact enough to toss in a gym bag, making on-the-go touch-ups a breeze.

For a $10 kit, the presentation punches above its weight. The rose-gold ferrule adds a touch of elegance, and each brush feels lightweight yet balanced. In a world where $50 sets often skimp on storage, the included case is a genuine bonus.

The vegan nylon bristles are dense enough to pick up powder and blend cream products without streaking, but not so dense that they feel stiff. The foundation brush applies liquid foundation smoothly, though it’s not as precise as a dedicated kabuki brush. The eyeshadow packing brush works well for bold colors, but the blending brush is slightly too fluffy for precise crease work — a common trade-off in budget sets. The angled brow brush does a decent job with powder, but the bristles can splay after heavy use.

After a dozen washes, a few bristles did break free, especially from the larger face brushes. This is typical for the price tier — a $150 set from Sigma won’t shed, but you’re paying 15x more. Regular conditioning with a brush tree or towel-drying extends life significantly.

At $9.99 (and often less with the active Amazon coupon), the BS-MALL 14-piece set offers unbeatable value. Compare it to the BEAKEY Makeup Brushes Set ($7.98) — you get two blender sponges but only 10 brushes, and the paper case isn’t as durable. The BS-MALL 18-Piece Black Case Set ($9.49) adds four more brushes but uses labeled handles, a feature some users prefer. However, the 14-piece set wins on softness and travel-case quality, according to many Amazon reviewers.

In the under-$10 bracket, this set outperforms most competitors. It beats generic no-name sets that often arrive smelling of chemicals, and it comes with a case — something brands like e.l.f. charge extra for. With 127,820 reviews and a 4.6 average, it’s the safest bet for a first brush kit.

This kit is perfect for the college student building their first makeup collection, the busy mom who needs a grab-and-go set, or the traveler who refuses to lug around heavy brush rolls. It’s also ideal for sensitive skin — vegan bristles mean no animal-derived allergens. Beginners will appreciate not having to research individual brushes; it’s all here.

Skip it if you’re a professional makeup artist who demands ultra-precise blending for weddings or editorial shoots. The blending brush simply doesn’t offer the precision of a MAC 217, and the angled brush can’t create a razor-sharp eyebrow. If you need a larger variety, the BS-MALL 18-Piece White Beige Set ($24.99) might be a step up, but it costs more than double. For occasional use or learning, this set does the job.