The classic duo of under eye concealer and setting powder is a go-to step for achieving brighter and more radiant-looking eyes. This makeup step helps to minimize fine lines, cover pesky dark circles, and harmonize skin tones.
After applying your under-eye concealer with your preferred brush (see our customer recommendations for concealer brushes), your next co-star is a soft and fluffy powder brush. This brush will be used with a setting powder to set your concealer, casting a protective veil so the area remains free of cracks and creases and maintain brightness throughout your day or night.
We've compiled a list of the top brushes that customers love for the task of under-eye setting. These range in brand, shape and bristle type – all are gentle brushes, ideal for very sensitive skin.
mizuho
MB114 Highlight brush, MB Series
"BEST FOR UNDER EYE POWDER. The asymmetrical shape is perfect for my face, especially for under eye curve. A few sheds after wash, but it turns fluffy and wonderful." (Lisa, Indonesia)
chikuhodo
FO-5 Eyeshadow Brush
"This one is so great and a real workhorse! I use it as a one and done eye make up brush or for a monochromatic eye look and I love it! It’s very soft and I use it to set my under eye concealer too! No prickles!" (Gagafude, Australia)
chikuhodo
T-6 Large Eyeshadow Brush, Takumi Series
"I love Takumi series in general and T6 is very versatile. The bristle is very soft (of course as it's saihoko) so even for sensitive skin like mine, I can safely use it to set under eye, corners of my nose, around my lips etc.. And of course laying down colors on my eye lid, it releases pigment so well! I love the design of the brush, simple matt black with undyed bristle, very minimalistic – looks great on my vanity." (Zhujing, Netherlands)
bisyodo
B-HC-01 Highlight Brush (Long Series)
"A VERY SOFT, VERSATILE BRUSH. A great brush for a wash of highlighter, esp. cream highlighters because it is goat. Very soft so it also works really well for undereye setting powder." (Farhana G, USA)
eihodo
H-1 Highlight Brush, WP Series
"GREAT FOR UNDER EYE POWDERING. I really love this brush it works really great for under eye powdering as well as highlight and it can be used for target powdering in small areas where you may need a touch up in a specific area. I love the pearlised handle it has a lovely sheen on it, very pretty. The hair is very soft but with some resistance to it as it has goat hair mixed in with the grey squirrel." (Louise W, UK)
chikuhodo
Z-4 Cheek/Highlight Brush, Z Series
"I love the Z4 for very specific tasks: on my face, it is better for blushers, I love it as a highlighter brush because of its tapered end, and I use it regularly to powder my under eye. Or course, it is ridiculously soft and airy. The handle is a lot thinner than the other face brushes from the Z-Series, which make me tend to use it as a delicate tool for delicate tasks. I love it!" (GB, France)
Chikuhodo
Z-2 Highlight Brush, Z Series
"AMAZING!!! It feels so good for the under eye. A must have, for sure, in my collection. I don't like nothing harsh under my eyes and this brush is heaven!!! I so recommend it, especially if you are sensitive under your eyes." (Brenda, USA)
kyureido
KK-003 Large Eyeshadow Brush, Kiwami Series
"This is a beautiful brush with the sparkly black handle. The wonderfully soft squirrel hair matches the luxurious appearance... I like using this to lay down my eyeshadow base, to powder smaller areas of the face, e.g. under the eyes, around the nose, or on the chin... If you're thinking of getting this one, just do it - you won't regret it." (JJL, USA)
Bisyodo
G-HC-01 Highlight/Cheek Brush, Grand Series
"GORGEOUS BRUSH + MULTITASKER. This such a luxurious brush. The ferrule and handle are exquisite. More important, the gray squirrel on the brush is one of the softest I own. It works great for powder highlighter, especially a more diffused look. But is also the perfect shape for applying and wiping away undereye setting powder. If you are looking to treat yourself, get this brush!" (fhg23, USA)
bisyodo
CH-HC Highlight Cheek Brush, Cheri Series
"I love it for highlighting, powdering under the eyes, and even bronzer and blush. It’s not a big brush, but it can certainly multitask. The bristles are so soft too. I really am impressed with the Bisyodo brushes. So, give it a try and you certainly won’t regret it." (Phyllis R, USA)
tanseido
AQ14 Large Eyeshadow Brush-2 Slanted Cheek Brush
"This big eye brush / tiny face brush is versatile... The almond shape of my brush is wonderful. I use AQ14 to apply highlighter, set my undereye concealer and for all-over eyeshadow application... This is an excellent brush for my needs." (Anonymous, Finland)
chikuhodo
G-16 Cheek/Highlight Brush, G Series
"The shape of this brush is my favourite, so I purchased it with no hesitation, and this brush does not disappoint. I love using it for powder products, especially setting powder. The brush itself is on the bigger side among other Chikuhodo brushes, but the pointy shape makes it perfect to set your under eyes, and not to mention how soft the bristle is. Great brush!"
chikuhodo
PS-3 Highlight Brush, Passion Series
"DEFINITELY WORTH IT. This brush is very soft and perfect for what I purchased it for. I was looking to have this specifically to apply my under eye powder, and it does that perfectly. The application is smooth and even." (Nilsa, USA)
tanseido
SS14 Highlight Brush
"One of my all-time favorites. This is really a great small brush... The quality of the hair is exceptionally soft. It glides on your skin like silk and allows for a very light blended application. I use it for all kinds of tasks from highlighter to blush to under eye powder." (Sylvie G, USA)