The brand's commitment to sustainability (recycled materials abound, and much of the line is crafted with renewable bamboo) could be enough to land them a spot on this list, but honestly, the quality is enough to land them a top spot anywhere. The travel brush is my favorite because it's multitasking and has a handy cap so it doesn't get gunky as quickly.

Retractable Kabuki Travel Brush, EcoTools, $7.99

Ahh, the staple that relaunched a category. (If you'll remember, makeup sponges used to be only those heavily-bleached little white wedges that'd you'd toss after a single use.) These ergonomic applicators are made with nontoxic dyes, and you can effortlessly clean and reuse them time and again.

The Original, BeautyBlender, $20

This was my very first makeup brush, which I stole from my mom to use as a paint brush. (The beauty editor in me today is horrified that I'd do something like that to her brush set, but I fancied myself a mini Georgia O'Keeffe.) It still has a special place in my heart, and to this day, I consider it the best liner brush on the market. Plus, the quality means it will last (years, even), which is much more sustainable than constantly buying plastic-packaged eye liner pens.

Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush, Bobbi Brown, $36

OK, a caveat: This is technically a skin care brush, but I just had to include this eco-friendly option. Skin care brushes are entirely underrated: I mean, how delightful to slather on your cream with a soft, supple brush every day! Considering 10-step, intricate routines have become totally mainstream, it doesn't seem so unreasonable to take a few extra seconds and use this for application.

Vegan Bamboo Brush, Mahalo, $20

Fan brushes are perfect for dusting on highlighter, bronzer, or blush for that soft-focus glow. And since they are constructed to be feather-light (sans feathers in this one, obviously), they just feel amazing when you brush them on your cheekbones. Plus, the line has 12 options that are all under $11.

Vegan v14, BH Cosmetics, $11

I am not someone who regularly wears eye makeup—or at the very least, not enough to warrant multiple types of eye shadow brushes. That's why I like this organic version: It's equal parts thick and soft, so you can use it for allover application or get in more target areas if you are trying a more advanced look. Another tip: It doubles as a great blender for under-eye canceler. (Just make sure it doesn't have any shadow residue.)

Basic Eye Contour Brush, W3LL People, $27.99