The Heavy Hitters
Today’s blog post is all about my favorite makeup brushes! I have to admit it was a challenge to pick just five, so I decided to narrow it down to quality and my most used. These are the brushes I constantly reach for, and if any of them were lost or stolen, I would repurchase immediately.
There’s a mix of affordable to more expensive brushes. Right off that bat, I don’t own any Hakuhodo or Chikuhodo brushes. I’m not saying I never will; I would love to try them. Unfortunately, they’re not within my price range at the moment, and truthfully I rather spend my money on makeup or skincare. Furthermore, I truly believe you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an outstanding makeup brush. The ones I’m going to mention today are excellent quality, they’re durable and get the job done.
First up, The Air-Brush by Wayne Goss ($35.00) is the softest brush in my collection. I love it so much I want to buy two more! It’s been mentioned on my blog before, but I simply have to reiterate what a fantastic this brush is. Aside from the oh so soft blue squirrel bristles, what I love most about this brush is the shape. It has a flat tapered edge perfect for setting your under eye concealer with powder.
I also use it for highlighter and blush because the angle gives me great precision. And if sculpting is your thing, this is a great brush for contour because it does all the work for you. It evens and blends product beautifully. It’s versatile and small in size. However, if you’re like me and only powder certain areas of the face, you will appreciate the size. This is an exceptional makeup brush, and it’s a total steal at this price. Get it; you can thank me later.
The 3 dollar brush that will rock your world
The e.l.f. Studio Flawless Concealer Brush ($3.00) is genius. It looks like a mini buffing brush, and it’s perfect for blending concealer and foundation. Quick side note: There are no foundation brushes in my top 5, simply because when the Beautyblender hit the scene all my foundation brushes fell by the wayside. It’s not that I don’t use them at all, I just find there’s nothing like the Beautyblender for foundation.
Back to the e.l.f. Concealer Brush, this synthetic brush works best when using cream or liquid products. The dome shape is identical to the Zoeva 110 Face Shape only smaller. This brush blends my concealer so seamlessly; it almost looks airbrushed.
It’s also very durable. I’ve washed this brush so many times and it still holds its shape nicely without shedding. It’s great for blending eye shadow too, I love to use it for a single wash of color all over the lids. Did I mention it’s only three dollars?
The Real Techniques Setting Brush ($7.99) is the perfect multi-purpose brush. It’s my favorite from the entire Real Techniques line. I’ve used it for powder, highlighter, blush, cream and liquid products as well, even eye shadow – you name it, this brush does it all!
It always comes with me when I travel because I use it in so many ways. It picks up the right amount of product and doesn’t soak up your liquids. It’s super soft and fluffy. And it’s my go-to for highlighter because it gives a beautiful finish without disturbing the foundation underneath.
The best shader brush
The MAC 239 Synthetic Eye Shader Brush ($25.00) was my very first proper makeup brush. I remember how excited I was when I first got it, and to this day it’s still my favorite eye shadow brush ever. I have two because I use it so much, and never want to be without a clean one.
It’s ideal for packing color on the lids; it’s flat and stiff and has a nice tapered tip perfect for placing or smoking out shadow on the upper and lower lash line. I always get a a precise application with this brush, and I haven’t been able to find anything like it. The MAC 239 will forever be part of my collection.
And finally, the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Powder Brush #8 ($48.00). Yes, it’s pricey, but worth every penny to me. I use this brush every single time I do my makeup. I use it to apply an all over bronzer, and it’s also great for face powder or blush because you don’t have to worry about over applying. It just gives such a flawless finish to the skin.
I’ve heard people compare it to the Real Techniques Blush Brush. I own that brush too, and still prefer the IT Cosmetics. The bristles on this brush are so soft and plush, and it picks up the perfect amount of product. I highly recommend IT Cosmetics Synthetic Brushes in general, it’s a fantastic line.
So what are your favorite makeup brushes? Do you have a Top 5? I love recommendations!
