The best part of makeup is the actual makeup — shiny packaging, glittery accents, novel fragrances, amazing textures and vibrant colors. What is not so exciting are the tools needed to apply all those delightful products. Brushes may be the less glamorous part of beauty, and something that is often an afterthought when standing in line with a full cart of makeup. Do I really need a brush to apply it all? Does it really matter what brush I use for what purpose? Does it all make a difference? The answer, my glamazon, is a resounding YES!
Though I have amassed quite a ridiculous amount of brushes, I can assure you there are only 5 key brushes that are truly needed to execute a daily (or nightly depending on your schedule) face. The key to most of these brushes is their multipurpose use, and how one brush can be used for different products and even different mediums.
- Large Powder Brush – Choose a powder brush that has a slight taper to it, so it can apply blush color or bronzer color specifically on the cheekbones but is still full enough to disperse product across a large part of the face. I use a brush like this Shu Uemura 18r brush for applying loose powder, bronzer or blush.
- Stippling Brush – I prefer to apply my foundation, whether liquid, cream or powder with a buffing style brush as it gives me a more airbrushed finish. This brush from Real Techniques has become my favorite foundation brush of all time giving me a flawless application each time and prevents streaking.
- Synthetic Flat Eye Shadow Brush – The reason why I chose a synthetic style over a natural hair is it allows for both powder and cream application. Having a flat brush is key to any eye look, as it is the main brush that applies the eye shadow, and this MAC 252 brush has been a staple of mine for many years. It is wide enough to apply color all over the lid at once but still manageable.
- Eye Shadow Crease Brush – Though most crease brushes are quite fluffy and large to encourage blending, I find that a tighter more tapered brush such as this MAC 217 brush gives a better application of color. Due to its size, it can be used as a lid brush if necessary, but is great at applying a crease color or dark color to the outer corner of the eye. The shape allows for more control when applying the color and I find it gives a smoother blend in the crease.
- Eye Liner Brush – I find that this is normally the brush that most gals have in their brush collection first – as it can serve as a brush for both liner (powder or gel) and brows like this MAC 266 brush. Though pencil liner may seem easier to apply, trust me when I tell you that with just a little bit of practice, using a brush can become just as easy and always looks better.
Debates can be had about the more expensive brushes delivering better results, but in my experience that is not always the case. Start with brushes that fit your budget and do your research when deciding to invest in a more expensive version. Some brands to check out in your hunt: Sigma Beauty, Real Techniques, Sephora and MAC. And then once you have yourself a basic set – treat yourself to a new sparkly, glittery, super cutesy packaged new eyeshadow. You deserve it.
