One of the first things I quickly learned when I discovered the wonderful and colorful world of makeup is that the tools you use make a big difference. Not all makeup brushes are created equal when it comes to product application and final results, aka that flawless catwalk look we’re all after. There’s an endless array of options out there, from the drugstore to high end brands, and more often than not, it can be a little daunting to navigate the intimidating maze of makeup tools. Since makeup entered my life, I’ve tried and tested a lot of brushes and my collection exemplifies that very well. There really isn’t a particular brand that dominates my stash, but a mixture of different tried-and-true brushes that I’ve discovered over the years and that help me achieve that airbrushed model look on a not so model-esque model! Today I’m sharing with you some of my favorites.
~ Face Brushes ~
Foundation/Concealer
Sephora Collection Pro Flawless Airbrush #56 ~ If you’re looking for a brush that works with all types of foundation (liquid, stick, compact) and provides a natural, airbrushed finish, this is it. The brush head is densely packed with short, synthetic bristles that pick up and distribute the right amount of product, ideal for building coverage in layers until you’ve reached your desired finish. I use this brush to blend in foundation and concealer into the skin. I adore this brush and the only complaint I have revolves around the extra-long handle, which while I do prefer when applying my makeup, it’s not convenient for traveling and squeezing into a smaller makeup bag.
Powder
Real Techniques Powder Brush ~ This is the biggest brush I’ve ever owned! The ultra-plush synthetic bristles are very densly packed and come together to form this large, round, dome-like brush, perfect for setting powders (loose and compact). Although it’s on the larger side for powder brushes, it does not pick up extra product as you might expect. The dome-like shape ensures the product is buffed into the skin evenly and seamlessly providing a hi-def finish. Synthetic bristles also means it’s easy to wash and dry and doesn’t shed.
Bronzer
Real Techniques Blush Brush ~ Although this is marketed as a blush brush, it is on the larger side so, I find that it works better for applying bronzer, more so than most high-end fan or bronzer brushes I’ve used. It contours and defines the cheeks and the synthetic bristles don’t pick up too much product.
Blush
Real Techniques Tapered Blush Brush #300 ~ This is my all-time favorite blush brush hands down! I prefer this particular one over the original Real Techniques Blush Brush mainly because it’s a lot smaller and has a tapered shape, which allows me to control the amount of blush I place on my cheeks, ensuring I don’t overapply. The brush features some unbelievably soft bristles and a beautiful, luxe, rose gold handle. As with the Sephora Foundation brush, the handle is extra-long, and although it’s easy to hold and looks beautiful on my vanity, it makes it more difficult to pack in a traveling makeup bag.
Highlighter
Real Techniques Setting Brush ~ This is my favorite brush to apply highlighter and I prefer it over fan brushes and angled brushes. It’s small and has a pointy tip which picks up just the right amount of highlighter and perfectly sweeps up the top of the cheekbones. The bristles are synthetic and ultra-soft.
~ Eyeshadow Brushes ~
A few favorites in this category:
MAC #275 Medium Angled Shadow Brush ~ The medium size and angled shape make this brush perfect for sweeping eyeshadow all over the lid, from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye, as well as for highlighting under the brow bone. I’ve had this brush for years now and it’s never shed (a problem I sometimes have with MAC brushes, MAC #109 I’m looking at you!).
MAC #217 Blending Brush ~ If you’re looking for a multi-use eyeshadow brush, this is it. It can literally be used for every step of the eyeshadow process, from sweeping shadow all over the lid, to blending, highlighting and accentuating the under eye. It’s another brush that I’ve had for years and that I’ve washed countless times and it’s never shed! I typically use it for blending, as it does a great job getting into the crease and blending out any edges making the shadow fade out seamlessly. And the uses of this brush don’t stop at eyeshadow! I’ve also used it to blend in concealer as well as to contour my nose. Definitely an essential!
MAC #219 Pencil Brush ~ This is a very precise brush, perfect for highlighting the inner corner of the eye and the brow bone (which is what I use it for), as well as for smudging out shadow or eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line. I don’t use this brush every day, as my daily makeup routine is pretty simple, but only for special occasions when I need to look extra put together.
Japonesque #240 Professional Angled Eyeliner Brush ~ Perfect for applying shadow or eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line (this is what I use it for), as well as for filling in the brows. The bristles are stiff but that only ensures a precise application when this brush is used as intended. It works well with powder as well as cream products.
So these are my most used makeup brushes and the ones I recommend. Have you used any of them? What are some of your favorites?
Cat, Great post !The Sephora Pro Flawless airbrush brush is definitely my fave when putting on my foundation , I’ve had the same brush for over 2 years now and I loovee it ! The brush is still in great shape and still works just as good as it had when I first purchased it. This leads me to a question I’ve been pondering on , when do you change your foundation brush?
Thank you! As long as the brush is still functional and it’s cleaned regularly, you can really hold on to it for as long as it lasts. No expiration date on the brushes, luckily! ~ Cat L.
Your photos are gorgeous and your review so on point! I own most of the brushes you recommend and love them! My favorite has got to be the Real Techniques setting brush. I use it to set powder, for blush, bronzer and highlighter. I’m considering getting a second one in fact.
Thank you! The RT setting brush is definitely one of my faves as well. I used to struggle applying highlighter, as I’m not one to go for dramatic looks and I’ve found that this little brush is so precise and makes it so easy! I too have considered purchasing a second one. ~ Cat L.
You are so right, the tools you use make a big difference. It’s the tools that create the look!
Yes, I always say that. Sadly I didn’t realize it until later on in the game, but better later than never :). ~ Cat L.
Real Techniques brushes are the best! I’d be lost without mine!
Yes, same! The RT brushes are some of the best I’ve used and you can’t beat the price! ~ Cat L.
Love this post, I’ve been given the real techniques limited edition set of brushes for xmas and they are still in there packaging. I’ve never been one to wear loads of makeup and I find that with the cha-chi it is even harder for me to apply! But out this weekend and from inspiration from your post I think I am going to unravel & give it a go I love that you have given a novice like me direction on the application of brushes.
Give it a month or two or hopefully less I too shall do a post ??
Love
Lindsey
http://www.londonmumma.com
Oh Lindsey, do give them a try and please do write a post about your experience! In my opinion, they really are some of the best brushes out there and you can’t beat the price. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you give them a go! Hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I have. Thank you also for reading my blog and commenting. Your blog, wwww.londonmumma.com is one of my favorites to read! ~ Cat L.
I need that powder brush from RT and Sephora brush ASAP.
I’ve tried a lot of brushes over the years, those two are some of my all time favorites. I like the fact that the RT brush is big and fluffy which helps with not overapplying powder on the face and hence not getting that cakey look. As far as the foundation, I use the Sephora brush to quickly distribute the product on my face and then I use the beauty blender to really ensure everything is blended in. Most days though I skip the beauty blender as time is always of the essence. The Sephora brush does a beautiful job on its own as well. If you do get these brushes, hope you enjoy them as much as I have. ~ Cat L.