There is a huge variety of makeup brushes present today than ever. This directly translates to confusion pouring in head on deciding in which brushes to invest money in. If you are a beginner, it’s even tougher. However it’s not necessary to go on a buying spree for welcoming all types of brushes in your life. I admit that the number of brushes I own is also big but my most used brushes come in a single digit. Check out these seven makeup brushes you need to own.
FOUNDATION
I have a super oily yet dry skin (combination) and I swear by buffing brushes and thick sponges. A Buffing brush leaves no streaks, diminishes the size of my pores and gives a beautiful finish. However since a buffing brush results in micro-exfoliation action, it’s not the most ideal one for people with dry skin. Using a flat paint brush is your call as it’s time-consuming to use and also there’s the risk of landing up with a cakey face with it. Makeup sponges can be your best bet.
My favourites: Real techniques Buffing brush (Review HERE), MAC Tear drop sponge (mentioned it HERE), Beauty blender and Real techniques sponge (Review coming up soon)
POWDER
After you are done with applying your foundation, you don’t want your efforts to go in vain by seeing it melt in heat and get streaky. This is why you need a powder brush to set it properly. A big and fluffy power brush is ideal to set everything you just applied on your face. But I also have a liking for small dome shaped brushes to set concealer in under eyes section and for puffs too.
My favourites: Real techniques powder brush, BH Cosmetics brush (Review HERE), Ecotools Kabuki brush (Review HERE), Inglot puff (mentioned HERE)
ALL OVER LID BRUSH
It’s time to bid goodbye to those foam eyeshadow applicators and welcome all over lid brushes in your vanity. I know that foam applicators come in handy to bring out vibrancy from a less pigmented eyeshadow but you really need an eyeshadow application brush. This is one brush category where you don’t need to break your bank. Even a one from a drugstore works really well, given it’s not scratchy.
My favourites: Ecotools brush (See HERE), 3 others I own from local brands which have soft bristles, bh cosmetics brush from 7 piece eyes brush set
BLENDING
Blending eyeshadow is a must for a flawless eye makeup look. You simply can’t afford to overlook this aspect. Numerous people swear by MAC 217 blending brush ( the most copied blending brush) which also works as an all over lid brush. I tried it in the store. I used it to apply a purple eyeshadow and then used black to blend it. I used it at an angle of 90 degrees and the result wasn’t good because there were streaks of purple shade too while blending. That meant I had to purchase two and I did not wanted to spend a bomb. So it’s entirely your call. The ones I use work completely well in softening the harsh lines.
My favourites: Ecotools highlighting brush which works great as a blending brush (HERE), ELF Blending brush
BLUSH
The ones that come with a blush are useless. First, they are scratchy. Second, they make blush application look blotchy. A rounded brush is a must for a natural look.
My favourites: Real techniques blush brush, Ecotools blush brush, bh cosmetics angled blending face brush (See HERE)
If you can afford to, buy a concealer brush too! You will save a lot of time and not to mention, score a neat finish too!
When buying a makeup brush, always remember that the softer the bristles, the easier the application. One of my beauty goals in 2016 is to invest my money in brushes I have been lusting after since long.
Swathi Bhat says
Good and right brushes really make a huge difference. I too want to invest in good brushes one day. For now I am managing with Emax design set and some Kabuki brush set, they are soft and works good for me. Fantastic post.
The times I used the brush that came with blush :/
Heena says
Oh! That's nice! Hope you are able to lay your hands upon the essential ones this year!
Thanks a ton, Swathi! 😀