The key to any successful makeup look is the proper set of tools! One can use excellent products and still not achieve professional makeup without good brushes.
In this post, I’d like to name my top brushes, after MUCH trial and error!
1) Best Foundation Brush: Sigma F80
Sigma has a reputation for producing fantastic makeup brushes. This is the only one I’ve tried — and it’s a winner! The bristles are flat-topped and incredibly soft. This brush allows even a novice to achieve a flawless foundation application. Plus, it’s quick and easy — perfect for those mornings when you don’t have much time for makeup!
2) Best Powder Brush: Mac Kabuki 182 OR Laura Mercier Velour Puff
This category is a tie! In general, the Mac Kabuki is best for buildable, easy, and natural powder coverage. However, for those who prefer the “porcelain doll” look, pressing powder into the face with the Laura Mercier velour puff is the way to go.
3) Best Eyeshadow (Lid) Brush: Mac 239
What I love about this brush is the density of its bristles. They are very closely packed, allowing the brush to pick up tons of product! More product = more pigment.
4) Best Eyeshadow (Crease) Brush: Sephora Classic Crease Shadow Brush #73
This brush is essential to a polished eye look since it’s shaped to work eyeshadow into the crease. The bristles are also very soft, which makes them perfect for blending shadow in this area.
5) Best (Shadow) Eyeliner Brush: Revlon Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush
In general, I’m not too keen on drugstore/Wal-Mart makeup brushes, but this little jewel is an exception. This brush has two ends — a “liner” end for lining above or below the eye with shadow and a “smudge” end for smoking it out. As a bonus, you can use the liner end to darken the eyebrows. Great application — and you can’t beat the price!
6) Best (Gel) Eyeliner Brush: Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner
This brush is essential for applying gel eyeliner on the lash line. True to its name, its ultra fine compact bristles enable you to create everything from a ladylike thin line to a fierce cat eye!
7) Blush Brush: Lancôme Cheek Brush #6
Excellent for applying a pop of blush to the apples of the cheeks and highlighter to the cheekbones — a true multi-tasker!
8) Best Contour/Bronzer Brush: Sephora Pro Contour Brush #74
This brush is so easy to use — simply suck in your cheeks and apply bronzer along the hollows with this brush. The application looks extremely professional!
Honorable Mention: The Beauty Blender
I’m giving this beauty tool “Honorable Mention” status because, although I’ve only been using it a few days, I’m impressed! It truly produces an airbrushed finish. To use, you simply wet the sponge, squeeze the water out of the sponge, apply foundation to the sponge, then buff the product onto the face. The results are gorgeous! The only drawback is that the entire process is time-consuming — and therefore isn’t best for mornings when you are rushing to get out the door.
Until next time!