While I have no problem using the tools we were born with to apply makeup, aka your fingers, I LOVE a good makeup brush. There are just some I find absolutely essential to day to day like. Here's a list of the brushes I find myself reaching for on a daily basis, and which ones I'd be first in line at the store to replace if I'd lost....
From Left to right :
Real Techniques Accent Brush - A tiny little smudger brush is key for a effortless smokey eye or smudged liner look. I dig this one, but any little smudger brush (or heck a Qtip will do in an absolute pinch)
Mac 266 Angled Brush - this is a must have in my eyes. I've tried many other angled brushes and this is hands down the most precise, with just the right amount of firmness. It is absolutely essential for brows and the only one I reach for. Over the years I have repurchased this brush several times.
Mac 217 Brush - the perfect sweep colour all over, blend out the crease, make your eye makeup look like a pro did it brush. I have a few of these on rotation, and while I have tried a few similar makes (Coastal Scents, Sigma) this is the best.
Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush - this was marketed as an eyeshadow crease brush and came in a kit for eyes along with the Accent Brush, but it has become my favourite way to apply under eye concealer. It buffs my Bobbi Brown Corrector on effortlessly with no visible brush strokes and covers up spots like a pro, never applying too much. I'd buy the whole kit over again just for this brush.
Coastal Scents flat shader brush - Before getting this I was using my Mac 239, which I love, but this brush is about twice the size and makes packing on colour across the lid super speedy. After getting this one, I immediately bought a second one to have on hand.
Real Techniques Contour Brush - this is the perfect sized contour brush to sculpt my (non existant) cheekbones. Prior to this I was using the infamous Mac 109, but didn't like the shed factor. This one is synthetic which means it stops shedding in its tracks, and works like a dream in my cream products!
Tarte Blush Brush - The only blush brush I reach for. Something about the shape and bristles buffs on blush into my cheeks like it comes from within. I've tried others, and always go back to this one - it fits my cheeks perfectly.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - Run out and get this. Now. This brush leaves me skin feeling flawless each and evert time. I love to use it with my creamier foundations. It never leaves streaks, or brush marks and makes my skin look like I was born that way.
Real Techniques Stippling Brush - the only brush I use for cream blush. Period. It blends just the right amount of cream product onto the skin without looking like I finger painted my face.
Real Techniques Buffing Brush - A true GEM. This came in the same kit as the contour brush and I would happily buy the kit over and over. I love this bad boy for buffing in liquid foundations and mineral powders. It makes blending a dream and its uber soft.
Real Techniques Multi Tasking Brush - the ultimate bronzer brush! Buffs your skin into a bronzed hue with no effort at all - these bristles are super soft, yet not flimsy so they pick up colour perfectly each time. A must have for any bronzer wearer!
Real Techniques Powder Brush - perfect for those who don't love powder, like me, but like to use a little to set their foundation. This brush is giant. The bristles are super soft so they don't pick up too much powder, which also makes it great for doing that once over blend all over your face. Probably wouldn't run out to re buy, but it works beautifully at its job.
Where to buy : Mac Cosmetics | Tarte | Coastal Scents | Real Techniques
What are your favourite makeup brushes? Do you have one that you would panic if you lost it?
