Makeup Brushes 101: Tools of the Trade

Having good makeup brushes is essential to getting the perfect look. Without the correct bristles and/or quality, the end product could be a streaky mess.

Here are my current favorites to achieving my everyday makeup look.

Morphe S13: Deluxe angle brush

This angled shape brush is perfect for accentuating cheek bones and applying blush or even bronzer. This brush is almost always sold out, I was lucky to find it on Hautelook last summer. Morphe is very affordable and has great quality whether in their brushes or their shadows.

Real Techniques: Sculpting brush

This is my go to brush for gently wiping away powder under my eyes, right after setting my concealer. The shape fits perfectly under the eye and this brush can also be used for contouring and highlighting.

I prefer purchasing Real Techniques at Ulta, because they almost always offers have $3.50 off a purchase or 20% off an item coupons. This brand is also frequently buy one, get one half off; so be on the lookout for those savings. I also highly recommend signing up for the Ultimate program, where points add up to credit, that can be used towards purchasing anything in the store. (yes, even the high end brands).

Also side note, make sure you are signed up for Ebates. Ulta, Sephora, Sigma Beauty and hundreds of other brands and stores offer cash back. You are welcome to use this link if you choose. https://www.ebates.com/r/HKUKAJ?eeid=28187

Real Techniques: Setting brush

I absolutely LOVE, did I say L O V E, this micro setting brush for highlighting. It is the perfect shape and has the best soft shaped bristles to apply product. I find that with other highlighting brushes I use, the color looks streaky, however that is not that case with this beauty.

Real Techniques: Blush brush

I use this for everything except applying blush…and it works amazing. This brush is my absolute favorite for blending my work as I go along. If I apply bronzer, I will use this to blend it out. If I apply blush, I will use this to blend it out, etc. I also love to use this apply my overall face powder to set the entire look. For example, I will dab the brush lightly into the Tarte Creamy powder foundation to set my face and make sure it stays put all day.

Eyes:

Sigma Beauty: E25 Blending

This brush is absolutely perfect for blending out your work as you go along. The slightly firm bristles soften harsh lines. One tip I like to do is make sure it is clean each time and slowly blend out my crease color with my lid color, which will prevent the eye work from looking too harsh.

The one I have is a travel size which came complimentary with a purchase years ago. These brushes last forever and are a great choice.

Sigma Beauty: E40 Tapered blending

This dome shape brush fits perfectly into the crease of the eye to apply transition color. I like to use windshield wiper movements back and forth and blend out evenly. The brush is soft and fluffy and also works to apply highlight to the brow bone.

Sigma Beauty: E55 Eye shading

This brush, seen second from right (hence no wording left on the handle) works well to apply color to the lid. It is very soft and dense and applies product evenly. I also like to spray this brush with Mac fix plus, or another setting spray to intensify the color. I’ve had this brush for over four years easily and it is still in tact.

Sigma Beauty: Pencil E30

This pencil brush is spectacular for applying color to the lower lash line. I was so glad when I found this because I had such a hard time applying color with other brushes, as they were too thick for the lower lash line. This smudges the lines out perfectly. It is also my go to when applying highlight to the inner corner of the eyes.

Morphe: E14 Oval shadow brush

This brush is great for applying color to the lid. It is a bit stiffer and thicker than the Sigma E55. However, it is great for packing on extra color.

Mac Cosmetics: 217 Blending brush

I only recently purchased this brush during the Macy’s beauty sale and I found it works great to really carve out the transition shade for a cut crease, etc. It also works for the lid or crease, it's a cult favorite and I’m glad I purchased it.

Brows: Ardell duo brow brush grooming tool

This is fantastic for applying eyebrow powder, pomade, etc to the brows. It is very comparable to the Anastasia Beverly Hills one, however only comes at a fraction of that price. (Score!).