I get asked this question ALL THE TIME, “There are so many makeup brushes on the market, which ones do I REALLY need?”
Well, out of the hundreds and hundreds available there are only about 8-10 that you really need. I’ll give you a list of the ones I use on my clients on a daily basis, the ones I just plain love, and can’t live without, and I’ll tell you what they’re used for. I know these brushes seem quite expensive but if you’re serious about makeup you will want the proper tools. Some of my MAC brushes have been around for 5 years, with good care and cleaning, so can yours. You get what you pay for! Enjoy!
Hope this helps!
FACE BRUSHES:
Blush/Contour Brush
There are a lot of different blush/contour brushes available on the market.I like the angled brush of the MAC #168 better than all of them. This one is very simple and easy. You can set the angle on your cheekbone and sweep it downward for a flawless application of blush.
MAC #168 Large Angled Contour Brush- $35.00 USD
Cheek Highlighter Brush
I like this brush because of it’s soft feathery bristles. When this brush is used on cheeks with cream blushes it gives you a nice airbrushed finish.
MAC #188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush – $35.00 USD
Flat Foundation Brush
This brush is great for applying highlighter to the tops of cheekbones. I use it on my clients because it’s not as big as other foundation brushes, it’s easier to work with. Pro-quality. A foundation brush designed to create a smooth, even finish, flawless look.
MAC #190 Foundation Brush – $33.00 USD
Extra Large Powder Brush
I adore this huge paddle-shaped brush. It’s so soft and fluffy with a natural round tip. This brush is specifically designed to provide flawless application of loose powder to the face and body.
MAC #134 Large Powder Brush- $53.00 USD
EYE BRUSHES:
Flat Stiff Brush
This brush packs intense color onto your eyelids. The bristles are firm and fine, great for pushing shadow on the base. I use the tip to smudge color under the lashline and create a defined line in the crease.
MAC #239 Eye Shader Brush – $25.00 USD
Stiff Oval Brush
This one is meant for blending not applying color. I also use this for feathering out color to make that smokey eye everyone wants. Also, great for blending out the crease of the eye.
MAC #217 Blending Brush – $23.00 USD
Pencil Brush
This brush is for smudging and precision shading of color on the top or under the eye. It can also be used in the crease to create a defined cut. I like to use it in the outer corner of the eye with a very dark shadow to add depth and drama. Another useful tool for creating that smokey looking eye.
MAC #219 Pencil Brush – $25.00 USD
Soft Oval Brush
This brush’s soft bristles are made for blending out harsh lines below the browbone with windshield wiper motions. This is also perfect for blending out concealer under the eye to help hide dark circles and bags.
MAC #224 Tapered Blending Brush – $31.00 USD
Brow Brush Duo
Love this little tool, it’s a must have in my makeup case. A lash comb and brow brush in a compact travel-friendly tool. Two sides, two different functions. For silky, full looking, clutter-free lashes, use the Comb. For brow shaping and grooming, switch to the Brow Brush. Both fold away when not in use.
Mac Duo Lash Combo/ Brow Brush-$8.00 USD
Bent Liner Brush
I know I am a huge MAC freak, but I adore this Pro Bent Liner Brush from Sephora! Want that cat eye look? The pointed tip makes this brush ideal, it is specifically designed for applying gel eyeliner. The bent head makes it ideal for laying on the top of the lashes and dragging the eyeliner out to a winged shape.
Sephora Pro Bent Liner Brush #23- $17.00 USD
LIP BRUSHES:
Lip Brush
This is essential in my makeup case because I can’t use lipstick from the tube on my clients. This little lip brush is a perfect tool for application. The bristles are very firm and flat, making it easy to dip the brush into the product at hand. It applies very smoothly and evenly.
MAC Lip Brush -$20.00 USD
BRUSH CLEANSER
I know this isn’t a brush, but we need to keep those brushes clean and fresh! I love MAC’s brush cleanser. It cleans, disinfects and conditions those expensive brushes, so they last a super long time! It’s easy to use and leaves the brushes smelling amazing. I’ll be blogging soon about how to clean your brushes properly.
MAC Brush cleanser $14.00 USD
So, there you have it! The essentials, the tools I reach for day in and day out. There are other really great brushes out there, but I think these are the basics, the ones you will definitely need! I hope it helps someone!
~Charlie
