I have to admit, I’m a huge Beauty Blender fan, and when I say Beauty Blender I actually mean any drugstore dupe, unfortunately, I am in no position to fork out £16 for a sponge no matter how pretty it is. When it comes to applying my foundation nothing else really compares to my trusty Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge or Nanshy Marvel 4 in 1 Makeup Blending Sponge. I love the natural flawless, airbrushed finish it gives and how easy they are to use and clean. With that being said, my makeup brush collection still holds a special place in my heart and, although I usually turn to my trusty sponge when it comes to applying base products, there is still an army of brushes I rely on to paint my face every morning…
If, for whatever unthinkable reason, my sponges are not at hand my second favourite way to apply my foundation is with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (shown below, top) from their Core Collection Kit. Similar to their Expert Face Brush, the Buffing Brush’s wide, almost flat head is perfect for gently buffing my foundation into my skin in circular motions to give an even, streak-free coverage. I’ve had this brush for over two years, washed it on a weekly basis and it has lost very little, if any, of it’s synthetic, cruelty-free bristles. I’m not sure if it’s recommended you keep a brush for so long, but, whatever, it’s just as soft and effective as when I first purchased it.
My chunky Real Techniques Powder Brush (shown above, middle) is an essential piece of kit for any makeup lover. It picks up my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder like a dream. Although the handle is starting to look a bit shabby, the head itself gives the perfect amount of coverage when applying my powder products. Likewise, the Real Techniques Blush Brush (shown above, bottom) is the perfect tapered egg shape to contour and define my cheeks. It blends my favourite Makeup Geek Blusher flawlessly in one delicate stroke.
Two of the prettiest brushes I own come from Spectrum Collection, a brand I recommend you check out immediately if you’re not already familiar with them. I use my Spectrum Collections Tapered Finishing Brush A04 to apply my NYX HD Finishing Powder, although this versatile little brush can also be used to apply bronzer and highlighting powders. Its super-soft bristles are made of the highest quality synthetic hair and are vegan-friendly.
The unicorn-inspired Spectrum Collection CO1 is their largest fan brush and my favourite way to apply my Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder. It’s big enough to use on my neck, collarbone and body also if I’m looking to add a touch of Summer glow all over.
Finally, we have my three top skinny brushes; two for my eyeshadow and one for my highlighter. The first brush is actually exclusive to one of my favourite palettes of all time: Urban Decay Naked Smoky (above, top). The double-sided applicator contains both a fine smudger brush and tapered crease brush all in one. I usually don’t use the brushes that come in palettes and completely pre-judged this one. I love how soft the bristles are and how easily they blend the product and how the shape perfectly fits into the contours of my eyes.
My final two essential tools come from Morphe Brushes and are both available at Beauty Bay. Morphe Brushes is an American Brand that has just recently made its way onto my radar. Every US beauty vloggers favourite, Morphe Brushes’ surprisingly affordable collection of eyelashes, eyeshadow palettes and makeup tools are incredibly high quality and are quickly growing in popularity in the UK. I bought the M510 Pro Round Blender Brush (shown top, left) after watching a few fabulous YouTube tutorials from Jeffree Star. This is his favourite brush to apply his highlighter with, and now, it’s mine too! The M514 Detail Round Blender Blush (shown top, middle) is a fluffier version of my Urban Decay brush and has a rounded, oval top which is ideal for blending eye shadow to a seamless finish.
What are your favourite makeup brush brands?
Do you buy into the Beauty Blender hype?
Do you have any makeup tool recommendations?
