What are the basic brushes you should have in your set, if
you’re trying to create a natural no makeup look? Here’s my list of “can’t
imagine living without them” brushes. Depending on the brand they’ll have
slightly different names but you’ll be able to recognize them nonetheless:
1. Large fluffy powder brush
Honestly, you can’t apply powder in a natural way without a
brush like this. This one is an absolute must have. Use it to set your makeup
with a little powder, to apply bronzer or powder blush (I like to do that with
a big brush) and to give a good once over blending when you’re done. It’s the
ultimate multi-tasking brush.
2. Medium sized eyeshadow brush
When I first applied eyeshadow with a decent brush, I knew
I’d never go back. This brush allows you to apply your allover color and it is
small enough to that it will work on the crease as well. I also use it to blend
all eyeshadow colors together and eliminate any hard edges. I must have another 5 eyeshadow brushes - different sizes, shapes, tightness of bristles - but I use this one 90% of the time.
3. Pointy eyeliner brush (bonus points if double-sided with
smudge brush on other side)
It was the subject of a recent post and it was the reason I
started thinking about basic brushes in the first place. I love it because it
turns my entire eyeshadow collection into eyeliners. I can use it dry or wet, I
can draw anything detailed, I can smudge pencil eyeliner, I can use it for gel
eyeliner… Endless possibilities.
Those 3 brushes are my essentials, come rain or shine, at
home or on the road, whatever style of makeup I’m wearing. I’ve got an
additional 3 that depend on day, need, mood and product.
4. Mineral foundation brush
If I happen to apply mineral foundation rather than a tinted
moisturizer, I’m going to need one of these. They’re sturdier than a fluffy
powder brush and they are much better at achieving the buffing effect needed.
5. Liquid foundation brush (synthetic bristles)
Definitely less essential … I don’t *need* a foundation
brush but I admit it achieves a beautiful effect and it’s easy to use. I
wouldn’t carry it with me if I were traveling, I’d just use my fingers. Choose
a synthetic one that isn’t porous, picks up the right amount of product and is
easy to clean.
6. Small concealer brush (synthetic bristles)
I’ve seen two essential styles for concealer brushes – one is
a larger brush meant to create a more “airbrushed” result and another one is a
small pointy brush meant to reach inner corners of eyes and cover pimples or
other imperfections very carefully. While I’m all about the airbrush, I find
that I achieve that well enough with my fingers, so I rely on my concealer
brush for detail work. Again, I could live without this on a desert island or most occasions, really. : )
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| 1 to 6, left to right (just noticed that all my brushes are from different brands!) |
What are the brushes you can’t live without??
