Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Cosmetic Brushes

I have tried many, many brushes over the last few years especially. Lately, I have had so many requests and questions concerning brushes for cosmetics. I am going to tell you about my personal favorite brushes, and I hope you all get the chance to try them too! I am going to go through my favorite brushes, brush sets, what I look for in a brush, and what I am willing to give up in a brush.

A good brush shouldn't cause you to 'break the bank.' A fantastic brush, should mean even the price is fantastic!

#1 Face/Complexion Brush:



MaryKay Mineral Foundation Brush- $10

This brush works great for applying mineral powders. It has a flat top, which actually works great for smoothing your complexion and getting an extremely even application. This definitely is my favorite Powder Brush!

#1 Blush Brush



 Revlon Blush Brush- $12.99

This brush is excellent at applying blush. First off- it grabs up the product. It doesn't let the product fall down your cheek no matter how much product you pack into those perfect, soft bristles. I do not believe it is real hair, so I was surprised at the quality of this brush. I've had this brush for about 6 months now, and it stills seems like brand new. This brush is so amazing, it makes you blush!

#1 Eye Shadow 'C' Brush 



 Revlon Eye Shadow Brush- $9.99

 I brought this eye brush, the same time as the blush brush shown above. I love them both because of the long handles, which is hard to find in brushes these days. Everything is 'travel' sized. This brush, along with the blush, is so good at picking up the product and holding it in. It does not let any shadow fall underneath your eye, which is always problematic leaving marks, smears and discoloration. This is so soft, and is so easy to use! It blends so well, and really is just an amazing brush. Love this!

#1 Brush Set




Bundle Monster 34 piece Studio Pro Make Up Brush Set- Amazon: $34.99

 Before you look at the price- look at the quantity of brushes! 34 brushes for $34.99! When I first saw this on amazon, I thought it was too good to be true. I was so timid of buying them before for that price, they have to be horrid brushes! And so cheap! But... I bought them anyway, despite lots of bad reviews. And I do NOT regret it. I love these brushes! The smaller brushes for eyes, lips, and brows are better than the larger face brushes. However, all of the brushes apply product so evenly, hold it so well, and also they all last very long. I haven't had this problem forever, but I was reading the reviews and the biggest complaint was about the smell of the leather holding case it comes in, and also that the brushes shed. I haven't had much problems at all with them shedding~ The large fan brush sheds a little bit, but not terribly or anything out of the ordinary. I didn't realize how big this set was until it arrived, I knew it was big upon purchase, but i didn't realize how HUGE it was until it arrived!
 *Again, I love the long handles!*
  This stretches more than 3 feet long! I didn't measure it so I can't 'fact' that but I bet it is. It's hard to use it in the leather case, because it's bigger than all the vanities and counters I have used it upon. I love these brushes, buy them and you will not regret it! Best Brush Deal EVER!

 You can look at it more or purchase it at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Monster-Studio-Cosmetic-Leather/dp/B003G0UO48/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1300339344&sr=8-1


 What I look for in a brush:

  The first thing I always look for in a brush, is quality and content. Those two things go together like peanut butter and jelly. Content=Quality. Quality=Content. Whatever the content is, will show the initial and potential quality in a product. I don't necessarily pass on a brush just because it is not real hair, or all natural though. I usually look for natural brushes, this is true. But in times when I need a fantastic brush- I want to keep all my options open to find the brush that fits me and my style best. I look for style in my brushes too. Something that shows my style through the design of the brush, and the practicality of the brush. Like I said many times- I can not stand the little travel size brushes they always have now. I love brushes with a long handle- not only for the control but also for the look. I love the elegant look of them, and also enjoy the way they feel and look in my hand.
 I also look for application power. A brush that is fine or brittle isn't go to go very far during the application process.

 Of course price is also an issue. I want a brush that is the best possible quality for my money. Something that is going to stretch my buck without me later wishing I would've just spent the extra couple cents that I couldn't afford at the time. Let's face it- not all of us can afford Mac and Clinique every time we need something. The perfect brush for you won't only fit your style- but it will fit your wallet too!

  Softness and Durability.
 It's hard to find a brush that is soft enough to feel good to your skin, but still has the power to apply evenly, while being super durable. A good brush will feel good against your skin, not scratchy or spiky. It will also apply evenly without being hard on your skin, or irritating it. And it will last through more than just a few months of every day application.

  Every brush has at least one bad review, so you really can't take someone elses advice too seriously. Sometimes it can be helpful- but just because 'Suzanne' didn't like it- doesn't mean you won't love it!
 You have to try different things, and find what you like. When you buy a new brush, keep the packaging and the receipt until you have used it a couple times. If you don't like it or it irritated your skin- or even worse: If it broke, most stores will let you return it. Especially if you bring it back soon after the purchase.
 Have fun experimenting and don't forget that you don't have to go bankrupt over cosmetics or brushes- and that you don't have to stick to brand names, or even any name. You can find stuff you love that maybe.... you even make yourself.

  What's your favorite brush?

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