Today for Makeup Wars we're sharing our favorite makeup brushes! I have a bit of a "thing" for makeup brushes, I have a huge collection at home and I can't seem to stop trying out new ones! Many of my favorites are from brands like It Cosmetics (their face brushes in particular are amazing, you can find a few at Sephora but they have a full line of brushes that are exclusive for ULTA), NARS (especially their #45 Smudge Brush, here at Sephora or at NARS), Laura Mercier (the travel crease brush and pony tail) and Bobbi Brown (her Ultra Fine Eye Liner brush).
Despite those expensive brushes, I have to admit that many of the brushes that I use regularly are under $15, and many actually only cost a few dollars. Brands like ELF and Coastal Scents have amazing brushes, and since they're so cheap, you can definitely afford to stock up! The $1 ELF Eye Shadow Brush is one that I have about 10 of (since I can then be a bit lazier about cleaning them), and I reach for it regularly instead of more expensive brushes from MAC.
I thought rather than just showing my favorite, I'd showcase my favorites to create a full kit of brushes. All of the brushes are under $15, most are under $6.
Eyes
1. ELF Eyeshadow Brush (at ELF): This is a great, basic fluff brush.2. ELF Smudge Brush (at ELF): I have a lot of different smudge brushes, and I change the brush I use depending upon the look I'm after. This is a softer, more flexible smudge and creates a softer look.
3. Coastal Scents Classic Blender Crease Brush (at Coastal Scents): This is perfect for applying a crease color, or blending a little shadow under your lower lash line.
Face
4. ELF Ultimate Blending Brush (at ELF): I like to use this to buff/blend foundation or BB Cream.5. EcoTools Micro Blending Brush (at ULTA or Amazon): This is my recent obsession for blending concealer, it is basically a very small kabuki brush. Check out my full review.
6. EcoTools Precision Blush Brush (from ULTA or Amazon): This is a fluffy blush brush, just the right size for a nice pop of color that isn't too intense.
7. ELF Bronzing Brush (at ELF or Amazon): This is a soft and very flexible brush, I like it for adding just a touch of highlighter to my cheekbones.
8. ELF Pointed Powder Brush (at ELF): I like to have a smaller brush for my powder, I mostly apply a light layer under my eyes and just down my t-zone.
9. EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo (at ULTA or Amazon): I admit that I mostly use my BeautyBlender sponge, but I recently discovered these EcoTools sponges (check out the post here) and I love the shape of these! The flat sides and the point are great for blending around my eyes and nose.
Product Sent for Review, I Bought It, Affiliate Links
Drugstore brushes are getting better, for sure. If you like Laura Mercier, her Bronzer Brush is one of my favorites & worth the splurge! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! I have quite a few Eco Tools brushes, but sadly none that you have featured! I need to go pick up a few of these!
ReplyDeleteI love an inexpensive brush!
ReplyDeleteEcoTools makes some seriously underrated great brushes.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely some of my faves here. I've been loving the new ELF Beautifully Precise line!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that drugstores brands are upping their game when it comes go makeup brushes.
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! The Real Techniques Buffing Brush and a Beauty Blender are my go-to combination :)
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
I love a good, affordable brush! I think I'll pick up that ELF powder brush and give it a go.
ReplyDeleteWe're on the same wavelength, girlfriend. You have some of my favorite picks here. I'm always shocked at how cheap ELF's brushes are and how fantastic they work.
ReplyDeleteA year or so ago, I had to retire a set of expensive makeup brushes I'd used for years. With all of the use and washing, they had seen their best days. At the time, I could not afford to replace the old set. I went to the drugstore and studied the selection of EcoTools and ELF brushes and bought a few. I was amazed at the performance of those brushes! A couple of them were better than I'd had in my original set. I have since purchased a couple more ELF brushes and I'm completely satisfied with the brushes and the money I've saved.
ReplyDelete