Last week I wrote about some of my favourite affordable makeup brush lines including the likes of Sigma and Real Techniques. Any brushes you get from the lines I mentioned are going to be great quality and if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of makeup tools, then one of their starter or travel kits would be a great way to get started.
If you’re looking to invest a little more into your makeup brush collection however, then I recommend selectively picking your brushes from different lines. A lot of makeup application is down to personal preference, but there are a few key brushes which I think every makeup tool kit should have.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Boots – £9.99
I’m actually a fan of using my fingers for foundation but if you are someone who has particularly sensitive, oily skin or even if you just prefer using a brush, then I’d recommend the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (£9.99). Dense with the perfect amount of bristles, it applies neatly and precisely.
Beautyblender Make-Up Sponge
Liberty – £16
If you’re more of a sponge girl, then the Beauty Blender sponge is difficult to beat. It’s a little pricey at £16.00, but well worth it.
Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush
Cocktail Cosmetics – £24.50
If you like to set your makeup with powder or if you use a matte powder for oil control, then I strongly recommend you throw away any flat sponge applicators you might have and buy a powder brush immediately. The difference you’ll see in the finish will be astonishing. One of my all-time favourite face brushes is by the US brand Sonia Kashuk but for a more readily available version, try Sigma’s Large Powder brush (£14.95).
Sigma Beauty Concealer Brush F70
Amazon – £10.95
Sigma Beauty E25 – Blending Brush
Amazon – £12.49
If you’re prone to breakouts then brushes can be a more hygienic way to apply concealer (if you commit to cleaning them regularly!). You can also get a more precise, natural finish when using the right brushes. If you want to use a brush for concealer than you will likely need two – a flat, dense concealer brush to apply the concealer and a lighter, more fluffy brush to blend. Sigma do two great options, the F70 and E25 (£9.99)
Kabuki Artisan Yachiyo Brush
Space NK – £43
If you’re going to splurge on one brush I would recommend that you invest in a great blush brush. You might think your regular blush application looks fine, but an amazing brush will completely change your opinion! The NARS Yachiyo Brush 27 is my absolute favourite; the incredible angled design and lightweight handle makes this a dream to work with and will ensure that you never mess up your blush again. At £37.50 it is a serious investment though.
Real Techniques Blush Brush
Superdrug – £9.99
If you’re looking for something cheaper, then the Real Techniques Blush Brush at £9.99 is still a great option.
MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush
Selfridges – £21
For a great all over eyeshadow brush, the MAC 239 (£20.00) will become your best friend. The perfect size and shape, you can use this for all over colour as well as for building up colour at the corners of your eyes.
Studio Blending Brush
ELF – £1.50
For blending, a particular favourite of mine is the ELF Blending Brush. Just as good as any high end versions I’ve used, this brush is wonderfully soft but still manages to get the job done. A snip at £1.50.
Essential Eye Crease Brush
e.l.f. – £1.50
Finally, for a crease brush to get to those hard to reach areas, then ELF’s Professional Eye Crease Brush is another fantastic buy at only £1.50.
