20160622

The Makeup Brushes I Can't Live Without


This post has been a long time coming but I finally feel I have a brush for just about every purpose that I completely love. There have been some tough decisions but I've whittled it down to those brushes that I could happily just use exclusively for the rest of my life!

Base

Sephora Pro Airbrush #55 | $34

If you're planning a Sephora order then I wholeheartedly recommend adding this to your basket. I wasn't sure what to expect after picking it up on a whim because I'd heard good things about Sephora's own brand brushes and this seemed to have great reviews. It has loose, synthetics bristles which mean it could also be really great for powder, however I love it for bases. For any more fluid, light base then this is perfect. I much prefer it to using my fingers or a Beautyblender. It just blends out lighter formulas perfectly with no brush strokes and gives the most natural, skin-like finish.

Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush | £13 (for standard brush)

This is definitely one of my all-time most used makeup brushes! It's a synthetic brush with rounded, dense bristles. Mine is from the Rose Golden set so of course it has the beautiful copper-toned finish. It's my go-to for any medium coverage bases like Nars Sheer Glow as it just applies my base flawlessly.



Nanshy Flawless Foundation F01 Flat Top Kabuki Brush | £9.95

If I want that next-level flawlessness then I reach for this flat-topped brush. Again the bristles are synthetic (always my preference for liquid/cream formulas and for face brushes) and these are packed in even more tightly, which really helps give that airbrushed look. When I want a full coverage, seamless base then I use this with something like Estee Lauder's Double Wear.

Real Techniques Setting Brush | £6.99

I know this is a setting brush (and I do have another one I sometimes set my under-eye concealer with) but I love it for applying concealer under my eyes. It just seems to blend everything out so seamlessly and naturally! It has quite dense, synthetic bristles that seem to just really work with concealers. I often go over it with a damp Beautyblender afterwards to ensure it's all blended in properly but it applies the product really well in the first instance.

Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer Brush | £9

This is my go-to brush for applying concealer to blemishes. The synthetic bristles are very dense and slightly rounded, which also makes it perfect for getting into every little crevice of your face (like into the corner of the eyes and round the sides of the nose).  The size of the brush is very small too, which makes it great for concealing specific areas. I feel like this buffs the product in perfectly to help it blend in with my foundation.

Morphe E3 Precision Pointed Powder Brush | £13.50

When I first got this brush there were almost too many options as to what to do with it! However I've realised that I do really just like it as a powder brush. Again the bristles are synthetic and fairly loosely packed. It has a tapered shape which means you can use it to set underneath your eyes too. It's perfect for a nice, light little dusting of powder without disturbing the makeup underneath.

Cheek

Sigma Copper F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush* | $24

It was a tough decision but I do think that when it comes down to it: this is my #1 highlighting brush. It's just the perfect shape, the bristles (synthetic and with technology unique to Sigma) are so silky-smooth and pick up the right about of product then blend it out seamlessly. I also love that it's really hard to go overboard with this because unless you seriously load up the brush, it gives a nice and subtle application.

Real Techniques Blush Brush | £9.99

This is one of those brushes that I just know is going to apply powder products perfectly. If this can't do it then nothing will and the blusher is probably just rubbish! The shape doesn't look like it should work but somehow it does. It's surprisingly large with rounded synthetic bristles. I use the very tip to apply blusher then angle it to blend things out. It also works beautifully for subtle bronzing.



Crownbrush SS035 Medium Face Contour Brush* | £8.79

I was never really one for cream contouring until I discovered this - it really has been a game-changer! The slightly rounded synthetic bristles fit perfectly into the hollows of my cheeks. It makes it so easy to apply and blend out cream contouring and bronzing products (like my ColourPop bronzers) for a really natural look.

Sigma Copper F90 Fan Brush* | $33

I must admit, I was slightly perplexed when I read online that this was an amazing contour brush but it honestly does work! All you have to do is angle it into the hollows of your cheekbones, do a couple of swipes and you have a sharp, flawless contour. It works with all of my favourite powder formulas too. Again the bristles are synthetic and made with Sigma's exclusive technology. It really is a beautiful brush and the bristles are so thick and soft. It's a bit of an investment but it works and has a really luxurious feel to it.

Eye

Sigma E45 Small Tapered Blending Brush* | $14

I actually don't use this for blending! It does work really well as a more precise crease brush but personally I find it perfect (and the only brush I ever use) for applying a highlight shade. It has very tapered, precise bristles (again made with Sigma's synthetic fibres) that means it seems to fit perfectly in my inner corner to pat on my highlight.

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush | £20.99 for set

I'm really annoyed this isn't available individually but such is my commitment to this brush that I'd consider buying the whole eye set if I needed to repurchase it! I actually got this as part of a limited edition collection over a year ago and have quite possibly used it every day since. It has synthetic bristles again, which are fluffy and very slightly tapered. It's just perfect for quick and easy application of an all-over lid shade like MAC's All That Glitters.

Morphe E28 Rounder Blender Brush | £5.50

I actually had one from Crownbrush I used to use for the exact same thing but it was discontinued and I had to kind of stop talking about it! Luckily I discovered another that I like just as much. This a pointed crease brush with synthetic bristles that is still quite large so although you might think it would be more for precise look, I actually love it for softly applying a transition shade.



Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush | £9 (for standard brush)

I like this more than the MAC 217. There. I said it! And at less than half the price it's a good job because I honestly own about 4 of these. It has almost the same slightly rounded natural bristles as the 217 and I actually have a comparison of them here if you were interested. Anyway, I just find this to be the perfect do-it-all brush; if you're travelling then this is virtually all you need! It can apply your base shade, a soft crease colour and then blend it all in.

Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease Brush | £9 (for standard brush)

This is in the running for my all-time favourite eyeshadow brush! It's a small, tapered brush with natural bristles that fits perfectly in the crease. It's just amazing for precisely applying and then blending out a dark crease colour. 

Zoeva 234 Luxe Smoky Shader Brush | £9 (for standard brush)

I honestly don't know how I did anything vaguely-resembling a smoky eye before I got my hands on this! It's a flat, firm brush with natural bristles that's just perfect for patting a dark shade onto the outer part of your eyelid. It's also great for blending it in with everything else and even for taking the shade underneath the eyes to line them a little.


What are your all-time favourite makeup brushes?



Don't forget to follow me on:

*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. 

I AM A SIGMA AFFILIATE.
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION. 
Share:

55 comments

  1. I really need some zoeva, I think it would fill in some of the blanks I don't have! The Signa brushes look amazing too, especially than fan brush. You've put my brushes to shame! x

    Tamz | http://www.throughneweyesx.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zoeva are my favourite brush brand for sure and the Sigma brush is well worth investing in :) xx

      Delete
  2. Really helpful post! I love your pictures as well. Real techniques brushes are such a good quality for their price I think, same for zoeva brushes!
    Marlinde xx
    www.marlinde.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm always very sceptical about fan brushes and I always thought they were reserved to highlighters only! I love the Sephora Pro brushes as well, and, at the moment, Sephora very often puts them on sale, I'm just saying...

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have so many! Feel free to send some my way, haha. x
    http://my--socalledlife.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this list, I've been wanting some new brushes for a while so I might have to invest in some of these. I love the look of the Nanshy flat top brush and the fan one.

    The Makeup Directory

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Nanshy brush is so perfect for that super-flawless look :) xx

      Delete
  6. I love the Morphe Elite eye brushes. For base I love the RT buffing brush, i still yet to find one I love more than that. I love the sound of the Nashy one, i must check it out xx

    LPage Beauty

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love your brush cups!!! and your pics are amazing!!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an amazing collection!
    I´m trying to create my own collection but I only have 6 for the moment :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it took me a while to figure out which brushes I really love for different tasks! xx

      Delete
  9. Love all the brushes you have! Great post x
    www.beautiliciousd.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Loved this post! I find the Zoeva brushes are so dense that they are a nightmare to clean! but your photography is amazing, it look so nice! Do you have any tips? x

    https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/ella-catherine-4310519

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I use Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soap and the Sigma Express brush cleaning mat to clean all my brushes. I find most of their brushes fine to wash but the foundation and concealer ones can be tricky xx

      Delete
  11. You have a very good collection! Also nice pictures :)

    youthfulblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really need to step up my brush game!! Thank you for posting this! It helped with where I should start!! <3

    Amelia | http://amelia-g.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Real Techniques setting brush is one of my favourites!

    nueyork.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. As helpful as the post is what I am really interested in is that adorable brush holder with all the little products on, it is ADORABLE! Sorry if you've already mentioned it somewhere but would you mind telling me where it's from, I really want one xxx

    Sarah from iheartcosmetics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's from here: https://society6.com/product/the-black--white-shelf_mug#27=199 xx

      Delete
  15. Loved the post, very helpful. I want me some Zoeva :( No way to get it, I have shell double the price plus shipping.

    Recently Posted: Makeup Revolution London Concealer review

    ReplyDelete
  16. I loved reading this post! I don't use many brushes for my makeup - I love using a beauty blender for my foundation! I do really like urban decays eyeshadow brushes though!

    Leah And Rachel Goth | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm in love with Zoeva brushes - they're a total favourite of mine! :)
    Ambar | Her Little Loves

    ReplyDelete
  18. The RT base shadow brush is my favourite for applying eyeshadows too! I have 2 but they are both looking ropey so I could do with buying another set for a new one!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mine definitely isn't in the best shape these days! xx

      Delete
  19. What a great collection you have!
    I love my Zoeva Rose Gold set.

    http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Zoeva is still on the top of my wishlist, they look and sound amazing!

    Parie x
    classandglitter.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Morphe brushes are so nice. I cant believe how affordable they are. I love the real techniques blusher brush and setting brush. They are so fluffy!

    www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  22. Real Techniques are my favourite for face makeup brushes, so soft and clean up well too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. RT is my favourite brand for brushes, they're quite affordable and the quality is so good! x

    Ariadna || RAWR BOWS

    ReplyDelete
  24. I really want to try the Zoeva makeup brushes!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I thought of purchasing Morphe brushes an then I came across Stephanie Nicole Youtube video on the brand and I'm glad I didn't purchase anything from them. You should watch the video if you get the chance, it's very informative. My favourite highlighting brush is Wayne Goss 03 brush, it's blends a cheap highlighter into looking like it's a $100.00.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have seen the video. I'm not sure how Morphe brushes are priced where you are but in the UK they are extremely cheap so I not sure what all the hysteria is about - I just kind of take it as a given with very low-cost products such as these that they may not be entirely exclusive and you can probably ship something virtually identical from China but at the end of the day I'm not really going to go through all the aggro to do that in order to save £1-2. Some of them are good, some of them are not so good. I feel the Elite range is good x

      Delete
  26. I really want the Zoeva brush! It sounds incredible! x

    TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love these brushes! Looks amazing!
    Hugs,
    Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm still yet to add some Zoeva brushes to my collection but they always seem to receive such good reviews - I'm tempted to treat myself to the rose gold collection! On a budget I personally love Topshop brushes for my base, they surprisingly work so well and leave me with a very natural looking skin finish!

    Toni x
    www.clarkecouture.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've actually never tried Topshop brushes! xx

      Delete
  29. I use the RT setting brush for so much! It's such a good versatile brush, I use it to set powder under my eyes & in oily areas as well as for blending out my nose contour. I love it :) x

    Just Little Things

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love my RT blush and powder brushes. I wasn't overly impressed with their Bold Metals collection, it seemed to be a lot of hype over nothing in particular and I regret spending that much money on them. Think I'll try the Nanshy Flawless Foundation Kabuki Brush next.

    Roxie | The Beautiful Bluebird

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it was style over substance - the only one I really liked was the Arched Powder but even then I wasn't convinced it was worth the price tag! xx

      Delete
  31. I use the RT brush for powder rather than my blush because its simply too big for my face haha. Maybe I'm not using it properly but I prefer something smaller in size for extra precision x

    bohorush.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. You seriously have all the brushes I want, but they are so hard to get here unfortunately, since shipping is a witch with a capital 'B.' I'd love to get some Morphe brushes and some more Sigma, they are great! <3

    xx Bash |   go say   H E Y   B A S H

    ReplyDelete
  33. That real techniques setting brush is one of my favourites. I use it for concealer, powder, contour and highlighting sometimes, I love that it's so versatile! Also, I love that mug in your first picture (right hand side) Where is it from?
    - Nishi x
    www.nishiv.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's from Society6 - I've linked it above :) xx

      Delete
  34. This post is so helpful! I mainly use Real Techniques brushes but I'm looking to invest in some other brands so I will definitely check out some of these! xo

    http://rachelnicole.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oooh, you've got such an enviable brush collection! I must admit, on most days I mostly rely on my beautyblender. Some of these brushes are so tempting though, like that Sigma fan brush!

    Mili | Sharmtoaster

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow, great selection!! I have a lot of the same ones (especially from Zoeva and Real Techniques) but I have yet to try Morphe, Crownbrush and Nanshy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really rate all of them - I'm sure you'd like them :) xx

      Delete
  37. I really wanna check out Zoeva brushes ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I really need to pick up some zooeva brushes.. the concealer brush looks like it would be so good for blending under eye concealor out xx

    www.veronicabizzarri.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you for your comments - hope this post was helpful! xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love the RT setting brush for concealer too, it's just perfect for under my eyes! I swear by ELF's Studio Powder Brush for my powder and RT Buffing Brush for foundation is my go to! I also love RT's Sculpting brush for cream contour as it works so well. I really want to try the Crown Brush Medium Contour brush now though :)

    Emily // Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

    xx

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment - I read and appreciate every single one :)

There's no need to spam - I will check out your blog if you leave a click-able link under a genuine comment!

If you have a question please check back for my reply or tweet me @jasminetalksblg

xx

© Jasmine Talks Beauty | All rights reserved.
Blog Layout Created by pipdig