When you're new to the make-up world, thinking that just the sponge tip applicator that comes with many drug store brand eye shadows is sufficient enough to apply make-up is quite common. Though many brushes are used in the application of make-up, the sponge tip applicator still has some uses in the make-up world. You may use the sponge tip applicator for applying light colored eye shadows (if a clean brush isn't available) like when you're applying a highlight color to the brow bone. I should forewarn you though, these sponge tip applicators are breeding grounds for germs, so if you do like to use them, replace them often!
In your basic kit, you should have about 8 brushes (eye and face) + an eyebrow comb/brush. In this blog, I will go into detail, what brushes you need, why and some ideas of where to purchase cheap alternatives to the more expensive versions.
Basic Eye Shadow Brush
Small Crease Brush
Medium Crease Brush
Fluffy Contouring Brush
Flat Shader/Concealer Brush
Eyeliner Brush
Blush Brush
Powder Brush
Eyebrow brow comb/brush
Eye Brushes
The first brush you should have is your
basic eye shadow brush. This is to apply an all over wash of color on your lid. Of course, you can use it for other applications, but this is your most basic form. I recommend having at least 2 of these brushes because you never know when you might need another one! I use the Revlon All Purpose Eye Shadow Brush. It's quite affordable and is high quality.
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| Revlon All Purpose Eye Shadow Brush |
Next you should have atleast a
small and medium crease brush. Most of these crease brushes have a tapered end for more precise application. The smaller brush I like using to put white eyeshadow in the corner of my eye to make your eyes pop. You can not only use these brushes for precise application, but you can also use it to blend out those colors. There are several brands that have great crease brushes but the one I have is Studio M Duo Crease brushes. These brushes I purchased at Meijer for about $5. Really... you can get these brushes anywhere!
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| Sonia Kashuk Medium Crease Brush |
For easy easy blending, I suggest you purchase a nice
fluffy contouring dome brush. This brush is generally used for blending along the crease and in the outer V. The bristles should be decent length and have some nice fluff to them. The softness allows you to not pickup too much eye shadow when applying or blending. (The same concept of softness is applied to blush brushes as well.) I purchased the Revlon Contour Eye Shadow Brush. It cost about the same as the regular eyeshadow brush and is for sure essential in your brush collection. (I think Revlon discontinued this particular brush :[ )
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| Revlon Contour Eyeshadow Brush |
Next, get this two for one brush that's called a
flat shader/concealer brush. This brush doubles as an eye brush and a face brush. It's stiff composer allows for application of loose pigments/powders to pack on the color on the eye. Also, you can use this brush to apply concealer to your face to hide blemishes or discolored spots.
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| EcoTools Concealer/Flat shader brush |
To apply gel eyeliner or shadow on your lower or upper lash line, I suggest you add to your brush collection, an
eyeliner brush. This brush contains a small row of bristles and is sometimes angled for easier application of shadow or eyeliner. I purchased a set of brushes made by Eco Tools. It came with five high quality brushes, one of those brushes was the eyeliner brush. The handle is made out of bamboo and the bristles are synthetic but very very very soft, especially the powder brush. The set also came with a concealer brush, basic eyeshadow brush, an eyebrow comb/brush, and the eyeliner brush.
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| (From L to R: Eco Tools Powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, concealer and eyebrow brushes) |
Face Brushes
There are only two but maybe three face brushes a beginner should have in their collection. The powder, blush and stippling brush (optional).
The first brush should be your basic decent sized
powder brush. This brush is primarily used in the application of the powder you put on after your liquid foundation to set it. This powder can be translucent, colored (to your skin tone) or a glow enhancer.
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| Sigma Powder Brush |
The second necessary brush that should be in your collection in your
blush/contouring brush. This type of brush is usually angled to ease the application of blush to your cheeks, easily sweeping across your cheeks. Also, this brush should be super super super soft to not pick up as much blush so you do not look like one of those little porcelain dolls! Also it helps with contouring your cheeks/nose and any other part of the face that needs contouring. To be honest, I do not have a blush brush. As previously mentioned, I do not like wearing blush, so it's not for me! :]
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| Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush |
The third but not so necessary is a
stippling brush. This brush has a mismatch of bristles to aide in foundation application when you don't want to use a sponge or your fingers. If done correctly, this brush can help apply your foundation evenly and smoothly leaving your face with an airbrushed look! When using this brush to apply liquid foundation you should be making both horizontal and vertical strokes to allow even application of your foundation. There are two sets of bristles in a stippling brush. The longer, white bristles are made of synthetic hairs. These bristles are the ones you will use to pick up product. The second set of hairs are natural hairs. They are a darker color and used for buffing the foundation onto your face.
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| Sonia Kashuk Stippling Brush |
Your last brush you need is your eyebrow brush/comb. This brush helps with your brows and your eyelashes. By helping remove clumps of mascara in your eyelashes and grooming your eyebrows, this brush knocks out two jobs for the price of one. :]
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| ELF Eyebrow Comb/Brush |
As promised, here are some brands that are affordable and have decent to great quality.
Revlon- Can be purchased at any drug store.
Sonia Kashuk- Exclusively available at Target stores
Eco Tools- Generally at any drug store, but also online @
Ulta Website
E.L.F.- Meijer, K-Mart, and online @
EyesLipsFace Makeup and Cosmetics
Sigma Brushes- Online exclusively @
Sigma Makeup
MUG Brushes (Make-up geek)- Online exclusively @
MUG Website
NYX Brushes- at Ulta and ONLINE @
NYX Brushes
Have a happy Holiday Season, and Happy Early New Year Everyone!
