If you are starting to build your makeup kit and wondering what brushes you need, here are some tips that I want to share with you. The most basic brushes that you need is something that is versatile and has multiple functions. Most of my recommendations are based on these considerations since you would want to make the most out of your money specially that good quality brushes can be expensive.
As for the brand, I recommend Sigma Makeup brushes - for those who are looking for affordable yet high quality brushes or M.A.C brushes - for those you are into high end brushes. I choose these 2 brands since their price is still within reasonable range and the availability of multi-purpose brushes.
Alternative: Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki (Sigma F80) - This brush is an alternative to the Duo Fiber brush but feels a lot softer. It feels like a powder puff or a sponge on the skin. This is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder and liquid foundation.
Sigma F80 costs $16
Medium Angled Shading Brush (Sigma E70 or M.A.C. 275) - This brush has soft, smooth fibers and a full, angled design. Ideal to apply highlight shades underneath the eyebrow and on the inner corners. It can also be used for a precise application of darker shades on the crease area. Natural bristles.
Why is it versatile: You only need this brush to apply eye shadows to create a full look. Use the flat area to pat on base color, the angled edge to blend out colors along the crease, the tip to create a precise application of color. This brush is equivalent to using an eye shader brush, blending brush and a softer version of the pencil brush. You can also use this to blend concealer.
Sigma E70 costs $9
M.A.C. 275 costs $24.50
Alternative: Blending Brush (Sigma E25 or M.A.C. 217) - This brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape. Ideally used to apply and blend color to the crease area and to soften harsh edges. Same with the angled shading brush, you can use this solely to create a full look just that it doesn't have a precise tip that can let you apply colors to very specific/small areas. This can also be used to blend concealers.
Sigma E35 costs $9
M.A.C. 217 costs $22.50
Optional Brushes:
If you have extra budget to purchase a lip brush and a small angled brush then I also recommend these. The lip brush helps you contour your lips better as well as help extend the shelf life of your lip products. The small angled brush, on the other hand, can be used to line eyes, and fill in brows.
Duo Fiber Brush (Sigma F50 or M.A.C. 187) - A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Usually made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibers, this brush can also be used to apply liquid and foundation. It makes liquid or cream foundation application so easy. You will only need to stipple your brush until you get an even look.
Why is it versatile: You only need this brush to apply all facial makeup - foundation, setting powder, contour, highlights and blush.
Sigma F50 costs $16
M.A.C. 187 costs $42
Why is it versatile: You only need this brush to apply all facial makeup - foundation, setting powder, contour, highlights and blush.
Sigma F50 costs $16
M.A.C. 187 costs $42
Sigma F80 costs $16
Why is it versatile: You only need this brush to apply eye shadows to create a full look. Use the flat area to pat on base color, the angled edge to blend out colors along the crease, the tip to create a precise application of color. This brush is equivalent to using an eye shader brush, blending brush and a softer version of the pencil brush. You can also use this to blend concealer.
Sigma E70 costs $9
M.A.C. 275 costs $24.50
Alternative: Blending Brush (Sigma E25 or M.A.C. 217) - This brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape. Ideally used to apply and blend color to the crease area and to soften harsh edges. Same with the angled shading brush, you can use this solely to create a full look just that it doesn't have a precise tip that can let you apply colors to very specific/small areas. This can also be used to blend concealers.
Sigma E35 costs $9
M.A.C. 217 costs $22.50
Optional Brushes:
If you have extra budget to purchase a lip brush and a small angled brush then I also recommend these. The lip brush helps you contour your lips better as well as help extend the shelf life of your lip products. The small angled brush, on the other hand, can be used to line eyes, and fill in brows.
