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Writer's pictureKaren Lee

My go-to makeup brushes

Updated: Feb 28, 2020

I exclusively used fingers to put on my makeup up until maybe a year and a half ago. Then I dipped my toe into the brush world, and boy is it confusing. Based on my experience, I have found that these brushes are great value for money. They're a little more expensive than what you might find at the drug-store, but they have been well reviewed for longevity. And if you take care of your brushes, they should last for years. I have also found that they are a big quality jump from my drug-store brushes.


I really thought that brushes would all do the same thing, but man, these ones have been engineered to do one thing, and one thing really well.


All of them are from the Sephora Pro collection.


What I use each of the brushes for

TOP PICKS

So my number one brush recommendation is the #99 sculpting blush brush $32. It's a spade shape and if I had to take just one brush, this would be it. I can use one side for blush, the other side for another pressed powder products, and the edge for highlighter. It is the ultimate multi-tasking brush. This brush picks up the perfect amount of product, and blends everything in extremely well.


My next favourite brush is the #57 airbrush detail brush $32. It was a 2017 Allure Best of Beauty award winner, and for good reason. I use this brush in a light tapping motion, and it blends my concealer seamlessly. I dip the brush into the concealer pot or take some product off the end of a wand, and then tap product under my eyes. It's also pretty good at concealing spots.


My third favourite was the #62 fan highlight brush $31. Again, I really like brushes that let me have maximum control over product placement (hence, why I prefer the #99 for blush, over other bigger, fluffier blush brushes). A lot of highlighter brushes are too sparse (most fan brushes), or pick up too much product - not this one!



THE REST


My most recent addition has been the #85 lip brush $21. Before I had been using the brush that comes on the back of a Buxom lipliner. I don't think there's anything terribly special about this brush.


Great little foundation brush. I got the travel size, because the brush head is the same size as the "full size" but, with a shorter handle and lower price. I generally prefer to apply my base products with my fingers or a Beauty Blender. However, sometimes if I'm feeling lazy and don't want to wash my hands after, or rinse out my blender, this does the trick. This brush is shaped like a giant finger pad, and is extremely soft on the skin. I haaaate scratchy foundation buffing brushes.


#55 airbrush (brush?) $45. Mine is the 55.5 travel size.

I got this one as a Rouge gift a couple years ago. Didn't use it until I needed something for bronzer. So, this is what I use! It's great for blending, and picks up a light amount of pressed powder product.


#52 stippling concealer brush (discontinued)

This is like a mini version of the #47 foundation brush, but for concealer. I like this one for spot concealing because it's like using your finger to tap product into all the nooks and crannies of a spot. But 90% of the time I prefer the #57.


I don't use loose powders often, but when I do, I like using the #50.5 flawless light powder brush $20. The travel size is $30 cheaper than the "full size"one, but has the same brush head.


Do you have any brush recommendations for me? I still consider myself a newbie, so please let me know your what your favourites are!

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