Before I begin I just want to point out that actually, I often apply make-up using my fingers. I simply don’t have the time to whip out 57 brushes every morning and apply my maquillage like a pro. However, if I do want precision and certainly more long-lasting results I absolutely make the effort to use the proper tools.

Over the years I’ve invested in more brushes that I care to mention (although I reckon 57 wouldn’t be far off) but there are only five or so that I use on a semi-regular basis so thought I would review. Interestingly I recently realised my recommended few are all at the budget end of the market. Who knew? Especially considering I distinctly remember once spending forty five quid on a “blusher applicator”. I don’t have the first clue where this piece of unnecessary equipment even is.

Note to self: in 2015 stop impulse buying crap.

Ecotools

(first and last in row above)

I read about this brand in some magazine or other, it was given MAJOR raves due to the softness of the bristles, the lack of shedding and the bargain price point. The Kabuki is as good as any other far more spendy versions I’ve tried yet was only £9.99 from Boots. I use it to blend/apply my fancy balls, bronzer or plain old loose powder, it doesn’t pick up too much product and isn’t in any way scratchy.

The small angle brush was part of a an eye-enhancing duo, £6.99 also at Boots. I do use the other one in the set, just not as much. I use the pointy angled end to add a swoosh of gold shadow underneath my peepers when I’m looking tired (that will be most of the time then) and the fluffy bit for blending shadow on the lid.

Real Techniques

(second and forth in row above)

I love these. I bought a discounted set AGES ago which I may have in fact mentioned on here. The multi-tasking domed brush is excellent for applying mineral powder foundation (I like Elizabeth Arden) and making it look flawless and not to “done”. I whoosh the brush around, tap of the excess and “buff” it into my skin, taking extra care around my nose and other reddish areas for extra coverage. At present I can only see it available in the Travel Essentials kit on Lookfantastic.com however, I’ve heard the that the Expert Face brush is very similar.

The “small setting brush” is an odd one in that I use it to apply blush. Perhaps it’s my random moony face shape but I find “big” blush brushes difficult to control and I end up having large splodges of pink all across my cheeks rather than specifically the apples. This is perfect for precision – either enhancing aforementioned apples or creating a more chiseled/look-at-my-AMAZING-cheekbones look.

It’s £7.99 and worth every penny.

E.L.F

(middle in row above)

The concealer brush is super, I use it to blend my Estee Lauder BB brush on glow Glow underneath my eyes, in the inner corners and anywhere else I need some lightening and lifting. It’s very gentle and apparently has built in anti-bacterial properties. It is also only £3.95.

So folks, what brushes do YOU use?

Any that you couldn’t live without?

Any you use for a different purpose to what they are intended as per yours truly and the setting brush for blush?