Make Up Brushes - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Make Up Brushes

Jane

Veteran

Dear Fabbers, I wondered what you thought of make up brushes and whether it is worth investing a lot or not so much? I have some beautiful Bobbi Brown eye brushes, which are gorgeous and have lasted a long time. I wash them regularly and they are as good as new.

But how about a dusting / bronzing / face powder (compact) brush? Is it worth investing in a good one. I would be grateful for your thoughts.

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from columbine(erin)

Bijou

Veteran

Jane I have a number of Mac make-up brushes and think they make a huge difference in how make-up is applied, particularly for my blush, highlighter and translucent powder to set my foundation. I use a make-up sponge to apply my foundation, but have thought that it may be a good idea to get a brush for that too.

kellygirl

Veteran

I don't have many brushes but I do use what I have. I have a few different brands--some old ones from Bobby Brown and MAC. I bought a set of Sigma which I like the most--all synthetic and wash well. Disappointed with a few recent MAC brush purchases as they seem to be losing bristles. I'm not a make up expert but I don't think you have to spend a bundle--there are many in the mid price range that work well.

Deb

Veteran

If you use powder and bronzer Jane, you need good brushes. I swear by Hourglass brushes that are Taklon fibres, pick up and distribute product well, are soft, wash well, never lose bristles and are pleasure to use. I have all manner of their face and eye brushes. Each is good for liquid, cream and powder, and they do last many many years if you care for them. Quality brushes do make a real difference to good make up application.

Anonymous

I love a good makeup brush My current fat powder brushes and pointed blush/contour brush are from Bobbi Brown . I also have some from MAC . Sounds like we all use the same brands. I have had good luck with Sephora's house brand brushes too.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I would agree that a blusher/powder brush is worth the investment.l have a blusher brush and a kabuki brush for powder.The kabuki was my daughters suggestion and I was a little sceptical that I needed a separate brush for blusher and powder butI have found that the kabuki brush puts powder on really finely so I don’t look caked.I haven’t spent a lot on brushes most of mine are the bamboo/eco friendly from boots and they seem perfectly fine.Have you looked at Lisa Aldridge s site for brush recommendations!

Jane

Veteran

Super advice, thank you all.

Bijou, thank you, helpful to know that you rate Mac. I do agree that a brush applied finish is better somehow.

Thank you Kellygirl. It is helpful to know about the price range and that mid range will work. My blush brush has starting loosing hairs and hence needing a replacement.

Deb, I will have a look at Hourglass brushes, thank you. They sound very good.

LisaP, I knew you would know! I will have a look at the Bobbi Brown ones. The other ones I have have lasted so well.

Ahh, CardiffGirl, your daughter is knowledgeable! A Kabuki brush sounds technical and a good thing. I will have a look at the Lisa Aldridge site.

nemosmom

Veteran

Definitely a good powder and blush brush. Sephora has some great ones under their in-house brand.

For eye makeup (liner, shadow, brow) I use sable hair art brushes from any art supply or craft store. They are usually available in more shapes/density and lengths, and at a better price, than makeup brushes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have ONE make-up brush, and it costs the earth. It's worth it to me.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have collected makeup brushes over the years. I take very good care of them and they last without any problems. For my eyeshadows I use Laura Mercier and MAC. I use MAC brushes for blush, highlighter and bronzer. I also have some Smashbox brushes that I use occasionally. All of these brushes are over 10 years old.
I resist buying more but I love them. I love makeup tools.

rachylou

Veteran

All my brushes are from Bare Escentuals. Of course so is my makeup, all loose powders. But I really like them. I like a small fat brush for blush... not a real big one or a tiny flat one...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I like MakeUpForever.
Trish McEvoy used to be good, but no longer

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I totally don’t understand brushes. I feel like if I got into using them, I would have to buy one for each product— as in those Lisa Eldridge videos. She is wonderful but she goes thru like 30 brushes each time! Always warning to “be sure to use a fresh brush” so as not to cross-pollinate. How does one keep them all straight??? And who has time to wash and dry them?

I just use my fingers or whatever applicator was included with the compact or product.

Anonymous

Not the applicator Jessikams-get thee some proper brushes! I have several brushes: big powder, angled blush, 2 eyeshadow (for light and dark), eyeliner, brow, and lip from various places, and wash them weekly with castille soap.

ANewMindset

I have some MAC brushes that have held up very well, but I recently bought this brush set on Amazon due to cheap price and good reviews. So far, so good! Honestly I haven't even tried them all yet!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZ3RLPC

Helena

Veteran

All my brushes are from Arbonne - I'm not an expert on these things, but they've lasted years and years, and work well for me! They are also animal-free, if that's important to you (it wasn't a factor for me; just an incidental fun fact!)

Freckles

Veteran

In my opinion Dior can't be beat. My Mac ones became scratchy but this was after some years of use so if you don't mind replacing more often listen to the ladies above.
I used a Shiseido rep to buy all the Dior make up for my sons wedding and at the end of the appointment said now brushes. She told me not to bother as the small ones you get in the Dior make up were far superior to anything else I could get and since I don't wear make up as much anymore would probably be totally happy with them. She was right. The kabukki brush in the highlighter in full sized too so...
The consultant who applied said make up for the wedding said she thought Arbonne were a great brush set and for the price if it had to be replaced earlier would be happy with that decision. Her brushes get washed after each customer too so you know they're getting washed more often than ours.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I agree with everyone that good brushes are important! Especially if you're using powders or minerals. I happen to use brushes and mineral makeup from Young Living. I use a brush for blush, a brush for my eyeliner, a brush for eyeshadow, and the same big fluffy brush to apply a foundation and a highlighter. The right brush is so helpful in getting the results you want.