Friday 12 October 2012

Review: Favourite Makeup Brushes.



The trick to applying makeup effortless and flawlessly is having the right tools, my brush collection a year or two ago couldn't even be called a collection, but with a bit of work (and money), I now have some great brushes which make applying makeup a breeze.

First up, an old favourite - the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki brush, this is still one of my most used brushes for applying foundation. It's quite a sturdy brush, the bristles are densely packed and I think this helps to really buff in cream foundations for a flawless finish.

Next up is another buffing brush (the best for foundations, in my opinion), this is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush which comes in the Core Collection. I usually use this with BB creams or lighter foundations, I apply the product roughly with my fingers and then go over with the Buffing brush for a more natural finish. This is a great starter set of brushes for those who want to try out a set and build up their collection.

The Topshop Blush brush is one I've had for a while now and although I don't use it every day, I get a lot of use out of this one. I tend to use this for powder blushers and highlighters, it's really soft and great for those with a heavy hand as it gives a light finish. This is the only brush I've tried from Topshop but I'm really impressed!

The Real Techniques Setting Brush is great for touching up small areas with powder, I use this mainly for concealing powders under my eyes, like the Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit. It really sets makeup and means product doesn't cake.

Another couple of Real Techniques favourites are the Blush Brush and Expert Face Brush - I use the blush brush for powder blushers for a sculpted finish and the Expert Face brush is perfect for cream blushers. I just dot a bit of product on with my fingers and buff it in with the brush, it's definitely my favourite brush for cream based blushers.

Lastly, this Smashbox Tapered Shadow brush is my go to eyeshadow brush. I've had it for a while now and it's my favourite one for applying eyeshadow. The product goes on perfectly and doesn't fall, and shades can be blended together perfectly. I definitely want to try a few more from Smashbox as they're a great brand and always leave me happy!

What are your favourite makeup brushes?


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34 comments:

  1. I have been getting into the Real Techniques brushes ever since they've hit the stands in Australia and boy they are definitely worth the hype. I am slightly obsessed with the Kabuki brush because I like how the brush opens up and I can sometimes even use it for contouring. Great post! x

    http://catsandclothing.blogspot.com

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  2. Great post! i'm just starting to build a proper collection of brushes, the quality of these brushes really makes so much difference its defiantly worth spending the extra money.
    Clairemae.blogspot.com

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  3. The Real Techniques brushes are def my favourite brand of brushes, I've just done a post on my favourite brushes on my blog

    Laura x
    www.lookatmyclothes.blogspot.com

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  4. I love the real techniques brushes. I love sigma too - their eyeliner brush is amazing xx

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  5. I need to get my hands on the Real Techniques brushes, they sound amazing and would be great to build my collection.

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  6. I really want to try a Real Techniques brush! x

    :: LUCYSLUXE ::

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  7. I love the Real Techniques brushes! Sam did a great job, especially at that price. I use my buffing/contour/powder/blush brushes everyday. :)

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  8. I really need new make up brushes this post helped me out loads xxxx

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  9. i literally ran out and bought real techniques brushes months ago when you reviewed them... you are very bad for my bank balance Kate! :) really interesting to see no Mac brushes here... I can't decide whether i'm happy to splurge on them! xxxx

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  10. Have you ever tried Ecotools brushes? I have their eye shadow brush kit and since I started to use them, my eye make up has REALLY improved.

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  11. I'm obsessed with the Real Techniques buffing brush, its the best foundation brush I've ever used!x

    http://luxenoirbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

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  12. The real techniques brushes are amazing! have to be a go to brush along with urban decay optical blurring.

    Xx

    www.emmysbeautybox.blogspot.com

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  13. Great choices, i'm currently saving up for the core collection, the buffing brush looks fab!

    Sophierosehearts x

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  14. Absolutely wonderful post, in need of make-up brushes so this was perfect! Thank-you. I really want to try the real technique brushes!

    Abi
    drowsyhearts.blogspot.co.uk
    Xx

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  15. The real techniques brushes look really nice & as luck would have it, I need new brushes!

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  16. I literally just bought a few new Real Techniques brushes, I love them! I especially love the fact they are so soft and don't shed. Great Post!

    Kate xx

    www.fashboxstyle.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. I love real techniques! The detailer brush is also great for concealer!! xx

    www.ajumpinmargaretslife.blogspot.com

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  18. I love the real techniques buffing brush and expert face brush:)!

    thebeautymist.blogspot.co.uk

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  19. I love my real techniques brushes too - especially the buffing brush. It just gives such a smooth finish to the skin. xx
    www.bohoglow.wordpress.com

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  20. I love the buffing brush- no more streaky foundation! I'm looking for a new blush brush so must try the Toppers one. I have always wanted to try Sigma ones. Lovely post x

    www.darlingcheriex.blogspot.co.uk/

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  21. that topshop brush looks really great for highlighter xx
    thebeautyheroes.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. I love the real techniques brushes, especially the stippling brush!


    Sarah x
    takemyscars.blogspot.com

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  23. I really want to try the Real Techniques brushes, everyone loves them! I have the Topshop blush brush, and I bought it a while ago, I'm really glad I bought it.

    http://emilylikessmakeup.blogspot.co.uk/

    xx

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  24. Real Techniques Brushes are wonderful and very budget friendly!
    I love them

    www.ruelalips.blogspot.com

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  25. Ahh I really want to buy some Real Techniques brushes and this post has made me want them even more!xx
    http://beautyaddict1000.blogspot.co.uk/

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  26. My favourite brushes are The Body Shop! I've used them for about 3 years! They are so soft!

    www.britishcouture.co.uk

    Read your blog everyday x

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  27. I picked up the RT foundation brush for my foundation, duh! But I have read on so many blogs that people use the buffing brush to apply foundation. You mention that you use it for BB creams and lighter foundations, what brush would you suggest to use with thicker foundations as I need the extra coverage. I'm not that happy with the RT foundation brush for foundation. Although, I quite like it with liquid concealer!

    Rachel x
    Lost In Lipstick

    lostinlipstick.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. The real techniques brushes pricewise can't be beaten! They are awesome. Great post as always ;) xx

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  29. Real techniques brushes are amazing, their stipling brush is my favourite for foundation! xx

    Ferdies-place.blogspot.com

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  30. I love my Real Techniques Buffing Brush so much I would marry it if I could. Let's just say if it was a guy, it would be my prince charming fo'sho :)

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  31. I love all of the real techniques brushes, I think they are amazing

    Jess x

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  32. fab post!!! I'm slightly obsessed with my Real Techniques brushes lol

    xjoedix.blogspot.co.uk

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  33. I'm picking up a whole load of Real Techniques brushes when I go back to the States for a visit soon! And I've been eyeing Hakuhodo brushes for the longest time - they look gorgeous, but crazy expensive. Someday!

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  34. Love the Real Techniques brushes! I mentioned some of them in one of my posts recently.

    thelittlelionqueen.blogspot.com

    xx Callie

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