Most Used Makeup Brushes

There was a time when good makeup brushes were hideously expensive. Now thanks to brands like Real Techniques, you can pick up brushes of superb quality, for around the £10 mark. Out of all the brushes I use daily, only one is a high end, proving just how good affordable brushes have become. I also own one MAC brush, the 266, which I think is ok, but wouldn't recommend it based on the extortionate price tag for such a tiny brush. Here are my favourites, which I think every collection should include. 

To apply my foundation on a daily basis, I use the Real Techniques Stippling Brush. This is a flat topped brush that really blends the foundation into the skin, using a stippling motion. I also find this technique reduces the size of my pores and ensures the blend is seamless. The synthetic hairs also don't absorb any of the product, which means the hairs do not stain, making it very easy to clean. I wash this after every use and it still looks in tip top condition. If any of my friends need a new foundation brush, I always recommend this one. 

To set my foundation I use a Ruby And Millie Face brush, to apply pressed powder. This small headed brush allows me to concentrate the powder in the areas I need, without disturbing the makeup underneath, which big fluffy powder brushes can do. The hairs are really soft, allowing them to sweep gently across the skin to apply the powder evenly. I also like the fact that I have this in a travel size, with a smaller handle, so is perfect for traveling or carrying in a makeup bag. I have used this daily for years and I will continue to do so until it falls apart. It's a real shame you can no longer get this brush, as it is perfect. 

Although I have heard so much about the MAC 217 for blending eye shadow, I have never wanted to spend the £18 it costs, as I don't wear eyeshadow that often. Instead I use a No7 brush which is fairly squared, but is soft and fluffy, helping to blend eye makeup really well. This brush is sadly no longer available, as I have had it for years, but their Eye Colour Brush looks very similar. When Boots have the £3/£5 vouchers off No7, you can pick these brushes up for bargain prices. 

I have always struggled to find a good blush brush. The cheaper ones I have tried have never been the right shape, or deposited the product evenly. That was until I came across the Japonesque 924 brush. This brush is the softest I own and applies blush beautifully. Since I purchased it, I have not used anything else for blush, I rarely use cream blushes as I always want to use powder products so that I can use this brush! I managed to pick this brush up in a clearance sale so was a fraction of the full retail price, but after having used the brush, I will definitely be looking into the other brushes in their range. They are well worth the money. 

The perfect brush for contouring is the Real Techniques Blush Brush. This tapered brush is perfect for defining your cheekbones and applying bronzer to the face evenly. The brush is really soft and dense, which gives great application. Just like the other Real Techniques brushes I own, this one washes really well and doesn't shed at all. I know that in the summer this will be a staple in my makeup bag. 

My final tool which I use to apply my makeup is the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge. I hauled this back in December and have loved using it ever since. The egg shape helps stipple and dab products onto the skin, as well as blending them evenly. I also find that the unique flat side enables you to blend under the eye area and around the nose, which can be hard with regular cosmetic sponges. On days I want a full coverage application, I use my stippling brush, on days where my skin is clear and I want a more natural look, I'll use this sponge as it shears out my foundation. If you prefer a sponge to brushes, this one is well worth a try.