A decent set of make up brushes

[DreamsOfParadise]

After a very traumatic 2 year battle, I've just had my decree absolute through and am going to treat myself to a total overhaul!

I've just shelled out for a parlux (I hope it's good!) and am thinking of having a make up lesson at Blush, as also recommended by you lovely S&B ladies!

I have, however realised that part of my make up problem may lie with the crappy brushes that I'm using and as they are old (and prob full of germs), I need a new set. What particular brushes should I have in my set and what make do you recommend?

After hanging out, depressed in Relationships and Divorce & Separation for the past couple of years, I'm looking forward to joining you here and working on a positive new start!

Either eco tools or real techniques. A bit more expensive than some brushes but sososososso worth it

I'm not keen on the real techniques eye brushes but their face brushes are excellent for the price point. Zoeva also make great brushes. Their MAC 217 (big fluffy, do everything, iconic eye brush) copy is supposed to be better than MAC's own and about a fiver or so.

Brill thanks I'll have a look at those. Is buying a starter set worth it or go for individuals?

I guess it might help to wait until after the make up lesson but I desperately need to get the basics particularly as there is a long wait for an appointment at the moment.

Eco tools really good, you can pick them up in Boots. Good value, really good at blending etc and Boots include them on their 3for 2 deals some times.

I have most of their brushes and really rate them.

I love Mac and Bobbi Brown.

I am also very influenced by Lisa Eldridge. If I see her using a brush I haven't got, I have to buy it.

You tube videos worth watching to see diff brushes for different uses/techniques. Try Lisa Eldridge videos or pixiewoo.

I think buying brushes individually is the way to go, you only end up with the brushes you need then, rather than being dictated to by whats in the set. Better value long term overall too.

I have a range of brushes that I love - Mac, Crown and the brushes from the formerly great Body Shop. Crown and Models Own are at a cracking price point and the quality is brilliant. Wash in baby shampoo or castille soap and they'll love you.

I have a selection of MAC, Laura mercier, Eco tools and real techniques. Real techniques face ones are fab and I love the Eco tools eye ones... The only mac one I like is the eye liner one and the Laura mercier ones are just meh.

Oh and in a related tip the japonesque goats milk brush cleaner ( it's solid) is by far the best one I have ever used on my brushes.

I have a rogues gallery of:
Body Shop (some more than 20 yo)
Marks and Spencer Autograph
Barbera Daley (Tesco)
Bare Minerals
Laura Gellor
No7

My body shop ones are fantastic.

I quite like the ruby and milie brushes and they've lasted years too. I wash them often in shampoo and dry on the radiator.

Real Techniques starter set from Boots is a bargain and comes with its own travel case. I use all the brushes especially the stipling brush. Highly recommended!!

ELF studio range mixed with a few bobbi brown

I have a set from Sephora which is really good and was great value too. You can now order from the Sephora site, £15 (might actually be $15?) postage, no import taxes to pay on the way in and well known brands typically about 1/3 cheaper than the UK. It's like make-up Mecca.

I was always told : buy the best brushes you can afford

I much prefer long handled brushes TBH (I do have travel ones but only when I'm away)
I wanted very very fine eyeliner brushes, couldn't find any, so I bought some nice art brushes which are brilliant.

And my very ancient Body Shop brushes had the hair combed from ponies and still going strong.

Whereas my cheapie lipbrush from a high street store.....isn't.
Few things are as rage inducing as lost bristles from brushes.