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Make up brushes? Any good? Worth investing?

32 replies

loubieloulou · 21/05/2019 20:19

Can any makeup enthusiasts advise on whether it's worth investing in some good make up brushes for applying foundation, concealer etc? I've always applied these with my hands... just curious on whether I can get a noticeably better finish purchasing some high end brushes and using for application instead of hands?

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loubieloulou · 21/05/2019 20:21

Was thinking of purchasing the Sigma dimensional brush set ....

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ThenOutCameTheSunshine · 21/05/2019 20:24

I like to use an applicator when applying foundation and/or concealer. Either a sponge or a brush. My latest and most favourite brand is Real Techniques which I bought from Boots.

I find when I use my fingers I'm sometimes wiping off what I've put on but when I use a brush or sponge I carefully dab it on and the finish is much better.

I particularly like using my sponge when my face is feeling drier than usual or if I've have an ezcema flare up because it's recommended that you wet the sponge before using it and I've found this helps hydrate my face and provides a better finish.

LoafofSellotape · 21/05/2019 20:24

I've never used anything that I like more than Real Techniques brushes. They last better than expensive ones ime.

ThenOutCameTheSunshine · 21/05/2019 20:24

And Real Techniques aren't very pricy so it's worth trying them out imo.

Sparkletastic · 21/05/2019 20:29

Another vote for Real Techniques. Zoeva also great. If I was going high-end I'd go for Wayne Goss' range.

Nonotmenori · 21/05/2019 20:44

Zoeva are my favourite brushes. I don't like RT as I find them not very full.

loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 09:13

Thanks for the replies.

I've tried RT & can't say I was overly impressed, as previous poster said, bristles seem sparse.

Currently looking at the Zoeva set : )

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loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 09:14

@Nonotmenori ..... would you be so kind to expand on why Zoeva are your fave? Do you have them?

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DefinatelyAWeeGobshite · 22/05/2019 09:15

I love real techniques and spectrum also

DefinatelyAWeeGobshite · 22/05/2019 09:16

Oh and for foundation and concealer I use the real techniques sponge, I prefer it to a brush and also prefer it over the beauty blender l.

SpacePlusTime · 22/05/2019 09:17

I have Zoeva! Love them.

They are full and soft but not too soft, feel good quality, nice heavy solid handle etc.

RogueV · 22/05/2019 09:17

Zoeva all the time

PepsiLola · 22/05/2019 09:17

I love my spectrum set, very soft brushes, wood handles are very light, give a lovely not streaky finish to my foundation etc.

I don't mind RT, I use their bold metal ones more than the standard line... but they are (or were, I got mine a while ago) about £20 a single brush!

HappyMama01 · 22/05/2019 09:19

Spectrum, zoeva or morphe brushes. The Jaclyn hill x morphs brush set is literally the perfect beginners brush set as they have every brush you need to make a full face.
I highly recommend having the miracle complexion makeup sponge too

Nonotmenori · 22/05/2019 11:16

Hi OP, I do have them. They blend beautifully and my make up just looks much more airbrushed using them. I also have a few morphe brushes and they're good, but hands down Zoeva are the best imo. I get mine from beauty bay or cult beauty

Domino45 · 22/05/2019 11:24

Zoeva brushes are great & really affordable.

mumdom · 22/05/2019 11:29

I use Wilko’s own brushes! They cost about £3 each and it’s meant I can afford to have a clean foundation brush daily which has been great for my skin. I had Mac and Bobbi Brown in the days I had more disposable income and they’re just as good.

loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 11:53

I've splashed out on Zoeva brushes...😊

Sigma seemed quite good from my research but were more expensive, so I went for Zoeva as I've heard such good things about them!

Thank you for all your kind replies : )

Excited for them arriving now. Got hold of a 15% off coupon for Feel Unique so I got a good £17 discount, love a good discount 💕

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Alsohuman · 22/05/2019 13:12

It’s a slippery slope! The 102 is the perfect foundation brush.

loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 15:37

@Alsohuman the 102 brush is in the set I've bought.... oh I'm excited now!

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BobtheMeerkat · 22/05/2019 15:47

Hi OP, I'm an MUA and have all sorts of high end and cheaper brushes in my kit. What I'd recommend depends on the type of finish you want (full - sparse coverage, dewy, matte or semi matte). There's nothing wrong with applying with fingers as long as they are clean to start with, some products do work better with the warmth of the fingertips. Here's what I'd use;

Synthetic hair, densely packed brushes are better generally for more full coverage, matte finishes. They also don't absorb as much product. Apply in a buffing motion so no streaks. The real techniques brushes or Primark are good for cheap, bdellium and sigma are good for high end.

If you want a more dewy, natural finish I'd go for a moistened beauty sponge (put it under the tap so that it grows in size and then squeeze the excess water out so it no longer drips) and apply in a sweeping/dabbing motion. Real techniques miracle sponge for cheap, beauty blender for more high end.

The above would be for cream or liquid based foundation and concealer. If using a powder either use a dry sponge for full coverage or a fluffy brush for build-able.

Sorry for the long post but without knowing your skin or the products you're using its easier to give an overviews to cover all bases. Also, wash brushes every 3-4 uses ideally to keep them clean and working to their best capacity (I recommend baby shampoo).

loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 17:46

Thank you so much @BobtheMeerkat .... your reply was extremely helpful xX

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loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 18:11

@BobtheMeerkat - I wear Estée Lauder double wear foundation & that sets to a semi - matte for me as I've got oily skin. I'm familiar with how to use most of the brushes but foundation brushes I don't have a clue! The Zoeva foundation brushes included in my set are : 125 stippling brush & 102 silk finish foundation brush, as I said I normally use my fingers to apply the double wear... could you give me a few tips on the difference between those 2 brushes and how I should use them? I like my foundation natural - ish looking as I have good skin & I don't have any scars or blemishes to cover, I just like the coverage of the double wear as it evens out my skin tone. Please & thankyou Thanks

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Alsohuman · 22/05/2019 18:25

I’ve never got on with applying foundation with a sponge. I like being able to do a circular buffing motion with a brush.

loubieloulou · 22/05/2019 18:30

From what I've heard sponges drink up the product loads, using a sponge generally just doesn't appeal to me

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