Top 10 Makeup Brushes

I remember when I first started getting into makeup – I didn’t know the difference between a crease brush or a smudge brush.  Let alone why we needed so many brushes to apply makeup on our face.  All along I had been using one brush for foundation, concealer, and other liquid makeup.  As for eyeshadow, I always used the double ended applicators that were included.  Boy have times changed.  Now, I have about five brushes I use solely on my eyes; and about three brushes on my face including a blending sponge.  Can we talk about complicating things?  Well, when I sat down the other day and gave a lesson on basic no-makeup, makeup looks I learned something.  You really don’t need that many brushes and although you may feel enlightened just by owning a new makeup brush.  It really isn’t necessary.  Off the top of my head, I can name ten really amazing brushes that you can get away with for a really long time.  These brushes will help the application of your makeup, as well as, blending everything out for that flawless & seamless finish.  Before I go on, I have to first mention that when you consider purchasing your brush set – you have to remember it is an investment.  Be smart about it.  Don’t buy a brush for the sake of buying a brush.   Read the reviews on it and make sure it is right for you.

Top 10 Makeup Brushes by ninamarieblogs featuring It Cosmetics

1. Beauty Blender $19.99.  Great for creating a flawless finish with any liquid makeup.  A beauty blogger favorite.

2. NARS ITA Brush $55.  Contouring is a must in the beauty world.  It’s what gives your face a chiseled more defined look.  Easy to accomplish when you have the proper technique & tools.

3. It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush $48.  This is a beautiful brush that easily sets your foundation with powder.  You can also use this brush to apply your bronzer.

4. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush $9.  I usually use this brush for a quick foundation application.  Blends well, doesn’t absorb a lot of the foundation, and easy to hold in hand.  Love it!

5. E.L.F. Small Tapered Brush $3.  This is amazing for adding a touch of highlight on the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow, and any areas you want to accentuate.

6. E.L.F. Angled Blush Brush $3. The angled design of this brush helps guide your blush application.  Gently smooths over with its soft bristles.  Very comparable to Mac #168.

7. Mac #239 Eye Shader Brush $25.  Perfect for getting the more defined colors (dark) in the crease area or just about anywhere you want them to go.  This brush just helps with more control.  A definite must have.

8. Sephora Classic Must Have Smudge Brush #70 $14.  Great for water lining, and smoking out any eye look.  Will blend the product out nicely using a light hand.  No need for tugging or pulling with this brush.

 9. Mac #224 Tapered Blending Brush $32.  I own four of these, but you really only need one to accomplish any look.  Perfect for blending product and creating a seamless finish.

10. Bare Minerals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush $20.  Every woman or makeup artist needs this apart of their collection.  Applies and blends concealer well without compromising the product.  Great payoff with this little gem.