(my most used brushes…)
One of the reasons that I haven’t talked about them is simply that I don’t have a lot of them. All I have are the basics, and I make do with them. Also, some of them are not really available now, but I will focus on what you can get your hands on.
First of all, a couple of years ago, I bought an Ayura set that included a limited-edition brush set. The brushes came in this lovely brown holder:
(my Ayura brush set)
(the six brushes in the set)
(the Sensational Seven)
(a close-up)
(numbered for you)
— #2 is Ruby & Millie Eye Brush [Large]. (I remember it costs about £9 (about 18 USD).) Ruby & Millie is a makeup line sold exclusively in Boots stores in the UK. Last year and this year, the Ruby & Millie makeup brush collection is chosen by InStyle Magazine UK as “the best inexpensive brush line“. I can definitely see why. Budget brush hunters will love some of these brushes. In particular, this eyeshadow brush is thick and dense (thicker than #3). It is good for eyeshadow application for larger areas and for overall blending.
— #6 is Shu Uemura eyebrow brush (6 OB). I’ve had this for at least 7 years and it still performs well. This eyebrow brush is slightly softer than those from MAC and Bobbi Brown, both of which I think are too hard. The brush tip is nicely slanted for easy application.
— #7 is RMK Lip Brush. This one is retractable and very easy to carry around. The very flat tip allows a precise application. I’d like the hair to be shorter and slightly denser, but it is a minor complaint for a brush that I have been very used to for years.
I have some other brushes but these are the ones I depend on the most. I am not really on the lookout for any new brush, but sometimes I fancy an alternative blusher brush (I am a blusher person) and an angled face shading/contouring brush. Any suggestions? Let me know!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
How about the brushes from Lumiere? I’ve only tried the kabuki (which is amazing) but I’ve heard very good things about the others too!
Hello Alice,
Thank you very much for your suggestion.
I have not tried brushes from Lumiere. I am intrigued. I will definitely look into them!
Thanks again!
one of my must buy thing during recent trip to japan is hakuho-do, the legendary brush making company.
http://www.hakuho-do.co.jp/index.html
I’ve been there finally and bought 12-13 brushes, i forgot the exact no., but they are dreamy, they are holy, all hand-made, animal fur, when apply to face, just feels like gentle wind blowing…
btw I bought the red beverly hill S100 series, the 黒檀 series is bloody expensive but is the best quality.
they are the things you should own at least once in your life!!!
Hello Sin again,
Oh, yes, thank you for reminding me of Hakuho-do. Indeed they are a company exceptionally famous for their extensive range of high-quality makeup brushes.
I have heard a lot of good reviews in Asia about their brushes. It seems that their quality is undisputed, to say the least. I will definitely have a look at their brushes when I go to Japan next time.
Thank you again for the helpful reminder!!
for slanted brushes, i think benefit makes a good one too. there’s only one blush brush and it’s slanted. the hairs are soft and minimal shedding. you can just try the tester when you pass by the counter. =)
Hello Daphne,
Thank you very much for leaving a comment and posting your suggestion!
That brush sounds good! There is a Benefit counter very close to where I live, so I will be checking it out very soon.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Hope to see you around later! :)
I would add crown brush to your list as a good budget range. Ruby and millie offer great foundation brushes in long and short handle.
James
Hello James,
Thanks very much for your suggestions, especially from you as a makeup artist. I will be having a closer look at the Crown Brush website.
Thank you as well for visiting my blog. I will be reading yours too!
PJ