The Gospel on Makeup Brushes

Every artist needs the right tools and we all are very opinionated on the subject. Avoid buying a big set because you'll get a lot of brushes you'll never use. Instead buy exactly what you need and most of them aren't that expensive. Here are my must have brushes.

Eyes:

Smashbox Eyeshadow Brush #7 $24 I'm not a fan of Smadhbix makeup but their brushes ate the best! I love the way this brush evenly picks up and puts down powder.

Smashbox Smudge Brush #15 $24 is the perfect tool for corners and creases.

NYX Pro Blending Brush $10 is what you need for perfect eyeshadow blending.

Smashbox Cream Eyeliner #9 and Angled Brow Brush #12 Combo $10 helps me achieve perfectly shaped brows and perfect eye lining (I use the #9 side for my brows and 12 for my eyes)


Face:

Tarte Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush $34 needs a few uses to get broken in but I love this brush. It has mostly eliminated the need for my blender sponges.

e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush $6 was what I used before I bought the Tarte brush. It's excellent for the price but still needsome blending out afterwards and after a few  $6months the glue weakened and the brush is loose.

e.l.f. Beautifly Bare Blending Brush $6 is what I use with my highlighter it's perfect for dusting.

e.l.f. Contouring Brush $6 is what I use for my bronzer it creates a sharp, controlled line in the right places.

Too Faced Teddy Bear Blush Brush $65 is soft but picks up pigment perfectly. It's easy to control. Unfortunately you can't buy it separately right now but the eye shadow brushes are also really nice so if you've got the cash this is a good set.

Sephora Collection Mini Multitasker Brush  $14 is a good alternative blush brush.

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Stippling Brush $4 is perfect for liquid or cream blush. Blends very naturally.

Bare Minerals Seamless Buffing Brush $26 is what I use to apply transparent powder all over my face.

Oval Blending Brushes $13 I know I said don't buy a set but these are super cheap and hard get individually I use the medium size to blend my bronzer and the small one for precession highlighting. I'll be giving away one of the medium brushes on instagram. Check @pinkhairmandie!


Good brushes can last you years if you care for them. I spray my brushes weekly with e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleaner $3 and quarterly I do a full wash. Get the details here.