Archive for the Brushes Category
I was going to name this post “The Importance of a Good Foundation Brush” but decided it would be easier for readers to index if I stated exactly which brush I used. You may have noticed a lot of my recent posts have been on foundations, due to a readers request, and some of those products haven’t been used (other than in the review) for a while. I’ve bought them, tried them a couple of times, didn’t like, so put away. However, I’ve noticed since I’ve started applying them (for review purposes) with a good foundation brush, the majority of them have suddenly started to become incredibly workable, and many have even become good now. Do not underestimate the power of a good foundation brush, it can literally transform your base into perfection.
My first foundation brush was one from MAC, it was when foundation brushes had first started coming out and MAC offered us as a glimpse of the future in one their limited edition 5 brush short handle sets. What I didn’t realise was that their eventual foundation brush would be nothing like this one. The one that I had been duped into buying was hard, scratchy and incredibly useless for applying foundation.
As I had this foundation brush, and I never used it, I stupidly tarred all foundation brushes with the same brush (excuse the pun!) for many years. It actually took a brief encounter with a Clinique foundation brush to make me start to realise the error of my ways. So I had a look around, saw which brushes were getting the best response, and bought a Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush.
To say that this brush has finally given me the foundation I’ve always wanted is an understatement. It is absolutely amazing. The hairs are so fine and the brush is cut perfectly so it’s not thick, which stops it soaking up too much product and thus spreads your make-up evenly. It’s incredibly soft, but still fairly firm, so you can really work your make-up into your skin without moving the make-up around, a task a lesser brush just wouldn’t do. If you only wanted to wear a tiny amount of foundation, you still can with this brush, it soaks up practically nothing and blends your base perfectly. I actually find I use less product with a brush than I do with my fingers. I am even considering buying a short handled one to keep in my make-up bag, as although this does fit, it’ll be nice to have one for each purpose. I try to wash it after every use (with regular shampoo!) and then leave it to dry for the next time. I like having a clean brush when I apply foundation.
Half the trick to the trade is good brushes, I do like to use my fingers (for lips, cream blush) but sometimes you just can’t use your fingers and only a brush will suffice. Trust me, invest in a some good brushes today, a good powder brush, foundation brush, blusher brush, bronzer brush and a few eye shadow brushes and blending brushes is all you need. It will instantly make your make-up look a thousand times more polished with the lightest touch.
This particular Bobbi Brown brush retails for around £30. Other good brushes to check out is the Clinique Foundation Brush as well, which retails at £20.
