I never realised just how important make up brushes were until about a year ago.
I’d always used my hands and a sponge applicator until I discovered the real techniques brushes on the pixiwoo channel. They literally changed my life. And I’m not exaggerating. It’s amazing how those tiny wooden sticks with fluff on the end can completely transform the way you apply your make up.
I went on a bit of a mad one a while ago buying brushes in all different shapes and sizes and by different brands, high street & high end until I finally learned how to use them and what each one was for. It was an expensive mistake put it that way. As a lot of them I don’t even use.
I’ll go through my favourites just to show how many from my collection I actually use regularly to hopefully give you an idea of what not to waste money on if you only wanted to invest in maybe one or two.
I have a mixture of brands from high end to high street: Real techniques, Mac, Sigma, Royal & Langnickel, Bare minerals, Lancôme, Illamasqua, Japonesque etc. And I used to be a firm believer in ‘buy cheap buy twice’ but to be completely honest with experience it isn’t necessary to spend a lot.
My Real techniques collection
My ‘couldn’t live without’ brush has to be the real techniques buffing brush. (5th from right)
I use it every day to buff in my foundation, it gives nice even coverage but can also be used to apply blush/bronzer/powder.
The expert face brush is a close second. (4th from right) I use this on the days where I need extra coverage.
The sculpting brush (far right) is perfect for those that are new to contouring. But I personally prefer the actual contouring brush (3rd from right) it’s just a matter of preference.
The stippling brush (second from right) is good for achieving that ‘airbrushed’ look. I use it on a night out where I sometimes wear a bit more make up. It’s also nice to apply cream products (cream blush or highlighter)
Mac contouring brush & real techniques sculpting brush.
I do use my Mac contouring brush occasionally, it gives a more precise contour (if you like the really chiselled cheekbone look then this is for you) but I’d say it’s probably best for a make up artists kit rather than an everyday make up brush. So In my opinion don’t bother, it is on the pricey side too at just under £40.
Eyes 
L-r Sigma blending e25, Mac 239,253,212 & royal & langnickel bc445
The Mac 253 & 212 push liner brushes are my favourite for lining. I can’t apply liner to save my life wether it be from a pot,liquid liner, cake etc but these little lovelies make my life easier. The push liner gives a nice soft line for daytime when used with black or brown eyeshadow, also a perfect look for older ladies as it’s less harsh than a dark black liquid or pencil liner.
The Mac 239 is again one I use every day, perfect for packing colour onto the lid. But it isn’t an essential. There are many more that will do the same but it was a brush I THOUGHT I needed months ago.
The sigma e25 & R&L bc445 are my favourites for blending. Blending used to be something that was hit and miss for me but these brushes literally do all the hard work for me. So id definitely recommend them, they are reasonably priced too. I picked up the R&L brush at the Olympia beauty show for less than £6. And the sigma was less than £10 although customs charged me £14 for the set I purchased 😬
Crown & karla brushes are on my wish list but if you’ve tried them let me know your recommendations!
So they were my brushes! Hope you enjoyed!
Do you have any favourite brushes that you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments!
Tomorrow’s post is my favourite mascaras.
Sam 🙂 x
Shown here with flash 
Shown here without flash 
Perfectly Polishedx 