Essential Tools
Sometimes the tools you use to apply your makeup make all the difference. These ones have been in my makeup bag for as long as I can remember (minus the Urban Decay brush which only launched two years ago) but they’re the same main tools I reach for everyday. I use a few other brushes in my day-to-day makeup routine, but these are the brushes that I think other brands can’t replace.
1. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler– I’ve tried every eyelash curler on the market (from Revlon to Shiseido and everything in betweeen) and nothing compares to this one. My lashes are short and straight (probably the worst combo out there) but somehow, this eyelash curler by Shu Uemura not only curls my lashes, but makes the curl last all day. I remember being amazed when I tried this for the first time- my lashes were finally not non-existent! If you have flatter eyelids and shorter, tough-to-curl lashes, give this one a try. This one pictured has lasted me 8 years! It’s super durable and all you need to replace are the rubber pads inside the curler when they wear out after a few years.
2.MAC #219 Pencil Brush- A great versatile pencil brush for eye looks. I like how the point of the brush is precise, but it also has a thicker base which is perfect for smudging eyeliner or eyeshadow into the base of your lashes. Also great for adding a lighter shimmery colour into the corners (near the tearduct) to open up the eyes. And, it can also double up as a brush to fill in your brows if you’re desperate.
3.MAC #217 Blending Brush– This brush is a top pick among pro makeup artists and it’s evident why- this brush is the best fluffy blending brush out there. The bristles on this brush are designed to blend product particles easily, which makes it perfect for smoky eye looks. I love the brush so much I’ve picked up a few of them- I use one to apply eyeshadow, another clean one for blending, and the last one for applying foundation and concealer (it literally buffs product into the skin for an airbrushed effect). Another great blending brush that’s similar is the MAC 224 (not pictured) so if you like a blending brush with longer bristles, opt for that one.
4. Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush- This one is a must-have in my makeup bag. There’s just no other brush on the market that delivers the same effect for me- it gives a soft-focus finish after applying foundation. With the way this brush is shaped, it’s designed to deposit product in the centre and diffuse the product outwards as you buff into the skin. And, you can use it with different textures of product (from liquid foundation to powder blush). I love how there’s no streakiness when applying foundation and for more coverage, I like to ‘pat’ on the foundation using the brush instead of blending.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these or what your staple tools are to apply makeup!
i am currently liking the real techniques brushes.they are really soft and a lot cheaper. Though I am also considering getting some mac brushes soon. Check my posts, too, http://www.makeupkitblog.wordpress.com thanks 🙂
This picture is so cute! I love it and thanks for the beauty tip c:
I haven’t tried any mac stuff yet… just a little out of my price range! Right now I use a mix of Eco Tools and Sigma brushes, and I’m hoping to add more Sigma to my lineup this summer.
I’m interested to learn more about eyelash curlers in general – I always sort of figured they were all the same. I have a Revlon curler and a Cover Girl curler, but I haven’t ever tried anything higher end. What would you say makes the difference for the Shu Uemura?
I love shu uemura curlers too! They’re perfect for my non-deepest eyes. I love shu uemura’s powder brush too, which can be used as a brush or like a puff
I love my bare minerals full flawless for buffing mineral foundation & powder. Real techniques are great too, especially for the price! The Body Shop also do some good brushes, their angled eyeliner brush is one I use everyday to do my brows, never actually used it for eyeliner! I have the she uemura curler too and I have no idea why it’s so good , it looks like a million other curlers out there but it just works so much better!
The Shu Uemura eyelash curler really is the best. Do you use their refill rubber pads or any old ones? It’s getting that time for me and I’m wondering if I need to place an order just for them 🙂
I clearly need to get the 217! I have the 224, but I think the 217 would be better suited for me! Thanks for the rec!
-Gillian
Mac 217 is my holy grail brush. I tell everyone if you are only ever going to invest in one good brush, make it that one.
I’m a real beginner on the subject of make up and especially on brushes.. I use a small lip brush to apply my eyeshadow (if not my fingers), some kind of flat/stippling brush to apply and blend out my (liquid) foundation, and a brush that I don’t know the name of as a bit of a blending brush.. I think it’s a foundation brush, it’s bristles are quite short (like 1, 1.5 cm) and it’s a bit rounded at the top. It’s like 2 cm wide. I don’t even have a powder brush, because I don’t have any powders :’)
Either way, it works! I’m looking for a good brush set which includes a blush brush, blending brush and eyeliner brush, and that for a budget friendly price.. So if you know any really cheap good brushes.. 😛
Your very first sentence is so true! I, personally, do not like MAC brushes. Sephora Pro and Urban Decay makes better brushes. Love them and Eco.
I swear I. can. not live without my eyelash curler! 🙂 xx
Real Techniques and Eco Tools! Such great quality brushes that are still budget friendly 🙂
Agreed! I can’t seem to find any other brush that blends the way the 217 does. Thanks for reading! x
I use the refill pads that come with the Shu Uemura curler! For me, a new rubber pad lasts a long time (and I curl my lashes daily!) I’ve tried using other drugstore brand refill pads but they don’t have the same effect with the Shu curler. x
For me, the Shu Uemura curler holds the curl of my lashes longer and doesn’t pinch my lashes the way other curlers do. My eyelids aren’t deep set either, so the shape of the Shu curler isn’t as curved which makes it well-suited for my eyes. But stick to what works best for your eye shape! x
Thanks for reading! x
No problem!
Reblogged this on Fief Loves Travel.
So true, a few brushes do the trick!😊🎀
Hi Guys! I used to have the Shu eyelash curlers, but I have to say I prefer the Kevyn Aucoin. This may be because I have a smaller eye. I found the Shu’s too large. I also think Aucoin’s hold the curl slightly better, too. Has anyone checked out Rae Morris’ brushes? She gives the 217’s a run for their money…
Oh! I forgot to say, loved this post, BeautyLit!
I so need to get the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, it sounds so good!! my eyelash is short, straight and there isn’t a lot of it either and this little tool sounds like it will do the job perfect 🙂
Really great