Best type of Brushes to buy?

Jul 18, 2012

Alexiss V.

So I'm looking to invest into some new makeup brushes but I'm not sure what kind. Which do you prefer synthetic or natural? Also what are your favorite brands for makeup brushes?

Jul 18, 2012

I think it really depends on what your budget is. I personally really like MAC brushes but they are pricey. Sigma brushes are pretty good too and I heard their synthetic Bunny collection brushes are really nice, I myself, want to purchase them. Their brush kits are about 100$ for 12 brushes which isn't bad but you can find cheaper sets from other companies. You can also purchase individual brushes too.
Crown brushes are good quality and very reasonably priced.
ELF studio line brushes tend to be good too. However, I only have experience with the face brushes not the eye ones. These brushes are very budget friendly. these brushes are also synthetic.

I generally prefer natural hair brushes for the eyes and cheeks and powder. Synthetic brushes for cream products such as foundation, eyeshadow, blush etc.
My favorite brands would have to be MAC and Sigma.

Jul 18, 2012

Siennalee D.

I <3 sigma brushes

Jul 19, 2012

Fancie B.

For almost a year now I've been using Elf's brushes and I really like them. I would suggest using the studio line though because the handles detach after time. But I will say I love the essential eyeshadow brush and the crease brush. I just received the coastal scents 22 piece brush set today and they're incredibly soft. From the reviews I've read it's a pretty great set and it only costs $35 and it comes with a brush roll.

Jul 19, 2012

Zunnahzuthousand K.

In response to your first question, I prefer quality synthetic brushes as opposed to natural bristle brushes. When synthetic (and natural-hair, for that matter) brushes are badly constructed, they can be scratchy and difficult to work with; however, when designed properly, they're positively dreamy. Answering the latter question, my personal favorite brand of brushes is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.
Here's the review of OCC brushes I posted on Beautylish:

"Let me just start off by saying that I'm a brush fiend; I probably have around 100 brushes, ranging from Crown Brush, to Sigma, to MAC, to Inglot, to OCC, and various other brand-less brushes.
OCC is by far my favorite. Synthetic, soft, uncommon shapes, and a nice, sturdy handle. Additionally, they have never shed on me-- and when I say never, I don't mean like, "Oh maybe one or two hairs, but I'm just going to hyperbolize and say that they've never shed." I mean-- literally-- never.
Also, as a side note, when I went to OCC's New York shop, the normal sales-girl was out sick, so the creative director helped me; he was so incredibly sweet and genuine-- he gave me his honest opinion of product, even if it risked a sale. I wanted to add this to my review only to speak for the brand's real persona.
I highly recommend these brushes and the brand, as both of them hold a special place in the "OH MY GOD I LOVE BRUSHES AND OCC" sector of my heart. :)"

For a less expensive alternative, try Real Techniques brushes by Samantha Chapman (AKA Pixiwoo); they're absolutely fabulous, and I actually prefer them to Sigma's synthetic brushes.
I hope this was helpful! :)

Jul 19, 2012

Cassie K.

Love Sedona lace brushes

Jul 19, 2012

Shelly T.

Natural vs. Synthetic: It depends. Most will say that, for cream products, synthetic brushes are better. Generally, I agree with that, but it still depends. For example, the brushes in e.l.f.'s Studio collection have synthetic bristles, but I've found they suck with creams; they work better with powders.

Brands: Depends on your budget. If money is tighter, go with e.l.f.'s Studio line, EcoTools, Real Techniques. If you have a little bit more money, but not quite enough to splurge, go with Sigma or Sonia Kashuk. If you really want to splurge, MAC, Hakuhodo, or Louise Young.

Jul 19, 2012

Jessica T.

It all depends on what you are looking to do with them, I love the ELF studio brushes, they are very soft, don't shed and are dense so they do what you want them too do. And a major plus is that they cost around $3 except for the kabuki ones which are $6