My favorite brushes and why I love them so much!

18 May 2012 Leave a Comment

by Our Sub in Cosmetics photos, Cosmetics world, Product review

There are brushes that I would never share with anyone and never lend to anyone, let alone use on anyone else. There are brushes I can’t live without, when I do my own makeup. These brushes I discovered them after collecting various brands of brushes and these proved to be the very best in terms of quality, size, shape, exceptional design etc. Here they are.

My first favorite is this brush from Paula Dorf. For a long time I did not know much about Paula other than hearing her name now and then. Then I decided to try a few things from her and  when I saw the brushes, I immediately knew that she was different than others (who basically copy each other: take for instance Mac brushes. Every other company (sigma, other cheap made in china brands..) copy mac brushes and they are all similar more or less). With Paula Dorf, she is a true makeup artist who is not afraid to go outside of the norm, and she created brushes that really work well, and do their task. Each brush does something different and does it well.

Shaped to fit your entire eye. Apply Paula Dorf Eye Color in a patting motion across lid or use for blending. For best results, always begin with Paula Dorf Eye Primer using Eye Primer Brush. This beauty sells for $30.

My next brush – I really cannot put an order on these brushes because they are all as needed as the other – is this one.  It has a tiny head, and you can use it no matter whether you have large eyelids or small eyelids.. it is excellent to go over the eyeliner with some dark color powder and for women over 40 when eyelids start to become hooded, then you need to use eyeliner and to stabilize it, you apply powder over the eyeliner. This brush does that. Excellent shape. Better than the one created by MAC or Chanel.

Custom designed brush achieves soft, natural definition around the eye. Start from outer corner and blend in a back and forth motion. Use with Paula Dorf Eye Color. Retails for $20

Now my next brush is this one wet/dry brush. I never used it wet so far.. It has just the right size for my eyelids.. this is to apply color over the eyelids. It is also by Paula Dorf.

Unique firm brush provides perfect placement and full coverage to create dramatic eyes. Use with cream or powder Eye Color. Always begin with Paula Dorf Eye Primer. This is expensive at $34.

FAN Brush by Paula Dorf: At first I did not think I was going to use this brush so much, then as I started using it occasionally, I discovered that I am loving it.. if you only know how to hold and use this brush, you will love it too. Check some of my tutorials where I explain how to hold it and move it. I use it for blush and bronzer.

Designed to apply a light, even application of bronzer for a natural looking glow. Use with Paula Dorf Bronzing Powder as a finishing touch where the sun hits your face. $32 Bronzing Brush

As I was browsing at Ulta one day, with nothing in particular in mind, I went to the Dermablend section, since from time to time I get clients who need heavy coverage or have a lot of pimples.. I found this brush and I said to myself it reminds me of a larger one similar shape made by coverFX, the Canadian brand, and I never got to buy that one because I read that it was shedding. So I thought for $22 this one was much smaller and would give me excellent application around the nose and in the corner of the eye. I bought it and used it a few days later.. oh my God. What a fantastic brush!! It is well worth the $22. Take it with you anywhere you go!

Dermablend concealer brush:
Black Bamboo Handle: Bamboo is a highly renewable and sustainable resource and is one of the fastest growing plants on earth.
Black Glossy Ferrule: made from recycled aluminum
Brush Bristles: contain no animal hair
Application:
The specially designed tapered bristles of this brush allow for the most precise application of Dermablend concealers. For eye area start from the inner corner and continue towards the outer eye near the lashes. For better coverage utilize brush in a dabbing motion directly on desired area.
$22

So if you know me, you know that I always talk about my favorite eyebrow brush. That is by Bobbi Brown. I like the fact that it is made with boar hair and it brushes the eyebrow hair while adding the dark powder. If you are over 45 you may have noticed that your eyebrow may present some areas where there is not much hair and the most natural way to counteract that is to apply powder, not eyebrow liner. Powder! Choose a color that is close to your hair color and to the color of your eyebrow. Don’t go too dark unless you are shooting for a dramatic look. Bobbi’s brush does the job the best!!

The one next to it, is the gel eyeliner brush by Bobbi Brown. When you don’t want to use a pencil liner, use gel eyeliner for a more visible and dramatic effect. This is a great brush.

Bobbi Brown Eyebrow Brush and Bobbi Brown Ultra fine Eyeliner brush (to use with gel eyeliner).

When I was shopping by myself at Nordstrom, I stopped at the NARS counter and looked around. I got a full face makeup of course, since I like to see how other makeup artists do their job.. and found this brush.. I bought it immediately. It is original, unusual and I had only seen a similar brush in a makeup book that I own. So since then this brush became my best friend. I wash it weekly not daily like others, to ensure I preserve it for a long time.

Nars bronzer brush: Small and flat, the angular design of the Kabuki Ita Brush makes it ideal for controlled application of powder and color. It is also excellent for blending, contouring and highlighting the complexion.
Made with very soft Pen Super Goat hair, which is ideal for blending pigments. this retails for $39

A handful of brushes. My favorites. I guard them with my body! No one can touch these.