From now on in all of my posts, I will include which tools I used, where in the process and how. Even if the post isn't a full-blown tutorial. I will of course still post step by step photo tutorials as well as the ever embarrassing occasional video.
{I can't help it, I love displaying my brushes! I thought the jar added a cute vintage touch.}
THE BASICS
The brushes I've featured below are some of my favorites and I use them on a daily basis. I don't use all of them everyday, they are all simply my Go-To's. Brushes I know, no matter how rushed I am, will get the job done.1- THE DUO FIBER BRUSHES
All of these brushes have a mixture of synthetic (white) and natural (black) hairs. The black hairs are sable (pony hairs) and ALL of MAC's brushes are cruelty free! (not taken from slaughtered animals either, worth noting I believe). Because of this unique hair blend, they are the best of the best when it comes to a flawless application of liquid, emulsions, and powders.
a- MAC #130: This brush has a lot of very short and condensed bristles which means it packs a punch. It applies a fuller coverage and is great for reaching those smaller hard to reach area's on the face. I LOVE this brush.
b- MAC #188: This brush is less condensed and has much longer bristles allowing the brush to have a softer hand and a little more 'bounce'. This brush is perfect for applying powders, liquids, emollient or water based foundations and even cheek color! I love applying my cream blushes with this brush. The longer bristles allow for a much softer foundation application as well.
c- MAC #187: This brush is much larger than both the 130 and the 188 in size and isn't as condensed as the 130 as well. This brush is great for applying a light application of powder, emollient or water based foundation and a cheek color. Works great with both powder and cream blushes!
THE POWDER WANDSThese brushes are both natural hairs and are soft on the skin. This type of a brush is most commonly used for any sort of powder application whether its an all-over powder, bronzer, or powder blush. I have a few other ways I like to use them!a. MAC #168: This brush has a strongly condensed fluffy hair with an angled tip. The brushes density allows for a lot more grab on the skin allowing you to apply a much richer amount of color on the skin. I love this brush for an easy, blended, and flawless contour! In the past, I have used this soft brush to apply my foundation and I loved it.b. MAC #129: This brush was made to be the perfect applicator for all-over powder and cheek color. It has a medium/large natural hair fluff and applies a soft natural amount of product. I love using this brush for my 'effortless blush' days. You know, the days where we literally want to look like we are blushing, not wearing blush.... this does exist.
THE TAPERED BLENDING EYE BRUSHESThese brushes are made with natural hairs as well as synthetic hairs and because of their precisely crafted shape, are perfect for applying a strongly defined yet blended crease on the eyes. They seriously do all the work for you! I also love using these brushes for concealing on the face seeing as how the tip of the brush is the perfect size for covering a blemish and if you keep bouncing the tip of the brush over the problem area, it adds coverage while blending at the same time. What a concept.a- MAC #224: This is the mother of all blending brushes. If you don't have it, GET IT. This brush has fine natural hairs with a round tapered tip. The length of the bristle allow you to use this brush all over the face if you needed to. In fact, I'm going to create a makeup look for you guys using only one brush. This brush.b. MAC #217: This is a very full natural brush with an oval tip. It has a soft natural grab and deposits lots of product to the skin. The difference between this brush and the 224? Imagine Megan Fox pre-surgery (the 224 brush)= still makes a statement but is still naturally pretty and soft , AND Megan Fox post-surgery (the 217 brush)= instantly transforms (pun intended) all those soft edges into sharp, colorful, look-at-me edges. The 217 apologizes to no one. b. MAC #286: This brush is what Megan Fox will relate to in about 10 years. Adding far too much to stay on top and making an even stronger statement. For this brush, the statement is OH SO POSITIVE. This brush glides shadows onto my eyes like butter. Seriously. The mixture of synthetic and natural hairs really create a soft and elegant shape. This is a 'you-get-what-you-ask-for' kind of brush. If the makeup looks bad, its all you and your technique. Sorry!
THE LINERSThese brushes are the hardest to adapt to simply because they require precision but please don't hide or run away from them. They come in peace.a- MAC #266: This brush has a medium but firm build of synthetic and natural hairs and is in the shape of a flat rectangle with an angled tip. I use this brush to apply all my gel liners, powder liners, and sometimes for my brows.b- Basic Brow Brush: I'll be honest, I have no idea where this brush came from. But I love it! It is a synthetic hair brush with a very thin and fine angled tip. I use this to fill in my brows with powder or I wet the brush and apply powder to my brows wet for a much darker, richer and more precise shape.c- MAC #211: This brush has an extra-fine synthetic tip and gives you an exact defined line every time! Its easier to use than you think. I use it on my "easy" days!
OH THE FAN BRUSH...The fan brush can be used for numerous things when doing makeup. Tomorrow, I will show you one way in my makeup post!a. Art Fan Brush: I picked this brush up at Michael's (arts and crafts store). I didn't have a specific brand or hair in mind, I just needed something small. This was literally the only small one I could find! Its like he was waiting for me.Check back tomorrow to see one way you can use this brush! I promise you'll love it.
