I say this in the least douchey way possible, but people occasionally ask me about my eye makeup routine and Caitlin recently asked me about my makeup brushes, so I thought I’d share that information here, with you.
(The alternative is doing some sort of video blog where I apply eye makeup, but that would basically just be me saying, “Okay, so when a normal person is done applying their eye makeup, that is when I put on more. MORE!” Also, this seems less involved, being as when I’m done, I don’t have to remove any eye makeup. Also, I still don’t have a computer.)
Anyway! That said, brushes are an important part of my eye makeup routine (as important as M.A.C.’s PowerPoint eyeliner in Engraved), so here you are.
Top, left to right; bottom, left to right:
M.A.C. #252, M.A.C. #275; random Sephora (M.A.C. #227 looks similar), M.A.C. #228.
M.A.C. #252
This is the brush I use first, to apply my light, all-over shadow (M.A.C. Shroom) and then at the end, when I put a dab of Shroom on the inside corners of my eyes. Nothing more to say here. I like this brush, it fulfills a need, etc. I can’t remember the last brush I used for this application, but I do remember it shredded bristles on me. This one does not do that.
M.A.C. #275
This is my all-time favorite brush. It’s small enough to use as a medium-to-dark eyeshadow applicator (M.A.C. Satin Taupe is my go-to, but I am newly in love with M.A.C. Shale — thanks Mom!), but since it’s angled, it’s great for getting the eyeshadow a little darker on the outside part of the eyelids (key for a smoky eye!)
Random Sephora brush
I use this for blending, after I apply shadow with #275. This brush I use to basically make sure each eyelid has equal amounts of pigment. Back and forth, back and forth, that’s the extent of this brush’s use.
M.A.C. #228
This is the holy grail for a smoky eye. After I apply liner and the base of eyeshadow, I drag this brush back and forth, grinding eyeshadow along the crease.
So that’s that! Let me know if you have any pressing brush questions! Also, here are pictures of the same brushes, with my thumb to scale, so you can see the brushes’ size.
Top, left to right; bottom, left to right: M.A.C. #252, M.A.C. #275; random Sephora (M.A.C. #227 looks similar), M.A.C. #228.
I know MAC brushes are awesome, but have you ever tried ELF’s brushes? (I’ve always purchased from their website [eyeslipsface.com], but I know some of them are now sold at Target.) A lot of their brushes, especially the Studio line, are actually really quality. The finnials aren’t always the greatest, but the brushes themselves are awesome. They don’t shed, and they last a long time.