Do expensive brushes really make difference?

AudreyNicole

Well-known member
I just have cheap brushes for my eyes, and I am wondering more expenisve brushes really make a difference? Do they blend better? Apply smoother? Convince me why I should spend $25 for ONE brush...
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mandirigma

Well-known member
an MA once told me that getting new tools was like getting a whole new set of make-up. i didn't really get it at first and i couldn't justify spending loads of money on one brush when it could easily buy me two MAC eyeshadows, but now i do get it.

if it requires stretching your budget then i wouldn't recommend it. target and walgreens brushes work really well and i still use them pretty regularly (and i've been collecting MAC for years but just started getting into the MAC brushes a month ago). but i find the MAC brushes do a much better job of blending, they have a wider range of brushes so you can get the exact effect you want, and if you take care of them they'll last a really long time.
 

lovejam

Well-known member
At the very least, I'd get a MAC 272 if I were you. Best e/s brush I've ever used. I've used the cheap stuff, and it really doesn't apply e/s as well. The 272 is a goat hair brush, very soft and dense so it picks up more color and applies it more smoothly. I can't recommend it enough.

As for blending and such, I just use q-tips most of the time.

But yeah, the 272 is the one e/s brush I simply couldn't do without.
 

aziajs

Well-known member
Quote:
Originally Posted by mandirigma
an MA once told me that getting new tools was like getting a whole new set of make-up. i didn't really get it at first and i couldn't justify spending loads of money on one brush when it could easily buy me two MAC eyeshadows, but now i do get it.

if it requires stretching your budget then i wouldn't recommend it. target and walgreens brushes work really well and i still use them pretty regularly (and i've been collecting MAC for years but just started getting into the MAC brushes a month ago). but i find the MAC brushes do a much better job of blending, they have a wider range of brushes so you can get the exact effect you want, and if you take care of them they'll last a really long time.


Mandirigma said it perfectly. I started off using Sephora brushes. I got a set. I really liked them and I still do. But then I got MAC brushes and it really did make a big difference. But having said that I have also used artist brushes that are 1/4 of the price of MAC brushes and was happy. I would say if you could afford it, get one really good brush. Get one that you can't get by a cheaper brand. Then the rest can either some over time or you can stick to the cheaper ones.
 

sigwing

Well-known member
I like getting the special sets around Christmas, & have always used the ones that come in the holiday palettes.

The other day I noticed a new line of brushes at Walgreens. I've been in LOVE with the ones they had, which were 2-4-1 last week, and don't remember if they're "Precision" or "Prestige" but they're in a hot pink plastic package. The new ones look really nice with ivory colored handles. They're all under $10, I think. I know the ones I have are, the hot pink package ones. My favorite is a double-ended shadow & wedge-shaped brush, they're larger & fluffier than like a regular small e/s brush, but the wedge one has just the right angle to apply the right amount in the crease. I highly recommend.
 

sigwing

Well-known member
Quote:
Originally Posted by caffn8me
Folks might be interested to check out Crown Industries based near Chicago (they ship worldwide). The had a large stand at the International MakeUp Artist Trade Show and were recommended by a number of presenters and experienced makeup artists at the show. They are very inexpensive.

Those brush sets are awsome! If anyone didn't click her link to check them out, you need to do it! *s*
 

pumpkincat210

Well-known member
If you plan on doing make up for awhile good brushes are a must! My MAC brushes were like getting new makeup. The precision and the way they pick up different colors changed everything for me.
 

martygreene

Well-known member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 'Nessa
This is a great thread for you to check out
http://www.specktra.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23126

Also I can tell you the brush is not as important as the technique in most cases.

I know a gal that does amazing eye makeup and she uses drugstore brushes.



I definitely agree that it's more technique- I tend to do even very intricate eye-looks with one, maybe two brushes. I don't like having to switch brushes constantly, and just taught myself how to do things in different ways.
 

joytheobscure

Well-known member
I don't have very expensive brushes only one is by mac, the other ones are mary kay and kushuk- and Ulta brand. I have one ulta brush that I love and getting me to pay $12 for a brush is hard (when there are $12 e/s sitting next to them). But I study the FOTDs and my confidence and technique are what are really improving - brushes help but confidence and technique really help. I am going to eventually start buying mac brushes, if I can avoid those LE products (argh).
 

Dreamergirl3

Well-known member
Quote:
Originally Posted by caffn8me
Folks might be interested to check out Crown Industries based near Chicago (they ship worldwide). The had a large stand at the International MakeUp Artist Trade Show and were recommended by a number of presenters and experienced makeup artists at the show. They are very inexpensive.

Those badger brushes look great, only I do wish the site was a bit better. I also with they listed the types of hair of certain brushes. They name a few of them but not all. Maybe I'll email them about the sets I'm interested in and they could help me out. They look awesome though! And VERY cheap in price!
 

Shawna

Well-known member
Most of my brushes are from the Quo line from Shoppers drug mart and they are fantastic. They are about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of the mac brushes and work just as well. You just need some good quality brushes, not necessarily expensive ones. That said, I couldn't live without my 239 eye brush. It is the best I have used.
 

Jennifer Mcfly

Well-known member
I have brushs from MAC, Sephora and Sonia Kashuk and I can tell you, they all do a great job. The only difference I see is the selection. MAC has an amazing selection for anything you want. Which is usually the reason I've been buying MAC brushes lately. But I have about 4 brushes from Sonia Kashuk that I absolutely love and work better for me then some of my MAC brushes.
 

glittergoddess27

Well-known member
Yep,. I have a bunch of MAC brushes now,.. but I also have some other staples that I love,.. the powder and blush brush by Sonia Kashuk, Clinque's powder brush, the Mary Kay Brush set,.. good angle brush combo in there,.. but lately my very favorite,.. the Tony and Tina brush set,.. if you can find these at a Marshall's,.. get it,. they are so soft and velvety,.. and now since they are at Marshall's finally afforable,....
 
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