I'm a bit of a foundation novice, only buying my first foundation a month ago, so for my first foundation brush I thought I'd go budget. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and then find I preferred just using my fingers to apply! I ended up picking up two brushes - the first is from H&M and the second from E.L.F. Cosmetics.
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| Top: E.L.F / Bottom: H&M |
H&M
H&M isn't the obvious place to go to when looking for makeup brushes. I picked it up on a bit of a whim while buying a new makeup bag, spotting that for only £2.99 it was double ended and therefore had a blusher brush to boot.
Unfortunately I was disappointed with this brush overall. Although on first impressions I really liked the foundation brush - the large brush means foundation is quick and easy to blend and the bristles felt quite soft. However it doesn't work so well when it comes to applying in smaller spaces like around your nose - I actually found the ends of the brush to feel a little spiky and uncomfortable! But it does give a nice finish.
Now for the blusher brush. I didn't particularly intend to use this as I already have a fan brush for blusher, but I thought I'd give it a go. It's HORRIBLE. The bristles are really coarse and wiry, not at all smooth or soft! It felt like I was rubbing a beard on my cheeks. Quite a few bristles fell out on first use as well.
E.L.F. Cosmetics
This small, slimline foundation brush cost a mere £1.50. I think it looks a lot nicer than the H&M brush, the silver writing is a nice touch and makes it look more expensive.
I like this brush very much. The smaller brush head is better for applying in those smaller spaces, though I suppose because it's smaller it does take a tiny bit of extra effort than the H&M brush. Nothing worth quibbling over though. The bristles are soft and the end result is an even, natural, flawless finish.
The Verdict
My recommendation of the two is the E.L.F Cosmetics foundation brush. Ok you don't get a blusher brush on the other end, but the H&M one might as well not be there anyway for what it's worth! For half the price buy the one ended brush from E.L.F - the non spiky feeling gives it the edge over H&M!
Overall I am definitely now a foundation brush convert. Beauty bloggers rave about Real Techniques brushes and I would like to try theirs next!
What are your thoughts on foundation brushes? What brand do you use?
Beauty Bird xx
I used to be a a stippling brush type of gal. I invested in the real techniques buffing brush which unfortunately only comes as part of a set but it's well worth the investment. It totally converted me :)
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing up the Core Collection set, which I think has the buffing brush! It looks really good value! x
DeleteThe eyeshadow brushes from H&M are not bad! I have a double ended one that is perfect for filling in my eyebrows.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely still try some of their other brushes, it's just this one I wasn't really fussed on. x
DeleteI've never used a brush to apply foundation - to be fair I don't really wear much at the minute. I really need to get back into the habit for a fresh face :) may try with a brush xx
ReplyDeleteYeah it's worth giving it a try I think! I prefer the finish of a brush to using fingers now x
DeleteI'm obsessed with my Sigma kabuki brush, it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of Sigma on beauty blogs too - thanks lovely will check this out! x
DeleteThis is a really good post :) I am a bit of a foundation freak haha I have too many but I would 100% recommend the Real techniques expert face brush. You can get it a bit cheaper on cocktail cosmetics - but trust me it is worth the money if you want to invest :) Hannah xx
ReplyDeletewww.palindromepoppet.com
Thank you! :-) I'll have a look at this brush, I've been considering the Core Collection but don't think this is in it! I'm definitely happy to invest if it's that good. Thanks for your comment hun x
DeleteI have the RT Stippling brush - it's amazing! and I also have the Japonesque eyebrow brush which is great!
ReplyDeleteRachel from www.whatabeauty.co.uk x
I think I'm pretty much sold on RT brushes now!! :-) x
DeleteI've got the foundation and concealer double ended brush from Primark, its super soft and only £1.50! Just perfect for me because I love a bargain!!
ReplyDeleteI have a powder brush from Primark, looks like a kabuki brush but it's bright pink! I've had it for ages and it's still in perfect condition, such a bargain x
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