Brushes brushes brushes!!! do we really need them?

Why do we need makeup brushes?

Why can't we just use sponge tip applicators or just sponges alone?

The truth is, we can use sponges and applicators but not for every look and or product. foundation sponges are great for patting down and or blending your foundation and still this is not required for all foundations. I mostly sponge pat on foundation fresh faces (even mine) when I'm using a thick, creamy sometimes greasy foundation. You don't have to pat down powder foundation (unless you have oily skin and see the separation from the oils and makeup. Pat girl pat! you can't have any of that.. it's funky) You also don't need to pat tinted moisturizers. Even some liquid ones don't need patting. The reason for the patting method, is to help the skin absorb the makeup instead of looking like it's just laying on your skin. Patting also helps to blend the foundation with just a soft patting motion.

Eye shadow applicators are nice too BUT shouldn't be used for serious blend jobs. Eye shadow Applicators are good for laying down the shadow, creating a clean shape, and even smoothing the harsh lines. As I said, I wouldn't try blending multiple colors with sponge tip applicators. Unless you truly forgot your brushes and had only what the eyeshadow came with which is usually sponge tip applicators.. Pray to the fashion God for help in your blending because you're going to need it!

Now moving onto brushes!

I love brushes! not all brushes though. some I find annoying or even pointless.. There are others that at first glance I loved them but didn't like how they were supposed to be used or the results they delivered just were not satisfying.

Must have brushes: EYES-
*Basic shadow brush of medium size that can grab color properly and deposit it to your lid. This brush should be slightly firm. I use the 252 brush from MAC (I find it very necessary to own this brush or one like it)
*Blending brush should be soft but sturdy so that you're able to control the bristles and have the shadow go where you want it to go. I use the 217 and or the 224 brush from MAC. I prefer the 217 because it is much more dense than the 224 but the 224 is great for subtle color deposit. These brushes blend the harsh line the basic shadow brush can leave however, in my experience I have used the 252 brush from MAC for light blending of harsh lines and has proved to be effective. (because of the semi stiffness of this brush beware of over blending. You can irritate/scratch the lid)
*Small shadow brush for those hard to reach corners and/or depositing shadow to the inner eye and lower lash line. (I use a small rounded very stiff brush from Sonia Kashuk- I LOVE this brush it can even be used as a liner brush)
*If you use gel liner or would like to use shadow to line you lids and lower lash line it would be good to invest in an angled liner brush like the 208 brush from MAC. I find this brush to be most helpful in achieving a straight line. I've used the 209 form MAC (the pointed liner brush but it requires a lot of precision and steady hand movement)

Must have brushes:FACE-
*Foundation brush-depending on the type of foundation you use. Whenever I use liquid foundation I use a
*Stippling brush (MAC, Sephora, Coastal Scents and even Walgreen's have them. They are great!)
If I'm using cream foundation, I use a
*190 brush from MAC (It looks like a paint brush)
If I'm using powder foundation I use a powder brush like the
*129 brush from MAC
or the
*168 angled brush from MAC -this brush is made for blush and contouring but I have used it for powdering my face as well. I also use this brush for contouring and blush and sometimes with my setting powder.

I don't think it's necessary to buy lip brushes unless your a Makeup Artist (we don't apply lipstick from the tube onto clients). But if you personally like the effect the brush leaves by all means go ahead and purchase that brush!

I think these are all the brushes for now. I'll be sure to update this blog if I notice anything missing or come across something new :)
**Please note: It is not necessary to purchase MAC brushes, there are many brushes out there that are just as good. I used MAC brushes as suggestions and examples because those are the ones I use and like.

XOXO

Mel