Tools of the Trade

I cleaned my makeup brushes last night, so figured this is the perfect time to do a post on my favourites while they're all nice and fluffy and clean.

A selection of my favourite brushes

1. MAC #187 Duo Fibre Face Brush (£32.50)

I use this stippling brush to buff foundation into my skin. I much prefer it to traditional foundation brushes; it leaves a lovely even finish and feels really nice to use. This is actually the third one of these that I've owned (number one was chewed up by my dog and number two was lost when moving house). Unfortunately I've found that this one's starting to shed a bit recently, so next time I'm going to go for the Real Techniques version as I've heard great things about it, it's much cheaper and I really love all of their other brushes.

2. Real Techniques Powder Brush 1401  (£12.99)

Wonderful powder brush, it feels really soft and I find it the perfect size for sweeping just the right amount of finishing powder over my foundation. I use this most days to apply MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (which I discuss here). It's made completely of synthetic fibres, meaning it's really easy to clean and generally a very low maintenance brush. You can't go far wrong with Real Techniques brushes: they leave you with a flawless finish, they don't shed and they're very reasonably priced. I can't recommend them enough.

3. MAC #109 Small Contour Brush (£26)

I use this brush for contouring. The slightly domed tip makes it deliver just the right amount of colour. I've had this brush for a while and even though I use it all the time and really like it, I'm sure there's now very similar products out there for less.

4. Bobbi Brown Blush Brush (£35)

This brush is absolutely beautiful, I can't sing its praises enough. It's wonderfully soft and the long pointed wooden handle makes it feel so luxurious when using. It also applies blusher to cheeks like an absolute dream, with it's rounded tip delivering the perfect amount of colour. I actually got this brush for my mum last Christmas, but I liked it so much that I went out and bought my own. I know its on the expensive side, but when you use it you can really understand why. I think it's worth every single penny.

5. HD Brows Eyebrow Brush (Comes as part of palette £20)

This eyebrow brush came with my HD Brows palette (which I absolutely adore and can't be without by the way). Initially I discarded this little gem as I already had a brow brush that I liked, but one day I thought I'd give it a whirl and in no time it had worked its way up the ranks to my favourite eyebrow brush. I like how slim the brush is, making it very precise. It always works particularly well with the HD Brows powders.

6. Space NK Brow Brush

Loved this brush but I'm afraid that it's been discontinued guys. It's a very short angled brow brush making it great for precision. I still use it now and again but I've had it for so long the bristles are starting to fray and as Space NK no longer sell it, i can't buy it again.

7. Urban Decay Good Karma Shadow Brush (£14.50)

Again I got this eye shadow brush with a palette (Urban Decay's famous Naked palette in fact). I really like it because you can do so many things with this. Use the flat side to sweep on colours all over the lid, use the fine tip for more precise shading, and it's stiff enough to smudge up your eyeliner a bit and blend. I've also discovered that it's the perfect tool for applying Chanel's Illusion d'Ombre eyeshadow.  This is my favourite brush for blending and one of my must-haves.

8. Laura Mercier Eye Colour Brush (£23)

Laura Mercier is an all-time favourite brand of mine, and this brush delivers the quality that you'd expect from their products. The bristles are quite long and soft, leaving you with a soft finish that's great for everyday.

9. Topshop Eyeliner Brush (£4)

This brush has a fine stiff tip, making it great for creating that precise smooth line above your lashes. I just think that it's a great little brush and at £4 you can't really go wrong. Another triumph for Topshop makeup.

10. Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush (£22)

Again, the super fine tip makes it easy to create that flawless line. I particularly like the long wooden handle, which makes it easier to control and looks really elegant.