Brush Guide
I've photographed most of the brushes I own which I have bought myself. I have other random ones that I only use for certain things & ones I barely touch. Also, with some of the brushes I've list points about why I like that particular brush from whatever brand it is, but in general you can find the same style in different brands for pretty much all of these brushes.
Sigma E25: I use this brush for blending. It is the same style of brush as my MAC 217 but the quality is slightly less than the MAC 217. It's usage is the same as the Mac 217, for blending shadows, nose contour, highlighting, etc.
MAC 217: Same style as the Sigma E25, but higher quality. The bristles are softer and it holds it's shape better. This brush works great for blending out eyeshadow, blending contours, applying highlights and blending over spot concealing. This is a must-have in my book.
MAC 242: This is a good quality brush that I use frequently. It is a synthetic brush, so it works great for applying cream shadow to the lid, packing color on, or with glitters/pigments. If I am wanting a really pigmented lid color, I always go for this brush and use patting motions.
Sigma E45: This is another synthetic brush which I use frequently. I like to use this brush with my transition colors. I usually use two transition colors & this brush works well for getting colors into the crease with some precision, but not as precise as a pencil brush. This is another must-have for me.
Sigma E30: I think everyone should have a pencil brush. I use this brush to define the outer v or to run a dark shadow along the lash line for smokey looks & also for smudging colors out under the lash line. I'll also use it to apply a tiny pop of color to the inner corner of my eye or anywhere I want to apply a very precise or small amount of shadow. After using this brush to apply color exactly where you want, blend the edges with another brush (like MAC 217) which is great when you don't want to muddy your colors. This is another must-have if you like to create more complex eye looks.
This is a paint brush. I haven't found a makeup brush this shape, so if you know of one please let me know! I am not against using brushes that are soft enough, like watercolor brushes, for makeup as long as they have NEVER been used in paint. I use this brush to blend out color under my lower lash line.
Sigma E65: This is a small angled brush which I really like. I use it to apply gel eyeliner or a dark shadow to my lash line. I also use this brush occasionally to clean up my lip color. If you like gel liner, then you should add a brush like this to your kit.
Sephora Angled Liner: I really like this brush in particular. It is very thin so I can get a super sharp line. I usually use this brush (over my Sigma Angled liner) to press shadow over a liner to set it or change the finish.
Cinema Secrets Angle Detail: This brush is pretty much the same as my Sigma Angled brush. I use it for the same thing.
Sigma E60: This is a large shader brush. This brush isn't as soft as I would like it to be. I usually use this to apply my base shadow, and sometimes highlight my brow and nose. This brush is nice to have, but most people don't need it.
Sigma E40: I am a big fan of this brush. I am thinking of getting the MAC version since the Mac one is a little softer and blends better. I use this to blow out a color, mostly being used for transition colors, however, it is also nice for contouring the nose, under the lip or to create a dramatic contour into the cheek bones. You should get this brush if you like smokey, super blended out looks.
Sigma E35: This is a blending brush that is rounded-- basically the E40's natural haired cousin. Since this brush it natural haired it picks up and hangs on to pigments a bit more. It's nice for blending out deep transition colors. You will want to have this brush if you like deep smokey eyes.
Another paint brush: I like this brush a lot, but you can grab any thin liner brush. I haven't found one as thin as this one, which is why I still use it. I use this brush to make a line from my lash line out to create winged liner. (Remember, NEVER use with paint.)
Sigma E05: This is a mini I got as a gift with purchase, that's why it's small and pink. I like this brush if I am doing thicker liner. Get this brush if you like a strong liner.
Sigma E36: This is a weird blending brush. It was recommended by some Beauty Guru on YouTube, but I am not a fan of it. It's nice for very lightly blending out colors that have a very soft texture & have few binders. I use this mostly with Black Widow from Saucebox, Ben Nye shadows, or loose pigments to barely blend the edge of a color I applied with a pencil brush. You'd want this brush if you need something to very lightly blend edges.
Sigma E15: This is a push liner brush which you can "push" gel liner or shadow into the lash line with. I rarely use this brush as it is slightly too long for my eyes. However, if you have a hard time getting liner right into the lash line with a brush, you may want to try this.
Brows:
Sigma E75: I really like this brush. It's quite thin and pretty stiff so I use his with Makeup Forever Aqua Brow or Anastasia Dip Brow. It makes it easy to get sharp lines and also blends them out. You should get this brush if you like using brow gel/creams.
Sonia Kashuk: This is a spoolie. There's nothing really special about this particular spoolie. However, I do think that anyone who fills in their brows should grab a spoolie to blend the product out, but which spoolie you use doesn't really matter.
Face:
Base:
Sigma P86: I quite like this brush. It is very dense and tapers to a nice point. I use this brush to blend concealer under the eyes or around the nose and mouth. You should get this brush if you prefer brushes to blend concealer.
Real Techniques Shading Brush: Maybe this brush should be in the eye section, but I never use it on my eyes. I use this brush to blend concealer out, around he nose, mouth and on blemishes. This brush is nice if you like to blend concealer out with a brush.
Sigma F82: This is a rounded kabuki brush. I use this is apply foundation. I also use this brush if I am using a powder foundation. It buffs the foundation into the skin well & I like the rounded shape for blending around the eyes, nose, & jaw areas. You'll like this brush if you enjoy buffing on your foundation or if you use powder foundations.
Sigma F75: This is a pretty basic paddle concealer brush. This brush is more flimsy than I would like it to be. I use this brush to place concealer and to contour and highlight with creams. You'll want this brush if you like to apply concealer or cream products with a brush.
Sigma F60: Basic paddle foundation brush. I use this brush to apply foundation and then blend it out with a beauty blender. You'll like this brush if you like paddle brushes, a lighter coverage, or if you like blending with a sponge.
Other Face Brushes:
Sigma F40: This is a large angled contour brush. I use it for blending out contour, applying or blending blush and pretty much any blending I need to do after a color is applied. I usually keep this brush clean, rather than using it to apply color, because I can use it primarily to blend. It is a natural hair brush so it picks up some pigment and blends easily. You need this brush if you're having trouble blending out colors on the face.
Sigma F50: This is a large duo fiber brush. It's a tad too big for my taste to apply foundation with, but stippling brushes work great if you get a smaller size (like the Real Techniques Stippling Brush). I mostly use this brush to apply blush or bronzer. You'll like this brush for foundation, blush or bronzer.
Sigma F30: This is a Large Powder brush which I use it to dust off excess powder after pressing a setting powder into my skin. I will also use it with bronzer or with finishing powders. You'll like this brush for large application of powder products.
Sigma F15: This is a duo fiber brush that is tapered/rounded. You could use this for foundation or I like to use it to apply my blush. If you like a strong blush you'd like this brush.
Kryilan Professional Art 1751: I really like this fan brush. It is VERY soft. I use this to apply light applications of highlights and I frequently use it with my stronger more shimmery highlighters. You'll like this brush if you like a light, less precise, natural highlight or for light applications of powders.
Real Techniques Blush Brush: I really like the shape of this brush. I use this brush to apply blush and to apply powders. You need this brush if you like a natural looking flush with blush & you like to use setting powder with a brush.
Sigma F35: This is a tapered small highlighter. I use this brush for highlighting with powders. You need this brush if you like specific application of highlighter or powders.
Lips:
Sigma L05: I really like this lip brush. It has a cap and the brush isn't too long or floppy so you can get a precise line. I use this with any and all of my lip colors. You'll like this brush if you like lipstick & especially if you like crisp lines.
Elf Concealer Brush: If you want a cheap lip brush option this brush works pretty well as a lip brush. I also use this brush with a bit of silicone primer to clean up eyeshadow/liner mistakes. You'd like this brush if you're on a tight budget and need a lip brush.
Tools:
Japoneque Eyelash Applicator: I really like this applicator to apply false lashes. The shape makes it easy to hold the lash into place and then also tuck in the corners. You need this is you wear falsies a lot or have trouble with them.
Tweezers: I dont even know what brand hese are, but pretty much everyone should have a pair. I use them to groom my brows, put on lashes (especially individuals or flairs), and for rhinestone application.
Real Techniques Eyelash Comb: Metal eyelash combs are the best. If you get any mascara clumping just run the brush through before it totally sets and you'll never see clumps again. You need this brush if you have any issues with clumping or if you have eyelash extensions.
Scissors: If you wear falsies a lot it's nice to have a small pair of scissors in your bag so you can trim your lashes to fit your eyes.
This guide is not sponsored. I bought all these brushes with my own money.
