Brushes

-Jillian Raposo

Brushes can be a crucial part of achieving a well blended makeup application. When I first started my career as a makeup artist, I used brushes from Walgreens, Victoria's Secret, and random brushes that came with eye shadow palettes. For the longest time I couldn't figure out why it was so hard to achieve a professional blended look. Well, IT WAS THE DARN BRUSHES!  Over time I started my collection of MAC brushes and as my collection grew I was noticing that I was doing a much better job. The eyeshadow packed on better, with far less fall out. Color's were blending together seamlessly. And it didn't take me as long to create a look. Now I know MAC brushes can be a little pricey but for me they are totally worth it.  All MAC brushes are handmade with the exception of holiday collections and sets. The sets are machine made and mass produced (not as good). Handmade brushes are much more full and better shaped and will last much longer if taken care of properly.

As my business grew it was time for me to purchase another set of brushes to help speed up the process of cleaning in between clients. This time around I decided to try out Sigma Brushes. Sigma brushes have been know to be highly comparable to MAC. The difference between the two are that, Sigma brushes are machine made, the handles are slightly heavier and longer, and they're much more affordable. Having the two collections side by side I notice that my MAC brushes are shaped much better and much more densely packed.  For the price though, I think Sigma does sell great quality brushes. Well which one's do I like better???? At the end of the day I like certain brushes from each collection. Here are my faves, where to find them, and what I use them for.


MAC
All over face: #138
Blush and contour: # 109
Packing on shadow: #239
Blending: #287 & #217
Defining pencil brush: #219
www.maccosmetics.com


Sigma
Concealer: F60
Foundation: Flat Kabuki F80
Large eye blender: E40
Packing pigments on lid: F70
Angel brush for brows: E65



http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=230740
please use this link! I get credit :)

For my fine tip brushes for gel liner and such, I have tried both brands and prefer painter's brushes from the craft store.

The brand I currently use is Princeton 3750 series, from AC Moore and the brushes are:

Spotter 5/0: This is a super fine tip brush that is great for gel liner
Angled spot detailer: Also a fine tip but is angled, which helps creating the "cat eye"
Chisel Blender: Small flat top brush, great for smudging out liner.
http://princetonbrush.com/3750-decorative.html


*Disclosure: This is just "MY" opinion. I'm sure there are better brushes out there, but these are just what I have tried and liked. I do not get paid for my opinion or to represent any of these brands. I do however get a small and I mean minuscule! commission from Sigma for each sale.