Welcome to the last instalment of my makeup brush edit, which wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the all important brushes I use for eyeshadow. If you missed my other posts in this series which includes the brushes I love for applying my foundation, concealer and powder, you can read this here and to find out about my favourite brushes for blusher, highlighter and contour, you can read this here.
Buying the right eyeshadow brushes has been such a game-changer for me. I’m no makeup artist but with the right makeup brushes even an amateur like me can get some different eye looks going on – from a smokey eye to just a low-key, but defined finish.
When it comes to applying a base colour all over the lids, my MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush (£21), is great for really packing on eyeshadow and as this is quite dense, I always use this when I am going for an intense look and really want to build my colour. It’s also small enough to just concentrate on a particular area when you don’t want to the colour to go everywhere.
The Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush (£26), is much softer and larger but literally covers the eyelid in one sweep and a great one to use when you want to bring your base colour up to the brow bone. The rounded shape and its size means it sits just under the crease so you can use the tip to apply and blend in your crease colour as well.
Another favourite is the MAC 217 Blending Brush (£21), which I actually use to apply my base colour as I find the bristles a bit too prickly after a few washes and I have other blending brushes that I like. I also find this ideal for applying cream eyeshadow.
From left to right: MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush, Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush & MAC 217 Blending Brush
When I want to get a defined outer corner or want to blend in another colour on top of my base without getting it everywhere, then I turn to the Japonesque Pro Eyeshadow Crease Brush (£13.50). This is also good for applying an inner corner highlight or for smudging eyeliner or kohl along the lash line to get a smokey effect.
Another brush great for this is the dual-ended EcoTools Blend & Smudge Brush which is a part of their Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set (£6.99). I don’t really like the blending brush but the smudging bit is excellent when you want to add more depth to the very outer corner of your eyes or smudge your eyeliner or cream eyeshadow along the lash line.
From left to right: Japonesque Pro Eyeshadow Crease Brush & EcoTools Blend & Smudge Brush
A girl can never have too many blending brushes and I have fair few. At the very least it’s always handy to have two blending brushes – one to apply your crease colour and then a clean one to blend everything in. My current favourite and most used of late is the Charlotte Tilbury Eye Blender Brush (£25) – this is soft, luxurious and the perfect size, need I say anymore?
Just as good and virtually similar for blending is the Space NK Shader Brush (£22). Or for a more affordable option I really like the Zoeva Luxe Crease Brush (228) which comes in at £8.99.
From left to right: Zoeva Luxe Crease Brush (228), Charlotte Tilbury Eye Blender Brush & Space NK Shader Brush
Another affordable blending brush but slightly more dense and ideal for when I want a more defined crease is the Boots No 7 Eyeshadow Blend & Contour Brush (I’m not sure if this available in the UK anymore).
My other favourite brush for blending is the Bobbi Brown Eye Blender Brush (£26). It’s large and fluffy and makes sure you have no harsh edges. A quick sweep at the end and you are good to go. This can also be used to set under-eye concealer too (although make sure it’s washed first)!
Lastly when it comes to eyeliner (which I am hopeless at), the MAC 266 Small Angle Brush (£16.50) helps me pull off a defined eye (well with my skills just about)! Either way I’m happy I have this to hand and it’s also good for when you want to line your lash line with eyeshadow, something I actually prefer to the more traditional liquid or gel eyeliner.
From left to right: Boots No7 Blend & Contour Brush & Bobbi Brown Eye Blender Brush
MAC 266 Small Angle Brush
If you are starting out then a good eyeshadow brush for applying your base and a blending brush is best. You can then build your collection from there rather than spending a lot of money in one go. I hope you found this post and this series useful though – I sure did enjoy putting it together. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. x
