My Most-Used Makeup Brushes

Hi, everyone! I was giving my makeup brushes a much-needed bath recently and realized that I don't gush about my favourite tools nearly often enough on the blog (even less so than I wash them, sheesh). So I thought I'd shine a little spotlight on my most-used brushes, since they are an essential part in getting the job done! 

There are a few pricey brushes in my stash (thanks to the greatness of Shu Uemura and Hakuhodo), but the majority are highly affordable and accessible. It's clear that brands like Real Techniques, Sigma, and Quo can also get the job done! 

Hakuhodo J528 Highlighter Brush C
This flat-topped natural hair brush is dense and incredibly soft. It is relatively small and is the perfect size for contouring! 

Real Techniques Stippling Brush
When I want to use cream blush, highlighter, or bronzer, this is the only brush I reach for! It applies and blends cream products like an absolute dream.

Real Techniques Blush Brush
Even with my bountiful cheeks, this brush is a bit big for blush application. Instead, I use it as an all-over brush for powder and bronzer and it works perfectly for this purpose! 

Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush

This is my go-to blush brush! Its rounded shape fits the apples of my cheeks perfectly and the medium density of the bristles applies blush smoothly without being too sheer or over-the-top.

Shu Uemura Natural Brush #20 Blush
While this is also fab for blush, I currently use it as a setting brush for pressed powder. After applying my foundation and concealer, I use this brush for targeted mattifying powder application (on oily spots and to set concealer), then go in the the RT Blush Brush for a more luminous all-over powder. This brush is incredibly soft! 

Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush
While I love the idea of applying foundation with a brush, most I've tried have left my base streaky and uneven. While I still apply foundation with my fingers most days, this brush is by far the best at applying foundation I've tried! No streaks in sight. 

Sigma E30 Pencil Brush
This little wonder is perfect for any precise work: to apply colour directly to the crease, to highlight the brow bones and inner corners of the eye, or applying eye shadow as a liner along the lash lines. It's also incredibly soft!

Anastasia Mini Angled/Spooly Duo
This little brush has been a saviour for my brows! The stiff angled bristles are perfect for applying my brow powder and the attached spooly grooms the brows wonderfully afterwards, ensuring things stay natural-looking. 

Quo All Over Eye Shadow Brush
This flat, wide shadow brush is my go-to when I want to apply a colour all over the lid. It fits my eyeball perfectly! The flat edge also doubles nicely for shadow on the brow bone or underneath the eye. 

Sigma E25 Blending Brush
This brush is incredibly soft and both applies and blends shadows to the lids and crease effortlessly. As its name suggests, blending really is its specialty! 

Sephora Oval Blending Brush
I don't own a MAC 217 brush and this is the sole reason why. This brush's tapered shape fits in my crease so easily and is firm enough to apply colour densely, yet soft enough to blend shades out with ease. I think this brush has been discontinued, which breaks my heart! But luckily, it's incredibly resilient!

While I can't promise to wash my brushes more often (I really need to though, eek), I really must rave about my favourite tools more regularly. They are truly underrated treasures in my stash! 

What are your must-have makeup brushes?

Thanks for dropping by! xo