PRODUCT REVIEW: The Best Makeup Brushes

“The right tools are just as important as the makeup itself”. -Bobbi Brown

You’ve heard it from makeup artists and industry pros everywhere, makeup brushes are an investment. Beauty tools are an artist’s hands and vehicle to transform artistic vision into reality. If you choose correctly and take proper care, they can make a huge difference in your results and last you a long long time. (there’s no expiry date like makeup has!)

For personal use, you’ll likely need 1 full set within a 10-year span and add specialty brushes as needed. Makeup artists will replace their sets more often, mostly due to frequency of use and updated products.

Of course there are tons of brushes out there and I’m sure there are great ones that I’ve missed, but my picks are from personal tests, noting quality and value. I’ve listed the approximate prices that I’ve seen as well. Feel free to contribute your thoughts! I’d be curious to hear what brushes other people use!

For the high-end, luxury budget:
You may wonder why there is such a price range for makeup brushes. The answer is the bristles (hair), craftsmanship and brand - there is a huge mark-up for makeup brands. Sometimes there is value behind the high prices but with certain brushes, you can get away with using low-end brushes and still get great results. My personal opinion is a good mix of high-end and low-end brushes will get you the best bang for your buck while getting you the results you’re looking for!

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics ($32 - $65)
Available at Holt Renfrew stores in Canada.

The most expensive brushes I’ve noted here and with reason. If you want to use the best products available on the market, you must try Bobbi Brown. For a small fortune, you’ll get the softest, most durable brushes that deliver clean applications with no loose bristles! (ugh, pet peeve!) when I bought my brush set from them, I noted how soft the bristles felt against my dry, patchy skin. The handles are hollow, which keeps them light weight. If you don’t want to fork over the dough for an entire set, I’d recommend the Foundation brush, Ultra fine Eyeliner Brush and Large Powder Brush.

Makeup-Forever ($22 - $55)
Available at certain Shoppers Drug Mart stores (no longer available at Sears)

I came across these brushes from a fellow makeup artist recommendation. Makeup Forever is known for their trademark yellow handles and their Professional High Definition products. I love the texture in their synthetic bristle brushes – not too harsh on the eyes. I also find the bristles shorter which makes it easier to apply makeup with precision. With this price-point, you should expect good quality brushes and they get an A+ for that. An added bonus is you can get MUFE by cashing in your SDM Optimum points!

Mid-Range Budget:
MAC  ($17 - $60)
Available at MAC stores, the Bay or maccosmetics.com

If you’re a MUA or just love makeup, you’re heard of MAC. As the industry leader and trendsetter for makeup, MAC is famous for its wide variety in professional products, extensive colour and constant product enhancements. Walking into their stand-alone stores or Bay locations, makes you feel like you’ve walked into an art studio. Sales represenatives are Artists, and 4-colour quads are Palettes and face charts are Canvases. Brushes have been hit’n miss for me, as I’ve had chunks of bristles fall out before. I know some industry experts swear by MAC, so it’s worth checking out. Also, as MAC Pro member, you can enjoy the Pro discount on their products.

Lower-End, Just Starting-Out Budget:
Quo Cosmetics
Signature Beauty Line for Shoppers Drug Mart.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good of quality these brushes were for a drugstore-brand. This line offers a full-set of brushes, ranging from the staple foundation and powder brushes to kabuki brushes and ultra fine eyeliner brush. Quo also offers makeup artist tools such as brush cleaner, pencil sharpener, fake lashes, and eyelash curler which you normally had to get from a speciality makeup line. Again, you can use your SDM points towards purchasing these or wait until they go on sale! Their brushes are my vote for most accessible based on both price point, and store locations.