BRUSHES FOR BASES

A day doesn't go by where I don't use a brush in some shape or form for my foundation/concealer. I'm not quite sure how I used to manage without, and even though a finger-applied base looks pretty and natural, I go for the brush option more often than not. I have three favourites, come and say hello...

The Real Techniques Buffing Brush really is the cult of the trio I have going on here, and I can certainly tell why. It isn't as dense as the likes of the Expert Face Brush, but it certainly blends just as well - a lot of people actually say even better. This makes makeup look like a part of your skin, rather than a thick layer sitting on top of it, and I love it. I can't quite believe that Megan doesn't have this one yet - come on girl.

For a more natural finish, I love the Real Techniques Stippling Brush. Sam Chapman really hits the nail on the head with her brush line, hence why I never stop rambling on about the darn things. This one is the one I love for lighter foundations or BB Creams/Tinted Moisturisers, because it's something about this brush and those kinds of bases that look the best together.

For a more dense brush we have the Nanshy Round Buffer Brush* which is becoming one that is used more and more regularly. It really blends foundation into the skin, and I love the way it looks. I don't think it quite rivals my Real Techniques Buffing Brush yet, because I find it slightly too dense to get everything as blended, but the finish is still great. This is one that I love for concealer more than foundation I guess.

3 Brushes, all of which my face appreciates. I wonder what brush I will be getting next from the Real Techniques range...

NANSHY MAKEUP BRUSHES

As you know, I am a huge fan of the Real Techniques makeup brushes, but sometimes, I am on the hunt to find new brands that are just as high quality. When some Nanshy Brushes* dropped through my letter box, I realised a new love could be kindled.

Face: The star of the show for me is most certainly the Round Buffer Brush*, which seems to me like it could be a very close match for the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I'll make it short. I love this. Like, love. It blends and buffs liquid foundation like a dream, pats in concealer beautifully, and even does a pretty darn good job with blush. Dare I say, this might become my new favourite brush.

Eyes: To begin with, the have the Blending Eyeshadow Brush*, which I find is a touch too stiff to fully blend out any crease colour, but does a brilliant job at applying it to the lid neatly, and feathering out the edges. The Eye Crease Brush* is a good'un for (as the name suggests), putting colour in the crease. Now, this does a tiny bit of the blending for you as you sweep it through the crease, but more so focuses on putting the product in place - and must I say, it does it well. Finally, is the Tapered Crease Brush*, which is a little smaller than I anticipated, but even so, works really well for taking the eyeshadow along the lower lashline, and slightly feathering the edges too.  Although it isn't originally what I thought it to be, I have found a well-fitted use to it.

Nanshy, I am impressed.