Makeup & Skincare Chat ➔ MAKEUP BRUSHES:
Tasha J: I just bought the beauty blender from Sephora and I got the cleaner for it too. I bought all my bare minerals makeup and mascara from Sephora too. But when I bought makeup yesterday, I bought it from our local Peebles, cuz I don’t have time or patience for anything else. It’s este lauder. They have Clinique too and that’s it. When I checked Amazon for the beauty blender yesterday, the reviews all said it was fake fake fake, so I don’t trust it.
Maryse: I have yet to use a beauty blender. EXACTLY Tasha. I went on Amazon for those and I can’t tell what’s going to disintegrate or smell…
Cheryl: I like just using a foundation brush. I just put a small amount on my hand and then use the brush to lightly apply it. I also like in the summer to use a tinted sunscreen only.
Amy: Tasha… The only place I recommend buying a Beautyblender from is Sephora – which it looks like you already did – and that way you KNOW you are getting the original one. Just use the cleaner, and then I use the original little package it came in (the circular one) and set it on the opening while it dries. Because it expands, it sets perfectly.
Michelle: If you guys want a killer thin line, get the Shu Uemura 2R sable brush. I use it with my MAC fluidlines. Just found it last year but I will never use anything else!
Amy: Michelle, you’re here! *hugs* I am trying out that brush…it sounds perfect for my gel liners. I’m starting to get hooked on cosmetic brushes now so I’m always on the hunt for new ones.
Maryse: Thank you, Michelle for that liner brush recommendation. I shall look it up. 🙂 And now I also want the Tarte finishing powder.
Michelle: Amy and Maryse try the brush and report back if you do. I literally squeeed in real life the first time I used it annnndd unlike so many thin liner brushes that start off good and go downhill, it holds up and retains the sharp point.
Maryse: The “Real Techniques” makeup brushes make ALL the difference. I MEAN ALL. I have been imitating these girls that I love on Youtube (bought the EXACT makeup palettes and do exactly as they do) and it’s been nice… but never amazing. Then I finally just got the brushes my favorite is using, and OMG I AM GLOWING from eyes, to cheeks!!!!I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. The brushes I have are nice, soft, and I have ALL the various blenders, and whatever else. I have at least 25 various makeup brushes (many are the same, but from different manufacturers).
I just bought THIS ONE 3-piece kit (Real Techniques Cruelty Free Travel Essentials Set With Ultra Plush Custom Cut Synthetic Bristles, Includes: Essential Foundation, Multi Task and Domed Shadow Brushes), and I can do my entire makeup with it and LOOK like what I’ve been trying to “look” like. HAPPPPPPPY!!!!! 
!!!!!
Amy: BRUSHES!!! I’m always on the lookout for good brushes, and now I want to snatch these up based on your reaction. I jumped on Google as soon as I read your post… Oh man…oh MAN!!! I can’t believe how inexpensive those brushes are. And the prices are even better on Amazon than on Walmart.com. And with your excitement there’s no way I can resist buying some. YAY for two-day shipping!!
Maryse: Amy & Cheryl!! I’m so hooked that I just went back and bought 3 more brushes (all “add-on” items so SUPER-CHEAP)!!
- Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Set, with Ultra Plush, Custom Cut, Synthetic Taklon Bristles, Includes: Base Shadow and Deluxe Crease Brushes
- Real Techniques 1413 Setting Brush
I’m getting rid of ALL my brushes and just using these. I’ll add more as I find new needs. 
Or new makeup-guru recommendations. LOL!!! These things are SO affordable. Who knew??! LOOK at the reviews!!!! Just look at ‘em. HOLY. MOLY. My makeup world is complete.
Leslie M: Maryse, I cannot believe how cheap those brushes are!! I don’t wear eye makeup but am obsessed with foundation/powder/blush brushes. I am going to give them a try. Yay! I love a bargain.
R: Thanks Maryse! I wear makeup about once a month, but I was sorely in need of new brushes!
Maryse: I know Leslie!! The price can’t be beat especially for how good they are. I was amazed when my favorite makeup blogger mentioned and was using one of her favorite brushes for her eyeshadow… saying it just really almost seems to melt the makeup into a perfect blend, and when I looked it up, it was part of a 3 brush kit (with a case!) and it was CHEAP. MINE!!! I only used this kit today. …I have so many brushes (most from my Ipsy subscription) but these just blend perfectly. I’m so happy!!
Lisa M: I will be ordering brushes today. They all looking amazing & I need some new ones!! Well priced!!
Cheryl: Maryse, I have an Amazon gift card, so Yeh I’m ordering those brushes!!
Maryse: And now I bought this from Real Techniques for my brushes (it CLINGS to the mirror, and can be dishwashered and can be removed and placed over and over again without losing it’s “cling”). ➔ Real Techniques 3 Pocket Expert Organizer Grey, Easily Mounts to Mirror, Wall, Dresser, or Tile, Holds Makeup, Makeup Brushes, Blenders, and Tools (and they have a smaller one, too)
And if you place a washed brush upside down in the crevices between the cups, it’s held there to air dry! Here’s the video that convinced me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtcWlupjIWo
MichelleS: Ooh. So I went to Target & they have Maryse’s Real Techniques makeup brushes on sale, so I picked up a set! Woohoo. Thanks for sharing that review.
Nay: So after doing a ton of research, I just ordered a bunch of new things! Including 8 Real Techniques brushes!! So thank you, Maryse, for posting about those!
Ugh, I wish I’d have seen this yesterday. I bought a bunch cuz they were so cheap on a store closing sale. I don’t even know how good they are. They’re eco brand.
I’m still using those brushes! Love them
Any recs for what to use to clean brushes? And technique not to ruin them?
Baby shampoo maybe??
I know at Bare Minerals they use some product they sell (I think it’s a spray)
Leslie M… I have this “soap in a tin” made especially for cleaning makeup brushes. You wet your brush, rub it around on the hard soap (it’s all natural and supposedly good for keeping the “hairs” soft and supple), then you rinse the brush and let it air dry.
When I get home tonight, I’ll take a look (and a photo of it) and at it on here. 😀