I have had lots of people ask me about makeup brushes. And I mean, lots. When you go to MAC or Sephora, brushes tend to start at $20 – and for someone that is just starting out, getting brushes together can seem like a daunting task.
One word. Eyeslipsface. (Ok, maybe that’s three.)
Here’s the scoop on E.L.F. Their “thing” is selling makeup and stuff for $1. This includes lots of things, like brushes.
The brushes? Good. The makeup? Eeeeeh.. not so much. And even though I having this whole “Sweet Libertine” thing going for me, I am still a cheap makeup junkie, and if I could recommend it, I would. In the attempt to remain diplomatic, I’ll stop there.
But the brushes? They are good. I do admit, they aren’t on par with MAC or Sephora. But honestly? I’ve seen my fair share of makeup artists use these. And for starting out? They are perfect. You can get an idea of what you will use.
And now I’m going to commit (as some would possibly believe) business suicide and link to another cosmetic company from my website. But if you are wanting to try out makeup brushes, try out their 12 brush set. If you have a little extra cash, you can go for their 10 piece studio set. I also have one of their kabuki brushes – and while it sheds like crazy at first – it makes a really good all-over face brush.
And to sweeten the deal, make sure to go over to Retailmenot.com and snag a coupon code to save a few more bucks.
These sets will serve you very well as you get to know what you need and want. And as always, feel free to comment with any questions you might have!
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The Body Shop also sells really good quality brushes. They’re pricier than ELF, but not as expensive as Mac or Sephora. I have a mini brush kit I use with your eyeshadows all the time, and it’s worked great. I bet the full size ones would be even better. Their slanted brush makes turning eye shadow into eyeliner a breeze.
I wish they would sell to Australia. Sad. I actually went on a hunt for a couple of cheap basic dome shaped brushes for eyeshadow as I often use multiple brushes for a look and hate cleaning repeatedly. I found BYS had a few for $3 and they were actually quite decent for what you get compared to the $13 Sports Girl ones I picked up as well. I wish I could buy MAC but yeah not yet.
It isn’t business suicide to link to a similar blog. Like begets like. For example, if a Mexican restaurant opens two blocks from another Mexican restaurant, both restaurants sell more. I know it sounds backward. But it isn’t. I link my sewing blog to all kinds of sewing and craft blogs. It just generates more traffic.
I’ve never tried the ELF brushes. But I have a set from Sephora that I’ve been able to wash with shampoo and maintain for two years now. Not cheap; but also bristles not coming off on my face.
For your eyeshadows, I’d suggest these:
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/brushes/defining_eye_brush
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/brushes/eye_shadow_brush
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/brushes/smudge_eye_brush
With those three, you can figure out what you like in eyeshadow brushes and create many different looks.
I’ve got a little qualm with ELF in regards to their shipping method (ay least for the area where I live). For some reason, standard shipping involves sending the package through FedEx and passing it on to USPS to get to me. The problem is that my package stopped and was scanned in my city (Lake Charles, LA), but somehow managed to end up in a city (New Iberia, LA) 2 hours away with a delivery exception tagged on it. I have to call the local postal office and arrange a new delivery/pick up time. Called my local post office, they blabbered on about how the FedEx/USPS contract belonged to some man in New Iberia and that it has to go through him and then he has to be the one to deliver it. I call the post office in New Iberia, tell them all about my wacky FedEx/USPS delivery, and they have no idea what’s going on and that they’ll call me in a couple of hours when things get straightened out.
Needless to say, still no package.
It was scheduled to be delivered to me on the 3rd of October, was actually here on the 1st, and now it’s October 5th and somewhere two hours away.
I’m impatient, I know.
But ELF’s standard delivery system for southwest Louisiana is lame.
Wanna take a looksie?
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Edison,+NJ&daddr=Dallas,+TX+to:Houston,+Tx+to:Lake+Charles,+LA+to:New+Iberia,+LA&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=30.00884,-93.588955&sspn=4.669937,7.042236&ie=UTF8&z=5
P.S. I’m waiting on their 12 brush set. Heard about it through your forum (I haven’t joined it yet, but I will).
I get my brushes at the local arts supply store. The assortment is HUGE, and you can touch them (get the softest ones.) Many good brushes are $2-$6 and you don’t pay shipping. They are long but you can break them to any size you want and then sand them smooth.
The best part– NOTHING does a better “Cateye” than a 000/3. And they have a Fat flat Japanese water color brush Identical to the one in Benefit’s face powders rand a fan brush like the one that comes with their defusing powder.
And you are supporting the Arts by keeping your local supply store in business.
This is an awesome article, I
It’s the Studio Line of brushes that people should invest in, not the $1 line. The studio line are $3 (except for one or two brushes at $5) and incredibly soft. No shedding!
Or get an Ecotools set from the drugstore. These are arguably among the softest and best brushes available.
Target sells their line called Studio Tools. The fiber optic brush is $6 and amazing. Some lucky ladies find it for $2.
I purchased the studio line set, which was thirty dollars, but thanks to the coupond you gave the link to, the set only cost $15. So even if they don’t turn out to be great, there’s no gigantic loss. Thank you so much for this, as I wanted to buy brushes, but don’t have the money for superior quality right now, and I really don’t know which ones I’ll use the most. This is a great deal!
Over the years my family has given me many different cosmetic packages, Este Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, etc and all came with excellent sets of brushes. I have a issue with cosmetic irritating my skin, edspecially around my eyes. I change brand of mascara every month, but back to the brushes. I saved all those sets of brushes and have purchased brushes that have worn out from the arts supply store like Strega recommends. If you look on the websites for Este Lauder and Elizabeth Arden etc. They all have sets of brushes that are usually not that expensive and you get them all. Just thought I would share that tidbit because you don’t have to buy their cosmetics to get the brushes. Have a nice Day!