Affordable Makeup Brushes 101

 

Makeup brushes ey.

 

They're probably my biggest addiction. There's something so satisfying and cute about a neat and expanding collection of makeup brushes.

But golly aren't they expensive. I don't like to complain but £20 for a teeny tiny eyebrow brush seems a bit extortionate. (I don't really know why I said I don't like to complain... I love to complain. I fact, it's one of my favourite past time.)

 

So today I thought I'd run through some of the brushes I've got. The most expensive brand I've got it Real Techniques (which I adore) so I'm not exactly breaking the bank. But sometimes you can tell it would be worth it to pay just a lil bit more. More about that later though, lets get straight into the brushes.

 

 

My first reaction when I see this picture is to say yummmm. (Don't ask.) So these are my Real Techniques face brushes, don't they look adorable.

 

(From left to right)

 

Real Techniques Blush Brush

£9.99

 

I think this was the first brush I ever bought and it was a pretty good choice. (A rather odd one as I don't actually wear blush but oh well..) It's very soft and doesn't malt at all. I apply my powder with this brush as the soft bristles gives my face a lighter look rather than a powdery look which you normally get from using a kabuki.

 

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush

£9.99

 

On the other end of the spectrum, this is one of my newest brushes in my ever growing brush collection. I never knew how to apply bronzer until I got this brush. It's a bit too big and dense to contour with- you'll end up looking like you just fell face first into a muddy puddle. However for larger areas of face that need powdering or blending, this is great. It is dense enough to use with both powder and liquid but works great with cream products.

 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

£9.99

 

I feel like everyone has this brush, and for good reason. If you're out to get just one brush, this is the brush for you. It can be used for almost anything- foundation, powder, bronzer, highlight, concealer. It's just really great at blending as it's sooo dense and small enough to do things that take a bit more precision.

However. And this is a big however... this brush kind of becomes redundant when you start buying specific brushes for different roles. So now I have a foundation brush AND a bronzer brush AND a highlight brush AND a concealer brush, I use the Expert Face Brush less and less. So if you've already got a big collection, it's a nice brush but not vital. If you haven't got any/many brushes, this is the brush I recommend you go out and buy right now.

 

Real Techniques Setting Brush

£8.99

 

I guess this is meant to be for setting powder on more delicate places like under your eyes. I have used it for that a couple of times but even better, try contouring with it. It literally fits into the hollow of my cheeks perfectly. So that's mainly what I use it for. It's also pretty great at highlighting your cheek bones and bridge of your nose as its fairly small and pretty delicate.

 

 

£11.99 (mini size)

 

This is a mini brush set by Eco Tools. The problemo: they no longer sell it. Don't panic though, if you like the idea of this set, they do a newer version that's pretty much the same idea but with slightly different brushes. Have a look at that one here...

 

This is a really cute set a great value for the price. I absolutely love the flat concealer brush (far right) and is one that has made it's way into my everyday brush routine. The second right brush with the blue handle is fab at blending eye shadows as well.

 

In general, Eco Tools brushes are sweet and work well but you can kind of tell they're slightly cheaper. Especially with face and powder brushes. They're generally not dense enough and a bit more scratchy than Real Techniques.

 

If you do a lot of travelling or staying away for the night, a set like this may be a good purchase. It covers the basics and is a  great size for carrying around. However if you're looking for a brush set that's just as good quality as individual brushes, this isn't something I'd recommend for you.

 

I thought I'd do a quick one on one comparison between these 2 brushes (Real Techniques vs Eco Tools.) Eco Tools is considerably cheaper but it is clear in this picture as to why. It is less dense which makes it hard to work with liquids and the bristles aren't soft enough to provide a flawless powder cover. Even the aesthetic of the Real Techniques brush is superior to the Eco Tools brush. It is glossy and professional rather than wood and young looking.

 

By the way, this isn't an Eco Tools bashing session- some of their brushes are great (which you're about to see.) However as they are the main 2 affordable yet good quality brush brands available at Boots and Superdrug, it seemed right to compare them.

 

 

Eco Tools Bamboo Foundation Brush

 

Now this is more like it. In contrast to their sets, Eco Tools' individual brushes are a lot better quality and still great value. This is my current go to foundation brush and works perfectly adequately for me. Generally, I prefer using a beauty blender to apply foundation but when I use my Clinique foundation and concealer 2 in 1, it works a lot better with a brush so I whip this one out.

 

Obviously you could probably get a better foundation brush that's a little softer (you can kind of see one of the bristles malting out in this picture,) But you'd pay a lot for it. This brush is £7.99 and I don't see any reason to spend £40 on a brush when this one is just fine. (Don't kill me if I buy a new foundation brush in the future once I've got the money!!) If you're looking for a basic, possibly your first, foundation brush, this is a good one at a great price. What else could you need?

 

 

Real Techniques Special Edition Eye Set

Normal edition alternative

£21.99

 

Look how beaut these brushes look.

 

They're small, precise, neat and glossy... what more could you ask for? A smaller price tag possibly?

 

So this is a limited edition eye liner set I got around July time, I'm sure you could still find it in some stores but I couldn't see it online so I linked the normal Real Techniques Eye Set.

 

Again, these brushes are great quality. I guess they're all supposed to be used to do eyeliner but I kind of adapt them to my own makeup routine.

 

Sorry about the red, I did my sisters demon makeup!

 

The middle right is obviously a great eyebrow brush. It's small and light which gives the eyebrow powder a more natural finish. I use the middle left one for smudging eye shadow and eyeliner. I've got medium/small eyelids so it's a great size and not too bulky to try and blend quite precisely.

 

Overall, the Real Techniques eye brushes are faultless. I kind really see any flaws on them. I know I complained about the price tag but actually £21.99 for a 5 brush set (not the limited edition) makes it only £4.40 ish per brush which is hard to argue with.

 

 

Again, I thought I'd do a quick brush comparison.

 

This is the Superdrug Smokey Eye Brush for £2.99

vs

A Real Techniques angled eyeliner brush 

 

So the immediate thing is the tape. I'm not sure whether it's the quality of the product or the one I picked up, but the top of the brush kept falling off the middle. I could easily glue it but I'm much too lazy for that.

 

The second thing to notice is the fact that the Superdrug brush is a duo (with a small blending brush on the other end.) I love both of the brushes on the one brush so it's very useful when trying to minimise the amount you buy/pack.

 

As someone that appreciates a good looking brush, you would think I'd chose the Real Techniques brush over the Superdrug one every day of the week and twice on Sunday. But no. I use both of these to do my eyebrows and do not see a big enough difference in results to justify dismissing the cheap brush in favour of the Real Techniques one. Both do the job very well, both are easy to use. I guess it's different when it's on eyebrows because it doesn't really matter how soft they are. But density definitely does matter and they are equally matched on that front.

 

It's a shame about the tape but honestly, if I was going to recommend either of these brushes, it would be the Superdrug one. Spend more money on face brushes. But for £2.99 you get two great brushes that work just as well as any more expensive brushes. Fab!

 

Lastly, here is a paint brush. (Drops mic.)

 

Okay, hear me out here. You can get paint brushes for 100% cheaper than most makeup brushes and some can work great in your makeup routine. I'm not saying go out and buy a 100 pack of paint brushes rather than any makeup brushes because you will regret it. But next time you're somewhere that tells paint brushes, take a lil look and just see if you can imagine using any of them in your makeup routine.

 

I use this makeup brush as a lip brush. It's small, soft, smooth and flexible which makes it fantastic for applying lipsticks precisely and quickly. Just saying.

 

As I've been talking about brushes for so long I thought I'd do a quick list of affordable brushes I want to buy. Partly for my benefit so if you've tried any of these, leave a comment letting me know how they are!

 

• Any of the Real Techniques metal brushes purely for the look!!
• Tweezerman flat top foundation brush
• Smashbox Fan Brush
• Mur Ultra Flat Contour F304

*Hint hint if any friends or family are reading and starting to think about Christmas ay ay*

-

 

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed today's blog post. I guess there are a couple of things to bare in mind when it comes to makeup brushes. Firstly, sometimes money really does buy better quality. Sometimes, it really doesn't. (I'm helpful, I know.) Secondly, don't be restricted by the labels, names and price tags. If there's a brush that says blending brush, don't be afraid to try it with different products to see how you like it best. And finally, don't forget to use your fingers!!

 

Thanks for reading, I hope this helped some of you out there looking to buy makeup brushes.

See you next time,

 

Laura Stone x

 



 

Keep reading...

Budget Makeup Haul

October Catch Up

Let's talk about... makeup

 

 

Jeans Jeans Jeans (#2)

Hello everyone,

 

As you may (or may not) remember, "Jeans Jeans Jeans #1" was one of my first ever blog posts. I've always wanted to do a second post and now is a good as time as any so here we go!

 

Today I'm going to be talking about lighter coloured jeans. Whilst I was doing my research for the first jeans post, I realised how big the topic of jeans actually is! It's so varied. So I'm planning on doing yet another follow up in which I will talk about different shaped jeans and maybe another one on styles such as rips? I don't know, tell me what you think!

Lets jump right in...

 

So I said I was talking about light jeans, where's a better place to start than white jeans? White jeans can take you anywhere and are super in style, especially during the spring and summer, but sometimes it's hard to know how to wear them. Here are some ideas:

 

Most importantly, you have to realise that unlike some other jeans, white jeans are a statement piece in themselves. Therefore, what you wear with them becomes even more crucial.

 

Contrasting black or dark colours on top whilst wearing white jeans is always a head turner. It's perfect for spring and autumn when it's not quite summer but wearing white jeans is still acceptable.

 

Another way to wear white jeans is with a light top. For spring and summer, this is a look that will bring out your inner goddess. If you're not feeling all white, break it up with accessories. Coloured shoes, bags, plaid shirts, different textures, belts. Anything you like to break up the look.

 

 

When wearing white jeans, there is one thing you need to remember...

UNDIES

Now is not the time to wear your new frilly lace or novelty Disney underwear. Stick with a seamless nude knicker that blends into your own skin colour. M&S do some good no VPL underwear and New Look do seamless nude thongs if you think you'd prefer them.

 

 

Light blue is the classic light jean and is so easy to wear. Unlike white jeans, they're not a statement in themselves which gives you a bit of freedom to go a lil' crazy when it comes to accessorizing. Whether that means crazy coloured/textured tops, or styles that you have never tried before, the blue jean lets you unleash your inner fashionista.

 

 

Light blue is generally very casual but can be dressed up nicely with a posh top. It's crazy how much of a difference a pair of shoes can make. Pair light blue jeans with trainers and you have an outfit causal enough for the park. Pair them with some nude stilettos and you have a great outfit for the city in the summer.

 

If you're into denim on denim, which is making a comeback, light blue is the most obvious denim style to go for. If you went for black denim on denim it might just look like leggings. By going with blue jeans and a denim top of some kind, its a look that shouts "I'm wearing double denim. What are you going to do about it?!" And I love that.

 

 

Grey skinnies truly are staples, second to the classic blue jean and/or black denim; they are pants of versatility. Though grey is grouped with the likes of black and white as a classic color, in denim it possesses edgy unconventionalism.

 

If you're part of a fandom and are not hopping on the black ripped skinny jeans trend, grey skinny jeans look great with a band or logo top. Alternatively, pair them with a white blouse, black blazer and black stilettos and you have got yourself a classy evening outfit.

 

 

Just as an added idea, grey looks really classy with nudes (I'm thinking nude stilettos!!) and is perfect for the spring summer time- when the weather isn't quite what it should be.

 

If you're feeling very brave, there are some other options jean wise this summer...

 

 

Paired with a plain top and some summery wedges, light coloured jeans can work. I don't wear them personally but of you can pull them off and style them correctly, they can look stunning in the summer.

 

That leads me to the end of light jeans. I think it's important to always wear you. Don't just go for the style and colour that everyone has, wear what you like. Have you ever worn bootleg or boyfriend jeans? If not, try them. What've you got to lose?

 

In general, light jeans are amazing for the summer and can easily transfer from casual picnic to classy dinner in a couple of changes. If you're wondering where to get jeans from, I do a whole section on it in Jeans Jeans Jeans #1. Also check that out if you're interested in dark jeans.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post today and good luck building your summer wardrobes :)

Please share, like and comment and look out for the next post in the jeans series: different shapes.

 

Thanks for reading,

Laura Stone x

 

Jeans Jeans Jeans (#1)

Whether you're just running to the supermarket or going on a super sheek city break- jeans are perfect. In fact, so perfect that almost 80% of the time, jeans are the  go to option for school. But... they're expensive. So I'm going to talk about the jeans which are compulsory for every student's wardrobe and where to get them, affordably. In today's post (#1), I'm going to be covering darker coloured jeans.

Not to state the obvious but, navy jeans, duh? Sheek yet classy, fashionable yet subtle. Whether its super skinny or bootleg, navy is always the way to go. Personally, super skinny is my favourite, a tight fitting pair of jeans can do wonders, but that doesn't mean other styles are not just as good.

 And lets talk about 'navy' for a minute because there are so many options. Dark navy is always very classy- close but a lil better than black jeans. They look stunning with most light blouses or blazers, however they can be paired with a large range of tops pretty easily. Shoes wise, black boots or killer heals are stunningly elegant with navy jeans. My heart is beating faster just thinking about this outfit.

I'm also including dark blue in the 'navy' category (else we'll be here all day.) Dark blue are lighter- as the name suggests- and a bit more casual than navy jeans. They normally look great with converses and a summery top as opposed to a more formal outfit.

 

 

Talking about dark jeans: black is always breath taking. They make your legs look toned and sheek and go with practically everything. Like everything. I love black jeans with a black leather jacket for the 'too cool for you' look. But to be honest, they go with anything that leggings would go with but just formalise the outfit a lil.

 

 

 

Other dark jeans that get an honoury mention are: dark green and burgundy! Both great for autumn through to spring.

Okay, so you've decided which dark jeans you want to buy. But where do you go now? Here are my opinions on some more affordable jean options:

 

I wanted to show a clear comparison between the 3 big stores. So here are the prices of a basic black pair of jeans from the stores:

 

New Look- £12.99 (here)

 

H&M- £14.99 (here)

 

Topshop- £40.00 (here)

 

Primark- £7.00 (no link, sorry)

 

• I love New look jeans: they're normally good quality, a nice colour and have a large range. But be careful when washing NewLook jeans, they can sometimes lose there colour or shape. If you follow the recommendations it should be okay though. New Look jeans vary from about £10-£30 depending on the style which isn't half bad? The pictures in this post are all from Newlook to demonstrate jeans styled on models.

 

• Another place I like for jeans is H&M. I bought some gorgeous super skinny light blue jeans from H&M recently, only for about £15 as well. I think H&M has a really good range with los of colours, styles and the option to have low rise, mid rise and high waisted.

 

• Primark. Primark. Primark. Okay don't laugh, Primark jeans can sometimes be quite decent if you're lucky! It does mean entering and searching through hundreds of piles of clothes which isn't great. But then, a standard pair of jeans for £7 could be worth it? I've bought jeans from Primark that I wanted to rip myself and I actually quite liked them. Definitely not for going the distance, but for £7, what the hell? I would recommend Primark if you're just trying to bulk up your wardrobe so want to get lots of pairs of jeans... Maybe not if you're looking for great quality

. 

• I know you're all screaming "Topshop!!!" at me right now. Hang on, I'm just getting there. Yes. Topshop jeans are awesome, massive range of styles and actually surprisingly comfortable. But I wanted to write blogs for those of us who don't have the money to spend £60 on jeans. Whether your saving for a car or Uni, it's just not reasonable. But if you're lucky enough, go for it girl! 

 

So... that's a roundup of my favourite dark jeans and where to get them. Look out for my next 'Jeans Jeans Jeans' post where I will be covering light jeans, where to get them and jeans bonus (e.g how ripped is too ripped?)

 

Hope this helped some of you building your wardrobes for the new year,

see you next time!

 

Laura Stone x