Where to Buy Quality Brushes for an Affordable Price
Makeup brushes can get very pricey and you may not think that it's necessary to have or that you can't afford it but I'm here to tell you that you're wrong on both accounts. I've learned from experience that makeup brushes are indeed just as important as the makeup itself, of course that doesn't mean you have to go out and get the most expensive brushes out there. It also doesn't mean that you'll need every brush available. If you don't wear makeup much you'll only need the basics, and I'll tell you where you can buy quality brushes without having to spend a lot of money.As a makeup beginner or someone who just doesn't wear makeup often only the basics are needed. All you need is a regular eye shadow brush, blending eye brush, face brush, foundation brush, concealer brush and a blush/bronzer brush. If you don't wear foundation or concealer you won't need those brushes.
E.L.F: Eyes Lips Face is a brand of cosmetics that have makeup for just a dollar, but they also sell makeup brushes to go with their makeup. I have several of their brushes both from their dollar line and their professional Studio line. I first heard about E.L.F through word of mouth and they've gotten so much praises for their brushes that I had to try it out for myself. I already needed some new brushes and for just $1 how can I go wrong with that? I'm happy to say that all the reviews were right. Their brushes are all great quality. My batch didn't have any shedding but I'd still recommend washing it when you get it. None of their brushes are made with real hair though because they are a cruelty-free company, but their brushes are still super soft. Their Studio line brushes are a little more at $3 a piece but it's a tad nicer looking, bigger and just as soft. Some people have said that they prefer E.L.F's $1 brushes because it's slightly softer.
Coastal Scents: Another cruelty-free line of cosmetics is Coastal Scents, which as far as I know can only be ordered off of coastalscents.com. They have a variety of individual brushes as well as brush sets for sell. The prices range from $1.50 to $15.00 per brush depending on what it's made out of. They have both natural hair and taklon brushes. Many times their brushes go on sell so you can get it for nearly half the price. Some of their brush sets sell for about $40 and comes with a nice brush bag. Forty dollars sounds like a lot but for a set that's very affordable, considering how some good quality makeup brushes sell for about that much for just one brush.
Target: Target carries some nice makeup brushes too but the best line they have is by Sonia Kashuk. I've heard lots of a positive feedbacks about Sonia Kashuk's cosmetic brushes. The best part is that you can get a set for about $19.95. The individual brushes run anywhere between $5-$15 a piece depending on the size and brush so it's a much better deal to buy the Sonia Kashuk brush set. Even for the individual brush prices it's still much more affordable than Mac's brushes.
Hobby Lobby and Michaels: A great alternative to makeup brushes is regular art brushes but don't go getting just any old brand, go for the best. Loew-Cornell is the best brush brand in the art world, and if it's good enough to paint with it's good enough for the face. If you think about it, applying makeup for many people is much like painting. Don't worry, it is safe but I would recommend washing the brushes before using it because it does shed a little. It's recommended that all brushes, makeup or not be washed once before using. Loew-Cornell can usually be found at any Hobby Lobby or Michaels store, but I'm sure it can be found at any art store as well. Loew-Cornell comes in natural hair and taklon, and the prices range from $1-$15. Hobby Lobby and Michaels often times have sales on their brushes and offer coupons, so look out for those deals.
I'm sure there are other affordable brands of makeup brushes but I've only listed the brands that I've tried and think are the best quality for your money. Remember, quality doesn't always have to be accompanied by a big price tag.
