When it comes to makeup brushes, I go for multi-functionality and quality more than anything else. My top three must-haves are underrated because they are not widely talked about or raved at the moment. I have discovered and loved them by virtue of serendipity. Prepare to be entranced by their multi-functionality and perhaps thank me later.
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Besame Cosmetics Boudoir Short Hair Contour Brush ($48). Hands down the best foundation brush I have ever owned. While it’s called a contour brush, you can use it to apply cream, liquid, or powder foundation. The shape and look of this brush reminds me of old Hollywood glamour. The short and densely packed synthetic bristles allow for seamless application and blending including under the eyes and around the nose. I am planning to do a separate “face-off type post” comparing this to Artis Fluenta Oval 7 foundation brush which costs $70 but let me tell you now, save your money because aside from the fact that the Artis brush (purchased from Neiman Marcus) is made from China (nothing against it but let’s be real, you can get similar brushes at fraction of the cost), this Besame brush applies foundation way better than Artis because it has shorter handle which gives you more control as you maneuver it all over your face.
Beauty Junkees Pro-Duo Fiber ($11.97). While it is best used for bronzer or blush, this brush which has long and short bristles arranged in dome shape is ideal for lightly setting the concealer under the eyes with powder for a cake-free finish. Mature ladies listen up, do not fall into the trap of baking your under eyes because this technique (as widely demonstrated by millennials all over social media) will only accentuate your wrinkles and fine lines. If you need to set your concealer, gently apply powder without going overboard and you need to use a brush like this that will pick up less product. Yes, less is more!
Sephora Pro Highlight ($28). Forget the good ‘ol fan brush and get this highlighting brush if you haven’t yet. The domed shape allows more precise application of luminizers whether cream or powder. The bristles are soft which make blending easy peasy.
Sephora does make some good brushes; if you haven't tried it yet, the Smudge Brush is amazing!
Great picks, Kath! I have been curious about that Besame brush for a long time, and now you are really making me want it!
The Besame brush!!!! I want to try that one so bad. Looks like it buffs foundation out beautifully! <3
I think you'll like it
Nice brushes, but I really love that LIPCOLOR!
Haha, that's Anastasia liquid lipstick sugar plum
I love a number of the Beauty Junkees brushes, especially their kabuki brushes plus the one you reviewed. I had no idea that Besame had brushes!
That Beauty Junkies brush looks great. I loooove that lipstick on you.
OMG I have that Sephora Pro Highlight! I just came across it as I was going through my brushes to purge and I remembered how awesome it was. Definitely underrated!
I'm a beauty blender fanatic, but I recently tried the ecotools beauty sponge and it's giving the original beauty blender some serious competition… especially since you get two brushes for less than half the cost of the beauty blender. -JP
I am a huge Sephora Pro brush fan, I have two of the concealer, blush and highlighting for my kit.
So great that you chose underrated brushes. I didn't know about the first two but now they are on my radar.
I have been gazing at that Besame brush. It is beautiful.
Great picks! The Real Techniques Buffing Brush and a Beauty Blender are my go-to combination 🙂
Kisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
I adore Beauty Junkees brushes! They have lasted longer than my Morphe, and Sigma ones!
I've never seen a brush like the one by Besame! How very interesting. I've got to check that baby out. It looks like it'll do a great job at pampering the skin, too.