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OK, LET’S KEEP it real – I’m over makeup sponges. I never thought I’d see the day where I would be uttering those words. But I am.
They served their purpose, for a time. While I’m not calling on an outright ban, I think it’s time to reconsider the humble foundation brush.
Sponges became uber popular thanks to a design brought to the fold by Beauty Blender, which allowed for buildable application and a more natural finish. Other brands followed suit with cone-shaped offerings, but many would agree that BB has yet to be topped in terms of quality.
The thing with sponges is that you can rarely ever apply too much liquid or cream product, because it absorbs some of it. But herein also lies the issue: should we not just be using less product all together?
I get why we all (please allow me to be hyperbolic here) abandoned flat foundation brushes in our droves. It’s much harder to get a natural finish with one, especially if you go overboard on the foundation pouring.
But the time to demonise brushes is over – it is possible to achieve a similarly flawless finish with a brush, particularly these ones:
Now that Zoeva is available in Arnotts and on Beauty Bay, it’s easier than ever to access this criminally underrated brand.
I initially used this brush for highlighter, and while it did the job, the name ‘Silk Finish’ was enough to intrigue me to rejoin the dark side. This gives a beautiful luminous finish to the skin, using only the tiniest amount of product.
Makeup artist Karla K is responsible for this brush selling out across Ireland after recommending it on her Insta story.
This is super popular as it gives the skin an airbrushed look. It’s a bit smaller than your typical foundation brush, but that makes it even more precise. To paraphrase Dory: “Just keep blending.”
These come in loads of cute colour options if you’re after a bit of fancy decal. No judgement here.
This definitely isn’t a case of “all style, no substance” though. It’s multi-purpose, so even if this doesn’t rock your foundation world, you’ll find another use for it no doubt.
Undoubtedly, this was the brush that got everyone on the round foundation brush buzz.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (though it’s worth noting that there’s a smaller offering of this particular brush from the brand now – handy for travelling and all that.)
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Friday 22 November, 2024
Friday 22 November, 2024
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If you're over makeup sponges, here are 7 foundation brushes to consider adding to your kit
OK, LET’S KEEP it real – I’m over makeup sponges. I never thought I’d see the day where I would be uttering those words. But I am.
They served their purpose, for a time. While I’m not calling on an outright ban, I think it’s time to reconsider the humble foundation brush.
Sponges became uber popular thanks to a design brought to the fold by Beauty Blender, which allowed for buildable application and a more natural finish. Other brands followed suit with cone-shaped offerings, but many would agree that BB has yet to be topped in terms of quality.
The thing with sponges is that you can rarely ever apply too much liquid or cream product, because it absorbs some of it. But herein also lies the issue: should we not just be using less product all together?
I get why we all (please allow me to be hyperbolic here) abandoned flat foundation brushes in our droves. It’s much harder to get a natural finish with one, especially if you go overboard on the foundation pouring.
But the time to demonise brushes is over – it is possible to achieve a similarly flawless finish with a brush, particularly these ones:
1. Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush
Now that Zoeva is available in Arnotts and on Beauty Bay, it’s easier than ever to access this criminally underrated brand.
I initially used this brush for highlighter, and while it did the job, the name ‘Silk Finish’ was enough to intrigue me to rejoin the dark side. This gives a beautiful luminous finish to the skin, using only the tiniest amount of product.
Lash it in to your basket, folks.
2. Smashbox Blurring Foundation Brush
Makeup artist Karla K is responsible for this brush selling out across Ireland after recommending it on her Insta story.
This is super popular as it gives the skin an airbrushed look. It’s a bit smaller than your typical foundation brush, but that makes it even more precise. To paraphrase Dory: “Just keep blending.”
3. Rebeluna R02 Foundation Brush
Rebeluna is a pretty beloved brand when it comes to their lashes, but their brushes are fairly snazzy too.
If you’re looking for something a bit more densely packed, which is suitable for stippling and swirling, look no further.
4. Sigma F82 Round Kabuki Brush
Sigma is a cruelty-free brand that’s been around since the year dot. The brand has stood the test of time for good reason.
This is densely packed, but more dome shaped than the Rebeluna offering, so you won’t be left with any weird lines or edges when you blend out.
5. Blank Canvas Cosmetics F08 Dome Buffing Brush
These come in loads of cute colour options if you’re after a bit of fancy decal. No judgement here.
This definitely isn’t a case of “all style, no substance” though. It’s multi-purpose, so even if this doesn’t rock your foundation world, you’ll find another use for it no doubt.
6. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Undoubtedly, this was the brush that got everyone on the round foundation brush buzz.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (though it’s worth noting that there’s a smaller offering of this particular brush from the brand now – handy for travelling and all that.)
7. Nima Brushes Flat Headed Kabuki Brush
If you fancy supporting Irish, Nima Brushes is the one for you.
This has gotten loads of good reviews on how it applies and how it holds its shape over time.
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beauty blenders blank canvas cosmetics Foundation makeup sponges nima brushes smashbox