A Brush with Greatness
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference—a well-tailored pair of pants, the perfect crisp white tee shirt, a good makeup brush, a quiet walk on a sunny day.
All things that just a few years ago I wouldn’t have realized the importance of. An outfit is only as strong as its weakest link. The same holds true for makeup application.
m.ph’s Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation? My current go-to. But applied with the wrong makeup brush? A failure.
A good makeup game starts with the right tools.
Victoria Beckham’s brushes? Consider me converted. Beautifully crafted—because who wouldn’t want a wood-handled brush?—they’re worth every penny. I started with the flat complexion brush. It’s a dream, allowing me to apply just the right amount of foundation. My skin looks airbrushed after I use it. I don’t think I’ll ever use another foundation brush.
Next on my list? The Sculpt and Blend brush. Blending? It’s not just for coffee. And a good blend? Next to godliness. Yes, it’s that fn important. No one wants a streaky, uneven face. And the Conceal and Detail brush. My old standby, a Trish McEvoy, is on her last legs. I’ve tried to replace her, but alas, Trish McEvoy no longer makes the same brush, and their new one? Nowhere near as good as my trusted blender…
Other brushes on the bench? Makeup by Mario’s F2 Dual Ended Powder Brush. Well-priced and well-made, I’ve had this brush for years. It holds up well after copious (though undoubtedly not enough!) cleanings and still applies rhode pocket blush like nobody’s business. My favorite use? Blending a couple of drops of rhode’s highlight milk right over the blush. The glow? Unreal.
And rhode’s own pocket brush? I didn’t think I’d like it, but I do. It’s great for blending out the pocket bronzer—which, honestly, pretty much melts into the skin, anyway. But my favorite trick is to apply a swipe of sip bronzer just under each eyebrow and above the crease. Blend it out with the pocket brush, and you get the prettiest contour. I use my fingers to add a drop of highlight milk in 02 to both eyelids and under my eyes for the prettiest hit of light.
Hourglass’ Veil Powder Brush has also earned its place in my starting lineup. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dual-Ended Angled Brush has, too—I don’t think I could apply my eyebrows without it. And no eyebrows? No way.
So your makeup? Only as strong as the brushes on your supporting bench.
Draft yours with intention.