I have quite a few makeup brushes in my collection. Some are very high end and some....not so much. Brushes can range in price and quality based on the type of bristles used (squirrel, goat, taklon, etc) and the security of the construction. Nothing is more disheartening than paying $60 for an overly hyped makeup brush and ending up with stray brush hairs stuck in your artfully applied foundation. Shouldn't it be nigh on indestructible for that price?
And, then I discover E.L.F Studio Line. E.L.F. is a line of VERY reasonably priced cosmetics and makeup brushes (and lashes) that could only be found online. Until now. They have recently started carrying it at Target stores and VERY recently started carrying their 2 top selling makeup brushes: the powder brush and the crease brush.
The powder brush is a thing of beauty. Unlike a normal powder brush, which usually has natural hair bristles, this little gem features TAKLON bristles. Which means, ladies and gentlemen, it can be used to blend liquids and creams as well.When used to blend liquid or cream foundation, this flat topped, fluffy brush gives you an airbrushed effect.Sephora sells an HD brush for $50, and this actually works BETTER! I have tried it with Chanel foundation, I have tried it with Maybelline foundation, I have tried it with liquid, cream and powder and every single time it blends my makeup to perfection. And, coincidentally, makes the cheap foundations LOOK expensive. I have washed it a few times (I use dish soap. Taklon bristles don't need to be washed with mild shampoo, because they don't need to be moisturized and the dish soap cuts through the liquid makeup like magic) and have yet to lose one single bristle.
So, how much does this baby cost? $3.00. Yes, seriously. Only $3.00.
The only caveat is that it is tricky to find right now. I would try the "nicer" Targets. For some reason Targets in better areas got the product first. And, good luck. It is selling out like hotcakes.
Just a reminder...you are looking for the Studio line (black handles and packaging, not white) and you want to buy the POWDER brush not the COMPLEXION brush. Here is a picture of what you are looking for.
The Crease brush is just as magical. It makes eyeshadow application a breeze and makes it look like you really know what you are doing. Perfect placement, blending and softness are just a few of this brush's high points. I recently used this brush for a shoot and everyone on set wanted it. My expensive brushes just sat there...unused. Poor brushes.
Again, there are 2 different crease brushes. They carry the "C" brush, which you don't want, and the crease brush, which you do. The bristles are in the shape of a little dome. This is also from the Studio line.
I'm sure you will be as impressed as I was when I discovered these fantastic brushes.
Happy Grooming!
Thrift Store Barbie
