Make-up brushes are THE essential tool for makeup artists, but in my opinion, they’re an essential tool for ANYONE wanting to properly apply their makeup. So I thought I would share my favourite brushes with you!! It can be quite daunting knowing which brushes to choose and which brushes are worth spending your hard-earned cash on. For me personally, I am a HUGE fan of the US brand – Sigma; and although I’m often heard stating “I have MAC pumping through my veins” (I stand by that statement by the way), I have to say that in all honesty Sigma really do have equally good brushes at a fraction of the price (that being said, I will never part with the infamous MAC217).
When looking to buy my first set of ‘professional makeup brushes’ I found it was just too expensive for me to purchase all the brushes I wanted in the MAC range (at NZ$40-$50 per eye-shading brush, this can be a little unobtainable for most people). So after weeks of trawling the net and ’email quizzing’ friends in the industry overseas, I decided to give Sigma brushes a go; and I havent looked back since.
SO, WHAT ARE MY FAV BRUSHES……… the Sigma ‘Make Me Classy’ Essential Kit. 12 brushes in total that come in a uber cool brush case that protects your brushes from being damaged when you are travelling (this particular set comes with case) and converts into 2 brush holders when you’re at home or have reached your destination.
Whilst I realise that NZ$136 may sound like a lot of money, trust me, for a set of professional brushes, it’s actually not too bad at all. (shipping from the US to NZ costs an additional $17).
The brushes included are:
E05 – Eye Liner: Create smooth and even lines. Use with gel or liquid liners.
E30 – Pencil: Soften and smoke out lines. Soften pencil liners along the top and bottom lash lines, add shadow to line the eyes, or use to highlight inner corner of eyes.
E40 – Tapered Blending: Soft blended crease. Using just the tips to apply color, sweep back and forth through the crease for a diffused and blended finish.
E55 – Eye Shading: Even application of color. Place color across the whole lid for an even and strong application of product.
E60 – Large Shader: Uniformly cover the whole lid with product. Apply cream shadow base or cream shadow for quick and even coverage.
E65 – Small Angle: Create precise lining. Moves fluidly and easily across the upper and lower lash lines. Use with gel, cream or powder liners.
E70 – Medium Angled Shading: Soft application of color. Use for brow highlighting or to blend the crease.
F30 – Large Powder: Even powder application. Uniform blending of powder products onto the face and body.
F40 – Large Angled Contour: Subtle cheek application. Use the angle to softly contour the cheekbone. Can also be used to apply blush.
F50 – Duo Fibre: Creates an airbrushed effect onto the skin. Can be used with powder, liquid or cream products.
F60 – Foundation: Smooth foundation application. Apply liquid or cream products such as foundation and primer.
F70 – Concealer: Conceal small areas. Conceal the hardest to reach areas such as around the nose and eyes.
You can also choose from a range of super cute colours, such as the Mrs Bunny kit (there’s even a Mr Bunny Kit), Make Me Crazy Kit, plus a load more colours.
So head along and check it out
www.sigmabeauty.com – however, this link comes with a warning – you will be tempted by many eye shadow palettes and a heap of cool accessories!!
Ange xx
PS: There’s also a code which you can use to get 10% off your purchase, just enter: AP2012 when going through the ‘checkout’ (valid till July 31).
Also a massive Sigma fan! I hopped on the F80 bandwagon a year (2 years?) ago but have to say my most used is the F84 – the angled flat top kabuki. Love it with all my liquid or cream face products. Would recommend it left, right and centre to anyone who uses makeup haha.
Anna
ha ha yip I recommend to everyone too! So good! I actually bought 2 sets I love them that much. I still use the odd MAC brushes (of course) but I honestly think these Sigma brushes are amazing! HUGE FAN!x