I just want to preface this by saying I am far from an expert on any of the topics I will write about. I am waaay down in the amateur area of things.I am always looking to learn about and try new products. What I like, you may not, and that is OK.
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| 18 year old Qualleen |
OK, now we can dive into this post!
When I was in my teen years I never ever wore eyeshadow or any other type of makeup, just loads of black eyeliner all around my eyes. So much eyeliner..... just giant black circles encasing my eyeballs......hahaha.
Once I started wearing eyeshadow I would put it on with that terrible foam applicator that comes in that eyeshadow container. I hate that foam texture even touching my skin....ack! Anyway, because of my texture issue, I started putting it on with my finger. This actually worked way better than that stupid applicator anyway! Using your fingers isn't really that bad of a plan, and I sometimes still do use my finger especially to highlight that inner corner of my eye. What fits better in that little corner other than the tip of your pointy finger?!
After watching some YouTube tutorials I was like huh, maybe I should go get myself some brushes. Once I did it was practically life changing haha. I have bought and tried a bunch of different brands of (inexpensive) brushes and I have to say I really love e.l.f cosmetic brushes. If you have never used e.l.f products get your behind to your nearest Target right now!!! GO!
OK, now that you are back we can continue.
e.l.f has some pretty amazing product and most of it is under 10.00!!! The first three brushes I used were their white handled eyeshadow brush, crease brush, and blending brush which were a 1.00 a piece....I got them at the checkout of Old Navy! They were perfect, they did what I wanted and I LOVED them. Eyeshadow brushes can make the difference when applying drug store makeup. Since then I have moved on to concealer brushes, foundation brushes, contour brushes, you name it there is a brush for it ( I still put on my foundation with my fingers). The main reason, at least in my opinion, that brushes make a difference is because you need to blend out your makeup. You have to blend and blend some more! Blend Blend Blend....oh you think you are done blending? NOPE keep going haha....really though it does make the difference.
The most expensive set of brushes I own are from Sonia Kashuk (another brand you can check out at Target!) which I think cost around 15.00 for 4 brushes. I told you I am not a makeup artist, I am just a girl trying to feel pretty the cheapest way I can! Listen, I have a teenager...they are expensive, I have to budget my makeup obsession!
I use a mixture of different brands (and I am sure I don't use them all for what they are intended for), most of my brushes, however, are e.l.f. You really cannot go wrong with the price! I have moved on to their $3.00 a piece black handled brushes because I am a big spender now! HA!
Before I go any further I feel I need to explain what brushes are made of for those of you who may not be aware. Brushes either have synthetic hair or animal hair. This is where the two brands I just mentioned differ. Elf cosmetics only uses synthetic hair in their brushes, the line is cruelty-free and vegan.SonSania Kashuk, which is own by Target ( I swear I am not sponsored by Target, I am just a bit obsessed with the store) also claims to be cruelty- free but they are not vegan since their brushes use goat and pony hair. I for one would rather go synthetic, that's just me, but I am happy both companies are cruelty-free.
This set by e.l.f is only 12.00! It is perfect if you want the basics. Their white handled brushes are their least expensive, but if you don't want to spend a lot of money this is the way to go!
The e.l.f black handled brushes are 3.00 each. With
this set you get 10 brushes and a handy bag to keep them in for 30.00. I have many of the black handled brushes that I use on a daily basis.
You can purchase
e.l.f brushes individually, also.
Everyone is a buzz about the new brushes that e.l.f is going to be releasing soon. Apparently, e.l.f had an event in San Fransico and gave some beauty bloggers a sneak peek of their new
Beautiful Precision Brushes, and everyone is going insane for them. I can totally see why they are gorgeous! They have a patent pending handle that they claim fits your hand perfectly...thus the precision name! This is the Instagram picture from beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights that has gone viral...check them out they are pretty awesome.The brushes will range from $5-$12. I think I really NEED these!!!!
Another cruelty-free/vegan cosmetic line that has some pretty awesome brushes right now, which you will probably be super surprised to hear is Wet n' Wild! Now many people may see Wet n' Wild as make-up for younger teens, but they honestly have some pretty awesome products at super low prices! Their new brush line is beautiful!!! Cora from VintageorTacky (check out her
drugstore haul!) talked about them in one of her videos and I had to get them! I have only been able to get my hands on the large shadow brush, the contour brush, and the powder brush. I got mine at Rite Aide and haven't really checked anywhere else but when I bought them they were the only ones they had left in the store. They range from .99-2.99!
Aren't they fantastic?
Check them out!
This is pretty simliar to the
Sonia Kashuk brushes I have. I believe I got mine a few years ago during Christmas, they have a blue swirl colored handle, but these are the same type of brushes. I get skeeved out by the goat/pony hair even if they are cruelty-free but they are nice brushes!
Check out the
entire line. I love their handle designs, so cute!
If you don't own makeup brushes I say go out there and get some, you don't need to spend a bunch of money, start small, grab some as your checking out of Old Navy for 1.00 a piece. I promise you won't be disappointed! If you have some brushes you love, that don't break the bank, please share in the comments I would love to check out some more options.
And remember.........
Be kind to others, it's the most important thing you can do to be beautiful!
