My Everyday Makeup Brushes

I feel like I have a huge collection of brushes especially for a non-makeup artist. Obviously I am a blogger so I am quite crazy when it comes to beauty and makeup. Some of these brushes were purchased by me while others were sent to me. I love all my brushes as they allow me the freedom to use a different brush almost every day. I do wash my brushes every two weeks and I am so thankful and lucky to have a lot of brushes which allows me such laziness.  This picture above is not even my entire brush collection at all (I am a crazy brush girl!!!) but I do plan to do a brush collection post (when I have the energy to take all the photos).



However, there are some brushes that I call my Ride or Die and I use them almost every day (and spot clean them frequently). These are the brushes in the picture above. I love to reach for them and if I was told I must reduce my collection to the barest minimum, these are the brushes I would choose. Right let’s get into the post...

                                                    Eye Brushes

I feel like eye brushes can make or break many an eyeshadow look. If you have the right brushes and right technique, you can slay an eyeshadow look. I feel like even the right technique and wrong brushes can still result in disaster. Bottom Line- Makeup brushes especially for the eyes are essential but you don't need a lot as many eye brushes are multi-tasking.

MAC 217 Blending Brush- I have a dedicated post on here on my MAC 217 Review and MAC 217 Dupes if you fancy a read. Let’s just say it is very hard to beat a MAC 217 brush. It is absolutely amazing and blends like a dream. I use this brush every day and I would always travel with it. It can be used for one-wash eyeshadow colours, blending crease and even depositing colour. It’s an amazing all-rounder.

Real Techniques Essential Crease Brush- This RT brush is indeed my absolute favourite crease brush and I always use it every day. It fits so well into my eye crease and picks up the right amount of product. It has a slight dome shaped and it has remained so fluffy after many washes (and years). It can work as a blending brush as well but I think it is sadly only sold in a set.

Wilko Slanted Eyeshadow Brush: I don't even remember the actual name of this brush but I just love it and I have quite a few back ups. I think it was originally designed for gel eyeliner but I prefer to use it for my brow gels because it is just the perfect size and slant. I usually outline my brows with a pencil and then fill them in with a brow gel (ABH Brow Pomade, MAC's Dip Down or NYX Tame and Frame Pomade) using this Wilko Beauty. It picks up the right amount of product every time and it has never let me down. It's under £2 and it lasts for a super long time!!


Nanshy Angled Detailer Brush*- I have tried many flat angled brushes which have let me down so many times. However, this Nanshy Flat Angled Brush is the best I have ever used. It is the right size for my hands and for application. Its bristles are not too soft or firm and it perfectly deposits whatever product is used on it. I mainly use it to apply my concealer on my brows (to neaten it up) and it does the best precise job ever. I love it so much. I have a whole post dedicated to my Nanshy Brush Collection here.

Nanshy Blending Brush*: I think Nanshy makes one of the best reasonably priced eye brushes in my opinion. I love all the eye brushes I have tried and they come in so useful. The blending brush is one my favourites because it has such fluffy tapered bristles but with good control. I use this just before I go in with my MAC 217 Brush. If you don't own the MAC 217 Brush, this is a good dupe for it (although they don't look alike physically) but it works really well.


Nanshy Shader Brush*: I don't use this brush everyday but I use it a few times during the week. It is my perfect brush for applying cream eyeshadows (especially my Maybelline Color Tattoo) and it does a spanking job. It is quite a densely packed brush which I love so it packs on a good amount of cream shadow. I flip it to the other side and blend it in and it's just perfect. One thing I love about is how easy it is to wash/clean. I have used some other shader brushes with cream eyeshadows and it is such a pain to get them off but the Nanshy one is so easy with minimal effort.

Sigma Flat Shader Brush (E54)*- I have been on the haunt for the perfect flat shader brush for depositing eyeshadow on my lids and I am so glad I got to try the sigma version. This is also by far my favourite Flat Shader Brush as it has the right density to deposit my eyeshadows with the right intensity. It is just perfect, easy to wash and dry and fits well on my lids. It’s bae!!

Real Techniques Detailer Brush- I have several little backups for this brush and I absolutely love it. It can be used for a variety of functions including applying a highlight to the brow bone (my preferred way), applying highlight to the inner tear ducts, pin point concealing, etc. I just love how tiny and precise it is and it never lets me down.


                                                  Concealer and Setting Brushes
I love to use a good concealer and setting brush because they make my makeup look flawless. I have been using the same set of brushes for a pretty long time and they do such an amazing job. If you find a good set of concealer brushes, hold on tight to them because they are pretty hard to come across.


Real Techniques Setting Brush: Where do I even start with declaring my love for these brushes? They are just the besst setting brushes I have ever used. You would notice that I have two of them; one is sold on its own and the other is sold in a set (The Sculpting Set). They both look alike and work in the same way but the one that came in a set has a shinier finish and the bristles are slightly flayed out. They work so well at blending and setting my under eye concealer and I have not used any other brush that works in the same way. They can also be used to apply concealer on other parts of the face but I prefer to use it for blending and setting my under eye concealer.

Sigma 3D HD Precision Brush*: I only started using this brush last year but I absolutely love it. The unique 3D shape means that it gets into any nooks and crannies so easily. I love to use this mainly for my blemishes on my cheeks and forehead and it works so well. As the name suggests, it is really a precision brush and the way it applies my concealer and blends it out is super seamless.


Unbranded Ebay Brush: I have no idea what set I got this brush from but I love it so much for pin point concealing. It is the perfect size and I just use proper tapping motions with my beloved Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer and I am done. I think it may have originally been an eyeshadow brush but I love it for concealing. I also use it to clean up my eyeliner if I have made a mistake because it is ever so precise!! Love it!!


                                         Contour and Highlighting Brushes
I know many people skip contouring and highlighting for an everyday look but I just love it. I don't do a severe contour or highlight on an everyday basis rather I just add some definition to my face. I just find it really brings my look together and it takes less than a minute because I already know what angles work best on my face.

Real Techniques Contour Brushes- I have tried various shapes of contour brushes but I always come back to my Real Techniques Contour Brush. I guess I am a little sentimental about it as it was my first brush that I used for learning how to contour. It holds a pretty special place in my heart. I  have a few backups of this brush because it’s just lovely.  I also have two other Real techniques brushes for contouring my nose- RT Shader Brush and Precision Brush. They are eye brushes but they are perfect for contouring my nose. I use the smaller one to outline my nose contour and the larger shader brush to blend it all out for a natural finish.

Real Techniques Fan Brush- I know a Fan Brush may raise a little eye brow as an essential everyday brush but it is for me. I have become a highlight freak lately and I am so glad I got this brush when I did. I do want to get to try more highlight brushes and my good friend just ordered the Morphe Highlight brush for me*dances uncontrollably*. I love to use my RT Fan brush for my highlighter and it does an amazing job at picking up the right amount. I always go in with a light hand and light sweep across my face because I don't want to look like a disco ball and this brush does the job well.

                                                                  Face Brushes

I know many people may argue that you can use your fingers for face makeup especially foundation and concealer. I agree to an extent but I doubt if you can contour, highlight, etc. successfully with fingers. I for one am not a fan of using my fingers at all except to sometimes blend out my concealer. I just find it super messy and I don’t want any stains on my clothing as I am rushing off to work.  So, I prefer to stick to makeup brushes....

Real Techniques Buffing Brush- After all these years, this is still my favourite buffing brush ever. I love everything about it down to the fluffy bristles. I use this mainly for my foundation and it does an incredible job. It can be used to buff in foundation or just apply it with tapping motions. There are other Buffing brushes that work so well including the Sephora Multi Task Brush, Wilko Short Stippling Brush, etc.

Sephora Pro Air Brush #55- This is hands down one of my favourite multi-functional brush as it can be used for almost everything face. It can be used for tinted moisturisers, BB creams, light bases, flawless powder, foundation and blush. I use it mainly for my blush and I absolutely love it. I can’t believe how beautiful Sephora brushes are and their quality is incredible.

Nanshy Powder Brush- Say Hello to the fluffiest brush you have ever encountered. I love the Nanshy Powder Brush because it has such a wide surface area and flawlessly applies my powder. There is no sign of cakey makeup in sight. I have had this brush for more than a year with numerous washes and it has still remained fluffy and soft. I also love my Real Techniques Powder Brush which is also super fluffy and I interchange them through the week.

                                                                  Beauty Blenders
I recently fell back in love with my Beauty Blenders and I cannot get over them. I abandoned them because they were getting a little too difficult to keep clean but ever since I discovered the Lottie London Solid Brush Cleanser, I have been over the moon. I actually wash my Beauty Blenders everyday because I honestly can't bear to use a dirty one and it takes me less than a minute. Beauty Blenders just give you the perfect flawless finish although they take a little longer. I still reach for them often and now I want to get the black one!!

I know some people may be thinking this is still a lot of brushes and I agree. I just can't reign it in but compared to my entire stash, this is quite a little round up. I just love to put on my makeup with these tried, tested and trusted brushes. On weekends, I can retrieve my other brushes and use them but on weekdays when I am rushing off to work (and wearing makeup), I just grab these babies.




I prefer to store my essential brushes in one holder. I was using the Muji Insert for my essential brushes and it worked well as it had different compartments. However, it was not as compact as I wanted. I recently put all my essential brushes together in this beautiful Tiger Candle Holder which my friend Karl got for me and it's the best brush holder ever. I know it looks way too large to be a candle holder (and I asked him repeatedly "are you sure this is a candle holder??!!!"") but it totally is. It just make things easier for me and I have all my favourite brushes in one place for an easy reach. That's pretty much my round up. What are your essential makeup brushes?
*PR Sample, read my full disclaimer here

Sigma Beauty Review (Makeup + Brushes)

I must have come across Sigma Beauty a few years back when everyone on YouTube was talking about them. Of course, they went straight to my wish list! The only thing that kept me (back then) from making purchases from the US was having to pay some silly shipping charges + tax+ unseen custom duty.  Of course, I know better now and I have made several purchases from the States without any issues. Fast forward to 2015, I was kindly sent a bunch of lovely goodies from Sigma Beauty as a welcome gift after I was accepted into the Sigma Affiliate Programme.


I have to say their Affiliate programme is a really generous one and they always keep me updated with new launches and products which is so lovely of them. If you would like a post on joining their affiliate programme, do let me know in the comments section and I would be sure to do a little post on it. Today, I want to talk about the products I was sent back in September (I have a long list of draft posts; I just don't have enough time). I am so glad I am finally writing this post up as my life has been turned upside down with my new schedule of work and school. I am so much more active on Instagram so do check out my page here (yes, it's a shameless plug in as you do). I always put up lovely pictures that never even make it on the blog because Instagram is so much more easier (in my opinion) than blogging.



All the links to the Sigma Beauty products featured in this post are affiliate links which means I would be compensated if you buy through these links. It's a little fraction (at no cost to you) but I think it is important you know. I always do disclose affiliate links and PR samples in all my posts so it's not a problem. I never understand why people never disclose these things but it's another topic for another day.  Right back to these amazing Sigma goodies, I was sent two packages- One contained all the brushes and makeup and the second contained the Sigma Spa Express Mat. Having used them all for well more than two months, I thought I should share my thoughts on them with you.

                                                 Sigma Brushes// Link // from £4
I have been lusting after Sigma brushes for a good while now so I was extremely delighted to receive a good number of them to try out. I love their black handles which remind me of MAC brushes. I think black handles make brushes look classy and more expensive than they are. I do like some colour here and there but black brushes are usually the classiest of the bunch. I received 3 eye brushes and two face brushes.


Sigma 3D HD Kabuki Brush*// Link // $24
The first brush on the list is the Sigma 3D  HD Kabuki Brush which I had seen many reviews on. It is a uniquely shaped kabuki brush with two curved surfaces which I adore. I think this gives it a proper 3D look and it feels super soft. I like that it works so well to fit the contours of my face and while it is soft/fluffy, it still has some good control to it. I love to use this brush for my foundation as it does a good job at buffing and blending my foundation in seamlessly. You would never guess how effective it is until you try it and now I know why it is a firm favourite for many people.

Sigma 3D HD  Precision Brush*// Link //$19
The next brush I received was the Sigma 3D HD Precision Brush which is a miniature version of the 3D HD Kabuki  brush. Of course, it is much smaller with a longer and thinner handle. It is designed for blending in concealers and it does a spanking good job. I usually prefer to use my fingers to blend in my concealer or the Real Techniques Setting Brush but I am happy to have this new addition. I find it really useful for spot concealing especially when it comes to some of my blemishes and hyper pigmentation on my cheeks. It can also be used for applying concealer under the eyes and its unique shape really makes it ideal for this.


Sigma Buff and Blend Brush (E-39)*// Link //$16
The third brush I received is the Sigma Buff and Blend Brush which I absolutely love. It has a fluffy dome shape which I find really effective for blending eyeshadows in my crease.Although it feels fluffy, I would not say it is the softest blending brush I have tried. It does have good control to it so it is quite easy to use without all the bristles flaying in all directions.  I really do enjoy using it because it does a good job. Most importantly,  it does not blend out my eyeshadows into a grey mess which happens sometimes when I blend too much. The dome shape gives it an amazing fit with my eye crease!!


Sigma Medium Sweeper Brush (E-54)* // Link // $14
The fourth brush I received is the Sigma Medium Sweeper Brush and it is my favourite from the bunch. I don't have too many effective shader brushes that meet my taste so I was excited to add this to my collection. The only other one I have which I enjoy is the Lancome Flat Shader Brush and the Nanshy Shader Brush (although I use this mainly for cream eyeshadows). The Sigma Medium Sweeper Brush bridges the gap in my makeup brush collection when it comes to shader brushes. It is flat as the name implies but it has some density which allows it pack a punch when it comes to applying eyeshadows. I use this almost everyday and it is definitely one to check out if you are not down for spending too much on a MAC 239 brush. It has a really nice long handle which gives me so much control. I really like it a lot!!


Sigma Mini Flat Shader Brush (Mini E-55)*// Link
The last brush I received is the cutest of the bunch and it is none other than the Sigma Mini Flat Shader Brush (E-55). I don't know about you but I find it very hard to resist anything mini and this miniature brush is so cute. It is very similar to the Flat Shader brush but there is a slight difference in its density.  I can imagine that it may not pack as much punch as the E-55 full size, however, it is slightly easier to control since it is smaller. I am very impressed with it and I throw this in my makeup bag when I am going on a weekend trip to Scotland.



                                               Sigma Makeup Products
I was also lucky to receive some Sigma Makeup products and again, I have never tried anything from the range. I am quite impressed with the products I received and I have been putting them to the test so I can report back to you all. I do have to say people know Sigma more for their Makeup Brushes as opposed to their actual makeup. I have to say they are worth checking out because they have a wide variety to choose from that would suit a good range of skin tones.


Sigma Blush in Heavenly// Link //$12

To be honest I was so sure that the Sigma Blush in Heavenly would not suit my skin tone at all and I almost gave it away. One day I decided to do the swatch on my cheeks and not on my hands and I was pleasantly surprised. It is a really subtle coral pink shade which is perfect for every day wear. I think this is the perfect shade for anyone who is just experimenting on blushes. I am not sure it would suit people who may be darker than me but Sigma have a wide variety of these blushes in other colours. I love the simple compact packaging and now that I have tested it out, it will be coming with me on my short trips.

Sigma Individual Eyeshadow in Notre Dame //Link //$10 (discounted to $7.70)

If you know me well, I have a thing for any eyeshadow that has a bronze look so I knew I and Notre Dame will get on well. It is an individual eyeshadow bronze shade with some speckles (I have no idea why it looks taupe/grey in the picture). The good thing is the speckles in it just add to how beautiful the colour looks and it does not come with the annoying fall outs!! I am really pleased about that. It has a good pigmentation although I would not say it is the best I have tried. I do really like it and I am keen to try other shades because applies really well, blends easily and lasts pretty much all day (with a primer).

Sigma Lip Base in Rhapsody// Link //$12

I knew instantly that I would love this shade because I have been on the lookout for a really nice dark plum shade that would go well with my complexion. I have tried a few that did not quite make the cut for me so I am super glad I have found one I like. It is essentially a plum shade lip pencil which can be worn on its own or as a base for another lip colour. I really like how it applies as it is creamy but sets in a comfortable way. It is not shiny or glossy which I prefer because it means it would last a tad bit longer. I did find that the colour faded a little during the course of the day (especially after eating/drinking) but that’s not strange at all. I don’t mind reapplying as far it is a shade I like. If you are on the haunt for a nice lip base for Fall/Winter, this Sigma one has a lovely formula.

                                              Makeup Brush Accessories
I have to admit I don't have too many Makeup Brush Accessories except a little brush cleaner which I bought from Wilko. I also have my trusty Dr Bronner Liquid Soap which is one of the best I have tried for ensuring my brushes are clean in a jiffy. I saw some posts on Instagram of the Sigma Brush Cleaning Mats and I was quite intrigued by them. You can imagine my delight when I found this is in the package that was sent to me. I could not wait to put it to test and I even wrote about it on Instagram.



Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat //Link //$25

I know there are many variations of this brush but this is the best I have tried. First off, it has seven sections to wash, rinse and refine eye and face makeup brushes. It is so easy to use and very compact such that I can pop it ion my handbag when I am travelling. I actually think I prefer this size to the bigger size for this sole reason. It does a spanking good job in washing my brushes and if you hate washing brushes, this tool will help you love it. All I do is stick it on my wash basin and it adheres really well because it has six suction tips. I just add some soap (Dr Bronner’s Soap), add some water and wash my brushes. It is quite enjoyable and your hands don’t have to get sore from washing your brushes on them. 

Overall Thoughts

I am really pleased I finally had a chance to try these lovely Sigma Products which I am impressed with. I have heard a lot about them and I know there are many people’s favourites. I really do wish they could set up a nice shipping location from the UK (not via other sites) as it would be super easy. Although I did not pay for these items, I hear the shipping costs are not astronomical. They also have many offers almost on a daily basis so you are either getting free delivery, a free gift or some money off. I hope you enjoyed this post and I will catch you in my next. Have you tried any product from Sigma Beauty?

*PR Sample + Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here