Thread: Makeup Brushes/tools on a Budget?

Does such a thing exist?

I want to have a set of brushes and tools for doing my stage makeup, but can't afford to pay $20+ per brush right now. What products and cheats can I use to develop a good collection of all-purpose tools on a shoestring?

check art supply stores. they have great quality brushes without fancy handles so they cost less. you might have to cut down the wooden handles and sand them, but that part is free. try covering the cut, sanded ends in nail polish. you can color code them :) learned this as a starving student artist.

There's also Crown Brush Crown Brush. Those brushes are very inexpensive. I also forgot Alcone Alcone Company: Professional Makeup Artists Premiere Online Store for Quality Cosmetics, Character Makeup, Tools, and Technical Training: Home and Makeup Mania Professional Makeup Supplies For Makeup Artists - MakeUpMania

I'll second the paint brushes for makeup brushes since sabrina beat me to the punch ..g.:
Not only are they often cheaper, look for sales and coupons you can use on them, but I found they hold up better and clean easier than most makeup brushes. My only problem is buying brushes and deciding, makeup, watercolors or oils...LOL!

I'd like to third the suggestion of paint brushes. I have a fair stock of branded makeup brushes as well as paint brushes, and I always keep coming back to the cheapie $6 shader I picked up from Michael's on a sale. :)

A lot of people like Sonia Kashuk's brushes at Target.

My sister really likes the 'Natural Beauty' line of brushes that are available at CVS....

I've also heard that Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.) cosmetics have decent brushes for way cheap. I think they're only online, so if you google them, you should be able to find them.

Azhia had some on sale in the Something Other Than Bellydance thread. Not sure what is left though.

I haven't found any that the hairs don't fall out of besides the art store brushes.

Another vote for paint brushes. Here is a comparison of paint brushes vs MAC, I went over it and wrote down brush numbers and then ordered them online (there is a link in the description). I understood that those brushes are available in Michael's but I had to order online, because we no longer live in the US. Later I scoured local art stores for more brushes.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9lPfKzQAXE&feature=channel_page]YouTube - MAC Brushes vs Painting Brushes[/ame]

I went into Ulta the other week and found this Ulta Minerals Kit marked down to $8. It included their retractable kabuki brush and an eye shadow brush. (The kabuki brush by itself is worth $18.) I got really lucky with that find.

For good, affordable art supplies, find a Dick Blick store or check out their website Art Supplies from Dick Blick Art Materials. I really like the synthetic brushes for painting. But which ones do you use for makeup?

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/sell-your-...eup-stash.html

She has a pretty good selection left and quality brushes!

You might also want to check out ecoTOOLS.

I just read a great review on the Target brushes by Sonja Krushek in InStyle Magazine. (not sure if I spelled her name right)

Except for my blush brush and powder brush, I don't use anything but paint brushes. I don't have a problem with the longer handle, either. They may be on sale for back to school now too. Just feel the bristles to make sure that they are soft enough for your skin

WOW! I had no idea how many people use paint brushes for their makeup! Anyone I mention it to always looks at me like I'm nuts when I tell them I use paint brushes for my makeup. Nice to know I'm not nuts, or at least in good company ..l;,

Thanks so much for the info ladies! I'm headed to the art store now!

Originally Posted by indigostars

Except for my blush brush and powder brush, I don't use anything but paint brushes. I don't have a problem with the longer handle, either. They may be on sale for back to school now too. Just feel the bristles to make sure that they are soft enough for your skin

Check on the inside of your forearm (closer to the wrist or inner elbow).