(Not so) Basic Essentials: Brushes (part 2)

This is the follow up post for all the ladies who LOVE makeup and are beyond the needs of someone who requires a basic brush set. This is for the ladies who glam it up with the WORKS. Think ALL OF THE contour, highlight, ALL OF THE COLOURS!!!


Face brushes:
* A powder brush:
This is a necessity for those who either do a lot of powdering or bronzing. You want something quite large so blending (especially for bronzing) is seamless. You don't want harsh lines, just the jealousy of those who think you've just gone on holiday!

* A fan brush:
For those who highlight, everyone needs one. It is perfect for all places. Cheekbones, down the nose, the cupids bow, above the eyebrow. You especially need this brush if you own The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer. Any other brush is too much for Mary-Lou, that baby is INTENSE!! 

* A contour brush:
This is really for those who are really into their contouring (obviously). There are many choices and preferences out there so I think this is a trial for yourself thing. I've heard mixed reviews on the NARS Ita brush. Some like a fluffy, large angled brush. I have the MAC 109, however, I'm not much of a contourer unless I've got the time or a special occasion.
TOP TIP: Highlight first as this will naturally shadow you so you know the right place to apply your contour.

* A concealer brush:
This is just perfect for those who LOVE their bold lips. This is the perfect tool for cleaning up those lip mistakes that sometimes happen, or to clean up the edges on your brows. I personally don't actually use a concealer brush for under eyes as I find they don't blend out under eye concealer nicely. 

Eye brushes:
* A larger shader brush: 
I like to have a back up shader brush that is larger for any additional work I might wanna do involving packing on colour. 

* A small, synthetic shader brush:
This is perfect for creamy products like paint pots, or any stickier bases for priming the eyelids, and still keeping it all compact on the lid. My fave is the MAC 242. 

* A smudger brush:
This is a great brush for detail work and highlighting the inner corner and brow bone. 

BONUS JUST FOR FUN BRUSH:
* A mascara fan brush:
Save money on coloured mascaras by investing in one of these. You can use these with gel eyeliners to create a fun mascara (which are notorious for drying up quickly). 

Brush lines I Recommend:
MAC
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: from $37AUD

Zoeva
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: from $11.30AUD
Zoeva also do really affordable sets of brushes too, if you're looking to get a few at once.

Bdellium Tools
Available: bdelliumtools.com
RRP: from $9USD
Bdellium also do affordable sets of brushes. They also come in cool colours like pink, purple, yellow and green. 


Disclaimer: To be clear, all of these are "nice to haves", of course no one actually NEEDS anything more than the basics. Take from this what you will, but they are still very handy brushes to have, and brushes I reach for daily/ semi-daily. 

Red powder/ makeup brush photo created and taken by Love Lanner - lovelanner.com

MAC Techniques: Trend 2015

On Thursday the 19th, I attended a MAC Techniques workshop. I haven't attended ones for YEARS, so it was nice to go to one and learn something new. The Technique class I went to was "Trend", which is based on the recent Melbourne Fashion Week trends and what we'll be seeing, and doing in the new season.

These are the top tips we learned for taking our makeup into Autumn:

* Natural but pretty makeup is key this season. Less drama. Less harsh lines. 

* Skin is returning to a velvety powdered finish ~ however, this is only through the t-zone. The cheeks are still taking on a glowy, more dewy finish.
* Contouring is still in, but rather than a straight line, its focus is much more angular, think 135° angle vs 100°

* Brows are still remaining defined, however, it's with less harsh lines/ more natural. Using a MAC 239 brush is perfect to create these brows. 

* Bold eyeliner is still in, however, it's being paired with minimal lashes ~ nothing dramatic here!

* Or in reverse: Massive, thick, voluminous lashes with little, to no liner. 

* Burgundy is the next big thing in colour! 

Other great tips I learned:

* Highlight before you contour. This will naturally shadow you, so you know exactly where you should contour! 

* Try fluidline as an eyeshadow base. like duh right? I can't believe I have never thought about doing that. 

* Try a MSF with some fix plus as a nice sheen over eyeshadow, or as a highlight. 

* A nice combo: A cream colour base with strobe cream sponged on over the top as a cheek highlight.


After the demonstrations, the MAC artists made themselves available to answer our questions or queries about the products that were used or any techniques people may have wanted to master. It was a really good night, and I'm appreciative that I had been invited to it (not that you have to exclusively be invited, a work colleague had asked If I wanted to go). 

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these master classes, I highly recommend it. You also get nibbles and drinks to snack on throughout the session and a cute little "study book". There are different types of master classes, like beginner classes, glamour, trends etc. 

Technique classes are $120 but is completely redeemable in products.
Each class runs for 2 hours. 

Call your local MAC store to find out more, or when the next class is.