An alternative to Bare Escentuals brushes

[White Russian]

While I love bare escentuals foundation, I do not love having to pull the straw-like hairs from my face after I apply it. My head tells me there is nothing 'special' about BE brushes and I could use an alternatve from another range, but I'm not sure what would work best. Nylon or animal hair? Has anyone tried different brushes with the foundation? Some thoughts were:

The SB Halo brush
Christopher Drummond brushes (flat top ones)
Regular fluffy kabuki brushes.

 

[Anne]

The ultimate brushes that Jayne sells are fab.

 

[Tinkerbelle]

I prefer the BE soft focus face brush than the kabuki or the flawless face brush. I feel I get a better finish and it sheds less, but that could be a fluke.

I've tried Laura Mercier brushes in the past and Bobbi Brown, but they all shed to some degree.

I was told by the lovely girlie on my local BE counter that they shed less if you wash them before use. I presume that's because you are simply getting rid of the ones that would shed before they get a chance. I've done that but still got some shedding ... and quite frankly how do I know if it would have been better, or worse, if I hadn't washed it first. Eh??

 

[Ilovelulu]

I've jut tried the full flawless face brush and I really like it, first time trying BE brushes.

In the past I've had an Origins brush, which was nylon (I think) but so so soft and gave a lovely application of blusher etc. Not sure if Origins still do the brushes though but maybe worth a try.

Also the Body Shop have a whole range of beautiful brushes, not too expensive and you can build up the collection gradually. Def try the body shop range if you get a chance.

 

[rosey]

I love Smashbox brushes - think I have them all including the travel sizes in each for holidays LOL

The Halo brush is one of my favourites.

 

[Bensmum]

Good quality artist brushes available for a fraction of the price at any craft/artist outlet are so much better and don't moult. If the handles are a bit long, chop them down with secateurs and rub the end with sandpaper.

 

[Tinkerbelle]

Ooo yes Bensmum. I use a chopped off artists brush for my eyeliner and have done for years.

 

[Daisygirl]

I've jut tried the full flawless face brush and I really like it, first time trying BE brushes.

In the past I've had an Origins brush, which was nylon (I think) but so so soft and gave a lovely application of blusher etc. Not sure if Origins still do the brushes though but maybe worth a try.

Also the Body Shop have a whole range of beautiful brushes, not too expensive and you can build up the collection gradually. Def try the body shop range if you get a chance.

Have to second the Body Shop ones as well - they are fantastic!! I got their Kabuki brush (foundation) and their kabuki blusher one and they are so soft and easy to use, don't moult either! I use Lily Lolo mineral make up, not been brave enough to dip into BE yet - just can't decide which shade I am. I've still got a Body Shop eyeshadow blender brush from years ago, still going strong, it's so old the paint has worn off the handle.

Edit - I was just comparing prices of brushes of MAC and the Body Shop after reading the brush reviews on the Body Shop - can't believe how some people are saying in their reviews that Body Shop brushes are expensive!! The big 'buffer brush' on MAC (which I presume is for Mineral make up etc) is a whopping £32!!!!- professional quality I guess though. I suppose £16 is expensive though when you haven't got money to fling about - as a lot of us are now really. Sorry - waffling!

 

[barbedwire]

Laura Geller did an amazing kabuki brush in one of her TSVs years ago, I still have it - not one single hair has come out of it and it has washed and washed - the same goes for her eye make up brushes, had some for 5 years or so and they just go on and on. Her retractable brushes are good as well, though they do shed a bit.

 

[boffy]

best brushes i have ever owned are molton brown. i have a kabuki that i was really lucky to buy at bicester last year. i guard them with my life. good brushes are hard to come by.

 

[lilian]

I have a set of good old M&S brushes I got years back. They don't malt, wash beautifully & feel lovely on the face.

 

[cupcake]

I love the Ultimate brushes that Jayne/Just Beauty Direct sell. I have their big kabuki and their mini travel kit of brushes. I also have the Christopher Drummond flat top brush which is great. All of them are synthetic and are super soft on your face - which is great if your skin irritates easily. And they don't shed either. Highly recommended!

On a side note, when I first tried BE many, many moons ago I thought their Flawless Face brush was horrible - really scratchy. Despite what AY says, I don't think they are superior quality.

 

[Twinkle]

http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.433049/walk.yah.UKHB~U321

These are nice. I use them every day with mineral make-up.

 

[beauty junkie]

Another vote for the Ultimate brushes from Jayne and also Smashbox brushes too.

 

[Kathy]

I have never found better brushes than the Smashbox travel size ones...

 

[Crocus]

I've put up a link to the Silk Pro Brush Set that QVC sells on the Cheaper than QVC bit. Still expensive, but excellent brushes.

 

[LadyM]

On a side note, when I first tried BE many, many moons ago I thought their Flawless Face brush was horrible - really scratchy. Despite what AY says, I don't think they are superior quality.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought it was rough. I remember when they were all the rage and I've been so disappointed. I think I'll try the Pro Silk ones.

 

[snailsontour]

Another fan of Smashbox - especially the no 29 that comes with the full size Halo, and I also love my good old Molton Brown set too - I must have had it 10 years or more now.

I also adore Valerie Beverley Hills Kabuki brushes, they are a scary £35 a pop, but Victoriahealth often chuck them in when you purchase certain powders (although not on offer at the mo). They are simply lush and deliver a perfect finish every time, with whatever product you are using.

Think all brushes shed to a certain degree, but if the finish they give you is what you want, then it's not a show stopper.

 

[alter ego]

Late to the party, but still worth checking out is the range from EcoTools. I've seen them in Tesco, Superdrug and Boots, but you can get them cheaper on eBay.