Have you ever heard anyone say that your products will only be as good as your makeup tools? It may not be true across the board but there are definitely some tools, specifically brushes, that are better than others. Even though I want brushes that will give me a flawless application – I can’t justify spending a lot on them. Good news! I’ve found some hight quality brushes at affordable prices. Here are my favorite affordable makeup tools, including brushes. All are under $30 but most are $15 and under.
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My Affordable Makeup Tools
Sponges
I tried a Beauty Blender and I did like it. But, I just can’t bring myself to repurchase it every few months like they suggest when trying to stick to my budget. [I do clean mine but sponges of all kinds are known to get gross after a while and since I have acne prone skin I don’t want to mess with that.]
So instead, I use either the Real Techniques Total Perfecting Blender or the EcoTools Total Perfecting Blender. Both work well, in my opinion. And they both now offer a travel case!
Foundation Brushes
The Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush is SO good. A lot of other bloggers rave about it, too. It’s a higher price point than other items in this post but it’s still cheaper than many others at Ulta. [I got mine from Amazon.]
The only brush I like better than the Sigma Kabuki is the Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush from. It buffs like a dream and is only $15!
Face Brushes
The Real Techniques Setting Brush is my favorite for my eye area and T-zone because it’s small enough to concentrate powder in the areas I used concealer. If you like to bake, this would be a great option.
I love how big the Real Techniques Powder Brush is. It sets my whole face quickly.
I like the shape of the bronzer brush from the EcoTools Define and Highlight Duo. I prefer to just add some warmth to my face with bronzer and it works well for that.
The oval shape of the Real Techniques Blush Brush applies blush perfectly!
You can’t have a fabulous highlight without a fabulous highlighting brush. I like the fan brush in the duo I mentioned before but the Sigma F35 Highlighter Brush is another one that’s amazing and worth the money. [Also got this from Amazon.]
Shadow Brushes
I have to admit that the only Morphe products I have are brushes. I used points at Ulta to get these eyeshadow brushes. I’m impressed by the quality!
The brushes I have are:
M421 Mini Concealer Brush – great for packing on shimmer shadows
M167 Oval Shadow Brush – I like this for placing color on my lid
M408 Chisel Shader Brush – great for the outer V
M508 Smudger Brush – perfect for blending out the upper or lower lash line
Lash Curler
An eyelash curler is so basic but absolutely necessary for big lashes. Remember the brand NYC? Their lash curler was the best but it’s no longer available so I’ve been using the Eyelash Curler from Elf. It’s only $2 and it does give a nice, tight lift.
Brow Brush
I like to keep a spoolie in my makeup area to brush my eyebrows in the right direction after washing my face or while I’m doing my makeup. But since one comes on the end of like every brow pencil I have, I like that the Eyelash & Brow Wand from Elf is only $1.
Great makeup tools are definitely a good investment but I appreciate when they are an affordable price!
Have you tried any of these?
Thanks for reading!
