As a make up artist I’m completely obsessed with my brushes. Brushes can make or break my make up application, more so than the products I’m using. Advanced Beauty Tools are unlike any brushes I’ve seen or used before. The brushes are designed as an “art object as well as to function as a professional make up brush”. All of the brushes are made with 100% man made fibre called NuFibre. This of course makes them completely animal free. Not just ethically conscious but an excellent alternative for anyone who suffers from allergies or has sensitive skin. I have to admit I’ve added them to my personal brush collection and have been using them on myself daily!

Chrome Collection

I have to admit it took me a minute to get used to the shape of the handle on the Chrome Collection. What I absolutely love about the brushes is the texture of the hairs. The texture feels incredibly soft unlike any synthetic make up brush I’ve come across before. Having said that, I still found that the brushes both pick up and deposit product onto the skin really well. Blending is fast and easy. I especially like the large buffer brush, the foundation brush, and the eye contour brush.

Precision Brushes

These brushes have brilliant packaging. A true retractable case that pulls apart to expose the brush tip, and closes and covers when pushed together. Perfect for your make up bag. I love these for detailed work like sharp red lips, carving out a brow, or for more defined eye make up.

Foaming Brush Cleanser

The foaming brush cleanser sanitizes and cleans the brush fibres. After using black cream liner, 2 pumps on the micro fibre cloth quickly brought the brush back to new. The cleanser dries quickly too so you can switch colours, and keep going with your make up in minutes.

*Advanced Beauty Tools were provided to Smudge Style

It is virtually impossible to recreate some of the looks we have shown on our blog without the right tools. I love brushes and as a make-up artist I own hundreds, but for most people a starter set of five will do quite nicely. One thing I will say about brushes is that they are worth the investment. While you can often get away with spending less on a lipstick or eyeshadow a cheap brush will not perform, or last as long as one you spend more money on.

Brushes can be natural or synthetic or a blend of both. The important thing is the shape and texture, soft brushes pick up and apply less product and are good for blending. Stiff brush pick up and apply more product these are good for powder and cream products.

From left to right:

1. Powder or Blush-a medium size dome shaped brush made of goat hair is the perfect size to double for powder or blush.

2. Tapered Eyeshadow-a soft haired paint brush shape is ideal for blending eyeshadow through the crease of the eye. Or dusting eyeshadow all over the eye for a subtle blended look. It’s also very good for blending away hard lines so your eyeshadow looks more diffused.

3. Flat Shader-This type of brush is good for powder or cream products. Most companies carry a small or large version, choose according to the size of your eyes. It can be used on the eyes to create intensity because of the shape and density of the hairs. For example to achieve strong colour on the eyes you would pick up the colour on the flat side and press it against the eyelid.

4. Angled Brush-This brush is a definite must have. It can be used with powder, cream, or liquid products to define eyebrows or for eyeliner. Make sure you examine the angle on the brush before buying. The hairs should be tight together along the angle and not too wide.

5. Foundation Brush-This flat brush is for applying liquid or cream foundation. Because it is quite dense it will pick up alot of product, if you are heavy handed use with caution. You can achieve a very flawless finish with this type of brush, and unlike a sponge it will not soak up the foundation.

For tips on how to care for your brushes go to September 9th post on How Often Should I Wash My Brushes?