Helping Hands

I have a love/hate relationship with makeup application tools.  I love how quick and easy it is to apply makeup but I hate having to clean them.  I wish there was a machine akin to a dishwasher where I can just plop my brushes and sponges in and let it do it's magic.  Sadly, there is no such device (someone needs to get on that pronto), so I'm forced to clean them manually.

In any case, I've rounded up my top 5 makeup applicators in honor of our complicated relationship:

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, $9:  Pretty much all I use for applying foundation.  It is THE most difficult brush to clean, but it does a great job with applying liquid foundation.

Real Techniques Blush Brush, $9:  It's a blush brush.  Nothing groundbreaking here (not that it doesn't do a nice job).

e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush, $3:  This is just a larger version of the overpriced purminerals Chisel Brush.  Great for any kind of powder.

e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush, $3:  Great for the and defining shades of eyeshadow.  It's a little more dense than most, so the product doesn't fly everywhere during application.

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge $6:  I know, another RT product!  This thing's a wiz at applying cream blush!  I just pinch the two pointed ends together, dab it into the product, and apply to my cheeks.  Easy-peasy!

And, whenever I finally break down and clean my brushes (after days of applying foundation with my hands), I like to use Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap.  It's available at Target (and select Walgreens, I believe), and is the best cleaner to use for brushes and sponges!


What are your favorite brushes or other makeup tools?  Comment below!