Do you use the expensive makeup brushes at the mall, are they worth it?

They don't need to be expensive to be good. I have used the same set for at least 10 years. They came in this cute holder with a mirror, which is long gone. These brushes were really inexpensive, but they don't fall apart or loose their shape. I wash them and everything.Do you use the expensive makeup brushes at the mall, are they worth it?
i have had a brush from Sephora (actually a set of them) for about 6 years now and love them still. they aren't falling apart or anything. i think as long as you take care of your stuff they are.Do you use the expensive makeup brushes at the mall, are they worth it?
Good quality brushes will last you a lifetime. Of course this requires that you take good care of them and follow the manufacturers instructions for care and cleaning. All the best.
umm well some expensive brushes arent good


the brushes they sell at Sephora is pretty good...i think
Is this question a ';Makeup Brush How-To';??? Then, wonderfu! This is my pet peeve and hopefully, I can give you all the info you need to know and pass on to your friends (withouth over doing it) but, knowledge is power!!!


So, you wondering where you can buy it? Which type? Cheap makeup brush, high quality makeup brush, free makeup brush? Well I probably can't help you find it for free, but I can show you a little bit about the many different types and their relevance to you.





(Inhale, deep breathe...)Here goes...





The right makeup tools are as important in getting the look you want as the actual makeup itself. Unfortunately, tools tend to be the most overlooked and underrated aspect of the process for most women.





Most women's makeup accessories typically include powder puff and lip brush and/or the miniature brushes the makeup comes with. Many women balk at the idea of buying separate tools. When you take a look at the brand name, quality makeup tools, it is easy to resort to thinking that they are extravagances, not necessities. A powder brush by Bobbi Brown, for example, costs a whopping $90.00 (plus taxes). Unless you settle for a generic/synthetic powder brush which costs $20.00, makeup brushes and tools can be quite a financial burden.





However, most of the makeup brushes included with the products are not up to the job anyway. For example, the sponge applicators that come with many eye shadow kits are hard to hold and control (they pick up too much powder and color). Blush brushes are usually too small and too coarse to enable you to place the color where you want it on your cheeks and to blend it well enough to look natural, not to mention how harsh they feel on your skin! Remember, your skin is like a delicate piece of silk. Your makeup brushes shouldn't feel like they are brooms sweeping on your face!





Then why should we invest in quality makeup brushes and tools?





The value of good makeup tools can never be overemphasized. Proper tools can make applying makeup much easier and faster. You will have greater control of your makeup and will be able to achieve a more natural and long-lasting look. Good tools will not only feel better on your skin, but will make the entire process all the more pleasant and enjoyable! And remember, if properly cared for, good brushes can last years.





Ok, here's YOUR big question! How to determine if a brush is good quality, right?





Brushes should be soft and full, and should feel comfortable in your hand. Run your hand through the bristles. It is a bad sign if they come out readily (shed) and feel coarse on your skin.





The Essential Basics....(and I swear by these)





The absolute basics are: Velour Powder Puff, Sponge, Blush Brush, Concealer Brush, Shadow Brush, Tweezers and Brow Brush.





Velour Powder Puff.....


When you want more coverage or cannot afford a good powder brush, a velour powder puff will suffice for most powder application. It presses on face powder and locks foundation in place. Look for one that is about the size of your hand. Wash it thoroughly by hand on a weekly basis. A good puff is worth the investment since it will create a smoother finish to your face; a washable one also helps it last at least 6 months. Good quality puffs are available at many drug or department stores and are not expensive.





Sponge......


It comes in different shapes: wedges, flat, round, etc. It is used to smooth or blend in foundation when you can't afford a good foundation brush. You can get a bag of latex ones, use one for a week, then discard. Larger, denser sponges are more durable as they are washable. Natural sea sponges are not a good option, since they absorb and hold too much foundation/liquid.





Shadow Brush......


The eye area is delicate so the shadow brush should be made with natural hair such as squirrel. The shadow brush is used for a clean sweep of color.





Blush Brush......


A medium-full brush. Using a good blush brush is paramount to achieving a flawlessly finished makeup. Bad blush brushes are the reason so many women go around wearing unattractive stripes of blush across their faces. Like the powder brush, a good blush brush should be made with natural hair like pony or squirrel. It is important to have pure natural hair for a blush brush because it will pick up and deposit just the right amount of color on your skin, so even if you tend to be heavy handed with your blush, you will not look like a clown. Having a good blush brush made of natural hair is a foolproof way to do your makeup and is highly recommended for all women, whether they are professional makeup artists or not.





Concealer Brush.....


A narrow, firm brush works best (synthetic bristles are preferable here). It should be tapered to a flat head.





When you are trying to hide something, it should not stand out and draw attention. Whether you are dabbing on a liquid concealer or using a concealer stick, blending it in is the key to using concealer the right way. If you use your fingers, make sure you dab the concealer on gently. Rubbing it will remove what you have just applied. If you use a sponge, chances are the concealer will just spread thinly on your skin, and will not conceal the imperfections you are trying to cover up in the first place. This is where the concealer brush comes in.





Preferably made with synthetic bristles like Taklon, a good concealer brush will blend concealer evenly to cover up imperfections, without stripping the layer away or spreading it too thin. And since concealer brushes aren't nearly as expensive as a powder brush or a blush brush, you should not hesitate to buy a well made one.





Brow Brush......


Bristles are quite firm and are clipped at an angle to allow for clean, even application of shadow or brow powder to the brow's coarse hairs.





Tweezers......(not a brush, I know, but still important)


A well-groomed pair of eyebrows gives a clean, polished appearance. Tweezers last a lifetime, so make sure you invest in a good one. Metal ones that are angled at the end work best.





Ok if you're taking any of my advice to heart, the I'm making you The Wishlist.....





For the real makeup aficionado, or if you have the extra cash to complete your set of makeup tools, here are the other useful tools you may want to try once a month or once a year to add to your essentials:





Powder Brush.....


A good powder brush should be made with natural hair, or at least a good blend of natural and synthetic hair for softness. The best natural hair includes squirrel and pony hair. These make the softest bristles and feel simply luxurious on your skin. Because they are natural hair, they pick up and deposit just the right amount of powder on your skin. The handle should be sturdy and the ferrule should hold the bristles well, preventing shedding. Bobbi Brown (pony blend), Shu Uemura (pony) and Japonesque' (squirrel blend) all make excellent powder brushes that are recognized throughout the beauty industry.





Foundation Brush....


For foundation users, a flat, firm foundation brush (synthetic bristles such as taklon are preferable here) is best for blending and mixing colours. It is essential to use the foundation brush to blend your foundation close to your jaw line for a smooth finish.





Eyelash Curler.....


Curled up lashes open up your eyes, making them look bigger and brighter. While some eyelash curlers can look like medieval torture tools, there are new designs from Japan that are ergonomical, convenient and compact. Make sure that the eyelash curler does not easily pinch or pull your lashes when you use it. Silicone pads are recommended. For longer lasting curls, the heated curlers are quite useful, especially for many oriental women with naturally straight lashes.





Eye Crease Brush.....


Favored by many makeup artists, the Eye Crease Brush helps you achieve depth an definition in your crease area. Look for one made with natural hair for best results.





Cleaning and Caring for Your Makeup Tools.....


Unclean makeup tools can cause infections, so it is essential to clean them regularly to remove cosmetics buildup as well as bacteria formation.





How to Wash Brushes.....


';There is absolutely no need to buy a special makeup-brush cleaning solution';, said famous makeup artist Bobbi Brown. ';Most solutions specifically made for this purpose are too harsh and too drying for the bristles. I've found that some of these solutions have an odd odor. Rubbing alcohol is not a good option, either--it too is drying';. (Bobbi Brown, Bobbi Brown Beauty, The Ultimate Beauty Resource, 1997) You can use a good shampoo (good enough that you can use everyday on your own hair) to clean your makeup brushes (especially the ones with natural hair), then use your conditioner to condition the brushes. Make sure you rinse them gently but thoroughly to remove any residue. Lay them flat over the edge of a table or counter so that the bristles are open to the air on all sides. Reshape the head of the brush.





Do not soak brushes (even art brushes) in the sink. Extended immersion in water will dissolve the glue that holds the bristles in place, causing brushes to come apart prematurely. To avoid mildew from forming on your brushes, do not wrap your brushes in, or lay them on, a towel to dry.





If cared for properly, your makeup tools will last many years. Every time after use, you can use a soft tissue to remove the makeup on your brushes and applicators. The rule of thumb is that you should thoroughly clean all your makeup tools at least once every two weeks, even if you dont use them everyday.





Well, if I helped you even just a little bit, then you've made my day. I used to do all kinds of research on this topic. Glad I could share!
Yes they are worth it. But you can find some good quality brushes for not so much. Ulta 3 has a line called Japanesque or something like that.
i personally feel you need nice tools to apply makeup. i dont wear much facial makeup so i use cheapy's for that.... but as far as applying eye makeup i buy nicer smudge brushes and such. you can tell a difference in eye lash curlers too!
No, I never buy those expensive brushes...