Precision tools are important for eyeshadow application because it helps with detail-work. Just like a painter needs smaller tools for adding to the bigger picture, so do makeup junkies! Although brushes are not mandatory for makeup application, I like to use them for my eyeshadow work because it helps everything look neat and more defined.
Also, for those of you with smaller eyes (like most Asians), smaller tools are important because we have a smaller lid space to work with. And, where you put the colors and how you put them on can determine if the “look” is messy or not.
In my experience, precision tools have proved to be worth the investment. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for smaller tools.
Here, I’m featuring the Laura Mercier smudge brush, Trish McEvoy precision smudge brush, MAC 214 Short Shader brush, and the MAC 239 Eye Shader brush. Notice none of these brushes actually blend. They are small-tipped, dense brushes for initial color application and precision work. For me, all blending is done using the MAC 217.
Of course, these brushes are not limited to those with smaller lid spaces. I just find it easier to use these kinds of brushes to sweep on or pack the color. Notice that each brush is different; although, they are all small. Also note, that some of the “smudge” brushes can be used to actually smudge – like eyeliner or a smokey color in the crease.
The Laura Mercier Smudge brush is excellent for everything: using a dark shadow to line the upper lashline, smudging a dark eyeliner, apply anything to the lower lashline, and adding a pop of color in the inner corners of the eyes. This is one of my favorites for detail-work like shading and adding depth and definition lightly towards the crease.
The “short bristles gently form a rounded tip” so it’s easy to apply the color and the smudge. The bristles are “handcrafted from the finest natural hairs” and the “hand-tied bristles do not shed.” This brush is also easy to wash and dries quickly since it’s small (approximately 6 1/2″/16.51cm).
Retails for $24.00 USD.
The Trish McEvoy Precision Smudge brush is another smudge brush but different than the LM one. Although it’s just as dense as the LM smudge brush, the bristles are a tiny bit longer, making it easy to blend and sumdge simultaneously. It’s also good for sweeping on color, but essentially, functions just like the LM brush.
“Trish’s Brush 41 Precision Smudge is perfectly dome shaped to sit at the roots of lashes and smudge any powder or pencil eyeliner for a softly defined eye or to layer color over liner for added definition.” It is “handcrafted for exquisite quality and durability” and the “precision-cut” of the bristles are great “for technically perfect results.”
The handle is see-through and much shorter than the LM. Because of this feature, you can get up really close to the mirror without nearly stabbing yourself in the eye.
Retails for $25.00 USD.
Here, as a comparison, you can see that the brush head is slightly different.
The MAC 214 Short Shader brush is shorter in height than the previous two smudge brushes, wider, and even in length on top. This is my lower lashline brush – whether it’s for eyeliner, eyeshadow, or a mixed combination of both. It’s not good at applying anything that covers a large area like lid space since it’s so short; but, it’s good at doing everything for the lower lashline including applying glitter.
This “short, rounded, double-chiselled brush [is] soft [with] natural bristles.” It’s great at doing precision work anywhere near the lashlines. Also, if you wanted to densely pack on a particular shade, this brush is great for that, too.
Retails for S$25.00 USD.
The MAC 239 Eye Shader brush is great for general application of your eyeshadow color. When you need a brush that will in 1-2 sweeps apply your “all-over lid” shade, this is the brush to do that job. It’s soft but not as dense, giving it some flexibility with shading and blending a bit. It’s also great for emollient-based products, such as cream eyeshadows and paint pots. This “brush has a tapered, rounded edge with smooth, firm, fine fibres. It can be used to build intense colour on the eyelid.”
Next to the 214, the 239 is taller and the bristles are not as densely packed together. Both are great brushes that do very different jobs. However, between the two, the 239 is the most versatile and probably worth the investment because of this.
Also note, that all MAC brushes are “hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules.”
Retails for $25.00 USD.
All together, these 4 brushes are very important to me. Even on lazy days when I’m not feeling fancy, I still reach for at least one of these brushes to do something. Again, I didn’t feature the MAC 217 because that brush is strictly a blending brush for me – not so much as precision tool.
I’ve also noticed that when I’m traveling and I’m being stingy with space, I only need these brushes and a blending brush – and, I’m pretty much all set to go. Realistically, I can do with ONLY these brushes, but my inner hoarder always wants more and more brushes, lol.
What about you? What are your must-have tools?
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