Favourite Drugstore Brushes (U.S. Edition)

Before I get into this posting - I'd like to apologize for mentioning items that are only available in the States. However, they are very easily accessible if you ever make a trip there and the price is one of it's biggest perks!

Let`s begin with E.L.F (Eyes Lips Face) brushes, available exclusively at Target or on their website.

Studio Complexion Brush ($3 USD) - For $3, I was skeptical, but I just couldn't walk away from the price. This is a medium sized fluffy brush made from anti-bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon. Its brush is super soft and it feels great on the skin. I love this because it picks up just the right amount of product. The small amount of powder that the brush picks up allows for a natural finish - but definitely very build-able to your desired opacity. I've used this forbrush for blush, bronzer and finishing powder - truly a universal brush!
   
Studio [Eye] Contour Brush ($3 USD) - Made from the same synthetic hairs as the Complexion Brush, this Contour brush provides a perfect dome shaped tip for you to create depth in the corner of your eyelids. Even though the bristles are still really soft, the brush is firm enough for you to control where you concentrate your eyeshadow. It's also stiff enough for you define your crease and smudge out any harsh lines. Although I've never tried this, the E.L.F. website says that this brush is great for both wet and dry applications. For $3, this is a great addition to your brush kit for those smokey eye looks!  

Another favourite from Target is Sonia Kashuk's Blusher Brush ($18 USD). In 2008, this brush was Allure's pick in Best of Beauty. This brush is made from cruelty-free goat hair, and the softness of the bristles are comparable to E.L.F's Complexion Brush - in fact, it was difficult to feel the difference. What I love about this brush is the shape. The bristles are evenly distributed and not slightly flattened like most blush brushes that I've tried. In comparison to the Complexion Brush, it picks up a bit more product, but is still easy to use and control. For me, this blusher brush hits the apple of the cheeks perfectly, making it almost fool proof when you apply your favourite blush. 

Last but not least, my final favourite drugstore brushes are from CVS' exclusive brand Essence of Beauty. For $5.49 (USD), you are getting two brushes in their Crease Brush Duo Eye Set. On the CVS website, it doesn't specify what type of hair is used, except that the brush is made of authentic animal hairs and fibers. These two brushes are perfect for:

• Lining your upper and bottom eyes with eyeshadow (the fine crease brush will provide a lot of control - you can even use this to replace eyeliners)
• Setting your eyeliner with an eyeshadow to avoid smudging 
• Defining the crease of your eyes to provide more depth (it's great for defining the "V" shape when you contour the outer corners of your eyes)
• Smudging any harsh lines and softening up the eyeliner for a more natural look

I'm hoping to write a Canadian version of drugstore brushes soon. It's hard to buy so many, as my vanity is small and I am running out of room! For those of you who don't live in the States, I hope you still find this posting useful. E.L.F. does ship to Canada for $14.95 (transit takes about 2-4 weeks).

As for my family/friends... I'm going to the States this weekend and willing to take your order ;) Happy Shopping!