Favorite Eye Shadow Brushes

I've been wanting to post about my favorite eye shadow brushes for quite a while, but I just cannot seem to take good pictures of them! Part of the problem is my hateful camera (though it's pretty much new so I'm unlikely to replace it any time soon) and the other part is that I don't find brush all that photogenic! :) Some of these brushes are relatively old but have stood the test of time very well thanks to good quality and regular washing, and others are somewhat new. Here is some information on my favorite face brushes as well. From left to right:

• MAC 213- perfect for laying color down on the lid or applying to the lid and sweeping up into the crease. It's a very soft, light to medium density brush.
• Rock & republic 202- unfortunately the barrel on this is so round that it absolutely will not lay flat for a photo! This tapers to a rounded point and is larger and much more dense than the MAC 213. I use it to apply lightly pigmented shadows or when I want a deep color payoff.
• Chanel 3- one of my all time favorites! It applies shadow to the outer corner with ease and the chiseled tip allows for precise placement. A true staple.
• Fresh 20 Eye Define- unfortunately this has been discontinued but it's the ultimate, perfect crease brush. It's the ideal shape for getting right into that space and is soft enough for blending colors out.
  
• Stila Brush 5- this was probably my first high end brush almost 10 years ago and I still use it nearly every day! It is the perfect size, shape and density for laying down base color. A staple I wouldn't want to be without.
• Chanel 12- I don't much about them but I really love the Chanel brushes I have, this one being no exception. It's very soft and fluffy and I use it to blend my shadow after application for a seamless look. the handle is nicely weighted and it feels and performs like a quality brush.

Feature Focus: Unsung Heros

I wanted to highlight some unsung heroes--tried and true never-fail products that seem to fly under the radar. Products that you never see in magazines, rarely hear raved about. I'm sure that everyone has some of these unsung heroes in their arsenal--please post about them in the comments!
Darphin Blush Sensation in Soleil Sublime:

This is bar none the most beautiful, natural looking bronzer I've ever used. I'm quite fair and on the pinker side, and this has absolutely no orange in it. It features a gentle color gradation so you can customize your look depending on how much 'sun' you want that day! The shimmer is super-subtle and doesn't accentuate lines and wrinkles, just lends itself to a gentle glow. It costs $40 and is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

MAC Lilicent Blushcreme:

This cream blush has a unique love it or hate it texture. It's almost akin to a potted lipstick in that it's somewhat thick and remains dewy on the cheeks. This helps you look 'fresh' all day but if you're used to a cream to powder formula, this may take a bit of getting used to. The color is a real face brightener, and never fails to brighten my complexion with its warm, peachy rose hue. It is $18.50 and available on maccosmetics.com and at MAC counters nationwide.

Lancome Artliners:

Colors left to right are: Socialite, Brown, IceBlack, IceCarob and Star Shower
In my opinion, these little wonders stand alone in the liquid liner category. They are the easiest liquid liner and you can easily create a thin line right at the base of the lashes or thicker cat eye due to the unique flexible applicator that allows you to control the product. Unlike felt tip dispensers where the product may flow through inconsistently or only with pressure, these unique wands dip into the product and just enough comes out to create a perfect line every single time. The shades are gorgeous, although many of the unique ones are available on a limited edition basis. These are $28.50 and available wherever Lancome is sold.

Eye Necessities:

-Bare Escentuals Eye Shadow in Soul- the perfect vanilla base, this shadow is shimmer free (you can see the faintest glimmer in the pot which prevents lids from looking crepey but doesn't add a sparkle).
-Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen- the palest pink that brightens lids, creates the perfect base so your shadow lasts and the pigment appears true, and even works on its own for a natural eye look.
-Laura Mercier Baked Cakes Eye Liner in Key Lime/Dark Green Apple with Brush- gorgeous, baked, shimmery greens and a perfect brush for application. Use these wet or dry for a look less harsh than black but still achieve ample definition. I use the dark shadow on my upper lid and the light shadow to line underneath.
-Benefit Kohl Pencil Eye Liner in Sable- the only product I use on my inner rim. It lasts and lasts without iritation and glides on smoothly. The shade of brown is spot on--not too light or too dark.

Tools:

-MAC 208 brush- a very thin synthetic angle brush for precise gel eye liner application.
-Chanel Brush 3- a great brush for applying shadow to the outer corner. The bristles are densely packed and the thicker handle is weighted for easy application.
-Fresh Eye Definer Brush 20- the BEST crease brush, this is soft and perfectly shaped for the perfect placement and depth of color.
-Sephora Brand Professionnel Flat Blush Brush #42- perfect for small faces and the tapered point places the blush exactly where you want it to go.
-Tarte Eyelash Curler- this has never pinched my lids the way other highly-touted brands have and the lilac is so cute!