What do you like about brush sets? What don't you like?

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Brush Sets

For Japanese brush sets, I wish there was incentive to purchase them, e.g. a discount (even 10%) because then I’d rather buy the type of brushes I need vs. risk experimenting on one I’m not sure about. I like when sets are small and curated, but I find brush sets make the most sense for someone who travels or is starting out (but then I’d start a lower price point) to figure out what they really love/use.

— Christine

8 Comments

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Lesley Avatar

I agree that sets are best for those starting out. When I finally got serious about application techniques, I was fortunate to find a Sonia Kashuk set on the sale rack at Target. Over time I experimented with brushes that I never would have tried had they not been part of the set and I found some to be very useful. Now however I would not buy a set because my needs are very specific and I don’t want the dupes that would result from buying a set.

Liwyik Avatar

I’m sorry to bother, but is there a way to save posts like this? I love these types of questions & discussions and often wish I could compile a list of my favorites on the site!

On another note, thank you so much for all the wonderful things you do!! Please send love to your precious pup too <3

Genevieve Avatar

Generally, I don’t like full brush sets because they often contain brushes that I don’t use. I prefer to purchase just curated small sets of eyeshadow brushes that contain a fluffy brush and a couple of finer brushes that are good for applying a pop of colour to my lids.

Jen Avatar

I agree they’re most helpful for someone just starting out. Personally I don’t mind having a few dupes of the types and brands of brushes I like and use a lot because sometimes I don’t get around to cleaning (and drying) my brush before I need it again, especially with things like foundation. But after being an Ipsy subscriber for a couple of years and ending up with a ton of brushes, many of which I still use but don’t really care for, I think I’d rather have more control over which brushes I get instead of just having more brushes.

Dolores Avatar

The first natural brush set I ever purchased was the Sonia G Fundamental brush set. It was a huge purchase for me at the time. I was really starting to get into more high end makeup so I started with this expensive set. It was a curated set since Beautylish did not sell them individually at the time. I have loved her brushes since then but I don’t know if I would have headed straight for the set if I had an inkling that eventually the brushes would have been sold individually. Since then, I have more or less bought brushes individually for my specific needs.. I feel lucky that I actually fell I love with the whole set, and love her brushes on the whole, but have been more cautious since that purchase with individual brush purchases. It was that set that sent me spirally down the Fude rabbit hole!

Jane Avatar

When I was a beginner, I liked the idea of having a set that would help me achieve better looks through better blending, but now since I’ve improved on my technique, I prefer looking for the shape and size brush I feel I need to achieve certain techniques.

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