I used to feel like they were all too big, and often, almost all the same shape, but now, I feel like we have so much variety in brush shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from that I have no general rants. I do prefer flatter, moderately dense brushes for loose powder, though!Â
— Christine
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I use them for mostly knowing off powder than packing them one. The shape I prefer is a fluffy but tapered brush now to both pack on and dust off powders.
No rants or raves, I just don’t use them! I find that using a damp sponge to apply loose powder gives a better finish with less fallout/powderiness.
I like ’em big and fluffy, like the Real Techniques Powder Brush.
I use that one so often for my finishing powder. It’s great!
Yeah, good and cheap, which usually don’t go together.
My favorite loose powder brush as well! Big soft fluffy and cheap, and it dries super fast for a brush this size!
I agree that some feel too big, Christine. Others are some of my favorite brushes of all time! I like mine pinched at the ferrule and fluffier at the top to really multitask (pinch it with your fingers and contour, hold it sideways for bronzer, etc.).
I prefer them rounded and flat on top, I find it easier to pick up powder and apply it evenly with that type of shape.
With tapered brush I feel like only the pointy part gets powder on it, and it ends up wherever the brush touched your face first. These brushes are better for blending than for applying imo.
The really big, fluffy ones were originally meant to knock off excess powder after applying with a puff, and they work for that.
I like a flat top, (cruelty free) natural hair Kabuki for applying mineral powder veil, although I find the e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush works well for me wtih their HD Powder.
Idk if this counts as one, but I LOVE my large Kabuki brush for applying my face powder as it gives it gets the job done fast and with beautifully diffused, soft finish! Buffs it in nicely, so no powdery residue, either.
Often too big and too scratchy. I often use blush brushes or multitaskers or even flatter brushes for loose powder.
I am in love with the Wayne Goss 00 (formerly known as the holiday brush) as an all over powder brush. The softness and shape are just perfect.
I have several powder brushes but I really want that brush too!
I don’t use loose powder all over my face that often, but when I do I use the Koyudo White Kinoko (Mushroom) Brush. I’ve tried others before getting the mushroom one, but the mushroom works best for me.
I don’t use a brush. I use a lambswool puff. Have been using these since Benefit used to sell them to use with their powders (which was forever ago). Now I order online and always have backups available. Brushes just waste too much and floof it all over the place. When I’m using my La Mer I do not want to waste that precious fairy dust!
Indian Earth used to sell the poofs too.
I didn’t know laMer had a finishing powder! And I feel demented not to recall benefit lambs wool. I’m so old I had my face done by Jane @ Bendel’s. Now, I think Bendel’s only does Belgian shoes, and the daughters run Benefit. Do you remember collecting stickers to send to S F for a free lipstick? Bloody loved that Deja Vu.
I really don’t think there is anything specific to powder brushes to like or dislike. Brushes come in such a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials, and quality that I’d say if you felt compelled to rant about your powder brush (assuming you use one), then that means you haven’t found the right one for you. My favorite is the Tom Ford bronzer brush.
I use an extremely soft velour puff instead of a brush. I pat/press a little on at a time – no fallout and no product flying in my hair or eyes.
i find that for my acne prone skn the powder puff that comes with the Chanel Pudre Universelle Libre ( the best in my oppinion) is just better. it doesn’t remove any concealer that i just applied to my scars/ blemishes and it just gives a better, more even look.
The big ones are great if you need an all-over powder, and they now have smaller ones (finally) that are great for a touch-up or if you’re going for more specific areas. Obviously they’re not all-purpose, but the super fluffy, good quality ones just have such a lovely feel on the face. They’re very soothing. Which is ridiculous but whatevs.
I have been using my NARS bronzing brush for loose powder for years. It buffs the powder in so well, it makes my skin look great. I have a few powder brushes, they just work better for blush, highlighting, and bronzing. I have to use something myself before I can decide what’s best for me.