I’ve been after the ultimate foundation brush for myself for quite a while.
I normally use the MAC 190 at college, but although I like it for working on other people, I actually prefer using it as a concealer brush as the head isn’t overly big. I think the 189 would actually be a lot better as a foundation brush purely because of its larger dimensions.
So I thought I would like to try the MAC 187 which is the circular brush but at £27.40 I wanted to 100% sure I’d like that type of brush, and so I purchased a much cheaper dupe, the GOSH round foundation brush, I think it was around £8. I’ve used this for around 2 months now, the fall out is HORRENDOUS on this brush but with GOSH I think you very much get what you pay for.
However it did let me see how I would like the 187, and what I discovered was I liked the circular buffing motion this style of brush gives, however I missed the density in bristles of the 190. I simply felt the splayed, sparser bristles weren’t conducive to good application in areas such as under the eyes or around the nose. Ideally I wanted a brush with the round shape but much fuller/ larger in size.
I give you the LY34. From a range by Louise Young who is herself a highly acclaimed Professional Make-up Artist. With 20 years experience working in film, fashion, television and theatre she knows what works!
I totally heart this brush and at £22 its a complete bargain. The hair is synthetic but it is the softest I have ever felt, handmade in the UK using protected kiln dried birch or beech for the handles. It is amazing!!
Size wise this is how it stacks up against the others (excuse the dirty GOSH, it is for the bin!)
LY34, 190, GOSH 187
So, if you’re after a new foundation brush I can highly recommend this one, if you’re not but you are thinking about other make-up brush purchases I’d suggest thinking outside the MAC box and checking out what else is available, you might just be surprised and save some money to boot 
You can purchase the LY34 here
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the tip. My beloved Multi brush from Molton Brown which does founation and concealer like a dream is giving up the ghost after 7 years and since they don't do make up any more, I was planning to go the MAC route…
Think you have had your moneys worth with that brush, wonder how much that works out per application??
I really like MAC brushes, especially eye brushes like the 217, 224, 239 and 266 for my brows. I've just never been overly impressed with the foundation brush. The 190 is no better than any other brand foundation brush, it does the job but its not worthy of the price tag.
I have a few body shop brushes which I really like. They are super soft especially the eye ones which is really important to me as my eyelids are super sensitive. No shedding and I think they are a little more purse friendly than the mac brushes.
The Sephora brush I have for foundation seems pretty good but years of application with the fingers mean Im find it difficult to adjust to using it.
Will bear these brushes in mind though when looking for new ones though.
I was about to say I often use my fingers on myself but that just sounds lewd lol, I do think the fingers are a brilliant blending tool, unfortunately due to training in college I'm encouraged not to, as its considered unhygienic and clients may not like me to.
When applying make-up on myself though I like to use them to pat my concealer and blend shadows too.
Sorry to go completely off subject but what nail polish are you wearing in these pics? It's lovely
x
Thank you! I love it too, its actually "Sheer" Your Toys by O.P.I, Sally's have it reduced to £3.99 at the moment. Lovely shade, sometimes it give off an almost mauve tone from the grey xo
I really need to go to Sally's! I heard there's a 60% off sale on Chi products and I'm hearing such amazing things about them so I'm dying to try them out!
Hi- I wasnt sure which section to ask this question on. Any ideas ladies. I need a new light loose powder. I usually use MAC but I find it a bit heavy.. Anything good out there that someone could recommend??? Something which isnt too heavy but keeps the shine off, my skin is quite dry!
Pls help….
Hi EmmaJo, Can I re-direct to http://www.slapswap.com
xo
You can sign up there and post your question on the Make-up forum, just hit new topic once you're in there. I think you'll get a wide and varied response