7 Must-read Tips for Buying Drugstore Makeup Brushes ...

Obviously price is a factor when you’re buying drugstore makeup brushes or any makeup brushes for that matter. You don’t want to automatically reach for the most expensive because you might be able to find a higher end version for not much more. You also don’t want to reach for the cheapest because it’s probably going to resemble the free applicators that come with beauty products. Take a good look at the brushes while keeping a price in mind that you want or are willing to pay and don’t go beyond that value.

One of the most common complaints about drugstore makeup brushes is that they’re rough on skin and stiff. If you’re able to feel the brush without having to open up the package, check it out for yourself to see how it feels. You can always choose to buy makeup brushes at places where they have sample brushes out on display like Target or make sure you get your brushes at a place that has a flexible return policy so you can get your money back or exchange it.

Another drawback to buying drugstore makeup brushes is that there aren’t any sales associates who can give you advice on what to get. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a brand representative to help answer questions during certain events, but most of the time you’re on your own. With that in mind, make sure you know what you want and what you’re looking for in a brush before you go out shopping for them. Have whatever beauty products you need them for in mind, like powder blush or cream blush, so you know what to look for.

Drugstores clearly don’t have nearly as many makeup brushes as specialty or department stores, but make sure you look at all your options before you buy. Even if you’re a die-hard Sonia Kashuk fan, don’t forget to check out other brands that you might not usually try. Even if you strive to have a matching set of makeup brushes for your brush roll, it’s better to get mismatched brushes that get the job done right the first time.

When you’re shopping for drugstore makeup brushes, make sure you take a look at their higher end equivalents so that you know what qualities you want in your brushes. If you admire a dome-shaped brush from MAC, look for the same qualities in your drugstore dupe. If the duo-fiber brush you want from Sephora has really flexible bristles, look for the same when you’re browsing the aisles at CVS.

Remember that no matter how inexpensive and easily replaceable your brushes might seem, don’t neglect them! If you regularly wash your drugstore makeup brushes, they’ll last you just as long as higher end makeup brushes at just a fraction of the price. Also, don’t forget to be selective when you’re buying brushes at the drugstore. Since the brushes are priced much lower than premium brands, we might think it’s okay to buy more than we need just because we can. Keep in mind that it’s not a bargain if they sit and collect dust or you need multiple brushes to do the job of one.

For those who’ve purchased drugstore makeup brushes but they didn’t work as well as you thought they would for their intended use, get creative! If that eye shadow brush just doesn’t do it for you, use it to contour your nose. If you don’t use your lip brush, use it to create festive summer nail art or help clean up mistakes when you’re painting your nails.

Buying drugstore makeup brushes can be quite difficult since you often don’t know what you’re getting until you buy it and open the package. However, I hope doing some research on what you want and what to look for beforehand will help you choose some great makeup brushes. Do you have any words of wisdom when it comes to buying drugstore makeup brushes?