Are you drowning in a sea of makeup brushes? Do you find yourself constantly searching for the *right* brush amidst a chaotic collection? Then this post is for you! I recently embarked on a major makeup brush declutter, and I'm sharing my honest experience and tips to help you streamline your own collection. From inexpensive drugstore finds to high-end luxury brushes, I'll walk you through the process, revealing which brushes made the cut and which ones didn't, along with the reasons behind my decisions. Prepare to be inspired to create a more functional and enjoyable makeup routine—one that's both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.This declutter wasn't just about getting rid of stuff; it was a journey of self-discovery, revealing my true makeup application preferences and highlighting the importance of investing in quality over quantity. I'll share insights on how to evaluate your brushes based on performance, condition, and how well they align with your current makeup style. Get ready to say goodbye to clutter and hello to a curated collection of makeup brushes that will make your application process a joy, not a chore.
Read more: 5 Must-Have Eyeshadow Brushes for Stunning Looks
The Wet n Wild Purge
Starting with my Wet n Wild brushes, I realized they were more about quantity than quality. While not inherently bad, they were taking up a significant amount of space in my makeup storage. Instead of discarding them, I decided to donate them to a friend's young daughter for play. It's a win-win: they find a new purpose, and I reclaim some drawer space.
I appreciate Wet n Wild's affordability and softness. However, their synthetic bristles didn't perform well with powder products in my experience. For cream products, they are perfectly adequate. This donation ensures they're put to use, and I've freed myself from the burden of storage.
Julep Brushes: Hit and Miss
My Julep brush collection was a mixed bag. Initially, I loved their aesthetic, but my preferences shifted towards natural hair bristles for eye makeup application. The eye brushes were ultimately decluttered. I did retain the blush brushes; their quality and performance with cream and liquid blushes are exceptional.
The Julep blush brushes proved to be worth keeping. Their performance with cream and liquid blushes is superior. However, for the price, I felt the eye brushes weren't as effective as others in my collection, hence the decluttering.
Drugstore Favorites and Discards
My 'good drugstore' brushes were next. Real Techniques brushes consistently impress; I kept their powder/blush brush and foundation brush. Other brushes were either re-homed or discarded based on their condition and usefulness. I prioritized brushes that were in good condition and that I frequently use.
The real Techniques powder/blush brush and foundation brush were key keepers due to their performance and affordability. I easily re-homed or discarded less useful or damaged brushes. This part of the process highlighted my preference for versatile, high-performing brushes that provide value.
Royal & Langnickel, MOTD & Other Brushes
The Royal & Langnickel, MOTD, and miscellaneous brush pile proved to be a significant decluttering opportunity. I identified several brushes I no longer used, including the popular 'toothbrush' foundation applicators, which were sold as a set. I kept only brushes that matched my current makeup application style.
This section emphasized the importance of matching brush shape to application technique. The 'toothbrush' applicators, while trendy, didn't suit my needs and were wisely sold. Keeping only brushes I actively enjoy streamlined the collection and improved the overall application experience.
Luxie Brushes: A Resale Opportunity
My Luxie brushes, mostly acquired through subscription boxes, were an easy declutter. While I appreciated their presence at one point, they no longer fit my current makeup routine. These brushes were in excellent condition and were sold as a complete set.
The Luxie brushes highlighted the changing nature of makeup preferences. Selling them as a set allowed for a better return on the initial investment while improving efficiency. This underscores the value of periodically reassessing a makeup collection to ensure it reflects current needs and preferences.
The Random Brush Pile: A Final Purge
The final 'random' pile was the most challenging. I meticulously went through each brush, keeping only those I genuinely loved and used regularly. The process involved identifying and discarding brushes that were either damaged, redundant, or didn't suit my application style. Many brushes were re-homed or sold.
This section highlighted the importance of ruthless honesty during a declutter. By focusing on regularly used and well-loved brushes, I significantly reduced clutter without sacrificing essential tools. The final selection reflects a curated collection optimized for both efficiency and personal preference.
High-End Brushes: Keepers
The high-end brush selection (brands available at Sephora) yielded few discards. Most were kept due to their quality, performance, and sentimental value. Even within this category, a few brushes were removed due to shedding or less-than-ideal bristle type. This section emphasizes quality over quantity.
The high-end brush section reinforced the speaker's preference for quality tools. Maintaining high-quality brushes, even while decluttering, shows the importance of investing in long-lasting, high-performing products that provide lasting value. Even luxury items undergo review and potential removal from a collection.
Conclusion: A Streamlined Collection
The declutter resulted in a significantly smaller, but more functional and enjoyable makeup brush collection. The process reinforced the importance of regularly assessing and refining one's collection based on personal preferences and usage. It also highlighted that a well-curated collection is more valuable than a large, disorganized one.
The final collection is a testament to conscious consumption. The emphasis on quality, functionality, and personal preference has yielded a more organized and enjoyable makeup routine. The decluttering process itself has become a valuable tool for maintaining a curated collection of makeup brushes.
