Barry M Does Make-Up Brushes?!

L-R: blue eyeliner brush (£2.99),  pink powder brush (£5.99), purple blush brush (£4.99),  green eyeshadow brush (£2.99).

Make-up brushes, a girl can just never have enough of the useful tools of the trade. I, for one, own a great many make-up brushes, from the unnamed brands that I used to buy in my teenage years, to MAC brushes, and of course, nearly all of the Real Techniques. For me a good brush really transforms the way I apply my face in the morning. I don't like applying makeup with my fingers, sponges soak up too much product and can drag across the face, but a good brush will really ensure a beautiful flawless finish. My own quibble with good brushes is that they usually cost an arm and a leg, especially all of the amazing MAC numbered brushes that I wish to own. Even the Real Techniques brushes, while more affordable, can add up to many £££ in my virtual Boots shopping baskets.

Last time I was at home, in Devon (around August time), I went into Superdrug and spotted that Barry M, a trusted and affordable make-up brand that I really do like, had produced a range of make-up brushes not retailing for more than £8. In fact, five of the seven brushes were under £5, with a mini brush kit for on the go touch ups retailing at £9.99. I thought this must be incredible good value, considering how much I enjoy using their Dazzle Dust and nail polish, and snapped up the brushes that you see above. (Aside from the brushes above there's also a kabuki brush, foundation brush and a concealer brush).

I really love the packaging and the design of these brushes. For one they're all a different colour, which appeals to me greatly and ensures that I know exactly which brush does what job - they don't have their names written on the brush handle like Real Techniques brushes, so remembering that purple is for blush and not foundation for example is grand! The design is simple yet girlie, I love the floral/leaf pattern on the clear plastic packaging. I know that had I not go a pot specifically for my brushes I would definitely be able to reuse the packaging to store the brushes in a nice neat way.

While the packaging is fabulous, the use of the brushes is, in my opinion, questionable. They pick up product well, and application to face is fantastic, but the biggest issue for me is bristle fall out. I just don't understand why they shed so much. To be honest I am glad I didn't pick up the foundation brush because I don't know if I'd be able to cope with bristle shedding mixed in with the my choices of liquid foundation - hairy female face is not a good look! I can't even fully work out what kind of hair the brushes are made out of, there's nothing on the Barry M website about their range, and Superdrug's site goes back and forth between synthetic and natural (but does not specify what kind of 'natural' hair).

For brushes so cheap I am going to rate Barry M's range a 6/10. I usually like to collect the entire set of something I like (e.g Real Techniques brushes) but to be honest I will stop with these Barry M brushes that I already have. I even had to throw away the purple blush brush after I washed it for the first time because almost all of the bristles fell out in my hand. Cue unhappy Louise.

Perhaps I bought a duff few brushes? Or is this a case of you really do just get what you pay for...

Did you know Barry M made brushes?
Have you tried any of them?