Video Tutorial: The Best Brushes and Tips for Perfect Blending

If you’ve ever looked at MAC’s blending brushes, chances are you’ve run across the 217 and the 224 and probably asked yourself, what’s the difference between the two and which one should I buy for my unique eye shape?

In this video, I’ll compare the two with an actual blending demonstration and also talk about the subtle differences between the two and what each brush may be used for. This is based on my own personal experience with these brushes and using them both on myself and other ladies.

Also – below the video I’ve listed the best highlighter shades to blend out certain MAC eyeshadows. I notice when I use a highlighter shade like Vanilla to blend out colors like Cork and Bronze, the result is a muddy mess. Through trial and error I’m just sharing what I’ve learned along the way. 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeL3VinplBg

For blending out red based shades (i.e. Cranberry, Da Bling, Swish, Red Brick, Mulch, Sable, Free to Be, etc.) = VANILLA or ORB

For blending out particular brown neutrals (i.e. Cork, Brown Down, Handwritten, Bronze, Mystery) = BLANC TYPE or BISQUE

For blending out orange based shades (i.e. Arena, Off the Page, Rule, Tete A Tint, Soba) = VANILLA or ORB

For blending out greens (i.e. Greensmoke, Humid, Sumptuous Olive, Bitter, Juxt) = VANILLA

For blending out certain blue shades (i.e. Plumage, Deep Truth, Star by Night) = GESSO or SHROOM

For blending out other blues (i.e. Aquadisiac, Steamy, Electric Eel, Freshwater, Shimmermoss) = VANILLA

For blending out purple shades (i.e. Nocturnelle, Vibrant Grape, Satellite Dreams, Fig. 1, Blackberry) = VANILLA

26 thoughts on “Video Tutorial: The Best Brushes and Tips for Perfect Blending

  1. Yesss! the video really helps someone like me. I have difficulties in blending, but after watching you video now I know how to do it well 🙂

    thanks

  2. I had noticed that certain shades seemed to pair better with others for blending, but you took it to a whole other level – which saves me a lot of guessing. Thanks!!

  3. Ohh can’t thank enough. This was very helpful. Btw, I sometimes use Blanc Type as a brush cleaner:) If my brush is dirty but I don’t have time to clean it I just dip my brush into Blanc Type and then shake to get rid of excess, this basically erase all the previous colors, now I can use my brush on any e/s color knowing the previous colors will not be transferred to my eye lids.

    1. Hi Camille!
      Thanks for the question! I’ve never personally used in on my own eyes, so I can’t speak to its quality but it definitely is a great shade for blending.
      It’s more of a tan version of Orb, lighter than Bisque.

  4. This was so helpful! Thank you so much! I have both of the 224 and 217. I use them for other purposes but I think I am going to change up my routine now. This is awesome!

    1. OH, quick question….I just bought Brule. Would that be a comparable shadow to Blanc Type for blending out those deep browns you were talking about?

      1. Could be – I can’t say because I haven’t used it myself. It is slightly darker than Blanc Type so I imagine it’d have the same effect, you’d just need to use a lighter hand. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

  5. I had read the blending colors earlier in the year, but today I printed it and taped it to the inside of my medicine cabinet in the bathroom where I put on my makeup! So handy.

  6. THANKS! by the way, I was looking for the motif e/s and I was told it was discontinued. do you know anything about it? it has a special ultra colour and I cant seem to find a dupe for it…

      1. My Eyeshadow Consultant

        Reply

        Aww that stinks, Ruthie! 🙁
        You could also use something like Expensive Pink in its place for that look, if you wanted to.
        It would give a similar effect.

  7. Great video, Z! I bought vanilla recently b/c I see you use it pretty religiously- and I think it’s great! I had been using wishful and shroom mostly. I think Sigma’s E35 brush is worth mentioning as a cheaper yet still awesome blending brush. Now when I want a new MAC brush I always check there for dupes first. I am in LOVE love LOVE with the F50 Duo fibre!! I have never received a compliment on my skin until I started using that brush, I swear! So thanks again for helping so many of us gals !!!

    1. My Eyeshadow Consultant

      Reply

      You’re so welcome, Diana! 🙂
      LOVE Vanilla! I think I’ve replaced it three times now. LOL
      Yes, you’re right! Sigma’s brushes are really great and very comparable to MAC brushes.
      LOVE the F50! Great brush!

  8. I know this post is really old but I’m hoping you can help me. I am African American and have dark skin (color similar to Viola Davis). Would the blending colors you note above still work for my skin tone? I’m really new to makeup and blending colors really confuse me.

  9. Hi! I’d love to watch the video, but it says it’s private 🙁 Could you please please please make it public again? Thanks!!! 🙂

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