Quality Brushes??

So I've been face painting for around 6 months now and I'm still using these brushes purchased from walmart labeled "face painting brushes" because they were like $3 and I wanted a pack for each for 9 different colors. They're not absolutely horrible, but the ends are frayed now and some of the narrower brushes are making my painting looking increasingly sloppy...I have to dip them in paint, then roll the frayed ends down several times for it not to look like a mess. I like having a different set of brushes per color because it saves me so much time cleaning, but I need better quality...for a good price. Anyone know where I can purchase cheap highER quality (nylon?...synthetic?) brushes? Thanks!

I'd also love to know what everyone really recommends - I started off with Kyrolan ones and they're pretty rubbish in my opinion. I know it's all personal preference but if you're all using the same brand then it's a pretty good indication

Go to a craft/art supply store and check out the brushes. Look for ones meant for water colour painting... those will work the best for use with water based make-up.

You can start with the cheapest and working up to better quality as you can afford it. Personally, I use the same brushes over and over as I have to clean and sanitize between people so I prefer to work with good brushes and pay for them as they work better and last longer with care.

Loew Cornell 7000 brushes are lovely and you can get them for a really good price in America, I adore Esscoda Barrocco brushes, there golden taklon, triple crimped and hand made with a razor sharp point. Droooool

I just posted before seeing this thread about a sale on Loew Cornell and American Painter brushes!
Michaels craft store has them this week/ buy one get one for 1 penny!
Can't beat that. I agree with Sam I am, LOVE the Loew Cornell

Firebird I see you're from Michigan. Me too! Where abouts are you??

The last art store that sold me brushes in NZ were dreadful but I'm gonna try for water colour specific ones.

What do you guys think of Royal Majestic?

and where do you get your Loew Cornell brushes from? I need to be able to order them online. No Michaels for us down under

Any art supply store worthy of the name should carry decent brushes. Perhaps brand names may vary and certain brands may not be available in all countries but there would be similar quality.

I know I got a fantastic brush from an Australian friend - it was called a "doll" and the brand name was not searchable on Google!! She sent me a bunch in a trade and the larger ones were called "cat's tongues" which I have and love already in another brand but these are shaped differently - the loofe is a triangle with a sharp point at the tip.

Anyhow the point is... try out what you can find and you may find a great brush right on your doorstep.

Tamara, I'm from Howell, which is in the middle of nowhere (by brighton...livingston county.) I'm trying to move asap. How about you?

I'll try ebay for watercolor brushes for a good price, maybe michaels if the sale is going on here. Brushes make an enormous difference in the quality of my face paintings. I've been avoiding any attempts of fine lines lately, so I'm kind of desperate for "good and cheap" if that exists in the brush world...

There are several threads that cover this very topic. May provide you with the information you seek. Do a search on brushes.

Oh i'm sure there will be plenty of good water colour brushes out there now i know that water colour ones are what i need - would just rather go with brands that most of you guys find to be good

and thanks ChangingFaceDesigns often they end in 'it's personal'

naughty word Blick and Jerry's Artarama usually have good online prices for the Cornell brushes. I prefer the American Painter (pink) and the 7000 series. I used to have a "thing" for Windsor Newton Artist Watercolour sables and acquired a LOT of them, but I am now stuck on Loew Cornell...oneday they may show up in the swap shop.

Choosing a brush is personal and a bit risky if you don't have the ability to try before you buy. What works for some or most, may not work for you which is why you hear the "it's personal" so much. I for one abhor the Royal Majestic brushes, but many love them...it's personal

I have found over time that I REALLY like the One Stroke brushes for glass and ceramics the ones made of white nylon, (Light green handle with white bristles) they are really soft and glide on the face smoothly. I used them by mistake once, I use to do window painting on the side on during the holidays, I grabbed those brushes because they look just like the others and started painting, and they are amazing for face painting! The are high quality too.A little pricey, but when you use it you will see why. I have bought some really high quality brushes, and these have outlasted some of the most expensive brushes. I personally do not recommended the Royal Majestic, I think the bristles are too stiff for face painting, they seem to separate and dry out too easily, even with pink soap in the water, but again, thats just IMHO

Lady Jayce - the W&N brushes aren't Series 9 by any chance are they? I have two of those as my primary black and white brushes, and am looking for more....
Barbie

I don't know what series they are actually. I was taken by their ergonomic handles and satin handle finish. Here's an generic image.

Whatever brand you choose to go with, there is nothing like a good set of brushes that feels good and comfortable in your hands. Makes a big difference in quality of your work.