Makeup artist Lochie Stonehouse shares his favourite brushes

Oct 30, 2024

IMAGE VIA @LOCHIESTONEHOUSE/INSTAGRAM

WORDS BY LARA DALY

“I’m a creature of habit and prefer to stick to my tried-and-true.”

I’m a notoriously nosy person when it comes to beauty products. I want to know whether you double cleanse at night, how often you wash your hair, and exactly what you’re using. I want to know if there’s some special facial tool or pair of tweezers that have (hyperbole warranted) changed your life. I want to know what curl definer you use and which lip balm you swear by.

In short, I adore products. This is why I’ve asked some of our favourite Australian and New Zealand beauty experts to share the ‘top three‘ items they can’t live without. The scope is broad – it can genuinely be anything, as long as they’re the three they value the most.

Joining us this week is New Zealand-based makeup artist, Lochie Stonehouse. An avant-garde visionary and self-described ‘traveling beauty consultant’, Lochie’s roster of celebrity clients include Troye Sivan, Lorde, Benee, Rita Ora, Brooke Candy and many more. Known for his next-level precision and artistic detail, it’s no wonder Lochie is particular about the tools in his kit.

A post shared by Lochie Stonehouse (@lochiestonehouse)

How did you first discover this product?

I discovered this brush when I was working alongside Rae Morris on the reality TV series, The Voice Australia 2023. I was looking after Rita Ora, while Rae Morris was looking after Jessica Mauboy. Week after week, Rae was creating the most beautiful eyeliner looks on Jessica. When I asked her what she was using, she explained this was the brush she was using to create the eyeliner. Rae’s brushes have never let me down before, so I knew that I had to buy it. I’m so glad I did!

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

This is my go-to eyeliner brush when working with gel eyeliners. It maintains its perfectly tapered point and does not fray over time, like many other eyeliner brushes. Because the handle is not as long as others, it’s easier for me to get into that delicate eye space – especially helpful when working with more mature or deep-set eyes. The synthetic fibres taper to such a fine point, which makes it perfect for intricate line work. If my intent is to apply a thicker liner, I usually opt for the similar (but girthier) Jishaku #13 Deluxe Eyeliner Brush, which allows me to create a thicker, more 1950s liner.

Where would you find it and who would you recommend it to?

Anyone who prefers a gel eyeliner formula will love this brush. It’s also great for for dragging out the end wing of a pencil eyeliner. You can find it online from raemorris.com.

SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

How did you first discover this product?

This past March, Mecca flew me into Sydney for a Nars artistry event. All guests were gifted a full set of Nars brushes (beyond lucky, I know!) Truthfully, I hadn’t previously owned any Nars brushes. I’m a creature of habit and prefer to stick to my tried-and-true. I kept the brush in my bathroom at first, using it on myself every morning to apply translucent powder. It passed the test, so after a week or so, I added it into my professional working kit. I’ve since purchased a few extra ones because it’s just that reliable.

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

This is a multipurpose face powder brush – the handle is made from hand-spun wisteria which is traditional of the Kabuki brush. Because of the thin and lightweight handle, I have more control over how much powder hits the face. I’m able to lightly ‘pat’ product on the skin, whereas with a heavier handle, it’s easier to over-apply powder product, especially in delicate areas such as under the eyes.

Where would you find it and who would you recommend it to?

You can get this from Mecca. It’s a great all-rounder brush for someone who just wants one that does it all. It’s not too small and not too big, so it works well for all of your powders: setting powder, brush and bronzer.

How did you first discover this product?

For over 10 years, I’ve been using MAC’s 212 Synthetic Flat Definer Brush on every single makeup application. I love a flat definer brush to apply mascara to the bottom eyelashes. While collaborating with Shiseido earlier this year on a series of campaign images, I realised that Shiseido sold a similar looking brush. I needed to get my hands on it and they were kind enough to gift me one. What I love about it, is that the synthetic fibres are black, so they don’t stain when used repetitively with mascara.

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

While I do use traditional mascara wands when applying mascara to the top lashes, I always use this brush to apply it to the bottom ones. It has a thin, flat shape which allows me to lightly coat or ‘paint’ a thin layer of mascara to the bottom lashes. This prevents clumpy lashes and because the product is only applied to the top of the bottom lashes, mascara does not touch the skin, which avoids smudging. This brush in particular maintains its sharp shape due to the synthetic fibres and doesn’t fray over time.

Where would you find it and who would you recommend it to?

It’s great for someone who likes to apply a thin layer or ‘tint’ of mascara to their lashes, versus a thick coat that typical mascara wands usually impart. You can buy it from Mecca.

Keep up with Lochie’s incredible makeup artistry, here.

Australian beauty editors share the products they always repurchase

Australian beauty editors share the products they always repurchase

Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of Melbourne-based lawyer Harry Reid

Movie lips: The TikTok makeup trend that finally got me

Backstage with Benee in Melbourne opening for Olivia Rodrigo

Photo Diary: Backstage at Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks with makeup artist Rose Letho

Niicolé is the New Zealand jewellery label taking cues from Renaissance, Baroque and the ’80s