Target Coupon Code 2016: 20% OFF Beauty (Sonia Kashuk, Real Techniques, Pixi, EcoTools)

Target is offering 20% OFF on sun care, beauty and personal care using code BEAUTY. Brands included are Sonia Kashuk, Real Techniques, Pixi, EcoTools, Revlon, CoverGirl, Maybelline, L'oreal and many more. Deal is only valid today! You also get free shipping on orders over $25. Those who apply for the Redcard or already have it will get free shipping on all orders plus 5% OFF on top of the 20% OFF. You can also order online and pick up your stuff in-store for free!

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Review + Comparisons: Sonia Kashuk Tapered Powder and Domed Multi-Purpose Brush (2016 Collection)

Long time readers know that Sonia Kashuk is one of my go-to brands for quality brushes. The black handle brushes are very well made and are reasonably priced. When I found out that new brushes were being launch for her 2016 collection, I knew that I had to get my hands on them. 

Both the Sonia Kashuk Tapered Powder No.19 brush and Domed Multi-Purpose No.18 brush are made of natural goat hair and feel very soft, just like the other black handle brushes from her line. They also have the same type of handle with an ergonomic design and are even weighted, which feels very comfortable in the hand. The only difference is that they no longer come with a black ferrule and have been recently revamped with a gold one. (The #24 Dense Blush Powder brush and #29 Domed Blusher brush that are mentioned in this post are now available with a gold ferrule. Both versions have the same brush head.) They did shed a few hairs during the first week, which is normal, but haven't shedded since.

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Review + Comparison: Real Techniques Sculpting Set vs Sculpting Brush

I already had the Real Techniques Setting Brush that you can buy individually, so I didn't think that I needed the Sculpting Set. I was just going to get the individual Sculpting Brush, but ended up also getting the set just in case if there was any slight differences with the brushes. That just justified my purchases. ^_^ 

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Swatches + Comparisons - Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze + Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

From Top Left Clockwise: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer ~ Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer

From Left: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

From Left: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in 42 Rich Bronze ($10.99/0.18oz) - It costs $61.06 per ounce, which is actually more expensive compared to the Chanel bronzer ($48/oz), but the quality is well worth the price. Rich Bronze does not look Oompa Loompa orange and has a more yellow undertone compared to the Chanel bronzer. It's extremely buildable and dark enough for medium to tan skin tones, but it's also very blendable and looks natural on lighter skin tones. Because it leaves a matte finish, I love using it as a contour shade to define my cheekbones. I usually use a synthetic brush, such as the ELF Angled Blush Brush because it fits nicely on the hollows of my cheekbones. (A little goes a long way, but don't worry if you over apply the product because it's super easy to blend out.) As for longevity, it lasts at least 10 hours without fading when set with a translucent powder and it also prolongs the wear of my powder bronzers when used as a base. Also, it has a compartment underneath that houses a mirror and sponge, which I find to be very odd and useless. Definitely use a synthetic brush or even your bare fingers to apply the product.

Ingredients List: Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Nylon 12, Silica, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salycilate, Dextrin Palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, Fragrance, Caprylyl Methicone; May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine, Ultramarines, Manganese Violet, Zinc Oxide, Ferric Ferrycyanide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Red 6, Red 7, Red 7 Lake, Red 28 Lake, Red 30 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 lake, Yellow 6 Lake

Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer ($26.10/0.32oz) - It costs $81.56 per ounce, which is the most expensive out of the bunch. Aqua Bunny is more red based compared to Rich Bronze and Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, but it has the same pigmentation, blendability and longevity as Rich Bronze. The biggest difference besides the undertone is that it has a more satin finish. Under direct sunlight, I notice tiny bits of shimmer, but it's definitely not glittery. Also, it has a mirror on the top compartment and a bottom compartment that houses a synthetic brush, which is convenient for touch-ups.

Ingredients List: Triethylhexanoin, Corn Starch Modified, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Hexyldecanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, SD Alcohol 40-B (Alcohol Denat.), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Aroma/Flavor, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract, BHT, Limonene, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

(Outdoor Natural Lighting in the shade)

(Outdoor Natural Lighting on a Sunny Day)

(Indoor Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: If you found the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel to be too light or too orange, then the Sonia Kashuk one would be a more suitable option, especially as a contour shade since it's completely matte. You can't go wrong with the Too Faced Aqua Bunny bronzer either because it's dark enough for medium to tan skin tones and it also blends out easily. So, it looks very natural on light skin tones as well. Personally, I love all 3 of the bronzers because each of the formula is so easy to work with and they all apply like butter.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store and Nordstrom for $48. The Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze contains 0.18oz/5.2g of product and is available only at Target for $10.99. The Too Faced Aqua Bunny bronzer contains 0.32oz/9g of product and is on clearance on their online store for $26.10.

What product do you use to contour your face?

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Swatches + Review: Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette in Eye On Dazzling Color 03

Pros:

• more affordable compared to palettes from other brands, such as Mac or Urban Decay
• these eyeshadows have not been tested on animals
• non-sparkly eyeshadows feel silky and buttery
• non-sparkly eyeshadows have great color payoff (when used with a primer)
• non-sparkly eyeshadows applies smoothly
• blends easily
• lasts at least 8 hours without fading (when worn with a primer)
• doesn't crease when used with a primer
• sparkly eyeshadows are sheer, but they compliment the non-sparkly eyeshadows very well

Cons:

• fallouts during application
• palette gets really dusty and messy 
• palette is bulky because there are step-by-step instructions that slide out on the side

The Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette in 03 Eye On Dazzling Color comes with step-by-step instructions on how to create 3 different looks, which can be useful for those who are makeup beginners, but it also makes the palette bulky. (Sonia Kashuk recently revamped the packaging of her other eyeshadow palettes and removed the instructions.) 

It comes with 7 pigmented shimmery shades, 1 pigmented shimmery shade with sparkles (the last eyeshadow in the 4th row) and 4 sheer sparkly shades (the entire 2nd column). The eyeshadows are numbered 1 to 12 and they don't have individual names, which I don't mind because the quality of these eyeshadows are amazing for the price. The non-sparkly eyeshadows have great color payoff when used with a primer, and they all apply smoothly & blend easily. 

The sparkly shades don't feel as silky smooth as the other shades, but the texture is not gritty or chunky at all. They contain tiny microglitters that leave a sparkly and wet finish. They're very sheer, but I find that they compliment the shimmery shades very well. I love applying the sparkly shades on top of the shimmery shades to create a shiny metallic finish. It looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the way that they make my eyes sparkle and glisten, especially under direct lighting. The swatches are not doing them any justice! >_<

I recommend applying these eyeshadows before your foundation because there will be fallouts during application. Because of this reason, the palette also gets dusty easily. To minimize the amount of fallouts, tap off any excess from your brush before applying. I really don't mind the fallouts because I can easily wipe off the mess with makeup remover. 

As for the longevity, they last at least 8 hours without fading or creasing when worn with a primer underneath. (I always wear a primer underneath my eyeshadows because I have oily lids.)

(Click to enlarge to read the ingredients list.)

Bottom Line: I'm usually not a fan of glitter, but the sparkly shades blew me away because I love how they make my eyes sparkle and the shiny metallic finish looks amazing. This is a must-have for those who love to create dramatic and smokey eye looks. 

Note: The Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette (0.34oz/9.6g) retails $19.99 and is only available at Target. It is currently on clearance for $16.98 and will be discontinued.

Do you prefer colorful or matte palettes?

*This post contains affiliate links. The product mentioned was purchased by me, using my own funds.

Review + Comparison - Crown Brush C442 Duo Fiber Buffer Brush + C439 Round Buffer Brush

I placed an order with Crown Brush last year when they had a 10% OFF sale. The company requires a minimum order amount of $25 and they charge a flat rate shipping fee of $7 to east coast residents. I bought the C442 Duo Fiber Buffer brush, C439 Round Buffer brush, and SS003 Deluxe Medium Foundation brush, which totaled to $33.85. The SS003 was too flimsy for me, so I gave it away. Continue reading to find out what I think about the other brushes!

Crown Brush C442 Duo Fiber Buffer Brush ($9.99) - The white bristles are made of synthetic material, while the black bristles are made of natural hair. It is super dense and much firmer than my other duo fiber brushes, which is not necessarily a good thing. I actually find it to be too dense for stippling liquid foundation because it places a concentrated amount of product on one area and takes longer to blend out. I prefer the MAC 187 to stipple liquid foundation because it's not as dense as the C442, but it is by no means flimsy. So, it disperses product evenly and it provides better coverage without absorbing and wasting alot of product. Also, it leaves an airbrushed finish.

When used in a buffing motion to apply liquid foundation, the C442 does not shed because the white synthetic bristles are so densely packed that it prevents the product from reaching the black bristles. (If you press the brush firmly onto your skin and use a heavy hand when you're buffing in the product, then the product will reach the black bristles and it will start shedding. Just use a lighter hand when you're using the brush in a buffing motion and it won't shed.) Because the bristles are so densely packed, it absorbs alot of product and doesn't provide as much coverage as my MAC 187. (Keep in mind, I only use my MAC 187 in a stippling motion.) Also, the head of the C442 brush is wide and can be a little difficult to reach the small crevices of the face. However, it blends out product really well and makes applying foundation much quicker when used in a buffing motion. The Sigma F80 has a smaller head and the bristles are made of solely synthetic material. I prefer the C442 over the Sigma F80 because it doesn't tug my skin as much when used in a buffing motion. 

The C442 feels very soft and doesn't feel prickly or uncomfortable when used in a stippling or buffing motion. I did experience dye bleeding during its initial wash and it stained the white bristles grey, which I had to remove by using olive oil. It hasn't bled since then, but it sheds 1 hair from time to time when I'm cleaning it. (I clean it with baby shampoo and olive oil.) However, it doesn't shed or leave hairs all over my face when I'm using it. It takes about 13 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 8.5 hours to dry. Also, the head is full size, but the handle is travel size. The full length of the brush measures 4.75 inches. 

Crown Brush C439 Round Buffer Brush ($13.95) - The bristles are made of solely synthetic material and is much denser than the Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Buffing brush, but a teeny tiny bit less denser than the Sigma F82. The head of the C439 brush is bigger, so it can cover a greater portion of the face and buff in product quicker, while the Sigma F82 is smaller and can reach the small crevices of the face better. However, both tug my skin when I use them to buff liquid foundation because they are very dense and don't glide product onto the skin as easily or blend product as effortlessly as my Real Techniques Buffing brush.

The Sonia Kashuk brush has longer bristles and it is not as dense as the C439 and Sigma F82, so it doesn't tug the skin. Also, the size of the head allows it to buff in liquid foundation quickly. I prefer to use it to apply my Chanel cream bronzer. The top of the brush is too wide to fit on the cheek area, so I like to hold the brush at an angle and use the side of the brush to tap the product onto my cheeks.

The main issue with the Sonia Kashuk, C439 and Sigma F82 is that they all waste and absorb alot of product and don't provide as much coverage as my MAC 187 when used for applying liquid foundation. Also, I don't recommend any of them for buffing in mineral/powder foundation because synthetic bristles do not lay down powder products as well as natural bristles. For applying mineral/powder foundation, I recommend using the Sonia Kashuk Dense Blush Powder brush or the Sephora #43 because they provide better coverage. However, I don't recommend using brushes made of natural bristles for applying liquid products because that will cause your brushes to shed.

The C439 brush feels very soft and I haven't experienced any shedding. Also, the head is full size, but the handle is travel size. The full length of the brush measures 5.75 inches. It takes about 12 hours to dry.

Bottom Line: If you don't mind wasting product and are always rushing out the door, then the C442 and C439 will suit your needs because they buff in product quickly. The size of the short handles also make it excellent for travel.

Note: The Crown C442 and C439 are sold individually on their online store. The Sigma F80 and F82 are available at Nordstrom. The Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Buffing brush is available only at Target. 

Which Crown brushes do you recommend?

* This post contains affiliate links. 

The Sigma brushes were given to me by one of my lovely friends. 

All of the other brushes that are mentioned above were purchased by me using my own funds,

Review + Comparison - Sonia Kashuk Spring 2013 New Brushes

Sonia Kashuk is back with some new brushes for her Spring 2013 collection. I follow her on Facebook and once I found out that the collection was released, I immediately raced down to my local Target store and picked up a few items. ^_^

Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher Brush ($17.19) - The bristles are softer than the Sigma brushes and are neither too dense nor too flimsy. Because of its tapered tip, it places product nicely underneath the eye area, on the cheeks and the "3E". I love using it to apply setting powder, sheer & regular (not highly pigmented) blushers and bronzers. When using it to apply regular blushers, do not swirl the brush in the compact or else you'll end up looking like a clown. Just tap the brush once in the compact and it'll deposit the right amount of product for one side of the cheek. 

When compared to the Sigma F25, I prefer the SK one more because it offers better control. The size & density of the SK one makes it more multi-functional and it's perfect for the types of applications that I mentioned above. The SK Dense Blush Powder brush is much denser and more ideal for buffing in powder foundation. (The SK Domed Blusher brush measures 7.30 inches in total length. It did shed a few hairs during its initial wash, which is normal, but it hasn't shed since.)

Sonia Kashuk Medium Eyeshadow Brush ($10.79) - The head is bigger and thicker than the MAC 239, which is better for those with a small lid space. The SK suits a wider range of people. The bristles feel very soft, but the MAC 239 is slightly softer because it has a waxy feel to it. As for performance, it packs on color well and offers excellent control because it's very firm, just like the MAC 239. I love using it to place color onto my lids and highlighting my brow bone. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length. It has not shed a single hair.)

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ($19.19) - The bristles are fluffy, but definitely not flimsy.  The size of the head makes it ideal for applying setting powder all over the face and body. It picks up the right amount of product and disperses evenly without ever leaving a cakey finish. (It measures 7.75 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Blusher Brush (Old Version $17.19) - The head is smaller than the Large Powder brush and is my go-to brush when I'm dealing with a very difficult blush that's highly pigmented. The bristles are not densely packed, which allows it to pick up product lightly and disperse evenly. I just wish it was a teeny tiny bit smaller so that it'll fit on my cheeks better. If I'm not careful, it can place product onto a large portion of my face. (It measures 7.30 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Blusher Brush (New Version $17.19) - The head is slightly narrower and the tip is not as wide as the old version. So, it fits alot better on my cheeks. Also, the bristles are a little bit more densely packed and is excellent for applying regular (not sheer or highly pigmented) blushers. (It measures 7.30 inches in total length.)

All 3 of these brushes did shed a few hairs during its initial wash, which is normal, but they haven't shed since. These are not from the new Spring 2013 collection. I've had them for more than a year and they still feel like brand new.

Bottom Line: Sonia Kashuk's black handled professional brushes never fail me. The hair on these brushes are super duper soft and the ferrules never loosen. Also, the new ones have the brand name and number of the brush engraved on the handles, which is a nice touch. I highly recommend checking out her line of brushes, even if you're not a fan of "drugstore" products because these are definitely superior to other drugstore brushes and are even better than some of the high-end ones that I've tried. 

Note: The MAC brush is available at their online store and Nordstrom. The Sigma brushes are available at Nordstrom. The Sonia Kashuk brushes are available only at Target.

Have you check out Sonia Kashuk's Spring 2013 collection?

*This post contains affiliate links. All of the Sonia Kashuk products were purchased by me, using my own funds.

Review + Comparison: Battle of the Flat Paddle Foundation Brushes

Flat paddle synthetic brushes are meant to be used for applying liquid foundation all over the face in a painting motion. I personally prefer to use a buffing brush for applying liquid foundation because it's quicker and buffs the product into my skin easier. When I want an airbrush effect and more coverage without the bristles absorbing lots of product, I opt for a stippling brush. In general, I only use flat paddle synthetic brushes for applying concealer under my eye area and liquid foundation around the small crevices of my nose.

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation ~ Chanel #6 ~ Sigma F60 ~ EcoTools Bamboo Foundation

Real Techniques Essential Foundation ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation ~ Chanel #6 ~ Sigma F60 ~ EcoTools Bamboo Foundation
Real Techniques Essential Foundation ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation ~ Chanel #6 ~ Sigma F60

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation Light Coverage Brush ($45) - This is the thickest of the bunch. I love that the bristles are dense and firm. The size of the head is excellent for face application, but it still fits nicely under the eye area. I just tap the product lightly and it immediately sinks into my skin, providing great coverage without streaking. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Chanel #6 Foundation Brush ($45) - The base of the head is thick and firm, while the tip is thin and tapered. I like using it for applying under eye concealer because it doesn't streak and it fits really well under my eye area. As for face application, I prefer the Dior one because it's thicker and slightly bigger. (It measures 6.20 inches in total length.)

Sigma F60 Foundation Brush ($16) - The head is narrower and the tip is thicker compared to the Chanel one. I do notice that if I apply too much product, it's difficult to blend out without streaking, using the Sigma one. (It measures 7.5 inches in total length.)

EcoTools Bamboo Foundation ~ Real Techniques Essential Foundation

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version) ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

EcoTools Bamboo Foundation ~ Real Techniques Essential Foundation

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version) ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

Royal & Langnickel BX-45 ~ Real Techniques Essential Foundation ~ EcoTools Bamboo Foundation

EcoTools Bamboo Foundation Brush ($5.99) - The head is slightly thicker, denser and narrower than the Chanel one. I have no issues with it streaking and it blends product into the skin effortlessly. This is a total bargain! (It measures 6.30 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Essential Foundation Brush (comes in the Travel Essentials set $17.99) - The head is slightly smaller and denser than the EcoTools one. Out of all of them, the RT one is the one that I reach for the most because it provides excellent coverage without streaking when I apply the product in a tapping motion. (It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-45 Brush ($15.99) - This is another one that I reach for the most because it offers excellent coverage and it blends the concealer seamlessly with my foundation with barely any effort. The head is the shortest of the bunch and fits perfectly under the eye area. Also, I love how dense and firm it is. I have no complaints about this brush, which is very rare. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 ~ Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C201 ~ Sigma F60 (Mr. Bunny Kit) ~ Sigma F60

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 ~ Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C201 ~ Sigma F60 (Mr. Bunny Kit) ~ Sigma F60

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 Brush ($28.99) - The head is the biggest of the bunch and ideal for face application. It doesn't streak when I apply liquid foundation, but the bristles are not as firm as the Dior brush. I prefer the Dior one for face application because it gives me better control. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C201 Brush (comes in the SILK Synthetic Hair 12 pc Set $119.99) - The bristles are not flimsy and it doesn't streak when I apply liquid products, but it's not as firm as the Sigma F60. When it comes to flat paddle synthetic brushes, I'm all about firmness because I want maximum control. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Sigma F60 Foundation Brush (comes in the Mr. Bunny Essential Kit $120) - The bristles are not as firm and the tip is not as pointed as the regular Sigma F60. Also, I have to be careful to not over apply product or else it'll be difficult to blend out without streaking. (It measures 7.5 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Essential Foundation
Sonia Kashuk No. 05 Synthetic Foundation (New Version) ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version)


Real Techniques Essential Foundation
Sonia Kashuk No. 05 Synthetic Foundation (New Version) ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version)

Sonia Kashuk No. 05 Synthetic Foundation Brush (New Version $14.29) - The head is slightly thicker and firmer than the RT one. Also, it has a thin tip. The SK one is another one of my favorites. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation Brush (Old Version $14.29) - The head is thinner than the new version and it's the flimsiest of the bunch. Also, it's difficult to blend product into my skin without it streaking. The new version is far superior and I'm so glad that Sonia Kashuk revamped it. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Bottom Line: In terms of only application and disregarding physical appearance & price, my favorites are the Sonia Kashuk (new version), Real Techniques, and Royal & Langnickel BX-45. Coming in 2nd place is the EcoTools one. 3rd place goes to the Dior one and 4th place goes to the Chanel one. I love how dense and firm they all are and they blend product into my skin so easily, when used in a tapping motion!

Note: The Dior brush is available at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Chanel and Sigma brushes are available at Nordstrom. The EcoTools brush is available at Ulta, drugstore.com and Target. The Real Techniques brush is available at Ulta, drugstore.com and Target. The Royal & Langnickel brushes are available at their online store. The Sonia Kashuk brushes are available only at Target. The brush holder is sold separately and can be purchased here for $22.

What flat paddle foundation brush do you love and would recommend?

*This post contains affiliate links. The Sigma, Real Techniques & EcoTools brushes were given to me by one of my lovely friends. The Royal & Langnickel BX-45 & BX-40 brushes were won during one of their sweepstakes. The Royal & Langnickel C201 was given to me for review consideration. All of the other brushes that are mentioned above were purchased by me using my own funds,