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.

Swatches: Neutrogena Cosmetics Spring 2013

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara ($8.49 retail) - Non-waterproof mascaras usually weigh my lashes down and don't hold my curl and the Neutrogena one was no different. However, I did like the non-plastic/rubber brush because it separated my lashes well, darkened them and made them look fuller.

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick ($8.49 retail) - I have it in 30 Sweet Watermelon and I love the color. It gives my lips a hint of color and it's perfect for everyday. It's not too bright or flashy. It leaves a glossy finish and looks frosty in direct sunlight, but under artificial lighting, the finish is toned down and looks office safe. Also, it has a slight fruity and bubblegum taste to it. As for the application, it glides onto the lips easily and feels moisturizing. However, because I have extremely chapped lips, I still need to wear a lip balm underneath and need to exfoliate well before applying or else it will emphasize my flakiness.

Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow ($8.49 retail) - Constant Copper is a light pinky beige that's perfect for a neutral eye look. It can be worn by itself or as a base for powder eyeshadows. Lasting Taupe is a medium greyish brown that I prefer to use as a base because on its own, I find it to be too dark as an all over the lid color for daytime. Both shades are sheer and not as pigmented as the Maybelline Color Tattoos, but they are still buildable. I've tested them without a primer and topped it off with a powder eyeshadow and found that they lasted at least 7 hours without fading or creasing. Keep in mind, I have extremely oily lids. I noticed that they started to crease in the inner corner of my eyes on the 8th hour. These Crease Proof Eye Shadows would last longer on those with normal and non-oily lids because when I tested them on the back of my hands, they were a beast to remove.

(Indoor Natural Lighting)

(Outdoor Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: I like the price point of these products. They're all under $10 bucks and are very affordable. Also, the quality is good for the price, but I wish they came out with a waterproof version of the mascara and that the eyeshadows lasted a little bit longer for those with oily lids.

Note: The Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick (3.1g), Healthy Lengths Mascara and Crease Proof Eyeshadows (2.8g) are available at Ulta, drugstore.com, and Target, .

Which products are you excited about?

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by BzzAgent for review consideration. BzzAgent is currently open to all US, Canadian and UK residents. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.  

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, 

Swatches + Comparison - MAC Archie's Girls Flatter Me + Cream Soda + Prom Princess Blush (Limited Edition)

Hey beauties! I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting regularly. The MBA program is killing me! -_- I know that the MAC Archie's Girls Collection is sold out in stores, but you can still find it at the CCO in the next couple of months and you all know how MAC loves to repromote their products. This post would be great as a future reference. Also, I know alot of you guys enjoy looking at swatches and pictures of beauty products, regardless if you can get a hold of them or not. So, that's why I decided to do this post. ^_^

(MAC Pearlmatte Face Powder in Flatter Me)

(MAC Cream Soda)

(MAC Prom Princess)

MAC Prom Princess is a bright violet pink with a satin finish that's neither shimmery nor completely matte. It's super pigmented and needs to be applied with a light hand and fluffy brush. I recommend using a stippling brush like the MAC 187 because the synthetic bristles allow product to be picked up lightly and dispersed evenly without leaving a clownish finish. I have received a few compliments about this, but I still find that MAC Dirty Plum suits me better because it's not as bright or cool toned as Prom Princess. I have a medium warm complexion and find that warmer shades compliment my skin tone much better. So, I tend to gravitate more towards shades like Dirty Plum when I'm doing a night time look. Prom Princess still works with my skin tone, but it's not my favorite blusher and it's definitely more appropriate for those with a cooler skin tone.

MAC Cream Soda is a light peachy shade with a satin finish when swatched on my arm. When applied onto my NC30/35 skin tone, it translates into a gorgeous coral pink shade that's perfect for an everyday look. I was worried that it wouldn't look well on me because it looks so pastel and light when swatched, but it actually warms up to the skin really well and easily shows up on my skin tone. I use a regular blush, such as the Studio Gear #13 brush, to apply it and don't find the need to layer it because it's so pigmented. However, it's easier to work with compared to Prom Princess because the color is lighter. 

MAC Flatter Me is a light peachy pink shade that leaves the skin looking glowy, but definitely not glittery or frosty. It's very sheer, but when I layer it, it looks exactly like Cream Soda. The only difference is that it gives me a gorgeous sheen. 

I have no issues with the wear of any of these products. They all last on my cheeks for at least 8 hours without fading when worn on top of liquid foundation + setting powder.

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)

Bottom Line: I'm totally digging the cute packaging and love pairing Cream Soda with Flatter Me to create a natural flush of color and subtle sheen. However, if you're on a tight beauty budget, then I recommend getting just Cream Soda and just apply your own highlighter on top of it or just get Flatter Me if you don't mind having to layer it to get color payoff. I can live without Prom Princess because Dirty Plum suits me better, but it's still nice to have as a backup for night time looks. 

Note: The MAC Powder Blush in Prom Princess and Cream Soda contains 6g/0.21oz each and retails for $22 each. The MAC Pearlmatte Face Powder in Flatter Me contains 10g/0.35oz and retails for $30. They are all limited edition and available at Nordstrom, while supplies last.

Did you get anything from the Archie's Girls Collection?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.