Overview: Synthetic Buffing Foundation Brushes

A few of my favorite buffing brushes for liquid and cream application are actually from ELF. I didn't include them in this post because I already reviewed them here. (I definitely recommend checking them out because they created the same type of brush in 3 different size and density, which allows them to cater towards a wider audience and different types of preferences. So, I'm sure you'll find the one that's suitable for you.) Also, I reviewed the Real Techniques brushes already, so I won't go into detail about them in this post.

Synthetic buffing brushes are far superior than those made with natural bristles, when using liquid and cream-based products because they don't absorb as much product and blends it into the skin alot easier without streaking. There are so many in the market, ranging in different sizes, shapes, and density. My preference is for those that are not too big or too small so that it can be multi-functional. Also, I like them to be not too dense so it doesn't tug my skin and cause premature wrinkles. Continue reading to find out how these brushes compare to one another!

Continue Reading »

Overview: Pointed Tapered Brushes for Contouring & Highlighting

1. Sephora Pro Contour #79 Brush

2. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush

3. Sigma Tapered Highlighter F35 Brush

4. Hakuhodo G5521BkSL Brush

5. Hakuhodo G5518BkSL Brush

6. Trish McEvoy 86 Petite Kabuki

Tapered brushes are one of the most important tools in my arsenal. They are designed to fit perfectly in areas of the face that are not too big or too small, including the under eye, top of the cheeks, hollows of the cheeks and border of the face. They're suppose to offer control, while still being flexible enough to blend out product effortlessly. Also, the ideal one would allow you to apply & blend product on the same area without having to reach for another brush. Continue reading to find out how the following six brushes stack up to the "ideal" tapered brush.

Continue Reading »

Review: It Brushes for Ulta Velvet Luxe Collection

The Velvet Luxe It Brushes are made with synthetic material and they all feel very soft. I've had them for about a year and I haven't experienced any shedding. The handles have a rubber texture and more weight to them compared to the ELF brushes, which makes them feel more luxurious. Also, the ergonomic, slim-pointed design makes them easier to hold and to store in my brush holder.

The bristles absorb alot of product so more product is going to be wasted, but the good thing is that it's not going to leave a cakey finish. There's something about these bristles that make them blend product into your skin effortlessly when used in a tapping motion. It just gives a beautiful blurring effect. I recommend using these brushes for thick, creamy products because they will help sheer it out and prevent it from looking heavy.

Continue Reading »

Review: ELF Cosmetics Selfie Ready and the Ultimate Blending Brush

A couple of months ago, I bought 2 brushes from ELF Cosmetics' new line called Selfie Ready as well as their Ultimate Blending brush because the bristles remind me of the Real Techniques ones, which I absolutely adore. They each retail for $6 and coupons cannot be used, but the price is still very affordable. The bristles are made of synthetic material and feel bunny soft, just like the Real Techniques ones. Also, I haven't experienced any shedding. Continue reading to see how they perform!

Continue Reading »

Overview: Hakuhodo Brushes

I've had these Hakuhodo brushes for a few years now and they still perform the same. They do shed a piece of bristle or 2, once in a blue moon. However, it's not too much that would cause an alarm. One of things that baffles me is the lack of names or numbers imprinted on the handles. The company has a wide variety of products with some that look very much similar to one another. So, it becomes very difficult to distinguish the brushes and remember what the names and numbers are, especially if you have a huge collection. (I don't know about you, but I'm not going to remember "G5556-4mm" when I reach for that brush.) I had to label mine with tape, which makes them look unattractive, but the most important thing is the performance. So, continue reading to find out how they are in action. 

Continue Reading »