Review: Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrush Brush

I've been searching for the ultimate foundation brush and decided to grab Philosophy's Supernatural Airbrush brush after reading so many raves about it.

When compared to the Mac 130 (review), the surface of the Philosophy brush is the same size, and takes just as long to apply foundation because of the tiny head. However, the bristles of the Philosophy brush are much denser and a little bit shorter than the Mac 130. 

The main difference is that the Philosophy brush tugs my skin. That is definitely a deal breaker for me because tugging causes pre-mature wrinkles, especially around the eye area, where the skin is most delicate. This is a big NO NO for me! The bristles also absorb some of the foundation, and I end up using a little more than I usually would.

Another thing to point out is that it's a hassle to clean because I have to wash it at least 3 times before all the product comes out of the brush. Furthermore, drying takes longer than most of my other face brushes because the bristles of the Philosophy brush is made from synthetic material and is super dense.

The only good thing about using this brush to apply liquid foundation is that there is no streaking or shedding whatsoever.

Note: The Philosophy brush measures 5.5 inches in total length. You can purchase it at Nordstrom for $25. The Mac 130 costs $40.

Have you tried the Philosophy brush?

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

Review: Confidential by Elle Bang E39 Fluff Eye Shader Brush

The Confidential E39 Fluff Eye Shader brush is another item that I picked up at the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS). The biggest gripe that I have with this brush is that it splays a little bit, while the Coastal Scents C153 (review) and Mac 239 brush (review) keep their shape really well. When compared to just the Mac 239, the Confidential brush is just as thin but not as firm as the Mac version. (The head of the Coastal Scents brush is thicker than the other 2.) 

 

Even though the Confidential brush is not as soft as the Mac 239 or Coastal Scents C153 brush, I still find myself reaching for it more often because it has the biggest head and can cover more eye area in one swipe. (The bristles are by no means scratchy.) It also picks up and packs on color really well, just like the other 2 brushes. I only wish it was as firm as the Mac 239 because firmness gives me better control during application.

The Confidential brush cost me $8 at IMATS. It's the same price on their website, but you have to pay for shipping. The Mac 239 costs $24.50, while the Coastal Scents C153 costs $1.95.

Note: The Confidential brush measures a little over 6.75 inches in length, the Mac 239 is a little over 6.5 inches, and the C153 is about 5.5 inches.

Have you tried any of Confidential's brushes? 

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

Review: Royal & Langnickel BC448 Silk Super Eye Fluff Brush

I picked up the Royal & Langnickel BC180 Silk Baby Dome Powder brush (review) and the BC448 Silk Super Eye Fluff brush the last time I was at the International Makeup-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS). It's similar to the Mac 227 brush, except Royal & Langnickel's version is a teeny tiny bit firmer.

I prefer to use this brush for my face because it's a little too big for my eye area. Notice how big it is compared to the Coastal Scents C153 brush (review), which is typically the size of an eyeshadow brush. If you have a big eye space, then the BC448 brush will be perfect for adding a highlight color under your brows, packing color onto your lids, and for blending out harsh lines. The bristles are made from natural fibers, and are soft, dense and firm enough for performing those tasks effortlessly. 

I use this brush mainly to highlight the top of my cheekbones and to apply setting powder around my nose area. However, I prefer to use my Sonia Kashuk Black Small Multi Purpose brush (review) because it's fluffier and it disperses the product lightly. I find that the BC448 is a little too firm and dense for those types of application. Also, it picks up and packs on too much product; thus, this brush is ideal for eyeshadow application.

Bottom Line: This is not a horrible brush, but it's just not for me. If you have a big eye area, then you will definitely get more use out of it.

In terms of quality, this brush is excellent. I've had it since April and it hasn't shed a single hair. Also, there is no weird smell or any dye bleeding when I wash it.

Note: It only cost me $6 at IMATS. On Royal & Langnickel's website, it costs $11.99 plus shipping. If you plan on using it for the eye area, then it is definitely worth the investment. (The Mac version costs $30 Eeek!) The total length of the brush measures 6.5 inches. The head is 1.1 inches in length and 2/3 of an inch wide at the widest point.

I took the picture above at IMATS and thought it would be interesting to share. Also, the talented lady in the background created the look.

If you tried the R&L BC448 or Mac 227 brush, let me know how you use it.

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

Review: Mac 168 Large Angled Contour Brush vs Sonia Kashuk Multi Purpose Brush vs Sephora Professionnel Angled Blush Brush #40

I bought these brushes like 3 months ago and have been constantly testing them out with all different kinds of blushes and bronzers. My least favorite is the Sephora Professionnel Angled Blush Brush #40 because the hairs feel a little rough.

The head of the #40 brush is wider and longer than the Sonia Kashuk Medium Angled Multi Purpose #17 brush and the Mac 168. As for density, the #40 is not as dense as the Sonia Kashuk brush, but it's a little bit denser than the Mac 168. It applies "regular" (not sheer or highly pigmented) blushes evenly. I have been using the #40 brush to apply my Mac Prim & Proper blush and I have had no trouble with blotchiness or blending issues. Even though the Sephora #40 brush does its job well, the bristles irritate my cheeks.

Note: The Sephora #40 brush measures 6 inches in total. The head of the brush is 1.25 inches tall. It costs $28 and can be purchased on their online store.

The head of the Mac 168 Large Angled Contour brush is the narrowest of them all. Even though it's not as dense as the other 2 brushes, the Mac 168 is by no means floppy for blush and bronzer application. However, I do find it too flimsy for contouring. I prefer a firmer and smaller brush, such as the Mac 109, for contouring. I use the Mac 168 mainly to apply my Dior DiorSkin Nude Healthy Glow Powder bronzer.

The bristles are not as soft as the Sonia Kashuk #17, but it's not as prickly as the Sephora #40. The only gripe I have about this brush is that it sheds like 1-2 hairs each time after I wash it. Maybe I got a defective one?

Note: The Mac 168 brush measures 7.25 inches in total. The head of the brush is 1.1 inches tall. It costs $32 and can be purchased at Nordstrom.

The Sonia Kashuk Multi Purpose #17 brush is my favorite brush among the 3 because it's the densest and softest. I had trouble finding the right brush to apply my Too Faced Peach Leopard Bronzer because the product is super sheer. The Sonia Kashuk brush works well with Peach Leopard because the brush is dense enough to pick up the color in the pan. 

However, if you're looking to use the Sonia Kashuk brush for contouring, don't expect much precision because I find it to be a little too wide. Also, when I use it to apply my highly pigmented Burberry Light Glow blush, it ends up looking blotchy. This brush is definitely not intended for applying highly pigmented products because it's simply too dense. It works best with sheer products and for blending out over applied products.

Note: The Sonia Kashuk brush measures 7.10 inches in total . The head of the brush is 1.1 inches tall. It is only available at Target and costs $17.99. (It's kind of pricey for a drugstore brand, but the quality is the best among the 3 brushes.)

Bottom Line: Even though the size of these 3 brushes are different, they all fit on my cheeks just fine. The Sonia Kashuk and Mac brush each serves a different purpose. I recommend purchasing the Sonia Kashuk brush if you are using it to apply super sheer blushes and bronzers. However, if you need a brush for applying "regular" (not sheer or highly pigmented) products, then you should invest in a Mac 168 brush (if you don't mind the shedding).

What angled brushes have you tried?

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