Review: Studio Gear Duo Fiber Angled Bronzer Brush #15

Left: Studio Gear #15 Brush 

Right: MAC 187 Brush

Pros:

• bristles feels soft
• ideal for applying highly pigmented products, such as Burberry blushes
• no shedding when used with powder products
• no dye bleeding
• no funky smell after a few washes
• dries within 5 hours
• easy to wash when used with powder products

Cons:

• a little too big for the cheek area
• too flimsy for stippling liquid foundation

Left: Studio Gear #15 Brush 

Right: MAC 187 Brush

The Studio Gear #15 looks like an angled paddle brush in the stock photo on Ulta's website. In person, it's actually not flat or thin. When compared to the MAC 187 (full review), the Studio Gear #15 is not as dense or as soft. Also, the bristles are sparse and wider than the 187. If you are looking for a brush to apply liquid foundation, I highly suggest grabbing the Sephora #44 brush (full review) because the Studio Gear brush is too flimsy and not firm enough for stippling.

I read a review online about a buyer who used this brush to apply setting powder and then complained about it not picking up enough product. The Studio Gear #15 is not meant for picking up sheer or lightly pigmented products like setting powder because the white synthetic bristles are meant for applying highly pigmented products, such as Burberry blushes because the white synthetic bristles lightly picks up product and disperses evenly. It gives a light application and ensures that the highly pigmented product is not over applied.

Left: Studio Gear #15 Brush 

Right: MAC 187 Brush

The problem with the Studio Gear #15 brush is that it's slightly too big for the cheek area. If you dip the entire tip of the brush into the product & then apply it onto the cheeks, then the product will cover a huge portion of the face. Therefore, you need to pick up the product with only a small part of the brush. Another reason why the brush disperses product onto a large area of the face is because the brush is flimsy. If you sweep the brush in a heavy motion, then the bristles will flare out and cover a bigger portion of the face. Therefore, you need to use this brush in a light & gentle motion when applying the product. 

Top: Studio Gear #15 Brush 

Bottom: MAC 187 Brush

Bottom Line: There is nothing wrong with the quality of the brush; however, it fails during application because the head of the brush is simply too big. If you want to make this brush useable, it will take more effort and technique.

Note: The Studio Gear Angled Bronzer Brush #15 measures 7.5 inches and retails for $32.50 at Ulta.

Have you tried the Studio Gear #15 brush?

How do you use it?

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

Philosophy 2011 Coupon Code: Free Holiday Gift with Purchase

Philosophy Free Holiday Gift* - For a limited time, shoppers will receive a free holiday box of surprises with any purchase of $65 or more! This gift box is wrapped festively and valued at over $40. This offer also qualifies for free shipping. Valid December 1st through December 4th. Enter promo code HOLIDAYSURPRISE at checkout.

Philosophy Free Gift* - With any purchase of $85 or more, receive a free gift valued at over $100. This offer also qualifies for free shipping. Expires November 30. Enter promo code HOLIDAYJOY at checkout.

*affiliate link

Too Faced Cyber Monday Deals + Coupons: Free Gifts, Free Shipping, 5% OFF + 50% OFF

Too Faced Cosmetics - Receive a free Deluxe Lash Injection Mascara with orders over $50, a free fluff eye shadow brush with orders over $100 and a free Lash Layering Mascara Kit ($30.50 value) with orders over $250. No code needed. Free shipping on any order with code BLACK11 (expires 11/28). Save 50% on all vintage Too Faced products. 5% off any order with code CYBERMONDAY11 (expires 11/28).

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Stila Cyber Monday Warehouse Sale: 80% OFF

Stila Cosmetics* - Warehouse sale, up to 80% off. (11/28 through 12/2). No code needed.

*affiliate link

17 Massive Black Friday + Cyber Monday 2011 Coupon Codes + Deals

EyesLipsFace.com* - 50% off with all orders over $25. Use code 50WIDE (11/27 through 11/29). 50% off an order up to $15. Use code CAROLINA (currently active). 50% off Studio line on $20+ purchases. Use code ECD21 (currently active).

 

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Stila Cosmetics* - First 500 to spend $25 will receive a 6-piece eyeshadow palette + free shipping. Use code BLACKFRIDAY (11/25). Warehouse sale, up to 80% off. (11/28 through 12/2). No code needed.

Other Coupons + Deals:

theBalm - 40% off entire site. Use code BLACKFRIDAY (11/25 9am PST through 11:59pm PST).

Coastal Scents* - 50% off entire site. (11/24 through 11/29 9am EST). No code needed. 

DHC* - 10% off sale entire site. (11/28). No code needed.

Eve Pearl - 40% to 55% off entire site. Use code BPTG2011 (11/24 11am EST through 11/28 11pm EST).

Giorgio Armani - 20% off + free 2nd day shipping on $75+ orders. Use code GAHOLIDAY1 (11/24 through 11/29). 20% off + free 2nd day shipping + 6 minis ($42 value) on $125+ orders. Use code GAHOLIDAY4 (11/27 through 11/29).

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 Urban Decay - $20 off Book of Shadows Vol. 4 to the first 1,000 people. Use code BLACKFRIDAY11 (11/25).

*affiliate link

DHC Cyber Monday Sale on All Orders

I love to use the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil to remove all my makeup, but $26 for 6.7 fl. oz can be pretty hefty compared to other makeup removers. So, it'll be a good time to stock up during their Cyber Monday deal. 

The DHC 10% off sale* only applies on Cyber Monday, November 28. No code is needed. You can also get free shipping on all orders over $25 from now until December 31, 2011 by clicking here*. Plus, 4 free samples are included with every purchase.

*affiliate link

Review: Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush

From Left to Right: MAC 187 Brush, Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush, MAC 131 Brush

I only use my foundation brushes once before putting them off to the side with my other dirty brushes and I usually do my brush cleaning at the end of week. So, I'm always on the hunt for a foundation brush. (I don't reuse brushes that are used with "wet" products, such as cream eyeshadows, eyeliner & liquid/cream foundation, liquid/cream blushes, & liquid/cream bronzers because of hygienic reasons. Damp brushes allow bacterial and fungal growth; therefore, reusing damp brushes can cause acne, rashes, irritation & eye infections. I strongly recommend washing brushes after each use if you are using them for liquid/cream products.) 

Anyways, I decided to get the Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer brush because there are many postive reviews online and Coastal Scents was having a 30% off sale.

From Top to Bottom: MAC 187 Brush, Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush, MAC 131 Brush

Pros:

• feels soft when I run my fingers through the bristles & when I use it in a buffing motion
• bristles are dense & firm
• able to reach into all crevices of the face
• doesn't streak when buffing or stippling liquid foundation
• ideal for buffing in liquid/cream products, if you don't mind shedding
• no shedding when used with powder products or when stippling liquid foundation
• not expensive
• no dye bleeding
• no funky smell after a few washes
• dries within 4 hours
• easy to wash when used with powder products

Cons:

• feels prickly when used in a stippling motion
• sheds at least 1 hair when buffing in liquid/cream products
• takes at least 2 washes for all the liquid/cream product to get out
• too dense for applying powder blushes, bronzers and setting powders

From Top Left, Clockwise: Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush, MAC 187 Brush, MAC 131 Brush

Like I mentioned in my other posts, if you stipple and swirl any liquid product, such as foundation with a duo fiber brush (a brush that is made with a blend of synthetic and natural fibers), then the foundation will come in contact with the bottom part of the bristles where the black natural fibers are, and that will cause the brush to shed. If you only stipple with a duo fiber brush, which is its intended use, then it will give you an airbrush finish & there will be no shedding whatsoever because the foundation will only be in contact with the white synthetic fibers.

The problem with the Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer brush is that I can't use it to stipple liquid foundation because it feels too prickly when I use it in a stippling motion. The only option is to use it in a buffing motion and we all know what happens when we buff in liquid foundation with a duo fiber brush. It sheds! It doesn't bother me that much because it only sheds 1 hair each time I use it to buff in liquid foundation. I've had this brush for a few weeks and it's still looking good and feels just as dense as when I first got it.

Overall, I like using this brush for applying liquid foundation because the bristles are firm & dense. It's the perfect size for foundation application because it can get into the small crevices of the face and it's quick & easy to use. It's not your average duo fiber brush because of it's density. Think of it as a "duo fiber kabuki" brush.

I find it too dense to use for buffing in blushes, bronzers, and setting powders. However, if you really want to use this brush for applying blushes or bronzers, then you must take the extra steps to make it work by tapping the product onto the cheek area and then lightly blend downwards. If you buff in the product in a circular motion, then it can "move" or mess up your foundation. Also, remember to apply setting powder (with a fluffy brush and not the Coastal Scents one) on top of liquid/cream foundation before applying any powder product in order to make blending easier. (The technique that I mentioned in the beginning of this paragraph only works for sheer and regular pigmented products. Do not use this brush with highly pigmented products because this brush is simply too dense and will place a concentrated amount of product onto the cheek area; thus, making it difficult to blend out.) 

As for maintenance, it's super easy to wash when used with powder products and it dries super fast. However, when used with liquid/cream products, it takes at least 2 washes to get all the product out. It is important to note that I have to do this with all my other foundation brushes.

As for packaging, the handle is a little too thick to store in my brush holder. It doesn't stand upright unless I jab it in because I use sand to fill my brush holder. Also, I would much prefer the handle to be matte and the ferrule to be nickel because it'll look more professional.

From Left to Right: MAC 187 Brush, Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush, MAC 131 Brush

MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush $42 (full review): This brush is longer, wider and not as dense as the Coastal Scents one. It's ideal for stippling liquid foundation, applying highly pigmented powder products, such as blush and applying a light dusting of setting powder. (The Mac 187 brush that I'm referring to is the old version. The new version (review) is flimsier and not ideal for stippling liquid foundation.)

Mac 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush $40 (full review): This brush is denser than the Mac 187 brush, but it's not as dense as the Coastal Scents brush. It's also significantly smaller and takes more time to apply liquid foundation with. If you're contouring or highlighting with a liquid/cream product, then the Mac 130 brush would be ideal; however, if you want a brush for buffing in liquid/cream foundation, then the Coastal Scents brush would be more suitable since the head is bigger and it takes less time to apply the foundation onto the whole face.

Bottom Line: I love my MAC 187 and Sephora #44 brush (full review) for stippling liquid foundation because they give me an airbrush finish; however, stippling requires more time. So, if you're always in a rush, I recommend getting the Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer brush to buff in liquid/cream foundation as long as you don't mind some minor shedding. It's also firm enough to stipple liquid foundation & it doesn't shed when using that technique; however, the bristles feel prickly when I use it in a stippling motion as opposed to a buffing motion. It also doesn't shed when used with powder products; however, if you're a makeup beginner, I recommend using "traditional" brushes, such as the Studio Gear #13 brush (mini review) & the Mac 168 brush (full review), for applying powder blushes & bronzers because it takes more work and technique to use the Coastal Scents brush for that type of application.

Note: The Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer brush measures 6.25 inches and retails for $14.95 on Coastal Scents' website. 

Have you tried the Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush?

Do you prefer it over "traditional" duo fiber brushes, such as the MAC 187?

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

Review + Comparison - NARS Eye Contour Brush vs Coastal Scents Sable Contour Brush vs Ulta Tapered Crease Eyeshadow Brush vs Japonesque Pro Crease Brush vs Studio Gear Crease Contour Brush

From Left to Right: Coastal Scents C138 Sable Contour brush, NARS #14 Eye Contour brush, Japonesque Professional Eye Shadow Crease brush, Ulta Pro Tapered Crease Eyeshadow brush, Studio Gear #35 Blending Crease Contour brush

*Description*

Coastal Scents Sable Contour Brush $1.79 - This brush is made from soft natural bristles. It's thicker and denser, but not as firm as the NARS brush. The Coastal Scents brush is also similar to the Japonesque brush in terms of application; however, the head of the Coastal Scents brush is a little shorter, more pointed & less denser.

NARS Eye Contour Brush $28 - This brush is made from 80% pen super goat hair and 20% pony hair. The bristles feel soft when I run my fingers through them; however, when I use the brush on my eye area, it feels a bit prickly. This brush has a very tapered point and is firm. I wouldn't consider the Coastal Scents brush to be a dupe for this because the Coastal Scents brush isn't as firm and it isn't as pointy or thin as the NARS brush.

Japonesque Professional Crease Brush $17 - This brush is made from soft natural bristles. It's similar to the Coastal Scents brush in terms of application; however, the head of the Japonesque brush is a little longer, more rounded & a little denser.

Ulta Tapered Crease Eyeshadow Brush $14 - This brush is made with a blend of soft squirrel and pony hair. It has a tapered point and is dense & firm. It's similar to the Studio Gear brush in terms of density; however, the head of the Ulta brush is more pointed and is a little shorter. In comparison to the other 3 brushes, the Ulta brush is wider, denser and firmer. 

Studio Gear Blending Crease Brush $30 - This brush is made from squirrel hair and is super soft. The bristles are dense and firm. It has the largest head compared to the other 4 brushes. The Studio Gear brush is similar to the Ulta brush in terms of density; however, the head of the Studio Gear brush is more rounded and is a little longer. 

From Top to Bottom: Coastal Scents C138 Sable Contour brush, NARS #14 Eye Contour brush, Japonesque Professional Eye Shadow Crease brush, Ulta Pro Tapered Crease Eyeshadow brush, Studio Gear #35 Blending Crease Contour brush

*Application*

Coastal Scents Sable Contour Brush $1.79 - This brush is great for crease work, defining the outer v, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the outer corner of the eye & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. However, it's not my favorite brush to use for adding eyeshadow onto the lower lash line because I find it to be a little too wide, thick and flimsy for that purpose.

NARS Eye Contour Brush $28 - This brush is ideal for adding eyeshadow on the lower lash line and defining the outer v. It gives better precision than the Coastal Scents brush because the NARS brush is pointier and thinner at the tip. The only gripe I have is that it feels a bit prickly during application.

Japonesque Professional Crease Brush $17 - This brush is great for crease work, defining the outer v, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the outer corner of the eye & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. However, I find it to be a little too wide & thick to use for adding eyeshadow onto the lower lash line. I only use it for that purpose when my Royal & Langnickel BC410 Silk Eye Shader SM brush (mini review) & Mac 239 Eye Shader brush (full review) are dirty.

Ulta Tapered Crease Eyeshadow Brush $14 -  This brush is great for crease work, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the outer corner of the eye & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. It's similar to the Studio Gear brush in terms of application, but I prefer the Ulta brush more because the tip is slightly pointed and fits in my crease better. However, I find it to be a little too wide & thick to use for adding color onto the lower lash line. 

Studio Gear Blending Crease Brush $30 - This brush is great for crease work, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the outer corner of the eye & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. However, I find it to be a little too wide & thick to use for adding color onto the lower lash line. 

From Left to Right: Coastal Scents C138 Sable Contour brush, NARS #14 Eye Contour brush, Japonesque Professional Eye Shadow Crease brush, Ulta Pro Tapered Crease Eyeshadow brush, Studio Gear #35 Blending Crease Contour brush

Bottom Line: I recommend getting the Coastal Scents brush if you're on a budget and the Japonesque brush if you have a little more money to spend because the bristles are slightly fuller & offers better control for crease work. However, i would skip the NARS brush because it feels a bit prickly during application and I would also skip the Studio Gear brush because the Ulta brush works the same, if not better, and is cheaper. Also, it is important to note that I have not experienced any shedding, dye bleeding or funky smell with any of these brushes.

From Left to Right: Coastal Scents C138 Sable Contour brush, NARS #14 Eye Contour brush, Japonesque Professional Eye Shadow Crease brush, Ulta Pro Tapered Crease Eyeshadow brush, Studio Gear #35 Blending Crease Contour brush

Note: The Coastal Scents Sable Contour brush measures 5.5 inches and is available for purchase on Coastal Scents' website. The NARS Eye Contour brush measures 7 inches and is available on Nordstrom. The Japonesque Professional Crease brush measures 7 inches, while the Ulta Tapered Crease Eyeshadow brush measures 6.25 inches. They are both available at Ulta. The Studio Gear Blending Crease brush measures 7.5 inches and is available at Studio Gear's online store.

Have you tried any of the brushes that I have mentioned above?

What brush do you use for defining and crease work?

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