Paul & Joe 2012 Summer Collection: $15 OFF at B-Glowing's Website

Have you checked out Paul & Joe's 2012 Summer Collection? I'm definitely grabbing their Butterfly Shimmering Pressed Powder G before it gets sold out. The packaging is just too cute to resist. Also, you can get $15 off your first order of $75 or more using coupon code REFER11 through this link B-Glowing*. 

(B-Glowing sells prestige beauty products including Clarisonic, Butter London, Deborah Lippmann, Kevyn Aucoin, Kai Perfume, Bliss, Becca Cosmetics, Frederic Fekkai, Paul & Joe Beaute, By Terry and many other brands.)

*referral link

Review + Comparison: Battle of the Kabuki Buffer Brushes

Kabuki brushes are essential in everyone's makeup kit, regardless if you're a professional or not because they allow a more smooth, even and flawless application. Typically, a kabuki brush has a short handle with a round dense head, which makes it ideal for buffing out excess product or applying a concentrated amount of product, such as mineral foundation.

There are so many kabuki brushes in the market, ranging from $5 to $216. o_o If you're not ready to fork out an arm and a leg for a kabuki brush, then keep reading because I've got a few affordable options for you to consider. ^_^

Posh Kabuki Brush

Posh Kabuki Brush

Posh Kabuki Brush: It retails for $40 on Posh's online store, but it's available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart and Harmon Face Values for around $13. The brush is made from natural hair and it feels extremely soft, just like the MAC 182 brush, but the Posh brush is significantly larger and the bristles are not as densely packed. However, it is by no means flimsy. It works well for applying setting powder if you prefer light coverage, but it is mostly suitable for body application, such as adding shimmer or bronzer to the decollete or any other large area on the body. It also comes with a faux leather case, but because the brush fluffed out and widen after the initial wash, it no longer fits in the case without it pinching the bristles. Also, it takes about 14 hours to completely dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 8 hours to dry. (The brush head measures 1.90 inches and it's 3 inches at the widest point. It stands 2.90 inches tall.)

MAC 182 Gareth Pugh Version $60 (full review): The bristles are made from natural hair and it is the densest brush out of the bunch. It is ideal for buffing out over-applied products, such as blush and for applying setting powder. It can also be used for applying mineral foundation if you don't want heavy coverage, but I prefer the Sonia Kashuk Small Kabuki brush for that type of application because it offers better coverage and precision. Also, the Gareth Pugh brush dries within 6 hours. (The head of the brush measures 1.50 inches and it's 2.30 inches at the widest point. It stands 3 inches tall.) 

ELF Studio Kabuki Face Brush $6: The bristles are made from synthetic material and they feel soft, but it's not as dense as the MAC 182, Sonia Kashuk kabuki or Posh kabuki. I find it too flimsy for applying mineral foundation and for buffing out over-applied products, but it is good for applying a light dusting of setting powder, if you prefer light coverage. However, most of the product gets absorbed into the brush because it's made from synthetic material; thus, I end up wasting product. Moreover, the handle is pretty small. I get a better grip with the other brushes. Also, it takes at least 14 hours to completely dry, even if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water. (The brush head measures 1.65 inches and it's 2.25 inches at the widest point. It stands 2.5 inches tall.) 

Posh Retractable Kabuki

Posh Retractable Kabuki: It retails for $35 on Posh's online store, but it's available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart and Harmon Face Values for around $12. The brush is made from natural hair and it feels extremely soft, just like the MAC 182 brush. This is the least densest brush out of the bunch and I love using it to apply a light dusting of setting powder because it distributes the product evenly and nicely. The MAC 182 is denser, so I have to tap the setting powder onto my skin. If I buff in a circular motion, it actually moves my foundation. I prefer using the Posh Retractable Kabuki because I can buff in a circular motion with no issues and it glides onto my skin effortlessly. Also, if you retract the brush half way like in the picture shown above, the bristles become extremely densely packed and great for buffing out over-applied products and for applying mineral foundation. It gets into the small crevices of the face really well and it offers excellent coverage. Moreover, it's great for travel because it comes with a cap and it dries within 5 hours. (The brush head measures 1.5 inches and it's 2.40 inches at the widest point. It stands 4.25 inches tall.) 

Sonia Kashuk Small Kabuki Brush $17.19: The brush is made from natural goat hair and it feels soft, but not as soft as the other brushes. However, it is by no means scratchy or uncomfortable on the face. The bristles are densely packed and it is the 2nd densest brush out of the bunch. This brush is perfect for buffing out over-applied products and for applying mineral foundation because it offers excellent coverage and precision. It gets into all the nooks and crannies really well. Also, it's travel friendly just like the Posh Retractable Kabuki because it comes with a cap and it dries within 6 hours. (The brush head measures 1.20 inches and it's 2 inches at the widest point. It stands 3.5 inches tall.) 

Shedding: I've had the MAC 182 brush for over 4 months now and I have not experienced any shedding. I've had the other brushes for almost 2 months and there was some minor shedding during the 1st month, which didn't bother me because it was easy to remove the hairs from my face. Moreover, it wasn't like there were chunks of hairs coming out. Only 1-2 hairs would shed after each use. Also, they have all stopped shedding after 1 month of use and the density of each brush still feels the same as when I first got it.

Bottom Line: If you are on an extremely tight budget and prefer a vegan friendly kabuki, then the ELF brush is for you. If you are ready to invest in a higher quality kabuki and want a shed-free brush, then you need to purchase the MAC Gareth Pugh brush. However, if shedding is not an issue for you and you want a brush that's more versatile, but still affordable, then I highly recommend getting the Posh brushes and the Sonia Kashuk kabuki. 

Note: The Posh brushes are available at Bed Bath & Beyond stores, Kmart and Harmon Face Values. The Gareth Pugh is limited edition and is still currently available at Nordstrom. The ELF kabuki is available at ELF's online store and Target. The Sonia Kashuk brush is available only at Target.

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

What kabuki brush do you use?

By the way, remember to check out my gift card giveaway, 

which ends this Sunday at 11:59pm EST.

Clarins Coupon Code 2012: FREE 8pc Beauty Kit ($100 value), 3 FREE Samples + FREE Shipping

Clarins is offering an 8pc Beauty Kit ($100 value) + free shipping* with any $75 purchase. Offer valid only today and expires tonight at 11:59pm EST. Enter coupon code SMR412 at checkout.


Beauty Kit includes travel sizes of:

• One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
• Vital Light Day Cream with SPF15
• Vital Light Night Cream for all skin types
• Extra Firming Body Cream
• Pure and Radiant Mask
• Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in 06 Fig
• Wonder Perfect Mascara
• Beauty Bag

*affiliate link

Shu Uemura Coupon Code 2012: Free Deluxe 4pc Set + Free Shipping

Shu Uemura is offering a free deluxe 4pc set* with any purchase of $65 or more plus free shipping. Enter coupon code RUAPRIL at checkout. Offer expires April 30, 2012, while supplies last. Also, check out their new Rouge Unlimited Lipstick Collection*. 

Deluxe Gift Set includes:

• Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil
• Gloss Unlimited in wn283s
• Mini Eyelash Curler
• Gloss Unlimited in pk333s

*affiliate link

Tarte Cosmetics Coupon Code 2012: 15% OFF Entire Order + Free Shipping

In honor of Mother's Day, Tarte Cosmetics is offering 15% off entire order (no minimum)* + free shipping on any purchase of $40 or more. Enter coupon code MOM15 at checkout. Offer expires April 30, 2012. Sale items and the Down to Earth kit are excluded from the discount. 

*affiliate link

StrawberryNet Coupon Code 2012: 10% OFF All Cosmetics + Free Shipping (no minimum)

StrawberryNet is offering 10% off all makeup products + free shipping (no minimum)*. 

No coupon code necessary. Discount will be applied at checkout.

Offer is valid today, only.

(StrawberryNet sells alot of mid-range and high-end brands, including MAC, Anna Sui, Bobbi Brown, Dior, Chanel, Shu Uemura, Shiseido, Becca, Paula Dorf, Paul & Joe, Guerlain, Givenchy, NARS, Estee Lauder, Origins, YSL, Chantecaille, By Terry, Urban Decay, Too Faced, MUFE, Youngblood, YSL, Smashbox, SK II, Stila, Lancome, Pixi, Philosophy, Clarins, Clinique, Edward Bess and many more.)

*affiliate link

Sephora Coupon Code 2012: FREE Full-Size Moisturizer and Deluxe Samples

Sephora is always offering free deluxe samples and free shipping on any purchase of $50 or more. 

Also, remember to check out their sale section for up to 75% off*.

• Choose 1 of 2 free Origins full-size moisturizer with $30+ purchase with code EARTH12 (expires 5/21)
• Free Hourglass Primer deluxe sample with $25 purchase with code PRIME28
• Choose 1of 4 fragrance sample bags with $25+ purchase with code 6SCENTS (4/27 through 5/31)
• Free Lancome Hypnose Instant Drama mascara deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code DRAMA (expires 5/24)
• Choose 1 of 4 deluxe fragrance samples with $25+ purchase with code SCENT4U (expires 5/24)
• Free Narcisco Rodriguez for Her Eau de Toilette deluxe sample spray with $25+ purchase with code 4HER (expires 5/21)
• 3 free Stila Eyeshadow Palette cards with $25+ purchase with code TRYSTILA (expires 5/20)
• Free PTR Retinol Fusion PM deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code PTRSERUM (expires 5/24)
• $30 off Philosophy Hope in a Jar and Eye Hope Duo with code HOPEDUO (expires 4/23)
• Free Clinique Moisture Surge Intense deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code INTENSE
• Free SEPHORA COLLECTION Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 deluxe sample with $25 purchase with code ALLURESPF
• Free Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF15 deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code ALLURE2012 (expires 5/31)

*affiliate link

Philosophy 2012 Coupon Code: 25% OFF Entire Purchase + Free Shipping

Philosophy is offering 25% off entire purchase*. Enter coupon code save25 at checkout. Plus get free shipping on any purchase of $50 or more. Offer expires April 25, 2012 and excludes the miracle worker collection, customized products, and philosophy e-gift cards.

*affiliate link

Lord & Taylor Coupon Code 2012: Family & Friends Sale + Free Shipping

Lord & Taylor is having their Family & Friends sale* today, only 

plus get free shipping on any purchase of $49 or more. Enter coupon code FRIENDS at checkout.

*affiliate link

Shu Uemura Coupon Code 2012: Free Deluxe 4pc Beauty Bag Set + Free Shipping

Shu Uemura is offering a free deluxe 4pc beauty bag set* with any purchase of $95 or more plus free shipping. Enter coupon code BEAUTYBAG2 at checkout. Offer is valid today only and expires tonight, April 23, 2012 at midnight EST.

Beauty Bag Gift Set includes:

• Depsea Water Facial Mist Begamote
• Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Cream
• Mini Eyelash Curler
• Glamorous Vanity Pouch

*affiliate link

DermStore 2012 Coupon Code: $15 Off $30 Order + FREE Shipping (no minimum)

$15 Off $30 Order + free shipping*

• coupon code APRIL15
• I've tried the coupon on Laura Gellar cosmetics, Amazing Cosmetics, Sue Devitt, Becca, Clarisonic, Hourglass, Cargo, Jemma Kidd, theBalm, Vincent Longo, CoverFX, Too Faced, Sunday Riley, Philosophy, Pixi Beauty, Paula Dorf, Japonesque, Pop Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kevyn Aucoin, Lorac, and Stila with no problems.

$25 Off $50 Order*

• coupon code APRIL25
• I found this coupon online, but it doesn't work on the brands that I mentioned above.

*affiliate link

ELF Coupon Code 2012 - 65% OFF Studio Makeup Collection

ELF is offering the Studio Complete Set of 3 Makeup Collections for $33, which is originally $95. Add the Studio Makeup Collection* to your shopping bag and enter coupon code WOW33 at checkout to receive the 65% discount. Limit of 3 pieces per person. Offer is valid all day today, April 19, 2012, if you click through this link*.

Set includes:

• 141-Piece Master Makeup Collection* (retails $45)
• 83-Piece Essential Makeup Collection* (retails $35)
• 27-Piece Essential Makeup Collection* (retails $15)

*affiliate link

Review + Comparison: Benefit The Porefessional Primer + Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer

I bought both the Benefit Porefessional Primer and the Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer, during Sephora's 15% off sale. I'm glad I bought both because they actually do what they claim to do!

Benefit The Porefessional Primer

• silicone based
• oil-free
• slight fragrance
• feels silky & lightweight
• becomes translucent when blended
• covers up pores really well
• does not lengthen the wear of makeup
• contains 0.75oz of product
• retails $29

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance (parfum), Mica, Iron Oxides (ci 77492), Limonene, Iron Oxides (ci 77491), Iron Oxides (ci 77499), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bht.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer

• silicone based
• contains camellia oil, vitamins A + C, mulberry extract, and retinol 
• no fragrance
• feels silky & lightweight
• becomes translucent when blended
• covers up pores really well
• does not lengthen the wear of makeup
• contains 1oz of product
• retails $30

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crossploymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyclodextrin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Retinol, Diacetyl Boldine, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Polysorbate 80, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hedra Helix (Ivy) Extract, BHT, Cycloheptasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Bioflavonoids, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Chromium Oxide Green

Both the Benefit Porefessional Primer and Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer have a silky texture to them that makes foundation go on smoother. They are silicone based; therefore, the product does not absorb into the skin. Instead, it sits on top of the skin, creating a barrier between the foundation and skin.

There is a slight fragrance to the Benefit primer, but it quickly dissipates with a minute of application. As for the Too Faced primer, I did not detect any fragrance at all.

When swatched, they both look slightly tinted. The Benefit primer is more yellow toned, while the Too Faced one is more neutral. However, they both look the same and colorless when blended into the skin. They also look sparkly under direct sunlight, but the sparkles are unnoticeable under foundation and under natural or indoor lighting.

Most importantly, they both perform the same and make my pores virtually disappear when applied by hand. They work like magic! Moreover, they do not ball up, crumble or flake when worn under foundation. However, I do not recommend wearing either of the primers over foundation because it will move the foundation. Also, neither of them prolong the wear of foundation. It is important to note that most of the other primers that I've tried, including CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free and Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer have not lengthened the wear of my foundation either. 

As for packaging, the opening of the Too Faced primer may look huge compared to the opening of the Benefit primer. However, it is actually very easy to control the amount of product that squeezes out of the tube. I can get it to squeeze out 1/4 of a pea size with no problem! 

Both primers are lightweight and are great for travel, but since the Benefit primer contains less product, it is more slimmer and more travel friendly. Also, the amount of product in both primers will last a very long time, considering that a little goes a long way. Moreover, I only use it on problem areas, such as the small crevices around my nose, where there are visible pores.

 Left: Benefit The Porefessional Primer (heavy swatch, smeared, blended)

Right: Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer (heavy swatch, smeared, blended)

Bottom Line: You can't go wrong with either of these primers. Both the Benefit Porefessional Primer and Too Faced Primer provide the perfect canvas for foundation to glide onto the skin effortlessly. These two are staples and should be in everyone's makeup kit because they leave the skin looking poreless and flawless. What it comes down to is price and your personal preference in packaging.

Note: The Benefit Porefessional Primer and Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer can be purchased at Benefit's online store and Too Faced's online store, respectively. They're also available at Sephora and Ulta.

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

Which primer have you tried and
what did you pick up from Sephora's 15% off sale?

Shu Uemura Coupon Code 2012: Free Deluxe 7pc Beauty Bag Set + Free Shipping

Shu Uemura is offering a free deluxe 7pc beauty bag set* with any purchase of $85 or more plus free shipping. Enter coupon code BEAUTYBAG at checkout. Offer is valid today only and expires tonight, April 16, 2012 at midnight EST.

Beauty Bag Gift Set includes:

• Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Emulsion
• Depsea Hydrability Intense Moisturizing Concentrate
• Mini Eyelash Curler
• Depsea Hydrability Alnight Quench SOS Moisture Essence
• Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Cream
• Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil
• Floral Makeup Pouch

*affiliate link

Review + Swatches: MAC Extra Dimension SkinFinishes in Whisper of Gilt + Superb

Left: MAC Whisper of Gilt

Right: MAC Superb 

MAC's Extra Dimension SkinFinishes in Whisper of Gilt and Superb are described as "liquid-powder" highlighters, but they don't feel wet at all. The texture feels dry, but smooth, non-powdery and creamier than their baked Mineralize products. 

Whisper of Gilt is a soft, yellow gold with a high sheen finish and works well as a highlighter for my NC30/35 skintone. Because of its lack of orange undertone, it will work well on lighter and cooler-toned beauties as well. Superb is a bronzey, peachy rose with a hint of gold and a high sheen finish. It doubles up as a highlighter and a blush for me. 

Both Whisper of Gilt and Superb are highly pigmented and a little goes a long way. If applied with a dense brush or a heavy hand, you can create a strong metallic finish. I prefer to apply them with my Inglot 4SS brush (full review) because it gives me the right amount of glow and dewiness to my cheeks without looking "overdone" or like the "tin man." If I'm wearing Superb as a blush, then I'll use my Sonia Kashuk Blusher brush (full review) to apply it. As for wear time, they last at least 8 hours on my cheeks when worn over liquid foundation + setting powder.

Bottom Line: Whisper of Gilt and Superb are both gorgeous highlighters that glide onto the skin effortlessly and blend like a dream. If you enjoy rocking the "J-Lo glow" without the glittery mess, then these Extra Dimension SkinFinishes are for you.

Note: Whisper of Gilt and Superb each contain 9g of product and retails $29 at MAC, Nordstrom and other department stores. These are also limited edition items, so I recommend getting them as soon as possible before they all sell out.

What did you pick up from MAC's In Extra Dimension collection?

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

Clarins Coupon Code 2012: FREE Complexion Perfection Set

Clarins is offering a free 3pc Complexion Perfection Set* and 3 samples with any $40 order. Offer expires April 12, 2012. Enter coupon code PLUS at checkout.

*affiliate link

Swatches + Comparisons: MAC Reel Sexy Mineralize SkinFinish in Lightscapade

Left: MAC Lightscapade Version 1 from Fall Colour Collection

Right: MAC Lightscapade Version 2 from Reel Sexy Collection

If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that I recently purchased MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish in Lightscapade at the Estee Lauder Company Store for $19.75. I saw 2 Lightscapades that looked completely beige and 1 with blue, yellow and peach veining. I took home the latter, of course. How could I resist the gorgeous veining?

MAC is currently repromoting Lightscapade in the Reel Sexy collection and it retails for $29. I decided to purchase it from Macy's website to see how it compares to the one that I got from the Estee Lauder Company Store. As you can see from the picture above, it is mostly beige with faint blue veining. (I recommend purchasing it at the store, so that you can choose the one that you want because they all have different patterns of veining.)

When swatched on my arm Version 1 looks more creamy beige, while Version 2 looks more pinky beige; however, when worn on top of my cheekbones, they both give me a colorless glow to my skin. I can barely tell the difference between these 2 highlighters because they are both transparent and neither of them changes the color of my blush. They just add a soft, subtle glow to my cheeks. Just make sure you don't over apply it if you have a medium or dark skintone because it can look ashy, especially when worn without a blusher.

Unlike other MAC MSFs, such as Soft and Gentle (review), the texture of both Lightscapades feels very smooth and non-gritty. They don't contain any chunky glitters and they glide onto my skin effortlessly when I use my Inglot 4SS brush (full review). As for longevity, they last at least 8 hours when worn over liquid foundation + setting powder.

Bottom Line: No matter which Lightscapade you get, one with lots of veining or one with no veining, they all perform the same and work well for both cool and warm skintones. This is one of the few highlighters that I've come across that emits a very natural and subtle sheen to the face. It's definitely wearable during the day and it's even office appropriate because it does not look overly shimmery or frosty. I would run to the nearest MAC counter ASAP before they all sell out. You may even find it at the Estee Lauder Company Store or CCO at a better deal.

Note: MAC Lightscapade contains 10g of product and retails $29 at MAC, Nordstrom and other department stores. This is also a limited edition item, so I recommend getting it as soon as possible before they all fly off the shelves.

Have you stumbled upon Lightscapade
at the Estee Lauder Company Store or CCO?

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

Review + Comparison: Nars Large Dome Eye Brush vs Nars Small Dome Eye Brush

From Left:  Inglot 4SS Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush ~ Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ~ Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush

Hey beauties! If you have been following me on Twitter, then you know that NARS was having a 20% off sale. I'm always on the hunt for the best brushes in the market. So, of course I had to try out the #13 and #12 brush.

From Left:  Inglot 4SS Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush ~ Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ~ Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush

From Left:  Inglot 4SS Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush ~ Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ~ Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush ~ Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush

Inglot 4SS Brush $22 (full review) - The bristles are made from squirrel substitute, which usually means goat hair. It is significantly larger and denser than the Nars #13 brush. They both feel very soft, but I prefer to use the Inglot brush for highlighting my face because it's fits perfectly on my cheekbones. I also like using it to apply setting powder under my eye area & around the small crevices of my nose because it covers a bigger portion and blends better. The Nars #13 may be a more suitable option if you want more precision. (The Inglot 4SS brush measures 7.25 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder Brush $10.79 (full review) - The bristles are made from goat hair. It is bigger, denser and slightly firmer than the Nars #13 brush, but they both feel equally soft. The Sonia Kashuk brush is ideal for highlighting the face and for applying setting powder under the eye area & around the small crevices of the nose. Both the Sonia Kashuk and Nars #13 brush are too flimsy for blending dark harsh lines and too big for crease work, for me personally. However, they can be used to blend light colors and if you have a big eye area, then you can also use both brushes to define the crease. (The Sonia Kashuk Small Multi Purpose Powder brush measures 7.20 inches in total length.)

Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush $40 (full review) - The bristles are made from natural bristles. It is bigger, denser and firmer than the Nars #13, which is smaller and more tapered. If you have a big eye area, then you could use the Edward Bess Luxury Eye brush to add a light wash of color onto the lids, to define the crease, and to blend eyeshadows. I personally use it to apply setting powder under my eye area and to blend my eyeshadows when my holy grail Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Blending brush is dirty. (The Edward Bess Luxury Eye brush measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush $5.99 (mini review) - The bristles are made from goat hair. It is smaller and denser than the Nars #13, which is flimsier and tapered at the tip. As I mentioned many times before, the Sonia Kashuk brush is my holy grail blending brush because it blends out harsh lines and dark pigmented eyeshadows, effortlessly. It's not as soft as the Nars #13, but blending brushes can't be too soft or else it won't blend/work properly. Some people have mentioned that it feels scratchy; however, I have 7 of these and none of them feel scratchy or uncomfortable on my sensitive eyes. (It measures 5.5 inches in total length. The old version measures 6 inches, but they both perform the same.)

Nars #14 Eye Contour Brush $28 (full review) - The brush is made from 80% pen super goat hair and 20% pony hair. The bristles are more densely packed, firmer and shorter than the #13 and #12 brush. The #14 offers more control and is ideal for crease work, defining the outer v, and adding color to the lower lash line & a highlight color to the inner tear duct. 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. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Nars #13 Large Dome Eye Brush $33 - The bristles are made from 80% pen super goat hair and 20% pony hair. It does not blend out dark harsh lines as easily as my Sonia Kashuk Large Crease brush, but it is ideal for highlighting the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow and chin. It can also be used to apply setting powder under the eye & around the small crevices of the nose if you prefer more precision and control. It's too big for me to use as a crease brush; however, those who have a big eye area will not find it to be a problem. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Nars #12 Small Dome Eye Brush $27 - The bristles are made from pen super goat. It is thinner, shorter and smaller in general compared to the #13 brush. The #12 brush is ideal for crease work, defining the outer v, blending product on the lower lash line, and adding color to the inner tear duct. I love using this brush to add my transition/blending color right above my crease area because it places the color where I want it to and it offers great precision. Usually, people add the transition/blending color on the entire crease area and right above it and then they'll add the crease color; however, I find that method wastes product. I prefer to add my crease color first and then I'll add the transition/blending color right above the crease area. The #12 brush is the perfect tool for that type of application because it fits perfectly right above my crease area and it deposits the right amount of product. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

From Left:  #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ #14 Eye Contour Brush

From Left:  #13 Large Dome Eye Brush ~ #12 Small Dome Eye Brush ~ #14 Eye Contour Brush

Bottom Line: The Nars #14 does not work well with my sensitive eyes. However, I recommend checking out the #13 and #12 brush, because they are both multi-taskers and you will surely be getting your money's worth. If you have a big eye area, then the #13 will be great for crease work. Those with a smaller eye area will find the #13 to be more ideal for face application. As for the #12 brush, it is definitely a must-have because it is truly universal and it will work nicely on all types of eyes. Also, I have not experienced any shedding, dye bleeding or funky smell with any of the Nars brushes.

Note: The Nars brushes can be purchased at Nordstrom.

Have you tried any of NARS' brushes?

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