Sephora brushes are not as budget friendly as drugstore brands, but not as wallet weeping as luxury brands. They fall somewhere in between and are well worth their price due to their quality, performance and functionality. The only gripe that I have about their pro line (the ones with the silver ferrule) is the length of the handles. I prefer brushes to be no shorter than 6 inches and no longer than 7 inches. The brushes from Sephora's pro line are at least 7 inches long and some are even 8 inches, which can be a nuance and poke my mirror when I get too close. You can prevent this from happening by holding it at the end of the handle, but this will give you less control and a lighter application.
The ones from the pro line also come with a plastic cap, which makes it more sanitary when storing and protects the bristles when you're travelling with them. Out of all the ones that I purchased, only 2 of them have the numbers written on the cap, which makes me go through a trial and error method when finding the right cap to fit the right brush. Also, the cap on the #34 and #28 brush is grey, which doesn't effect its durability, but is worth mentioning. However, the ones with the black ferrule from the classic collection come with a plastic protective case that are not as durable as the ones from the pro line and are not meant to be re-used. (The #73 fluffed out and widen after the initial wash, which is normal, and no longer fits in the case.)
On a daily basis, I usually store them in my Hobby Lobby spinning organizer, but decided to showcase them in these cute mugs, which always make me smile when I take a sip of coffee or tea.
Sephora Collection Pro Liquid Foundation Brush #63 ($32): This one is not completely flat at the top, and instead has a slight dip, which is suppose to prevent thin, serum foundations from making a mess during application. The bristles are made of synthetic material and are densely packed, but it's not as firm or as big as the Real Techniques Stippling brush ($10), which covers the entire face quicker and buffs in product easier without tugging the skin. The #63 buffs in foundation without streaking, but I just wish it was a little bit bigger and firmer. The total length of the brush measures 7.5 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Press Full Coverage Complexion Brush #66 ($36): This has an egg shape and the pointed edge makes it easier for reaching the small crevices of the face. The synthetic bristles are so densely packed that they tend to buff away the product when used in a sweeping or a buffing motion. Therefore, it works best at sheering out thick and heavy foundations when you want a lighter, non-cakey finish. For those who prefer maximum coverage, you can use it in a tapping motion when applying foundation, although it takes a bit of time to cover the entire face. It's also great for contouring with cream products for those who prefer a sharper and dramatic look. You can use the pointed edge to apply the product and then blend it in by using the brush in a pressing and tapping motion. The total length of the brush measures 7.75 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Press Full Coverage Precision Brush #67 ($26): This is the baby version of the #66. I use it to spot conceal blemishes on the face. Because the synthetic bristles are so dense, it blends product into the skin effortlessly when used in a tapping motion. For those who have a big eye area, it's also great for applying cream bases because of its tear duct shape. The total length of the brush measures 7.55 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Brush #47 ($28): This is a thicker version of a traditional paddle foundation brush and has a curved tip that fits the contours of the face nicely. The bristles are made of synthetic material and works well with liquid and cream-based products. You can use it to apply foundation without any streakiness, but it will take longer to cover the entire face. I prefer to use it for applying concealer underneath the eyes. It's also suitable for contouring because the tip allows you to place the product precisely on the hollows of the cheeks and then you can use the side of the brush to blend the product into your skin. The total length of the brush measures 8 inches.
The Marc Jacobs #2 brush ($48) is firmer, thicker, denser and overall bigger. Therefore, it's more ideal for applying foundation all over the face.
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Sephora Collection Classic Sheer Complexion Brush #11 ($24): This is thicker than other paddle foundation brushes and it's made of duo-fiber bristles, which are all synthetic. The white bristles extend farther than the black ones and allows for a light application. They feel soft when I run my fingers through them, but they feel prickly when I use the tip in a tapping motion. Maybe mine might be defective or my skin is sensitive?
The brush is too small for applying foundation to the entire face, but it's great for applying concealer under the eyes. It can also be used to sweep powder highlighters onto the tops of the cheekbones. When using cream highlighters, I prefer to use the side of the brush in a patting motion to prevent disturbing my foundation. The total length of the brush measures 6.3 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Stippling Concealer Brush #52 ($24): This is the smaller and firmer version of the #47. It's thicker than the traditional flat-shaped concealer brushes. Therefore, it prevents product from applying streaky. Also, the synthetic bristles curves at the tip. So, this allows you to deposit product more easily onto the contours of the face, while still maintaining good control. It's excellent for spot concealing and I recommend using it in a tapping motion for effortless blending with maximum coverage. It's also great for applying cream bases to the lids for those who don't have a small lid space. The total length of the brush measures 7.25 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Cream Shadow Brush #28 ($20): The head is fluffier and smaller than the #52. The size is suitable for most eye shapes without being too small or too big. It's excellent for applying cream eyeshadows to the lids evenly and the wide tip also allows for blending without having to reach for another brush. It's also great for spot concealing by buffing or patting the product into your skin, depending on what kind of coverage you prefer. The bristles are made of synthetic material and the total length of the brush measures 7.1 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Flat Concealer Brush #76 ($20): This one is smaller and thinner than the #28. The synthetic bristles are not too stiff, but still firm enough to offer control without feeling flimsy. It's suitable for those who want more precision when spot concealing and applying cream bases. It's also well-suited for those who have a small lid space. The total length of the brush measures 6.75 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Lash Fan Brush #34 ($21): The synthetic bristles feel soft when I touch it, but it feels prickly when I use it on my eyes. Maybe this one is defective? However, it separates lashes and removes mascara clumps very well. I just have to make sure that the bristles don't touch my lids. The total length of the brush measures 6.60 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Brow Contour Brush #36 ($18): The synthetics bristles feel like they're made using the same material as the #34, but it doesn't irritate my eyes. It's also shorter, which provides better control and applies mascara from the base of the lashes all the way up to the tip and can even reach the fine, thin hairs on the inner corners of the eyes. It also separates lashes just as well as the #34 without feeling prickly. Just make sure you run the bristles through the lashes while the mascara is still wet. If you try to remove clumps once the mascara has dried and set, your lashes may break and fall out.
The brush is intended for applying gel and powder brow products. It's too thin for those who have very sparse or non-existent brows and will take too long to fill in the entire area. The #36 is more ideal for those who want precision and detail work. The total length of the brush measures 6.65 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Allover Shadow Brush #12 ($20): The bristles are made with a blend of pony and goat hairs, which feel soft, though not as soft as my Dolce & Gabbana Big Blending brush ($33) just to give you an idea of how they feel. Because the head is big and thick, it packs on color to the entire lid quickly and blends at the same time. The total length of the brush measures 7.25 inches.
Sephora Collection Classic Large Powder Shadow Brush #62 ($16): The bristles are made of solely pony hairs and feels just as soft as the #12. The main difference is that the #62 is shorter, slightly firmer and thicker. When it comes to performance, it does the same great job at adding a wash of color onto the lids and softening the edges. However, because of its density and firmness, I find that the #62 offers better control when applying and blending my lid color. It's great for those "lazy girl days" and when you're rushing out the door. The total length of the brush measures 5.5 inches.
Sephora Collection Pro Tapered Crease Brush #19 ($20): The bristles are made of natural hairs and feel softer than the #12 and #62. It fluffs out and widens after the initial wash. It's too big for me to apply color to the crease area, but I love it as blending brush because it has the right amount of density and firmness. Keep in mind that this brush is not for everyone, especially for those who have a small eye space. For those with a bigger eye area, it's great not just for blending, but also to place color to the crease for a soft, diffused look without the harsh contour line. The total length of the brush measures 7.4 inches.
The Sigma E35 ($16) and Sonia Kashuk #109 ($3.99) are wider, bigger and not as tapered compared to the Sephora #19. Although all 3 of them feel soft, the E35 and #19 feel softer than the #109. It is also important to mention that the E35 brush that I have is made of natural hair. The version that Sigma currently sells is made of synthetic material.
Sephora Collection Pro Crease Brush #10 ($22): The bristles are made of natural hairs and feel just as soft as the #19. The #10 is not as wide or as dense as the #19 and is a smidgen longer. For those that tend to have a heavy hand, this will feel more floppy and be too flimsy to control product placement in the crease, especially for those with a smaller eye area. Therefore, I find it to be more ideal for blending light, transition colors. The total length of the brush measures 7.5 inches.
Sephora Collection Classic Crease Shadow Brush #73 ($16): The bristles are made with a blend of pony and goat hairs, which feel just as soft as the #19 and #10. It's thinner and not as firm as the #19 so it doesn't blend as effortlessly or as quickly. I find it to be more ideal for depositing color to the crease for those who don't have a small eye area, though don't expect much precision. The total length of the brush measures 5.6 inches.
The Chanel #20 ($38) is made with a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, which does not feel as soft as the #73, but it's by no means scratchy. It's also firmer and more pointed. Therefore, it provides better control during product placement, but still does so without creating a sharp contour line and doubles up as a blending tool for the crease.
Sephora Collection Pro Blending Brush #27 ($20): The bristles are made with natural goat hairs and feel just as soft as the #19 and MAC 217. The #27 fluffs out after the initial wash and is a bigger version of the MAC 217, which is thinner. I find the #27 to be better at blending and blurring harsh lines due to its density and size. It also works well for laying a sheer wash of color onto the entire lid area for those with a big eye space. I've also been loving it for blending out the contour line on my nose as well as for applying highlight to the cupid's bow and down the bridge of my nose. This has been a staple in my collection! The total length of the brush measures 7.05 inches.
Bottom Line: Sephora's brushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit your needs. They can be misses if you choose the wrong size for your eye shape, but will do wonders once you find that perfect size. As for the face brushes, they're very well constructed, don't shed and feel very soft. Out of all the ones that I purchased, only two of them had quality issues, which could have been from a bad batch or my skin is just sensitive.
By the way, I've been eyeing on the #30 brush for a while now, but it's been out of stock for more than 2 weeks. Hopefully, they'll bring it back soon so I can add it to my collection. ^_^
By the way, I've been eyeing on the #30 brush for a while now, but it's been out of stock for more than 2 weeks. Hopefully, they'll bring it back soon so I can add it to my collection. ^_^
Note: The Sephora brushes and Marc Jacobs Sculpting Foundation brush are available on their online store. The Real Techniques Stippling brush can be purchased at Target, Drugstore.com, Walmart and Ulta. The Dolce & Gabbana Big Blending brush, Sigma E35, Chanel #20, and MAC 217 can be purchased at Nordstrom. The Sonia Kashuk #109 is exclusively sold at Target
What are your must-have Sephora brushes?
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