I've talked about the Marc Jacobs #2 brush (review) countless times on my blog because it really is one of my favorite brushes for applying thick and full coverage foundations. I love that (1) the bristles are densely packed, which makes blending a breeze, (2) it absorbs some of the product and prevents foundation from looking heavy & cakey, while still offering the coverage that I need, and (3) it's big enough to cover my entire face quickly, but not too big where it will be difficult to reach certain areas of the face.
I'm constantly on the hunt for something that's comparable, so I can have a backup when the Marc Jacobs one is dirty. The Bdellium Tools BDHD brushes and Morphe Elite II E58 have an angled curved shape that's similar to the Marc Jacobs #2, but do they perform the same?
Bdellium Tools Maestro 988 BDHD Phase I Large Foundation Powder Brush ($27) - It's bigger than the Marc Jacobs #2 brush ($48) and covers the face alot quicker, though the Marc Jacobs one makes it easier to reach underneath the eye area. The Bdellium Maestro 988 is a nice alternative when my Marc Jacobs one is dirty. I also like using it in a tapping motion to apply loose powder all over my face. (It measures 7.25 inches in total length.)
Bdellium Tools Pink Bambu 988 BDHD Phase I Large Foundation Powder Brush ($25) - This one is fluffier than the Maestro 988 and definitely not as dense of the Marc Jacobs #2. It's more suitable for applying loose powder all over the face. (It measures 7.25 inches in total length.)
Bdellium Tools Pink Bambu 988 BDHD Phase I Large Foundation Powder Brush ($25) - This one is fluffier than the Maestro 988 and definitely not as dense of the Marc Jacobs #2. It's more suitable for applying loose powder all over the face. (It measures 7.25 inches in total length.)
Bdellium Tools Maestro 968 BDHD Phase II Small Foundation Contour Brush ($22) - This one is a smaller version of the 988 brush and not as dense as the 988 or Marc Jacobs #2. It can work fine for applying liquid/cream foundation, but I personally prefer a denser brush since it makes blending alot easier. I find that the 968 is more suitable for cream contouring. The tip on the back side of the brush allows you to lay down the product, while the belly allows you to blend the product into your skin. (Tip: Use the brush in a tapping motion when blending.) It also works well for applying cream bronzer as well as blusher to the apples of the cheeks. (The brush measures 7.30 inches in total length.)
Bdellium Tools Pink Bambu 968 BDHD Phase II Small Foundation Contour Brush ($20) - This one is even fluffier than the Maestro 968 and works best for applying loose powder underneath the eye area. Again, I prefer denser brushes for blending. Therefore, I would choose the Maestro 968 over the Pink Bambu 968 when cream contouring, even though pink bristles are easier to clean than white ones. (It measures 7.30 inches in total length.)
Morphe Elite II Collection E58 Angled Buffer Powder Contour Brush ($14.99) - This one is more slanted and flat on the top compared to the other brushes, which are more curved and round. The bristles are also more fluffy and not as densely packed as the Marc Jacobs #2 or Bdellium Maestro 988. It works best for applying loose setting powder all over the face. (It measures 7.75 inches in total length.)
This type of shape also works well for applying bronzer. However, I prefer using brushes that are made of natural hair when working with powder products. I find that they lay down powder products more evenly and blend more effortlessly without ever leaving a blotchy finish. (It's not as noticeable when working with setting powders, but the difference is apparent when working with color cosmetics, such as blush & bronzer, especially in natural lighting.) With synthetic brushes, I prefer to use them when working with liquid and cream products as they tend to absorb less product and make blending easier.
Quality & Material: The Bdellium Pink Bambu brushes, Morphe E58 and Marc Jacobs #2 are made of synthetic bristles & are 100% cruelty-free, while the Bdellium Maestro brushes are made with a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. All brushes feel very soft and do not shed, though the Pink Bambu series feels slightly softer than the Maestro series, while the Marc Jacobs one is the softest of the bunch. Also, the Maestro brushes have a lacquered wooden handle, while the Pink Bambu ones have a sustainable bamboo handle with an aluminum ferrule. The Marc Jacobs one has a handle that's more even weighted.
Bottom Line: The Bdellium Tools BDHD Brushes and Morphe Elite II E58 may not be dupes of the Marc Jacobs #2, but they are great additions to any brush collection. What it comes down to is the type of application you plan on using it for as one brush is more suitable for applying loose powder, while another is more suitable for cream contouring.
Note: The Morphe E58 brush is available at on their online store, Amazon and Beauty Bay. The Bdellium Tools BDHD brushes are available on their online store and at Beauty Bay. The Marc Jacobs #2 brush is available at Sephora.
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