All foundation brushes are not created equal. But, you already knew that – right? I’ve owned, and tested many from synthetic, to a mixture of natural and synthetic to all natural and in many different shapes, too.
The first foundation brush I had was the standard Sonia Kashuk brush. It did an OK job, but didn’t “wow” me. Then I tried Bobbi Brown’s foundation brush – better, but still not “wow”. Both of these are synthetic and are the typical looking flat from the side and come to a point or angled to the top. Then I bought the Giorgio Armani Designer Foundation Shaping Brush. This one is a mixture of natural and synthetic hairs and I used it for years. It was much better than the previous two. Then after a few years it started falling apart – and I take very good care of my brushes and wash them properly. I can still use it, but it’s not in as great of shape I had hoped it would be. I’ve had it for about 4 years or more, but many of my brushes I’ve had for over 10 years.
This past Christmas season when everyone was coming out with gift sets, I purchased the Chanel Holiday travel brush set and in there was the European style brushes and their European Foundation brush with a mini handle. I instantly fell in love with this brush, but really wish it were available in a longer handle here in the states. Always using a mini brush every day is annoying. Fine for travel, but not every day. As I mentioned yesterday, I might not have to just wish for this brush as rumor has it they are changing over the US brushes to European ones this year. I hope!
When I was at Redbook earlier this year testing beauty products, which included foundations, they had some brushes there for us to use when applying our test foundations. The foundation brush they had was this Sephora one by IT for Sephora. An all-natural brush that has shorter bristles, but it is nice and full. I liked how it worked especially around the nose area – the shape of it allows you to get into every corner like around the nose area. The price is nice too for being a natural brush. What I didn’t like about this brush is that the handle is very, very long. I think when people are designing brushes for the masses they need to realize they are used differently when we apply our own makeup than when an artist uses them on a client’s face. They stand away at a distance, much further than our own arms when we apply makeup. Very long handled brushes are more difficult to use on ourselves.
Last week while perusing my local Target store I came across this newly designed foundation brush by Sonia Kashuk. It’s round, not flat, and it’s thick and full. The packaging and the website do not say if these are natural bristles or synthetic, so even though they are extremely soft I believe these are a soft Taklon synthetic, but I’m not positive.
This is the brush I talked about yesterday that made a significant difference on how the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation goes on. It doesn’t leave any streaking, makes foundation go on flawlessly, gets into every nook and cranny because of its 3-D shape. I own several Sonia Kashuk brushes and have not been disappointed. These are good to high quality brushes (supposedly made by a high end cosmetics company) at a very reasonable price.
I am thrilled I found this brush – it’s brand new as it’s not in every Target store yet, and it says online available in 2-4 weeks. If you can’t yet find it, be patient. You’ll be happy you waited!
looks so similar to Stila complexion brush…That costs $32, I’ll probabaly buy this
This is quite small for a foundation brush, no? Do you spend more time applying?
It’s slightly smaller than some foundation brushes – it’s probably the size of a thumb. I do not spend more time applying because it goes on so quickly and smoothly that you don’t have to go back over to make things smoothe.
I have been using a foundation brush by Essense Of Beauty {I think it’s a CVS brand} that I’ve been very happy with. It’s also quite reasonably priced, works very well, is good quality and is durable. I think it’s a synthetic and feels very soft and nice on the skin. Has anyone else here used that one?
I have not used that particular brush from Essence of Beauty, but I have used others from that brand and have liked them a lot.
Yay!! When you teased us yesterday about a new foundation brush by Sonia Kashuk, I couldn’t WAIT to read your review today. I went to Target last night and actually SAW this brush and thought to myself, “this has GOT to be the brush she’s talking about, I’m gonna get it.” And I did. Used it this morning and LOVE IT!!! I think we are brush twins because I also have the Sephora IT brush as well and love that one too. (I HAD the GA one as well and loved it but like you said it had a short life span)
Thanks for the great review!!
Oh I’m so glad you like it too!
What a find! I guess this line is not available in Canada?
Really? Do you not have Target stores there? Can you order it online?
Read this right before a trip to Target yesterday and remembered to check out Sonia Kashuk while I was there. So excited to see they had the foundation brush. I bought it and used it today and loved it! Thanks for posting about it!
Thank you for this review Kari.
I will absolutely buy it, if you like it! I was not wowed by the original either.
I have several Essence of Beauty brushes and I think they are phenomenal for the money…I like them just as much as my Trish McEvoy brushes, which are at least 3x the price
Wonderful work on your blog! I, too, would LOVE it if Chanel were to launch their European brush line in the U.S. I heard from a Chanel SA in the U.K. that the brand will be releasing a whole new line of brushes this year. Without revealing your source, did you hear this rumour about Chanel’s European brushes from a Chanel USA representative? I am keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks.
Yes, I’ve now heard from 3 SA’s at various department stores that they are releasing the European brushes later this year! I’ll keep you posted!
The best brush I ever got was a short-handled Chanel powder brush. I’ve had it for over 20 years. I take good care of it, and I don’t wear makeup that often, so it doesn’t get a lot of use, but it’s the best brush I’ve ever had. The short handle is ideal for me, because I’m near-sighted and when I apply makeup I have to get close to the mirror. If I use a long brush, they bang up against the mirror, LOL. Not good!
Is it necessary to use a brush to apply foundation or tinted moisturizer? I used to use sponges, but I’ve heard that fingers or a brush work better.
The chanel european version of the foundation brush is available @ chanel.com along with its new foundation perfection lumiere!!! 🙂
I have a similar one to the SK;it is the Plasma Foundation Brush by Skinn Cosmetics;I love it.