Despite the booming popularity of synthetic brushes, I still find that the perfect combination of quality, density, and shape are nearly impossible to find with synthetic fibers. EM Michelle Phan teamed up with master Japanese calligraphy brush makers to make some of the best that I have tried yet. The synthetic fibers are kind to my skin, with the right amount of give without losing any resistance. I do wish the handles were longer for storing and professional use purposes, but the shorter length is perfect for those who travel with makeup often.
My favorite of the eight is the luxurious All Over Face brush ($29 USD). It is ideal for use with powder foundations and setting powders, though it can be used to apply bronzer as well. It feels so plush against the face, and the brush is densely packed — not thin and floppy like other synthetic face brushes I have used in the past. The combination of fullness and resistance is a result of the brush head's slightly shorter bristles, approximately 1 cm shorter than the industry's standard powder brush. I love that the rounded and tapered synthetic fibers of this All Over Face brush allow for the most even distribution, and you can see in the video how it provides an airbrushed finish. Even though the $29 price tag may seem steep, it is worth every penny!
Note: I do love the Sigma Angled Flat Top Foundation brush for liquid foundation, but I cannot recommend the Mr. and Mrs. Bunny
synthetic brush kits since I find the powder and blush brushes too thin and lacking enough resistance for efficient blending.
The Pointed Foundation brush ($26 USD) is perfect for liquid and cream foundations. I am currently loving the combination of SUQQU's Frame Fix and Koh Gen Do's Aqua Foundation, and this brush is ideal for a streak-free application with the mix. A foundation brush has to be excellent for me to take the time to use it, since I much prefer to work with clean fingers on my own face. This pointed version, however, is excellent because it is precise enough for work around the corners of the nose and eyes yet allows for layering to build coverage. I blend using circular motions and then dab gently on the cheeks to build coverage.
The Flat Foundation brush ($26 USD) is officially one of my favorites for concealer application. If you do not mind paddle brushes and are looking for a mutli-tasker for foundation and concealer application, then this brush will be worth the full $26. I personally never use paddle styles for foundation, but I do find this tapered Flat Foundation brush is a wonderful tool for applying concealer under the eyes and on my acne scars since the larger surface area makes blending a breeze. It reminds me of an affordable version of Le Metier de Beaute's trusty concealer brush ($50 USD and also synthetic), just larger and straighter across the top.
The Angled Blush Brush ($24 USD) is loosely packed in comparison to the All Over Face or Pointed Foundation brushes, but it applies and blends color on the apples of the cheeks best. The edge can also be used to run bronzer or contour powder through the hollows of the cheeks for definition. This brush in particular feels extra soft against the face, so I highly recommend this for sensitive skin. The diagonal shape is reminiscent of Shu Uemura's Natural 20h brush.
The Angled Eyeliner brush ($12 USD) is perfect for use on the lash lines with powder eyeshadows or even gel liner if I were in a pinch. It is most reminiscent of Dior's eyeliner brush. The bristles are tapered, while EM's is angled, but both are very short in comparison to popular eyeliner brushes like MAC's 266. I have found the shorter height results in much less or no fall out when used with powders.
The All Over Shadow Brush ($15 USD) is a versatile eyeshadow application shape, basic but practical. I use the flat side of the brush for applying base shadows on the lids and the rounded edge to blend out the borders. Although it was intended for powder eyeshadows, the synthetic fibers are equally as efficient with cream products. The All Over Shadow is fuller than the Angled Shadow.
The Angled Shadow Brush ($15 USD) is intended for applying eyeshadow to the corners of the eyes as well as shaping the creases for more contour and depth. Try using the angled side to run across the middle of the lid and feel for the eye socket using windshield wiper motions. In the tutorial, I used it to pull the shadow shape out into a cat eye style to elongate my eyes.
The Lip Brush
($12 USD) is compatible with any lip formula. It applies lipstick and lip gloss smoothly, and the flat tip creates precise lines. I like to use this lip brush with heavier lipstick formulas since I can control the coverage. Instead of demonstrating the full pigmentation of
Tom Ford's new Paradiso, I chose to demonstrate a sheerer, softer way to wear the lipstick.
BOTTOM LINE: Try starting with the All Over Face, Pointed Foundation, and Flat Foundation styles if you have been looking to splurge on quality synthetic fiber brushes!
To see the brushes in action, feel free to watch my tutorial (featuring the new limited edition Valentine's Day releases) below and join the giveaway to win a complete set of your own EM Michelle Phan brushes! Best of luck, everyone! xoxo
Makeup Worn:
EM Michelle Phan Love Me for Me Powder Compact in Linen 8
*Order the powder compact and get the matching full-size shade of liquid foundation
FREE!
EM Michelle Phan Valentine Life Moment: Seductress Eyeshadows in Sassy Girl, Instant Attraction & Lady in Gold
EM Michelle Phan Valentine Life Moment: Secret Admirer Blush in Day Dreaming & Just A Glance Eyeshadow
Eyeko
Eye Do Eyeliner & Mascara Set
Tom Ford Spring 2014
Lip Color Sheer in Paradiso
Shirt:
J.Crew
Earrings:
Nails:
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