Crystal Cave

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter ($6.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright, light peach with warmer, more orange-leaning undertones and flecks of iridescent glitter particles. The base color was more apparent, which gave it a more even application with less effort, and it did not contain as much glitter as other shades, so there wasn’t as much fallout/migration during application or throughout wear. It blended out without much effort and lasted around seven and a half hours on me.

Note, this product contains plastic (PET) glitter and is not intended for use around the eye area.

• Top Dupes
• Ingredients

Get Clarity

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter ($6.00 for 0.04 oz.) had a darker, golden pewter base with darker gold flecks of glitter throughout. It had a noticeable base color and wasn’t as full of glitter as the other shades. It had mostly opaque, buildable color coverage with a slightly drier texture–if it had more slip, it would have went on more evenly and had less fallout. I did not personally wear it on the eye (as it’s not adhesive enough on its own), but as a cheek product, there was migration of glitter particles visible after seven hours.

Note, this product contains plastic (PET) glitter and is not intended for use around the eye area.

• Top Dupes
• Ingredients

Cabana

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter ($6.00 for 0.04 oz.) has a transparent base chocked full of multi-colored small-particle glitter; it was dominated by shades of darker and mid-tone pink but also seemed to have mint and pale blue pieces. The texture was more loosely-pressed and seemed almost dry to the touch, though that might have been just due to the chunkier glitter pieces (compared to a typical shimmer eyeshadow, which has finer particles).

It had some adhesion on its own, though I wouldn’t say all-day wear as marketed, and there was definitely a moderate amount of fallout/migration after six to seven hours of wear. It felt less emollient than past releases of the brand’s pressed glitters, though it was more “pigmented” from the amount of glitter particles.

Note, this product contains plastic (PET) glitter and is not intended for use around the eye area.

• Top Dupes
• Ingredients

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Crystal Cave Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Get Clarity Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

ColourPop Cabana Pressed Glitter

The Lotus Set

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set ($215.00) is a new, limited edition set that features a different-colored ferrule and handle compared to the brand’s permanent brushes. The set includes six brushes; three for face and three for eyes. Three of the brushes are very similar to existing, core brushes (one is exactly the same).

I’d consider this a semi-review as there are three brushes that are similar to past releases, so I have more knowledge on those, but there are three that are new to the set, so those may be more like initial impressions. Sonia G.’s quality has been high that I feel comfortable releasing initial impressions, as I have not had issues with brushes degrading over time and usually find I love a brush more over time rather than go the other direction. I have replaced most of my go-tos over the years with Sonia G. brushes.

Lotus Base

Lotus Base is a new, fan-shaped brush with a pinched ferrule, which gives the brush a firmer, denser feel in the center (where the ferrule comes up) and leaves the edges more flexible. It features a mix of sokoho goat, PBT, and PTT synthetic bristles, and it has a hair length of 18mm and total length of 163mm. This brush is new and exclusive (at least, at this time) to the set.

Per the brand, it is designed to apply foundation. The mix of both natural and synthetic bristles helps the brush have more grip and movement while being more durable and less absorbent of any liquids and creams it is used with. The brush head felt smooth against my skin whether I used it more on the edge in a stippling motion or more in a sweeping motion and utilized the sides and edges. It was well-shaped and placed without any shedding.

I’m not sure that it’s the brush I’d reach for to apply my foundation, as I tend to prefer something with a more rounded shape that can be patted and buffed with. I could see using this more for sculpting or highlighting with liquid or cream products. The curved nature, but still having some width at the edge, did make it particularly easy to maneuver around my nose, upper lip, between brows and around brows, but I feel like I have to use it a few dozen times to know if it’ll be a go-to for foundation.

Lotus Cheek

Lotus Cheek is a small-to-medium cheek brush that is moderately dense with slight tapering, more feathery bristles as they get to the top edge of the brush head. It features saikoho goat bristles, and it has a hair length of 30mm and total length of 165mm. This brush is an undyed version of the Cheek Pro, though it is supposed to be “airier.”

This one changes shape and becomes noticeably flared out once washed, which was as intended and noted by the brand. When working with the Cheek Pro, it can be easier to over-apply product in a particular area, but I like it for working with higher-shimmer products, like highlighter, over more matte or more powdery cheek colors, like bronzer or blush. I found the same was true with the Lotus Cheek, but the Lotus Cheek was more forgiving as it was definitely not as dense along the edge but still something more suitable for those with a lighter hand or who have sheerer products to start with.

The quality of the bristles felt consistent with what I’d expect from the brand; they were positioned well, soft, and comfortable against the skin regardless of direction or technique.

Lotus Detail

Lotus Detail is a small, angled cheek brush that features a mix of dyed and undyed saikoho goat, and it has a hair length of 28mm and total length of 173mm. It is new (and at least at this time, exclusive to) in the set.

It’s a more feathery, incredibly soft and silky-smooth brush head that felt less-dense than most brushes I have with a similar shape. It has a fluffier edge, which gives a more diffused effect when initially laying down product, and that fluffiness also helps to spread and diffuse for a blended edge. It worked well for powder cheek colors, though I found it most useful for getting more buildable coverage out of more intense highlighters, contouring/sculpting, and highlighting.

Lotus Builder

Lotus Builder is a medium, shader brush and is supposed to be similar to Builder Three in the brand’s permanent range but has undyed bristles. It features saikoho bristles, and it has a hair length of 10mm and total length of 150m.

I actually felt like this was a bit more compact and not as thick/dense as the Builder Three. The edge became fluffier than the Builder Three after a couple of washes, so it diffused products a touch more when they were sheerer. The shape is excellent for applying and packing on product to the lid or using the edge against the lash line to apply or blend out products. I use the Builder Three regularly (I have several of them), and I’ll definitely add this to my rotation.

Lotus Worker

Lotus Worker is a small-medium, eye brush with a rounded edge and a moderately dense feel. It features a mix of saikoho bristles, and it has a hair length of 15mm and total length of 155mm. This is the same as the Worker Two in the permanent range.

I regularly use the brand’s Worker brushes in my eyeshadow application, typically reaching for them to do more intense inner tearduct or brow bone work. I’ll also use them to diffuse and soften the edges of crease colors if I need some extra buffing. You can read my full review here, as this brush was consistent with original release.

Lotus Soft Definer

Lotus Soft Definer is a very small crease brush with a soft, rounded edge that opened and flared out slightly after the initial wash (which was as intended). It features dyed saikoho goat bristles, and it has a hair length of 12mm and total length of 152mm. This is a new and (and at least, at this time) exclusive brush to the set.

From the set, this was the one brush that stood out to be the most. The brand described it as a “cross between a pencil brush and a crease brush,” which is exactly how I’d describe it. The length is more like a small crease brush, but the precision and firmness is more like a pencil brush. This is great for getting a more defined crease color placement or ensuring more intensity in the crease. Often, I use a smaller crease brush to initially deposit and lightly blend out crease colors, especially in the deepest part of my crease, and then use a larger, fluffier brush to really diffuse and blend out the edge.

It’s slightly shorter, more compact, and firmer with less flexibility/fluffiness compared to the Mini Booster, which is one I use often and have purchased multiples over. Between the two, the Mini Booster is more versatile, but I expect I’ll be reaching for the Soft Definer often.

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Soft Definer  

Sonia G Lotus Soft Definer  

Sonia G Lotus Soft Definer  

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set

Sonia G The Lotus Set Summer 2021 Brush Set

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Base  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Cheek  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Detail  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Builder  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Worker  

Sonia G Lotus Soft Definer  

Sonia G Lotus Soft Definer  

Sonia G Lotus Soft Definer  

Builder Three

Sonia G. Builder Three Brush ($32.00) is a small-to-medium sized eye brush designed for packing on eyeshadow that features dyed Saikoho goat hair. Per the brand, it has the following measurements: 150mm total length, 10mm bristle length, and a 10×5 mm ferrule width.

It’s easily my favorite Sonia G. eye brush that the brand has released thus far! I love a good packaging brush–rest in peace, MAC 239–and this is one of the closest I’ve found to the shape, density, and versatility of the 239. I’d argue this is a nice upgrade, as it has a softer feel while still being efficient at blending and diffusing color as desired. I find it picks up products well regardless of the finish or how firmly (or softly) something is pressed. It has enough flexibility to be used at any angle and with a myriad of motions, e.g. sweeping, patting, packing, pressing, tapping, or swiping.

The size isn’t so large that it doesn’t fit into my inner lid space, and the edge can be used easily to apply or smudge out eyeshadow on the lower lash line. I find it is particularly good at holding more product and yielding less fallout, too, when packing on more loosely-pressed shimmers or more powdery mattes.

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

Sonia G Builder Three  

The Keyaki Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set ($125.00) is a new, limited edition brush set that includes two new, exclusive face brushes and three eye brushes (that have been released previously but are undyed saikoho goat hair in this set). They feature shorter handles that are made out of Keyaki Zelkova Serrata, which is a native wood from Japan. By opting for undyed saikoho goat, the eye brushes are intended for both powder and cream-based product usage.

The shorter handles also seemed quite a bit lighter to me when holding them, so they may be good for someone who prefers shorter handles and doesn’t want extra heft. I have longer fingers and larger hands, so I found that I preferred the longer handle length of the original Sky series brushes (eye brushes). The brush heads themselves are of the quality I’d expect from the brand — they pretty much do what they’re intended to do, are well-bundled, are soft but serve their intended purposes, and seem well-made. For reference, total brush length was just under 130mm (they varied by a few mm based on brush head).

If you’re interested in the brushes from a craftsmanship/artisan level, you’ll want to read the brand’s post detailing the process and concept of the set. Part of the appeal is the artisan nature of the handles, so it may be of interest.

I have not experienced any issues with the Sonia G. brushes I’ve had thus far, and I’ve switched over to heavily using the brand’s brushes over many of the other brushes I have or doubled (or quadruped) up on favorites. I have not experienced any noticeable wear (e.g. ferrule loosening, bristles getting splayed out of shape, or difference in softness/denseness).

The brush set launches today at 10AM PT, and as it is limited edition, I wanted to provide some photos and preliminary thoughts, but please keep in mind that I’ve only had the brushes for a few days, not weeks or years.

Classic Face (Keyaki)

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki) ($125.00) is a small-to-medium-sized powder brush that looks more like a traditional blush brush but with a little more roundness and a more tapered edge. It is made out of dyed and undyed saikoho goat hair. The brush felt incredibly smooth, almost silky, and soft regardless of direction or motion I used it with.

It wasn’t floppy but had a balanced amount of flexibility, which enabled it to pat and tap on product while also spreading and diffusing the edges of product. It worked well for applying products like highlighters, blushes, and bronzers. I think the shape is ideal for someone who likes moderate precision and prefers to sweep or gently pat (and then sweep) products on.

Mini Base (Keyaki)

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki) ($125.00) is a small, buffer-shaped brush with a subtle, domed edge with a fair amount of density and light spring. It is made out of white sokoho goat and synthetic fibers (Nylon and PBT), as it was designed to work with creams, liquids, and powders. The bristles were smooth and soft when in use, and they moved fluidly across the skin without losing any bristles.

It works well for smoothing and buffing products on the skin, whether that’s for foundation, blush, or liquid highlighter. It is a very small brush head–relative to most face brushes–so for those who want a very quick application over a larger area, like for foundation, it may feel too small. I found I reached for it more for buffing out the edges of blush application and to soften the edges of under eye concealer the most.

Mini Booster (Keyaki)

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki) ($125.00) is a smaller, denser crease brush with a tapered edge. It seemed slightly firmer/less flexible compared to the dyed version in the Sky series, but they both worked well in terms of placing and diffusing color. I’d argue that the undyed saikoho bristles are slightly more precise and may pick up product a bit more heavily but wasn’t as diffusing as the dyed version (by a few hairs, ha, ha).

You can read my original review of the Mini Booster.

Flat Definer (Keyaki)

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki) ($125.00) is a small, flat eye brush that works well for pressing and patting eyeshadow into place with greater precision, particularly for those with smaller features or who need a smaller brush for more detailed work. The version included in this set features undyed saikoho hair, so it seemed slightly more tightly bundled together (seemed a bit narrower than my dyed version) and seemed to retain more of its original shape after washing. I’ve found that this brush works well for placing product, but I find a pencil brush is more suitable to smudging out eyeshadow or eyeliner.

You can read my original review of the Flat Definer.

Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki) ($125.00) is a large, moderately-dense eye brush with a more tapered and rounded edge that is designed to blend out products. The brand also noted it could be used as a “crease brush” if used sideways. It’s a particularly useful brush for all-over blending and finishing or to apply more of a one-and-done shade all over the eye area. It was smooth, fluid, and comfortable to use in any direction or motion. Thus far, the undyed version seemed to fluff up less after a few washes compared to the dyed version, though it didn’t really make an impact in the application.

You can read my original review of the Jumbo Blender.

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G The Keyaki Brush Set Holiday Brush Set

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Classic Face (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Base (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Mini Booster (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Flat Definer (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Sonia G Jumbo Blender (Keyaki)  

Hachiko Kabuki Brush

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush ($80.00) is a new, limited edition kabuki brush with a ceramic handle that is designed to “commemorate the story of Hachiko,” who was a beloved dog in Japan for his loyalty to his human. It features undyed, saikoho goat hair bristles in a kabuki-shaped form: a dense, rounded edge brush with a squat handle. The bristles measure 1.75″ in length and 1.5″ in width.

The quality of the brush is top tier and is in line with saikoho goat brushes from Japanese brush brands like Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo (who the OEM here wasn’t disclosed). The bundling of the bristles was excellent, as they lined up beautifully with nary a stray bristle out of place and very minimal shedding upon first use (and no additional shedding from subsequent uses, including after cleaning). They were densely-packed but smooth at the edge and still had enough movement to work for buffing motions. The bristles were soft and as soft as I’d expect for the bristle hair type but have the texture necessary to blend out products.

I haven’t used a kabuki brush as part of my regular rotation in quite sometime; I used to love them for applying foundation but have moved to synthetic brushes that can take more “abuse” and frequent washings with harsher cleansers (like alcohol-based cleansers, if necessary!). In the past, I have also used kabuki brushes to help soften and diffuse more stubborn products or to meld a look together at the end.

Per Beautylish, the brush is “a collectible and is recommended for use with powders only.” Based on this, I’d recommend using this with setting powders, finishing powders, and for general, all-over blending at the end (once your products are set with a loose or pressed powder!). I tested it out to apply setting powder (loose), finishing powder (pressed), and to help soften and diffuse blush/highlighter edges for a seamless look allover, and it functioned well for those purposes and in line with how I’d expect a good kabuki-style brush to perform.

It’s currently sold out, but Beautylish listed as “returning soon,” so stay tuned for a restock date!

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush  

Year of the Rat Powder Brush

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush ($125.00) is a new, limited edition powder brush made with blue squirrel hair paired with a specially-designed handle to celebrate the Lunar New Year. I’ve only used it a half a dozen times and washed it once, but it was consistent with previous collaborations between Beautylish and Chikuhodo, though this year’s is without Chikuhodo as a collaborator but was manufactured in the same type of way (by Japanese artisans and all that entails). For the detail on the handle, the brush head size, and the material type, the price is a little lower than I would have guessed. The bristles felt as silky and smooth as I’d expect from blue squirrel hair as compared to Chikuhodo, Hakuhodo, and SUQQU.

The brush head was moderately dense and incredibly silky to the touch, which was expected based on the type of hair used in this brush. The brush head was 50mm in length and 40mm in width. It flared outward from the ferrule for two-thirds of the length before tapering inward for a more dome-shaped edge–slightly rounded–with tapering bristles in the front and back. It was not quite perfectly round but was thick enough that it wasn’t “flat” in shape either.

Blue squirrel hair picks up less product than synthetic fibers or goat hair, so it lends itself to a sheerer application of products, regardless of what it is used with. I would say this would work well for dusting all-over powders, whether translucent or a finishing powder, along with some setting powder. If you have a larger highlighter, bronzer, or blush pan, it could work for applying any of those for a more buildable application of product (particularly for those who apply in larger areas). One of the nicer parts about working with such fine bristles is that it is hard to disturb base products because it really does move like silk over the skin.

For those who are unfamiliar: blue squirrel hair is one of the more fragile hair types, so it is often recommended to wash as little as possible; whether one adheres to that or not is one’s prerogative, of course! I wash my brushes at similar intervals and go by how often I’ve used it, and I haven’t found that to be a major detriment to my natural hair brushes, including blue squirrel brushes. That being said, I’m okay with having to replace a few brushes at some point down the line (in like a decade or longer) if it means I can clean my brushes when I want to!

When used for setting powder over a cream/liquid base, I find that powder brushes need to be washed routinely as there is, inherently, some transfer of the base to the bristles (that touch of dewiness from still-drying foundation or a luminous base), which is why I wanted to make sure newcomers were aware of what they might be getting themselves into!

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Beautylish Year of the Rat Powder Brush  

Holiday Brush 2019

Wayne Goss Holiday 2019 Brush ($62.00) is a new, limited edition large fan-style brush that is made out of goat hair. It is supposed to work for “fast, flawless blending” and can be used with “bronzer, blush, and highlighter” as well as “cream, liquid, and powder-based products” (generally). Based on the brand’s video, the idea is that the edge can be used for precise application and then gently pressing to splay the edge gives it the ability to diffuse/blend out products.

The shape of the brush is wide with a decent length from ferrule to the edge of the bristles. The left and right edges had a stronger curvature to them, whereas the brush tapered and flattened out for about a third of the middle section. I didn’t have any issues with the brush shedding, and it retained its shape after washing. The brush was soft enough but the hairs felt slightly coarser than some of the other goat-hair fan and larger powder brushes I have. One edge (in the first photo, the right edge) seemed to be sharper and less rounded compared to the other edge. It was 75mm in width (at its widest section) and 60mm in length (at its longest), and it seemed about 20mm in thickness (at its thickest).

It’s denser than the average fan brush but had quite a bit of flexibility and spring, so I wouldn’t describe it as a truly dense brush. I think the flexibility made it more suitable for diffusing and blending out product than applying it, and it was easiest to use for spreading and blending out the edges of some products or to blend products together (but having used something else to apply the product before, just using this as a clean, blending brush). For example, after applying highlighter and blush with other tools, going back in with this brush (with no product) to diffuse those together worked beautifully.

When working with sheer to semi-sheer formulas that were closer to my natural skin tone, I could get the brush to work well for application and blending of the same products out. Working with anything that was even moderately pigmented (even with a light hand), based on my face shape and size, it was too thick and too prone to gently splaying/bending to give precision, so it resulted in a really imprecise application and an over-blending of product (e.g. blush that looked less like blush and more like I was red all over on one side of my face or bronzer that made me look like my foundation was far too dark).

When I looked closely at the brush, I think I struggled to find it as useful for my face shape/features for applying most products (aside from sheerer products, all-over finishing powders, and translucent powders) was because of the way the bristles taper in the front and back toward the edge, so it was difficult to pick up product evenly right on the sharpest edge, which didn’t have any “flatness” so it always splayed and bent slightly with any pressure (whether picking up product or applying it to my face). In a way, the very tips of the bristles easily splay a little upon contact, and I think this resulted in a wider footprint of product applied, rather than staying right on that edge.

With more buildable contour and bronzing products, the brush worked well for applying and distributing product while diffusing the edge, but it was a careful balance of applying and ensuring that things didn’t get over-blended and could look muddied. With blush and highlighter, the large size coupled with the way the bristles pick up and splay so readily, the end result always expanded far beyond where I’d want blush or highlight (like the highlighter would overwhelm the blush almost immediately).

While trying it with a slew of products, I didn’t find that it was efficient with more pigmented products or harder-to-blend products, though, as the sweeping motions weren’t enough to diffuse the edges (where circular, buffing motions worked better). I tried using the left/right edges, center, a mix, held more sharply against my face, and more splayed in an effort to try the brush and see the results for the different types of products and techniques I could think to try.

Whether this brush is a “good” brush is more about whether it’s a functional brush for you; and that means your facial features, face shape and size, the types of products you want to use it with, and what your application and technique would be with it. It can pick up product, apply it, and blend it out without a lot of effort, so I think that it, largely, does what was intended to do. I think the stability at the tips of the brush could be a little higher so that it was truer to the idea of using the edge for application and then using the side of the brush to blend, though.

This is where reviewing brushes/tools gets difficult because I think it lived up to its marketing claims in many ways, but I struggled with it due to the larger size so I think the tone/my experience may not reflect the rating. Even using a lighter hand or less-pigmented products, I just found this was more work to use for applying products over other tools (like a blush brush), and it only fit functionally into my routine (and with my facial features/shape/size) as a separate blending brush or for dusting finishing powder all over my face.

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush 2019  

Designer Pro

Sonia G. Designer Pro Brush ($46.00) is a small-to-medium-sized cheek and face brush that’s a bit flatter but still dense, plush, and rounded along the edge. Per the brand, it is supposed to work with “blush, blush toppers, highlight, sculpting” and “performs in a more airbrushed way” but avoids “harsh edges” and is better at “diffusing” and “blending.” It has a curved ferrule, which was described as helping to achieve the efficiency of the brush.

If you’ve read about my favorite blush brush reviews, you’ll know that I have an affinity for slightly flatter (but not floppy or too thin) cheek brushes over the more classic, moderately-dense, dome-shaped brushes (though they have their place). The brush is incredibly soft and smooth, where it can be used in any direction with any level of pressure yet the bristles moved as one. The denseness coupled with the shape was what made it more standout compared to other cheek brushes.

The flatter surface works well for picking up products on firmer and denser formulas, and I’ve found it is better at picking up with less disturbance for more powdery products, though I’d still use a lighter hand and concentrate product on the edge/tip of the brush (or else it can pick up too much product!). It offered a lot of control, though, because it held its shape and didn’t fluff up much at the edge, which was still more feathery and airy in feel.

The actual edge of the brush has an airier quality to it, which gives it some spring and flexibility that helps with spreading and diffusing product over the face. I’ve found myself using the brush primarily for sheer to medium-coverage blush application, highlighters of all types and finishes, and applying translucent powder underneath my eye. It can be used for more circular motions, but the shape lends itself more to tapping, patting, and sweeping/sliding motions.

• It is made out of brown-dyed, saikoho goat hair.
• 165mm total length, 33mm hair length, 15x11mm ferrule width

It released originally earlier this year in October, and it’s been restocked this morning. The first one I received was a press sample, and I ended up buying a second one during the original release as well (since I liked it as much, not that I need more brushes or anything!).

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro  

Sonia G Designer Pro