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IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush Review & Photos

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IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush
IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush

No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush

IT Cosmetics No. 302 LBD Foundation Velvet Luxe Brush ($38.00) is a medium-sized, dense, gently dome-shaped brush with synthetic fibers. The brush head is 30mm in width, 29mm in height, and 30mm in thickness. It has an open, rounded ferrule. The total length is 7 inches or 18 centimeters with the majority of the handle having a “soft-touch grip.” (If you’re familiar with NARS’ packaging, it’s a bit like that but smoother, and I haven’t noticed a tendency to pick-up powder or smudges–my handle is totally pristine after having it for two months). The brush is well-balanced with a handle that’s comfortable to hold and fit well into my hand.

This is an excellent brush for foundation, particularly liquid and cream foundations, as the fibers are so fine and the brush itself so dense that all the fibers move as one, which yields a smooth, even, streak-free application. It’s domed enough to move across more contoured areas of the face, like underneath the eyes, around the nose, and along the jaw, but the more buffer-brush-like shape makes it easy to stipple, spread, blend, and buff foundation into the skin. It’s become my new go-to liquid foundation brush since I started testing it. I’m particularly impressed by how silky it feels against the skin no matter the angle or motion of the brush–there is never a direction or pressure where you can feel any of the individual fibers, which also indicates how well-cut it is. The brush itself is very dense, much like a buffer brush, so it does take extra time to really clean and rinse through any brush cleanser used, and subsequently, drying time is longer, but it dries within 12 to 16 hours in my experience.

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kate Avatar

I am obsessed with these brushes lately. They are SO soft and work SO well. It continues to surprise me every time I use them. Have six of them so far and can’t wait to buy more.

Amy H. Avatar

That says a lot right there! Wow! Considering the extreme price difference, I’d say this is a winner! Yay!!
I have almost every style from this brand (plus a few duplicates) and I love them all. The large powder, blush, blending and crease brushes rival any of my higher end brushes, too. I don’t find myself reaching for anything else. That includes my Marc Jacobs, Hourglass, MUFE, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, UD, (pro brands like Crown, Royal & Langenickel, Morphe, etc.) and quite a few by Sephora. I have the IT Cosmetics brushes in a container in the middle of my vanity. (Actually, make that 3 containers because I have quite a few). You “could” say that I have a small problem with buying makeup brushes. LOL.
Great review, Christine. Thank you! xx

Amy H. Avatar

Hi!
I do, actually. When I’m doing my makeup in a hurry and am not too concerned with it looking flawless, I reach for the silver handled Airbrushes. They’re a bit less soft in general, but I do love the OMG! Foundation (106) and the Buffing Foundation (110). They are an exception to the softness, as they are 2 of my favorites. My absolute favorites are the Velvet Luxe that come in the Velvet pouches and handles that sort of remind me of the Nars packaging texture. The Soft Focus Sculpting (315) is just as soft as my new MJ “The Shape”. The “Goddess Kabuki” (306) is ridiculously soft! It comes in a cute Velvet pouch with strings to close it at the top. It says: custom designed, hand cut shaped, 100% cruelty free synthetic, micro fine Optical Blurring brush hair. Custom molded, soft touch grip, jumbo size designed to fit nicely in your palm, featuring dense yet plush bristles perfect for the face and body.” ALL of those claims are accurate. For the price, I am surprised more people aren’t converting to this brand. <3
The silver handle "Live Beauty❤️Fully" come in a close 2nd favorite to the Velvet Luxe. The large "All Over Powder" (211) is ridiculously soft and gentle for a either a sheet wash of powder or blush, even highlighter if it's very pigmented. The reg slick black handled brushes are hit or miss on the softness factor, but they're all very good. Most don't have the names printed on them, so it's difficult to point out favorites.
Over the holidays, while still shopping at a scary rate, I purchased the sets "Your Superheroes" (6 pc $50), "You're Easy on the Eyes" (2 double-ended $28), "Your Beautiful Basics" (3 pc $19.50), and "Experience Velvet-Ultimate Luxe 5-Piece Set" ($98). All the sets are still unopened, except for the last set- due to the softness. The sets all come in travel friendly zippered or buttoned holders. The last set came in a Black Velvet Wrap around roll that opens flat with a flap to protect the brush heads and 2 faux leather tie straps that wrap around the roll. I guess my mind wanted the sets because they were great deals, but due to conditioning over the years of realizing with holiday packs, quality sometimes suffers a little. I haven't had the time nor heart to test the theory out. Crazy, I know.
I recently purchased the new Pro Airbrush 78 by Sephora (which I really like) on the same day as the MJ "The Shape". Both have only been used once, just to try them out.
IMO, I prefer the IT versions better.
Hope that helps a bit! Geez, so long winded. I'm very sorry! Eek.

Christine Avatar

The Velvet Luxe line is definitely very soft – rivals many of my best natural brushes for sure. My guess is that ULTA-only hurts them a bit, since not everyone can access ULTA (especially our international friends), and they’re pricey enough that unless you have some experience with flop brushes at similar price points, you might not consider changing over… and yet if you are normally buying Sonia Kashuk/EcoTools/Real Techniques (all popular synthetics) and have been happy, the Luxe line is still quite a price bump. I think they’re an excellent alternative from what I can tell thus far for a really high-end, high-quality synthetic that rivals the feel and movement of natural hair.

Have you tested the Velvet Luxe set you bought at all? I know you mentioned you opened it 😉

Thank you so much!

Katherine T. Avatar

Wow, the Velvet Luxe brushes rival some of your natural hair brushes??? That’s it! As soon as I can get my hands on one of those 20% off coupons, I’m grabbing a set.

Nicole Avatar

I do agree with that statement. I have a handful of the It brushes at this point. I have many different brands,mostly mid to high end. Most natural hair ,but some synthetic. I only have 2 velvet Luxe now. but the Live beautifully ones I have, I feel work just as good and in many cases better than some of the natural hair ones I own.

jesse binning Avatar

This is my HG foundation brush! Im thinking about getting an extra for the days when my other one is dirty lol. Ive only had it for a couple months but applies liquid foundation flawlessly!

Kate Avatar

I have the large Kabuki in this line of brushes and have played with the others in Ulta. They’re beautiful, high quality brushes and I’m eager to pick up more. I’d love to see your review on the blush and contour brushes as those are next on my list.

The Kabuki brush is large and I find it ideal for patting on finishing powder or powder foundation. It leaves a smooth finish and feels great on my skin. My other brushes feel like steel wool after this. I’ll never go back!

Codename Duchess Avatar

I’ve used the Velvet Luxe Buffing Brush with Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Fluid Touch foundation which is really, really thin and the brush works beautifully with it. I’m sure it’d play just as well with the new NARS foundation.

Christine Avatar

It depends more on how much you apply, I think. I tend to wear my foundation with light to medium coverage, medium where needed, and I don’t have any issues getting that, but it doesn’t feel like it’s an over/under situation where I have to apply a lot or less. The synthetic fibers will soak up less product in general, so you should be able to use less product to get the results you want.

Monica Avatar

I am SOLD, thank you Christine. I have been avoiding these brushes and going for the Tom Ford and Chanel brushes, but if you find that they are equal, but less expensive, I am going to check them out. Thank you for all your do, you are wonderful and help me make decisions on my purchases. -M

Andrea K Avatar

Im in the same dilema. Bought the Sephora Pro 78 for that same foundation. A DISSASTER as it ate up all the foundation and made the application streaky. Then bought the 56, works a bit better but doesn’t blow my mind. Used the Real Technique Face Expert… Makes it look too thick. The finger doesnt make it flawless… Is why am experimenting with brushes. Which brush would you recommend? This It one?

Aquie Avatar

See I was trying not to buy anymore brushes and have been stalking this brush on Ulta’s website for weeks and here you go giving it a recommendation…LOL…I love the IT Cosmetics brushes I have so far I don’t even know why I was hesitant…Thanks for the review!!!

rashmi Avatar

I was ordering from IT cosmetic site last week and remembered that you had mentioned something which you are using a lot lately from this brand …
I searched here some 10 to 20 pages but couldn’t find and was so hesitant to even ask ….

soooooo this is IT ….. 🙂
do you have anything else too apart from their blushes which you feel I should invest in …

this goes in my cart right away 🙂
your reviews are always to the point … no stories …. confusing stories I mean 🙂 and this is what makes you special 🙂

Andrea K Avatar

I got the 78 and can tell you right now that the bristles of the 78 are longer and so you don’t get that ‘thick’ effect that you would have with a kabuki type brush. Also is tapered… I wanted to love it but hated it. To top it all, washed it and took over 5 days to get dry. Returned it. Beyond unimpressed.

Andrea K Avatar

This seem shorter, flatter and denser, so I think would give you more control and an overall better performance. I think this compares yo the Bobbi Brown foundation brush… The one with the reddish bristles…forgot the name.

Katherine T. Avatar

I first got IT brushes from QVC kits, which offered IT powders/blushes with a full-size IT brush thrown in for free. I was amazed by the quality! I’ve been eyeing the IT Brush kits at ULTA for the longest time, they have 3 or 4 lines, but not sure which collection to buy. Thanks for the review, will definitely check this one out!

Katherine T. Avatar

Ok, I checked my stash and here’s what I have. They make some really great quality brushes and their sets are awesome deals
*These Heavanly Luxe Brushes came with the QVC powders/blushes/CC Creams–Plush Paddle, Wand Ball, Dual Ended Airbrush Foundation /Concealer, Pointed Precision Complexion, and a Powder Brush. I like them all, except the Powder Brush is too dense and takes 2-3 days to dry.
*HL Travel Brush set from QVC a while back- Powder, Flat Foundation, Flat Concealer, Crease, Shadow, Eyeliner/Brow Brush
*From Ulta, I got another set – Double Ended Crease/Shadow Set and Double Ended Smudger/Liner ( and yes, the 20% coupon works)

BOTTÂNICA BOTTANIQUE Avatar

Thanks for your amazing job, Christine!
I never used foundation (and neither bb cream, cc cream or “zz” cream) in my life. The only thing that I use on my skin is sunscreen with vitamin C prescribed by my dermatologist. Thus, do you think if it would work well with liquid or cream “blushes”?

Thank you in advance.
(Lauren)

Lisa Avatar

I saw this at Ulta the other day and it felt so nice and dense. I was considering buying it, but after your review, I’m definitely going to! I especially appreciate that you mentioned the handle hasn’t picked up smudges, etc. The handle was my main concern as I was worried about having to constantly keep it clean. Not only do I have cats — as any cat lady will let you know, cat hair is attracted to everything — I’m also a bit clumsy, usually asking myself after makeup application, “how did makeup get THERE?”

Olga Avatar

Christine, could you please tell me what is better about this brush than the optical blurring? I’ve always thought that UD’s was a pretty good one but have lately been eyeing the Tom ford cream foundation. Just trying to figure out the differences before plunking down a bunch more change (I usually apply liquids and bb creams btw).

Lisa Avatar

I have the UD brush, and while I don’t own the IT one, I’ve seen/felt it in person so I know it’s a lot denser. I have the Sigma kabuki foundation brush — I don’t remember the name but it’s the round top one — and I’d say the IT one is less dense, but more so than the UD one if that makes sense. The UD brush was my favourite for a long time until I tried the Sigma one. The density of the brush really makes all the difference, IMO. It really helps to buff foundation in and create a flawless finish. I imagine the IT one is no exception, plus the bristles are sooo much softer than UD’s.

Melissa C Avatar

Oh – I so want this brush. I have the RT Expert Face Brush and it’s pretty good – but after I bought the IT Live BeautyFully Blush Brush, my RT brushes are getting no love. I want to slowly convert all my brushes to IT brushes – they are just so soft, retain their shape, clean up great and make my makeup look great.

Melissa C Avatar

I’ve been able to use my 20% coupon in the past on an IT Brush- when it was for Prestige products. It depends on which 20% off coupon you get – some people get one for non-prestige only and some for everything. But if you email their customer service and tell them “hey I’m platinum why do I get a different coupon – I think that policy is a bunch of BS” they will email you the 20% off everything coupon. Then it will work on the IT brushes, etc. Their excuse is that it is a “marketing policy/regional coupon”.

Dusty Avatar

There is a dual ended one that’s similar to this one one side but smaller on the other. Normally I would hate this kind of brush but it’s become the one brush I can take with me. I pack no others. It does foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer beautifully. Even smokes out eyeliner or eyeshadow if I’m feeling festive 😉

Dusty Avatar

Honestly? I just toss it in my bag! LOL! I think because it’s synthetic it keeps its shape really well. I tried it once thinking that it would end up all widgy and wonky but it worked perfectly fine! I think as long as it has a little bit of space to move around it seems okay.

SheDaisy Avatar

Luckily, I took a risk on a $3 face/foundation/buff brush on amazon. It’s the best brush I own, hands down – and I’ve gotten some of the hyped brushes, but they don’t compare. I haven’t bought any beauty tools since; I get brushes in my beauty boxes!

Codename Duchess Avatar

I’ve had the buffing brush from this line since late October and just love it. It’s the softest brush in my collection and kind of ruins me for my other face brushes that I used to consider soft or at least soft enough. If the Velvet Luxe line had equivalents to all of my most frequently used brushes I’d probably replace them all with Velvet Luxe brushes. I think these brushes are just so impressive for the price. They’re obviously not as affordable as budget lines like Real Techniques or Sonia Kashuk, but I bought mine with a 20% off coupon and got as nice of a foundation brush as I’m ever likely to own for under $30. Can’t beat that! The long drying time (I think the buffing brush takes 18-20 hours to fully dry) is the only thing I don’t like about my brush and that’s not too big of a deal. I just save my deep cleanings for weekends when I have more time, and just use a spray-on cleaner during the week.

KaseyCannuck Avatar

I love these brushes! They are beyond decadent. I have the luxe powder brush, the flat top buffer, the dual-ended concealer brush, and the Buki set. I’ve got my eye on the mega fan brush next.

KaseyCannuck Avatar

I get them from The Shopping Channel. The Buki set was on sale and the rest came with multiple-product orders. I haven’t paid full price for any of them yet.

Sarah S. Avatar

My boyfriend got me an IT Cosmetics brush for Christmas (the angled blush brush) and it’s just wonderful. I’m always eyeballing these brushes when I go into Ulta, but I’m on a budget (and right now, a no-buy) so I never know which ones I would get. Probably eye brushes, since I love to wear eyeshadow more than anything else!

Melinda Avatar

This brush works well with loose mineral foundation too.. I also have the 320 Effortless Crease brush I use for sot concealing with cream concealer. I love the velvet luxe line, that I also bought the 306 Goddess Kabuki brush too. I waited for a Ulta 20% off coupon since it $54. These, in my opinion, are better and softer than the RT Bold Metal brushes.

Melinda Avatar

I agree with you. As soon as Bold Metals were available at Ulta I went to the store and grabbed the brushes. I went to one of aisles to open each box to check out to softness and thought it was a joke. I put every single brush back.

zFashionizta Avatar

I was not aware of this brand until the blogger musings of a muse reviewed A QVC set last year and there began my love for their products. I only own 3 It Cosmetics brushes and they are fabulous!
I received my CC+ angled buffing foundation brush and my dual-ended complexion brush with 2 different TSV sets purchased at QVC and I purchased the Jumbo heavenly luxe mega brush because it had received so many good reviews from many bloggers (and they were right, it is a great powder brush).
In December I saw the brushes made exclusively for Ulta & fell deeper in love, now not only are they great brushes but those are gorgeous!
Unfortunately at this time I have not been able to purchase a single one of those and hope that they are not discontinued before I get my hands on a few of them.

zFashionizta Avatar

I can’t see them discontinuing brushes that seem to be selling well but sometimes they are discontinued to redesign them and I am hoping that does not happen because the Live Beauty Fully & Velvet Luxe brushes are gorgeous! Fingers crossed because I need about $350 to purchase all the ones I want.

FYI: the It cosmetics OMG brush is getting great reviews and although I do not need another foundation brush I want that one too.

Heather Avatar

Have you tried the soft focus sculpting one? I’ve been enjoying that one for awhile now to diffuse my blush colors and apply my bronzer. I’m really tempted to try out the eye brushes since these are so incredibly soft.

Nancy T Avatar

Call me sold! This Velvet Luxe brush is, as of now, on my short list! I really love how dense it appears, how well it performed for you, Christine, and that handle actually looks comfy to hold, too!

joy Avatar

i like this brush too although currently it’s serving more as a powder brush for me.

i’m really loving the Velvet Luxe brushes in Plush All-Over Shadow brush #322 (it’s sooo plush. nothing is softer short of blue squirrel!) and the Soft Focus Sculpting Brush #315. i like the Soft Focus brush for less pigmented blushes. the dense bristles help me pick up enough pigment so i don’t have to spend as much time building.

i didn’t like Plush Blush #316, it had problems picking up enough pigment so i had to spend more time building than normal. the Buffing Foundation Brush #301 had an outer ring of scratchier bristles so i returned it. Precision Eye Liner #326 would splay in the middle as you’re using it so it was harder to do fine lines or delicate wings.

joy Avatar

more setting/finishing because i’ve been trying to get a foundation to work for me (complexion rescue bc i like it only has physical spf and no silicones) but i’ve used it a few times with loose powder foundation too.

the #322 looks big but is surprisingly easy to control. the bristles come to about the same height as Hakuhodo’s J5523 (thanks for the rec. i LOVE it) and Wayne Goss’s 06 but it’s fatter (wider) and fluffier (thicker). it’s precise enough for me to lay down lid color or i also enjoy it as a brow highlight and/or down blending tool. as you can see from my avatar, i also have small eyes so i think you’re safe if you want to consider it.

mybeautymusings Avatar

I love IT brushes! My first from the brand was the Airbrush Complexion Perfection Brush #115 and it works so well with liquid foundation and pressed powders! Although I do prefer to use it for pressed powder over liquids. 🙂

I want to get more from their line! They have AMAZING quality brushes at a reasonable price. Thanks for the review, Christine.

Leah Avatar

I have it, and I use it to apply powdered mineral foundation. I have extremely sensitive skin, and am so pale that any mark or redness stands out, but the brush is gentle enough that it never bothers my skin. I think that, especially for the price, this is a fabulous brush. I originally bought it to be a backup for when my flat-top brush was drying after a wash, but now my flat-top has become the backup.

Em Avatar

I noticed this line of brushes when I was in Ulta a couple months ago and OMG are they soft. I almost died. The big fan brush feels like heaven. But this line is also more than I usually spend on brushes. I may have to consider getting this foundation brush now, though, because I don’t have one I love yet. I’d really like to see more reviews of this line (I know you also did the contour brush), especially the concealer brush! I have the Airbrush Pro from Sephora that has been serving me well for years, but always curious to know what else is out there.

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