Cruelty-Free Brushes:  EcoTools Bronzer Brush

EcoTools Bronzer Brush ($9.99) is a large, dome-shaped bronzer brush that’s really more of a multi-tasking face brush than specifically a bronzer brush.

It’s great for pressed or loose powder, buffing, bronzer, and even liquid foundation if you don’t mind washing it often! The brush is so dense that it feels more like a kabuki brush, actually. I personally liked to use it for buffing and application of loose powder to set my makeup. It’s easy to clean and wash (and no funky smell or bleeding dye!), though expect a longer drying time with such a densely-packed brush (much like any kabuki!). Your best bet is to wash it after you use it, so it’s ready for the next day.

I appreciate the earth-friendly packaging, but I do feel like the handle is a little too thick. I could go for a slightly thinned out handle so it doesn’t feel chunky in my hand. Otherwise, I can’t think of any complaints about the brush itself! The softness and density of the brush itself make it nearly fool-proof to use to apply your favorite powder products.

EcoTools makes their brushes with sustainably grown bamboo for the handles, recycled aluminum for the ferrules, and Taklon bristles, which makes them 100% cruelty-free.

Celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf uses the bronzer brush in this video…

If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!

• Product: 29/30
• Value: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 5/5
• Packaging: 4/5

Recommendation: If you’ve been wanting a kabuki/buffer brush but haven’t wanted to shell out $40+ for one, EcoTools makes an excellent, affordable alternative.

Availability: Drugstore.com

See more photos!

How-to Clean your Makeup Brushes

Start by choosing either a mild shampoo or brush cleanser. There is a slew of brush cleansers designed with makeup in mind from just about every brand that also has brushes (and some that don’t!). You can also use a mild shampoo that’s designed for human hair as well.  Either method works just as well–it depends on what you like.

Shampooing requires at least an eight hour window for drying (a little less for eye brushes, a little longer for denser, larger brushes); brush cleansers are often alcohol-based and can be used as a spot cleaner between applications or dry within minutes as opposed to hours.

If you use brush cleanser, read the instructions. I know, that sounds way too basic, and almost like a cop out, but brush cleansers vary in technique. Some brush cleansers require water, others don’t. For instance, Sephora’s Brush Shampoo works much like a shampoo and requires the same process, while on the other hand, shu uemura’s Brush Cleanser has you pour the brush cleanser into a small glass, swirl the brush in it, and then press the brushes against a towel to reshape. Often, an alcohol-based cleanser is a process that doesn’t need water and will also dry faster than cleansers that need water.  Lay flat on a towel to dry.  Always lay your brushes flat (or clothes-pin them so they hang with brushes pointed downward) to avoid water getting into the handle and ferrule (which can cause rust or deterioration of the brush).

If you use shampoo, begin by wetting the brush you want to clean with lukewarm water (never hot) and then dip in shampoo/cleanser. Brush the brush back and forth to absorb the shampoo and start to work up a lather/foam. With larger brushes (like for powder or blush), I also like to squirt a little shampoo into the center of the brush and really work up the lather. After you’ve worked the shampoo into the brush, gently run it under water and repeat the back and forth brushing motion until the water runs clean (and there are no signs of suds, either). Gently squeeze out any excess water and lay flat on a towel to dry.  Always lay your brushes flat (or clothes-pin them so they hang with brushes pointed downward) to avoid water getting into the handle and ferrule (which can cause rust or deterioration of the brush).

If your brushes are incredibly dirty or stained, try using an oil-based product, either jojoba oil or a marketed “cleansing oil” (Bobbi Brown, MAC, and shu uemura all make one). Apply a little bit to the brush, swirl and work it in, and then add a bit of lukewarm water. Swirl some more, get a little lather going, and then rinse until the water runs clean.

Or if you’re more of a listener, here’s a video on how to clean your makeup brushes.

Find out about the basics of good brush care!

How-to Take Care of Your Makeup Brushes

Clean your brushes frequently to avoid bacteria or product build-up. Regular cleanings keep your brushes in better working order. Brushes used with creams or liquids (anything emollient) should be washed shortly after use, particularly if using a brush with lipstick or gloss. The stickiness of gloss can often gunk up a brush and make a real pain to get it out if you don’t clean it quickly!

Stand brushes upright or laying flat. (When they are dry!  Lay them flat when wet to dry.)  Doing this will help them retain their shape and keep bristles from splaying every which way. Keep brushes out of direct sunlight to help maintain their quality and keep them from fading.

Avoid staining your brushes by washing them immediately after using white or light colored brushes. Even though sometimes you can manage to find a way to remove or significant remove a stain later on, I’ve found the easiest way to combat staining is simply to nip it in the bud!

Always re-shape your brushes after you’ve washed them. Your brushes will dry in the shape they are left wet, so you’ll want to shape them into the shape you expect while they’re wet or damp so they’re the right shape when you go to use them the next time.

Never blow-dry or use direct sunlight to dry your brushes, as it can cause permanent damage to your brushes. If you are pressed for time, opt for an alcohol-based cleanser and spray or dampen a paper towel and then sweep the brush against the paper towel until it’s clean. Alcohol-based cleansers have a much faster drying time compared to brush cleansers or cleansing methods that require shampoos and/or water.

Beauty Lessons is a series of posts focusing on going over the basics of beauty topic by topic.   You can find all of the previous Beauty Lessons here.

Sigma Makeup Brushes vs. MAC Brushes

Make sure you check out my standalone review for Sigma Brushes, which considers them on their merit and by themselves, not as an alternative to MAC specifically.

Q. Are they on the same level as MAC? Or are they a more affordable alternative, but not as good?

The majority of brushes are not on the same level as MAC, and there are some subtle differences that translate in application that makes me think Sigma really would be better off having their own numbering system and designing original brushes and improving upon their existing designs or similar-to-MAC brushes. Though the numbering system has made me hesitant to review Sigma since I first heard of the brand (because I don’t like copycats, diversion, knockoffs, etc.), I think they could do just as well without the MAC numbers. I think it automatically invites very tight, very critical comparisons between the two brands.

Sigma Makeup brushes are definitely a more affordable alternative to MAC brushes or any other high-end brushes. They are good, but not always great and sometimes just so-so. Like all brush ranges, not all brushes are made equal. Some brushes aren’t as soft, others not as useful. I have all of the currently available MAC brushes, and there are certainly brushes that I have no use for and some that I don’t love or even like. To expect every Sigma Makeup Brush to be outstanding or to surpass MAC or other high-end brands is a very tough expectation to meet.

I think if you go in with “this is an affordable alternative” rather than “this is exactly the same or better” mindset, you won’t be disappointed. (Of course, also make sure you’ve read my thoughts on the brushes themselves, because some might still disappoint you–e.g. 187!)

See brush-by-brush comparisons, photos, and more Q&A…

All photos show Sigma Makeup Brushes brand new–they have not been washed or used, they’re right out of the package, so my MAC brushes may look dirtier (I swear I cleaned them all, but I think I might have forgotten one or two) and some of my white-bristled brushes I’ve never been able to turn 100% perfectly white again. This post focuses exclusively on how Sigma brushes stack up to MAC brushes, because this is the most common question I’ve seen asked.

Q. How do they compare to MAC brushes of the same number? (e.g. quality of the handle, hair, shedding, similarity to, worse/better)

First, one common denominator: nearly all of the Sigma Makeup brushes are heavier (the handle being heavier) and thicker/larger in diameter in comparison to MAC brushes. Most of the Sigma Makeup Brushes are also longer.

MAC 109 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS109 Brush

MAC 109 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS109 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS109 Brush / MAC 109 Brush

MAC 109 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS109 Brush (Handle thickness comparison)

SS109 vs. MAC 109: The MAC 109 is denser, softer, and the brush-head itself is about 2mm longer. I found the SS109 to be fluffier and not as densely packed as the MAC brush; the shape itself is a little more domed and not as flat. My MAC 109 doesn’t shed very much (maybe one bristle for every 2-3 uses), but I do have some trouble with my SS109 shedding. The SS109 splays out more, while the MAC 109 is rounded and tapers in.

MAC 150 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush

MAC 150 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush (Handle thickness comparison)

MAC 150 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush

MAC 150 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush (Length comparison–MAC is 5-6mm longer)

SS150 vs. MAC 150: The MAC 150 is more domed and tapered inward, while the SS150 flares out more and then has a wide dome shape. The SS150 has the same softness (which, by the way, the MAC 150 isn’t ultra soft, it’s soft but could be softer) as the MAC 150, but the SS150 differs greatly in its shape and density. I think the SS150 is more similar to MAC’s 134 (even though Sigma also offers the SS134). The SS150 is flatter and denser, not as fluffy as the MAC 150. The SS150 sheds like nobody’s business, while my MAC 150 doesn’t shed much at all. The SS150 is also the smelliest, most troublesome brush out of all the Sigma brushes I’ve tried–it sheds, smells, and bleeds. The weight difference between these two also feels the largest–the SS150 is distinctly heavier than the MAC brush, even though it’s shorter.

MAC 168 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS168 Brush

MAC 168 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS168 Brush

SS168 vs. MAC 168: The MAC 168 is tighter, more compact, and it retains its shape a lot better than the SS168, which was splayed when I first opened it and still splays out even when I re-shape it after washing. The SS168 is fluffier and better for diffusing a blush than it is for cotouring, just because I find the lack of firmness makes it more difficult to contour the hollows of my cheeks. (Please keep in mind that I’ve had my 168 forever, and I didn’t always know how to clean them, so mine is a little discolored–it does start off white!)

Sigma Makeup SS182 Brush / MAC 182 Brush

MAC 182 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS182 Brush

SS182 vs. MAC 182: My MAC 182 is a Couture 182, which means it has a square handle and is thusly not *exactly* the same as the permanent MAC 182. (And yes, I still own TWO of the Couture 182s, and I love them dearly!) These two are almost equally soft. I’d say the MAC brush is just slightly softer against the skin, but it’s really close. The SS182 does a really good job replicating the feel and density of the MAC 182. The MAC 182 sheds less than my SS182, but neither sheds much at all. The SS182 smells after washing, though, and my MAC 182 always just smells like whatever I washed it in (baby shampoo).

Sigma Makeup SS187 Brush / MAC 187 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS187 Brush / MAC 187 Brush

MAC 187 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS187 Brush

MAC 187 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS187 Brush (Handle size/length comparison)

SS187 vs. MAC 187: I found that the differences between these two were more pronounced than in many of the other comparisons. The MAC 187 is significantly softer and it is much more dense. It also holds its shape better and has enough firmness/density so you can use it for stippling. The SS187 feels a little fluffy and floppy in comparison. The SS187 is nearly an inch longer and significantly heavier with a thicker handle.

MAC 188 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS188 Brush

MAC 188 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS188 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS188 Brush / MAC 188 Brush

SS188 vs. MAC 188: Like the previous comparison between SS187 and MAC 187, the SS188 is just not as dense or firm as the MAC 188. The 188 is tighter, thinner, and doesn’t flare out like the SS188. The SS188 brush-head is about 1-2mm longer in length.

MAC 190 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS190 Brush

MAC 190 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS190 Brush

SS190 vs. MAC 190: These two are very, very similar. The MAC 190 is a little softer, but otherwise the two brushes are identical.

MAC 194 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS194 Brush

SS194 vs. MAC 194: I don’t think these brushes are comparable. The MAC 194 is thinner, skinnier, and longer. They’re two totally different brushes. The SS194 is considerably longer than MAC 194.

MAC 209 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS209 Brush

MAC 209 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS209 Brush

SS209 vs. MAC 209: The MAC brush is skinnier overall, but it’s also more straight/narrow and comes to a point, but it’s not as tapered as the SS209, which almost bulges at the bottom and middle before it comes to a thin point. The SS209 is also a good deal longer and the handle thicker than the MAC 209.

MAC 219 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS219 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS219 Brush / MAC 219 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS219 Brush / MAC 219 Brush

SS219 vs. MAC 219: The photos do a really good job showing just how different these two brushes are. The SS19 is a fluffy, dome-shaped crease brush, whereas the MAC 219 is more penci-shaped, more pointed and less domed, and it is much tighter/compact and not nearly as fluffy. I find that both are good to have on hand, but the SS219 is not like the MAC 219. Just think of them as two different brushes entirely! The SS219 is also over an inch longer than the MAC 219.

MAC 224 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS224 Brush

MAC 224 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS224 Brush

MAC 224 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS224 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS224 Brush / MAC 224 Brush

SS224 vs. MAC 224: The SS224 is about 10mm longer than the MAC 224, even though the MAC 224 brush-head is 3-4mm longer than the SS224. Much like the 219 comparison, there are enough differences between these two brushes that make them less than identical. The MAC 224 is longer, skinnier, and not as dense–it’s very soft and floppy in a sense. The SS224 is shorter with more of a domed shape rather than a tapered edge like the MAC 224. The SS224’s shorter brush-head allows you to have more control over it.

MAC 239 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS239 Brush

MAC 239 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS239 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS239 Brush / MAC 239 Brush

SS239 vs. MAC 239: One of the most noticeable differences is the fact that the MAC 239 is white-haired, while the SS239 is brown. The MAC 239 is much, much better than the SS239 at picking up, packing on, and blending eyeshadow. The SS239 is larger, denser, and stubbier in comparison to the MAC 239. The SS239 actually reminds me of an old, long-discontinued Benefit eyeshadow brush I used to use. These just aren’t very comparable to me–it doesn’t mean the SS239 is bad, it’s decent, but it’s not the same as the MAC 239.

MAC 266 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS266 Brush

MAC 266 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS266 Brush

MAC 266 Brush / Sigma Makeup SS266 Brush

SS266 vs. MAC 266: Even though the angle of the MAC 266 looks much more severe than the SS266, they are actually the same. (Maybe your eyes are better than mine and didn’t think that, but I put them side by side, and the angle continues perfectly.) As you can see, the SS266 is skinnier and a smidgen shorter. The SS266 is also just under an inch longer than the MAC 266 with a thicker handle–I like my eyeliner brushes on the shorter side for more control but that’s a personal preference.

Sigma SS275 Brush / MAC 275 Brush

Sigma SS275 Brush / MAC 275 Brush

Sigma SS275 Brush / MAC 275 Brush

SS275 vs. MAC 275: The SS275 is significantly smaller than the MAC 275, which isn’t a bad thing. It actually kind of reminds me of MAC’s 272. The SS275 is a little more angular towards the edge in comparison as well. Like most Sigma brushes, the SS275 is also about half an inch longer than the MAC 275. The SS275 fits better in my inner corner than the MAC 275, actually! The SS275 sheds a bit more than my MAC 275 (which doesn’t shed at all). It’s not particularly worrisome, but it’s worth noting.

Q. Do you like the Sigma or MAC Kabuki (182) better?

I like the MAC 182 better, but it is really a tight race. I prefer the square handle of my MAC 182, which is actually not even what MAC 182 normally comes equipped with! I find MAC is just the littlest bit softer. Is it worth the huge price difference? No, I don’t think MAC is $25+ better by any means. I also like that my MAC 182 doesn’t smell after washing. I’m not that bothered by the scent, just because I don’t notice when I actually just use the brushes rather than specifically going out of my way to smell to see if there *is* a scent. The SS182 hardly sheds, is incredibly dense, very soft, and it retains its shape well after washing. I didn’t have any bleeding with the SS182 either.

Q. How does the weight of the brush compare?

The weight of the Sigma brushes seem heavier than the MAC brushes overall, and the difference is more noticeable in the face brushes, just because the handles are significantly thicker. Nearly all of the Sigma brushes are longer than MAC brushes.

Q. Why do they have the same numbers as MAC brushes?

According to Simone, when they originally launched their brushes, they didn’t have numbers. Customers requested that numbers be added to the brushes so they could refer to which brush they were using. Simone has told me that they are slowly phasing out the MAC-based numbering system and will have a new numbering system in place by the end of this year.

Q. Do you think these would last a lifetime like MAC brushes?

If you don’t use them very often, sure. If you use them everyday, I don’t think they will last you as long as MAC brushes. I see some of the ferrules loosening up over time with heavy use (I put ’em through the ringer, trust me!), a few brushes have some shedding/dye issues that could be fixed, and the smell might get worse after a couple of years (can’t say either way). These are just some concerns I’d have for lifetime use. I think they’ll last you a few years, and if you have to replace them in a few years, I think the low cost of even an entire set is certainly worth a few years’ of usage, you know?

I know several makeup artists who can vouch for their MAC brushes being as good today as they were 15 years ago when they first bought them–but they also take meticulous care of their brushes. With good care of your Sigma brushes, I imagine you can get several years out of them. You may have to hot glue the ferrule back on after a few years, but the brush itself seems to hold its shape, not shed so much that you’re missing half a brush six months later, etc. It is unrealistic to expect that Sigma = MAC (and unfair to hold Sigma to MAC standards, considering their price point, to be honest) in every single way.

Q. Do MAC brushes fit in the brush roll?

Yes.

Please feel free to ask any additional questions you may have.  Thanks for reading!

Sigma Makeup Brushes Review

In mid-January, I asked all of you what do you want to know about Sigma Makeup Brushes. Instead of my usual review format, I’m going to go through and answer your questions, because at the end of the day… my review would have answered the majority of those questions anyway, but this way you can look for your answers more easily.  I am reviewing the brushes I have tried, which include: SS109, SS150, SS168, SS182, SS187, SS188, SS190, SS194, SS208, SS219, SS224, SS239, SS266, and SS275.

This post is a review for Sigma Makeup Brushes on their own merit, aside from MAC, not compared to MAC. I will post a follow-up shortly comparing the two as requested.

• Brushes I liked: SS182, SS190, SS219, SS224.   I found these were the brushes that really stood out to me both in quality and in use.  I think all of the brushes are of good quality, but inevitably, they’re not better or different (and thus meet a different need!) than brushes I already have in my collection!
• Good value for the money: these are worth getting if you are keen on building up your brush collection faster and without breaking the bank.  I would definitely love it if you could purchase more brushes individually, so you didn’t have to pick up brushes you didn’t like or weren’t going to use often.  Sigma offers quality brushes are a more affordable price point, and I can understand that not everyone wants to or can spend money on high-end brushes.
• Read reviews and buy the brushes you need that also work well.  Not all of Sigma brushes are super-fab, some are good brushes (regardless of looking at price!) but some don’t hit the mark on what you expected to use the brush for.  e.g. the 187 isn’t stiff enough to stipple but it still works fine for applying blush with a softer, more diffused look.
• My recommendation: I like Sigma Makeup brushes for the short-term.  There are a few (the ones I mentioned I liked) that are worth picking up not just to get your hands on more makeup brushes, but I think they’re a good starter set.  It’s a good way to get to know makeup brushes, learn what you need and like, and if you love one brush, maybe consider upgrading that one or others you use often later on down the road with something pricier.

See review and photos…

Sigma Makeup Brushes Quality

Q. What do you think of the brushes you tried? What should we use each brush for?

All of the brushes have solid, heavy handles (heavier than many other brush brands I’ve tried, but they’re not bricks or anything!). The brushes are made out of both natural and synthetic bristles. The natural brushes are typically goat hair, either white or black.  I think the brushes themselves are quality brushes.  They may not last a life time like higher-end brushes, but I think they will last you long enough to get your money’s worth.  The are a little softer than Sonia Kashuk brushes and about as soft as Eco-Tools overall (of course, there is variation between different types of brushes and all that).  When purchased in a kit/set, they can represent tremendous value.  I’d definitely like to see them expand their individual brush offering so that people can choose the brushes they need to use the most or get seconds, thirds, etc. of the brushes they use the most.

Sigma Makeup SS109 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS109 Brush

SS109 is soft and has a flatter surface which makes it better for applying blush than liquid foundation. It does shed some, though.

Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS150 Brush

SS150 is a natural-bristled brush that’s a bit flat and compacted with very densely-packed bristles. I don’t find this is fluffy enough for all-over powder. I feel like this can over-apply powder if you are using it more for a loose setting powder or a light coverage powder. If you use powder foundation and want more coverage, this might work for that. This was the worst brush that I tried from Sigma. It sheds non-stop and bleeds dye (even six weeks later)!

Sigma Makeup SS168 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS168 Brush

SS168 is a fluffy angled natural-bristled brush that can be used to apply blush or contour cheeks and the jawline. (It’s too big to contour the nose with.) It’s quite soft, though, but almost a little too fluffy to give you nice contouring line. When washed and dried, the bristles splay out and the brush doesn’t retain its tight shape so much.

Sigma Makeup SS182 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS182 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS182 Brush

SS182 is an ultra soft, densely-packed buffer/kabuki natural-bristled brush. It has a light dome shape that is retained even after cleansing. It’s very tightly-packed, and it’s one of the best brushes done by Sigma that I’ve tried.

Sigma Makeup SS187 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS187 Brush

SS187 is a duo-fibre brush that’s a blend of both synthetic and natural bristles. It’s very soft and fluffy, but it’s not stiff enough to use to stipple for me. It can still be used to apply highlighters and blushes (for a more muted, less intense look), but I found it too soft for applying cream blushes or use with liquid foundation.

Sigma Makeup SS188 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS188 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS188 Brush

SS188 is a duo-fibre brush that’s a blend of both synthetic and natural bristles–it’s very much like the 187 except the brush head is smaller and more compact, less flared as well. Unfortunately, it had the same problems as the 187 for me — I tend to use the 188 solely for highlighting, but I rarely reach for it. I wish it was a little stiffer so I could stipple cream blushes on!

Sigma Makeup SS190 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS190 Brush

SS190 is a flat, slightly stiffened synthetic brush that’s best used with more emollient products. You can use it to apply cream or liquid foundations as well as your moisturizer.

Sigma Makeup SS194 Brush

SS194 is a short, slightly domed synthetic brush that’s designed to be used to apply concealer around the under eye area. The shortness of the brush gives you more control, but it’s a little too stiff for the under eye area. I like it better as a lip brush.

Sigma Makeup SS197 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS197 Brush

SS197 is a very soft, stiff, firm, and densely backed duo-fibre brush with natural bristles. It’s called a flat-topped kabuki brush, and it’s very much like that. I like it better for creamier foundations, but I don’t actually find I reach for it very often!

Sigma Makeup SS209 Brush

SS209 is a long, thin, and tapered synthetic-bristled brush. It’s wider and has more of a taper along the length of the brush. I found it a bit too thick to give a reallythin, defined line.

Sigma Makeup SS219 Brush

SS219 is a natural-bristled “pencil” brush. This is nice to use for a more defined crease or to blend out creas color for a soft, but still more defined, crease. It’s too domed and not tapered enough to work as I usually use pencil brushes (on the lower lash line). It can also be used to smudge out color or apply a highlighter to the inner corner.

Sigma Makeup SS224 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS224 Brush

SS224 is a rounded, slightly tapered natural-bristled brush. It’s good for using in the crease, and it’s not too long, so you can have more control over how much blending you want to do in the crease area.

Sigma Makeup SS239 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS239 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS239 Brush

SS239 is kind of a stubby, domed, kind of fluffy natural-bristled brush. It’s stiff but not too stiff to use, but it’s stubby. It feels too short! It feels more like a smudging brush than an eyeshadow brush.

Sigma Makeup SS266 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS266 Brush

SS266 is an angled synthetic brush designed for use with gel eyeliner. I find that this brush is really much too thick and not stiff enough to be used on the lower lash line. This was one of my least favorite eye brushes, because I didn’t find it useful for anything. It’s not thick/fluffy enough for eye brows yet too thick for eyeliner. It kind of bulged in the middle, which just made it even more difficult to get a thin, even lash line.

Sigma Makeup SS275 Brush

Sigma Makeup SS275 Brush

SS275 is a fluffy angled natural-bristled brush. This is a nice brush to apply highlighter to the bro w bone or get a softer crease color. I find it’s too big for my crease area to give a more defined crease, and you could use it to highlight the inner corner of your eye, but it’s a little too big for me.

Sigma offers several additional brushes, but I have not tried them, so I cannot vouch for them! These additional brushes include: SS129, SS134, SS138, SS165, SS192, SS195, SS210, SS212, SS214, SS217, SS222, SS226, SS227, and SS316. These brushes are all available in the Professional Brushes Premium Kit ($149).

Q. Are they good standalone brushes?

Yes, they are. If they offered the brushes all individually and at the prices of the brush kits, then I think they would be a very good value most definitely. The kits themselves are much like other brush kits and sets — there are always brushes you just don’t use.

Q. Do they shed?

The face brushes have a tendency to shed, even after several weeks of washings (as it can be typical for your brushes to shed a bit in the beginning). I don’t have shedding issues with most of the eye brushes (the 224 and 275 shed a bit, the 275 more so). I have shedding issues with 109, 150, 168, and 187. The 109 and the 150 are the worst.

Q. What do you think of them esthetically? Do they look cheap?

I think they look nice overall. There’s something about the placement or size of the logo that looks a little off to me, but the brushes themselves have matte black handles with a good weight to them so they don’t feel cheap.

Q. What is the stiffness of the brushes?

Some brushes are stiffer than others–it varies based on the brush. The brushes that are supposed to be soft tend to be soft and not too stiff, while brushes that are supposed to be firmer are so (except the 187 and 188, which are particularly not as firm or stiff as I’d expect, they are a bit floppy).

Q. Do they smell?

Yes, after about six weeks of washing them, there’s still a noticeable smell. It was stronger in the first week or two of washings, but there’s still an off-putting scent there. I don’t usually notice it when using it, but since I knew it was a question being asked, I made sure to do a sniff-test throughout!

Q. Do the black bristles lose their color after being washed?

No, I haven’t noticed the color itself changing in the brushes, though I have seen some dye get on the towel I lay the brushes on to dry.

Q. What brushes would you recommend getting (that aren’t in the brush roll)?

The only one that I’ve tried that isn’t in the brush roll I tried was the 182. It was definitely one of the best brushes I tried from Sigma, period.

Q. Do you think they could sell these at a department store counter?

I don’t think they could based on the extreme similarities (particularly with the numbering system) to MAC brushes. Quality-wise, perhaps at a retailer like Sephora, which can accommodate specialty retailers that have smaller ranges (e.g. not enough products to need a counter).

Q. Do the brushes bleed after a few washes?

The majority of the brushes do not bleed. I have had some bleeding issues with the 109, 150, and 182. The 150 is the one that bleeds the most. It’s not like a big bucket o’ dye, but it’s annoying.

Q. How soft are the brushes?

The majority of the brushes are quite soft. They are not the softest brushes of all time, but they feel soft against the skin and only a few are a little scratchy (150, 190, 219).

Q. How versatile are the brushes?

They’re as versatile as any other brush line! There’s nothing different about these brushes that would limit how you could use them based on your needs.

Q. Are the brushes handmade?

Yes, according to Sigma Makeup’s About Us, the brushes are handmade.

Q. Do the brushes retain their shape after washing and drying?

Yes, the majority of the brushes retain their shape after a cleaning. I found that the fluffier brushes (like the 168 and 219) splayed quite a bit after drying, even though I re-shaped them after cleansing.

Q. Are these cruelty-free?

Technically, no. I asked Simone, owner of Sigma Makeup, and she explained that PETA believes that animals need their coat, so regardless of technique or whether or not there was no harm to the animals in order to get the hair, they do not consider natural-haired brushes to be cruelty-free. Simone said that they make sure animals are not harmed during the harvesting of their coats (nifty fact, Simone is actually a veterinarian!).

Q. What does SS stand for?

Sigma Shopping.

Q. Are the ferrules tight or loose?

They are tight in the beginning, but some of the ferrules are loosening a bit. It’s very subtle, but I would expect them to loosen up more as time goes on. I wash these the same as my MAC brushes, which I haven’t experienced ferrule loosening (just to clarify that I don’t think it’s user error in cleansing/washing brushes).

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask. I will answer if I can, and if I don’t know the answer, I will field it to Simone (the owner) for an answer. PLEASE DO NOT ASK COMPARISON QUESTIONS AGAINST MAC IN THIS POST (comparisons are covered in a separate post!).  Thank you!

Affordable Makeup Brushes:  Sonia Kashuk’s Twist of Fate Brush Set

Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate Brush Set ($19.99) is a limited edition holiday brush set with six brushes housed inside a gorgeous, shimmering black clutch.

The six brushes you get are: blush brush, foundation brush, blending brush, small eyeshadow brush, smudge brush, and lash/brow groomer brush. The only brush I felt was kind of a throwaway was the lash/brow groomer – it’s just not a great brush, and it certainly couldn’t comb my lashes worth a darn, so I wasn’t pleased with it. The other five brushes, however, are much better and certainly more useful.

Sonia Kashuk is an extremely reliable, trustworthy brand, particularly for beauty tools. Whenever someone asks me about a budget-friendly brush brand, Sonia Kashuk is my go-to for a reommendation. These brushes are soft, fluffy, and useable. They’re not as good as my MAC brushes overall (I would say MAC brushes are softer, particularly for face brushes), but they’re around 75% there. Close, but not the same – but much more affordable.

In comparison, I would say the blush brush is similar to MAC’s 129 (a little bigger and not as rounded), the foundation brush is closest to MAC’s 190 (but a little smaller and thicker), and the other brushes don’t have as close matches. If pressed, I’d say the small eyeshadow brush is similar to MAC’s 239, while the blending brush is similar to MAC’s 222. Finally, Sonia Kashuk’s smudge brush is closest to MAC’s 231.

Even though the brushes are totally great for the price (and pretty good, period), my favorite part about the set is the CLUTCH. I usually hate the bags, clutches, etc. that come with brush sets and never use them again (they just sit around collecting dust, because I feel guilty tossing them), but this one is really fun and perfect for the holidays. It’s big enough to actually be used as a clutch and looks elegant and festive. I’d probably pay $19.99 just for the clutch!

If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!

• Product: 28/30
• Value: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 5/5

Recommendation:  For affordable brushes, Sonia Kashuk always has you covered!

Availability: Target

See more photos…

5 Tips to Keep Your Brushes In Top Shape

We just told you our essential eye and face brushes, and once you make the investment in high end, high quality brushes, you have to make sure you take care of them.

Brushes should, and will, last you many, many years if you take care of them properly. I have seen artists with brushes that are ten years old that look absolutely pristine when they are meticulously cared for!

Clean your brushes regularly. Whether you use baby shampoo or MAC’s Brush Cleanser ($11.00), it is imperative you make a point to clean the accumulated gunk out of your brushes. This is not only good hygeine (for you, your skin, etc.), but it keeps your brushes in good shape.

Always reshape your brushes while wet. Once you’ve washed your brushes, make sure you reshape them before they dry. Whatever shape your brushes are left in to dry is the same shape they will be when they are dry. You don’t want your contour brush looking like a tapered blush brush, do you? Similarly, if the shape is off, wetting/washing your brush will allow you to reshape a brush.

Never stand your brushes up to dry. You do not want to let in water or dampness into the ferrule portion of the brush (the metal part, right above the brush head), because it can weaken, errode, or loosen the ferrule making your brush wobbly. Always lay your blushes flat on an absorbent surface (like a wash cloth or towel–probably one dark in color!), and if you can manage it, turn your brushes after an hour or two.

Condition your brushes regularly. On top of cleaning, condition your brush with a quality hair conditioner will help keep the bristles soft. It’s not something that needs to be done as often general washing, but it is a good idea to do it often enough–like once a month. Mostly, it depends on how often you use and wash your brushes.

Wash brushes right away when using rich colors. It’s easy to stain a white-haired brush if you’re using a richly colored product, like Ruby Red pigment or True Chartreuse pigment. I remember using Flammable paint once, and it has forever-stained my 252 brush. One quick and dirty way to help minimize staining is to run the brush back and forth over a makeup remover wipe.

Share your own tips to keep your brushes in tip-top shape in the comments section!

8 MAC Face Brushes You Need In Your Arsenal

129 Powder/Blush Brush ($34.00) is your best bet for general blush application. Seriously, I’m constantly reaching for this brush whenever I go to apply colored blush. If you can only afford one face brush, this is the one I recommend getting first, because it can apply blush, highlighters, and do a little bit of buffing in a pinch. It’s thick, dense, and deliciously soft on the skin. (And don’t be fooled by the 129 in the brush sets–it is not at all the same in regards to quality.)

138 Tapered Face Brush ($52.00) is a domed-shaped brush, much more tapered than many powder brushes. It’s excellent for both highlighting, shaping, and contouring the face–whatever tickles your fancy!

165 Tapered Cheek/Highlight Brush ($34.00) is like a thinner, smaller version of the 138, and it’s $18 less–so if you’re on a tight budget, you might think about picking up this one instead. I love, love, LOVE this one for highlighting. The tapered end really makes placement of highlighting powders ridiculously easy.

168 Large Angled Contour Brush ($32.00) is THE brush to have handy if you ever want to sculpt and shape your face. The angled, slightly-fluffy-and-not-overly-dense brush is perfect for making cheekbones pop, jawlines thin instantaneously, and polish the face.

182 Buffer Brush ($45.00) is an essential face brush to have. I love it so much that I have two, because it is so phenomenal and perfect for a variety of jobs. Ultimately, buffer brushes are designed to finish your face, whether it’s blending contouring and blushing colors together, applying loose powder, or just blending all your face products together. You can buff out harsh blushes by moving this brush in small circles, so you can wear Frankly Scarlet blush without fear. I love it to apply foundation personally, as it gives a polished, streak-free result. Worth every single penny.

187 Duo Fibre Brush ($42.00) is a must-have brush if you love mineralize skinfinishes. Yes, it is indeed a fabulous brush for applying those delicious baked goodies MAC puts out from time to time. The way the brush is designed uses a blend of goat and synthetic fibers and it allows for softer, lighter application of product. It’s also known as a stippling brush (for those trying to find a dupe), and it works well with highlighting (if you don’t need so much precision).

188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush ($34.00) is a smaller version of the 187 Duo Fibre Brush, and it works in similar ways. However, I do find that this brush is not a substitute for the 187, but more like a complement. This brush works best with creamy products, like MAC blushcremes and cream colour bases. In the summer, I love wearing blushcremes layered with a powder blush for more long-wearing color in the hotter months!

195 Concealer Brush ($22.00) recently debuted, and it is superior to the 194 Concealer Brush. It’s a thin, firm bristled brush that holds its shape and easily applies concealing products, but it is also great for dabbing liquid foundations onto the skin (to then be smoothed and spread out using a face brush like the 182, 187, or 190). I find using a concealer brush to apply liquids onto the face helps waste less product than directly applying liquid to a fluffier face brush or sponge.

Honorable Mentions: 109 (great if you do a lot of contouring), 134 (great for loose powder)

What are your must-have face brushes?

7 MAC Eye Brushes You Need In Your Arsenal

204 Lash Brush ($11.00) is perfect for grooming brows, grabbing mascara, and combing out lashes. It’s sturdier than disposal wands to boot!

208 Angled Brow Brush ($19.50) is my go-to brush for all my eyelining needs. It doesn’t matter that it’s labeled as a “brow brush,” because it’s excellent for thin, precise lining. It’s angled and stiff enough to use for upper lash lining and tightlining. Everyone raves about the 266, but I prefer this over the 266 when lining my upper lash line! (If you have the 263, it should be just about as good–though it’s $20).

219 Pencil Brush ($23.00) is a must-have if like to smudge your eyeshadow or wear eyeshadow as liner. It applies and deposits color easily on the lower lash line, but it can also smudge or smoke out liner (with or without shadow) in just a few seconds.

224 Tapered Blending Brush ($28.00) makes crease-work a breeze. Blend out harsh lines with a soft, wispy motion with this fluffy, blending brush. Add ultra-rich, pigmented shadows in smoother, subtler layers–and never worry about going too heavy. (By the by, the limited edition 226 is even better, but the 224 will do if you can’t get your hands on the 226.) I find the 226/224 works better for me than the 217 (too fluffy).

239 Eye Shader Brush ($24.50) should be the first eye brush you purchase. It is beyond phenomenal, and if you really want to, this is one brush that can do it all. It is up to the challenge of replacing every single other eye brush you own. Soft to the touch with a nice density of bristles, it’s has enough fluff to easily pick up eyeshadow color, but enough density to pack on the color on the lid. The size is ideal for applying eyeshadow from the lid to the crease to the lower lash line. In fact, you may want to think about owning multiple 239s. (I have five–yes, five!)

249 Large Shader Brush ($27.00) is the best brush for applying creamy products to your eyes. I am always using this whenever I’m applying paints, paint pots, fluidlines, etc. as a base. It’s flat, firm, and holds its shape while still picking up plenty of product. What I love is it picks up product, and it doesn’t all get stuck in the bristles.

266 Small Angle Brush ($19.50) is an oft-raved about brush, usually when speaking about fluidline and lining, but it is also excellent for filling in brows. It’s thicker than both the 208 and 263 (my choices for lining), but if you’re going for thicker liner, this will definitely be a must-have. Talk about making cat-eyes easier!

* Please note that these are my picks for essential brushes based on my experience, brushes not included may be valuable, but they are not brushes I find myself using often enough to call them essential.

What eye brushes would you deem as your essential set?