Real Techniques Blush Brush Review

Being a fan of Pixiwoo (youtube channel), I was immediately interested when I heard that Sam is creating her own line of brushes.  I wanted to test out and review this brush since it first came out a few months ago. Unfortunately, it was so popular that it was always out of stock but I finally got my hand on one. I have been using it for the past 3 weeks and I can tell you that there is a reason why it is popular.

Price: $8.99, available at Ulta

Pros: The neat thing about this brush is that way the handle is structure; it stands on its own. The brush head is tapered in an oval shape, almost like an egg. I have a somewhat small face so I was worry that this fluffy brush would be too big for me but that is not the case at all.

It is made of cruelty-free, synthetic hair that is very soft and non-scratchy. Where this brush really excels is how it picks up and disperses powder. It picks up just the right amount of product and blends beautifully. Out of all the blush brushes I tried (BE, MAC, EDM, Ecotools), this one top them all when it comes to blending.

Cons: Nothing at all.

Overall: The price is so reasonable and its ability to blend is just amazing. Great tool for pro and I think a must for beginner. Beside blush, I also used it to apply bronzer and powder. I would totally recommend and in fact, I am thinking of getting a backup for myself.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sigma Premium Travel Kit Review

Are any of my readers fan of The Voice?  I saw the audition show and I was hooked since. It is big because I don't watch a lot of TV. I love both the contestants and the judges. I did not know who Blake Shelton was but he starts to look mighty hot - just love his positive and well manner persona, it is the whole package baby. =) Anyway, the season finale is tonight, who are you rooting for?

Anyway, back to makeup...

I was impressed with the packaging when these arrived.  I always appreciate it when seller go the extra mile and nicely wrap their products.

The case is a lighter pink with a bit of a silver tone to it compare to what is pictured online.  I don't think it is real leather but it is nice and soft.  I do love love the pink handle of the brushes, pink is cute.

It comes with a total of 7 brushes.  2 face brushes, a concealer brush, and 4 eye brushes.

The review for these brushes are going to be brief, more of a first impression because honestly I didn't get a chance to use them extensively.  The brush on the far left is the F25 Tapered Brush and it is by far my favorite of the bunch.  It is soft and it has such a unique shape that other than MAC brushes, there is no other dupe for it.  It is good for powdering T-zone, contour and blush.  The middle is the F15 duo fiber powder/blush brush.  Most duo fiber brushes has a flat top but this one is tapered so it is unique in that aspect but it is so flimsy that I don't find it useful.  The last one on the right hand side is the F65 large concealer brush.

The first brush on your far left is E50 Large Fluff.  It is ideal for a wash of color other than that, it is too big for my small eyes area.  Next to it is E45 Small Tapered Blending.  Third one is E20 Short Shader.  I was really excited about it but I find it to be a bit hard and scratchy.  Last one on the far right is E10 Small Eye Liner brush.

Here is a picture of size comparison between the F25 and Sigma F84 Angled Top Kabuki (review here), which I adore and recommend.

Overall, I think that this kit is a good option for beginners. However, if you already own a ton of brushes, you probably won't need this. Just bear in mind that with Sigma, once you used the brushes, you can not return them.


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Brushes Collection Review

I have used three kabuki brushes (Ecotool retractable and two other from EDM) before trying these and I have to say that these are my new favorite.

F84 Angle Synthetic Kabuki Brush – Both of these brushes are very dense and feel very soft and luxurious against my skin. On the website, it said that this F84 brush is design for cream blush application and it is indeed a good brush for that purpose. However, I actually prefer this brush for liquid foundation. I find that the angle plus the round edges allow it to be very effective at smoothing out the hard to reach areas around the nose.

F82 Round Synthetic Kabuki Brush – This F82 brush is also very good for liquid or cream foundation. How I apply foundation using these brushes is very simple, I just put a few dots of foundation on my face and swipe and lightly buff it in with these brushes. They are wonderful, I don’t get any streaks and they cut my application time down to half. I also actually like this for cream blush better than the Angle Kabuki Brush. The reason being, I have a small face/cheeks and since the F82 have a smaller head than the F84, I feel like I have more control with this brush. What I don’t like the F82 for is powder or mineral foundation. I think it is too small. Also, since the bristles are short and stiff, it does not spread and make buffing a bit difficult.

Overall, I think both are great and find it hard to recommend one over another. I would get both. Does that make me a junkie? :)

Real Techniques Brushes by Samantha Chapman

Who are my favorite makeup guru on youtube?  DEFINITELY, definitely Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo.  They are adorable and their techniques are superb.  I never get tire of watching their tutorials.

I am really excited that Sam is coming out with her own line of brushes.  They are synthetic Teflon brushes.
Available at Ulta starting March 29th.  I hope I am hearing this right because she is from the UK and it would be awesome if we can get it at Ulta, here.

You can also order them online beginning March 25th at www.realtechniques.com

It is really neat that they are color coded, bronze for base, purple for eyes, and pink for finishing powder, blush, etc.

NARS Yachiyo Brush

This unique looking brush is from NARS. I saw it first on Allure magazine and it so far has very good reviews online. If my memory serve me right, this is inspire by another Japanese type brush.

NARS website describes it as a brush with “gently tapered spiral dome head, this brush is perfect for application of powder and color. Its multi-functional design is excellent for defining cheekbones, highlighting the complexion, as well as blending and diffusing color on or around the eye area. The handle of the Yachiyo brush is hand-spun with black wisteria to preserve its unique traditional character”. Retail for $50.

Have you tried it?

Bare Escentual Magnetic Brushes – Genius!

The concept is genius. Why didn’t anyone think of this before? What you get is one handle and multiple brushes head that you can interchange-able. The saving in storage space is very ideal for travel. One that I think is much better than the traditional shorter handle, smaller head travel size.

Have you tried them?

Q&A: What is your favorite tool for liquid foundation?

Hello beauties! Just a reminder, there is only a few days left to enter my Primer Giveaway.

I want to start a new series of Q&A. I’ll ask a question (share my answer) and you answer. This is in hope that many will participate so that we can share and learn from each other. If you have a question you want to ask me and your fellow beauties, feel free to email me your question(s) at beautifulcanvas@gmail.com

What is your favorite tool for applying your “liquid” foundation? Why?

My favorite tool is the MAC 187 brush because it uses less foundation yet gives better coverage, probably due to the stippling motion. As a result, you look more natural yet imperfections are covered. Now, your turn…

Have a question you want to ask? Let me know!

Latest Hauls

Hello. Hope you guys are enjoying your long weekend. This is my latest hauls from various places. A quick sneak peak at some of the stuff I may be reviewing soon.

Ever since I started taking vitamins, it is the best things I ever did for my hair. It doesn't fall out as much as it used to.

Pangea Mask is an old favorite of mine.

I am liking this eye cream so far.

For someone who is hair challenge, the spin pin is awesome!!!

SensEpil - Hair Be Gone!

Imagine getting ready for a hot date. You are running late and as you slip on that sexy black dress, you realize, crap, you forgot to shave! How nice would it be to not have to worry about stuff like that...ever again? Imagine not having to deal with razor burn, ingrown hair or feeling like your skin is being rip (during waxing). I have been seriously comtemplating about laser hair removal but I have not yet dare to venture into. Last night, I saw this little device on Sephora.com that claim to give the same result as an in office laser hair removal treatment in the convenience and privacy of your home.



(The information below is from Sephora website)

What it does:
Silk'n SensEpil™ is an over-the-counter innovation that delivers the clinically proven effectiveness of the well-established, market-leading Silk'n™ sold by physicians. This breakthrough product harnesses the power of proprietary Home Pulsed Light™ (HPL™) technology to create a cutting-edge, safe, user-friendly hair-eliminating solution. Look no further if you want a quick, gentle, safe, and affordable way to diminish unwanted body hair. This must-have device and replacement cartridges provide a lifetime of personal treatments at a fraction of the cost of physician office visits.

On the website, it states that "80% of users experienced a noticeable reduction in hair after 3 months". I interpreted this as, you got to have a realistic expectation, patient, and dedication to use it on a consistent basis. It is retail for $499 plus a $50 cartridge. Do you think it is worth it? Have you tried it?

Collaboration between Tweezerman and Benefit

Tweezerman is known for their beauty tools. Benefit cosmetic is known for their cute and adorable packaging. So what do you get when the two companies team up? Cutely design tweezers!

Tweezerman for Benefit Slant Tweezer, $25

Tweezerman for Benefit Pointed Slant Tweezer, $30

Tweezerman for Benefit ProCurl Lash Curler, $20

The good news is that it also comes with 3 replacement pads (below). I wonder how it compares to the popular Shu Uemera and Shiseido Lash Curler.

Tweezerman for Benefit Brow Shaping Brush, $12

Benefit Gift With Purchase

Looking for a blush? How about a brush to go along with it? Benefit is currently giving away their slant powder brush with the purchase of any two powder box. I love GWP.

Enter promo code BOXBRUSH, offer expire 2/25/2010.

2009 - Top 10 Favorites!

The year is coming to an end and I figure it would be appropriate to compile a list of my all time favorites this year. It is difficult decisions because there are so many good products out there. I tried to pick an item from different categories. Please note that they are in no particular order and that these products do not necessarily launch in 2009.

Bare Escentual Buxom Lipgloss ($18): I am hook on BE Buxom diamond edition. The gold shimmer is just oh so pretty and the tingly sensation is kinda fun. Favorite shades are Starr (raspberry) and Claire (mauve with some brown undertone).

Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment Spf 25 ($32): This is a personal favorite of mine. I have yet found a sunscreen that feels more luxurious and though a bit shiny alone, it gives that nice healthy glow under makeup. Loving the higher spf too. Click here for my
full review.

Bobbi Brown Corrector ($22): This is my go to everyday must have item. It hides dark circles better than any concealer I have tried. Tips: make sure you hydrate your under eye areas well.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22): Very finely mill, set concealer without caking and also brighten the under eye area. Also a jar will last you a very long time.

Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara: As the name imply, full and soft, non-flakey and sold at a reasonable price.

MAC Star by Night Eyeshadow: Part of a LE, very nice and vibrant deep medium blue that is shimmery but not frosty. A beautiful color for smokey eyes if you want something more vibrant than gray eyeshadow.

DHC Acerola 100 Serum ($22): Every time I stray from this, it shows. Skin is not as even tone and bright. During summer, it really helps keep my freckles at bay.

Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam ($29): It cleanses well, very gentle and non-drying, and the lather just feels so luxurious. Click here for my full review.

Masaki ($60-$80): This perfume was created by a Japanese designer. It smells light, soft, and elegant, a scent that goes with every seasons. Available at Sephora.

ELF Eyeshadow Brush (White Handle): OMGosh, for $1, I did not expect much. It is dense, super soft, picks up color, and sturdy. Definitely worth buying back up.

Phew! That is a lot of information. Now, what is your favorite?

A Complete Guide to Different Types of Foundation Brush

Using a good foundation brush can help you achieve a sheerer yet even and flawless finish. I prefer to use a brush over sponge because a brush do not soak up as much product and therefore helps save money because you will use less foundation. Normally, a dime size drop is enough for the entire face.

The first brush on the list is the traditional flat foundation brush. It is probably one of my favorite because it is fun to use. You can read my review on Beauty of Essence, Ecotools and Japonesque here.



The second type is the stippling brush. This is a multi-purpose brush as you can use it for liquid foundation, blush, and highlight. The MAC 187 and 188 (smaller version of the 187) is very famous for this. However, you can find cheaper dupe like the Ulta Profression Highlighter and Studio Tool. They are $26 and $7 respectively versus over $40 for the MAC. I’ll do a review for these on a separate post.



The third type is a Kabuki brush. This is mainly use for applying mineral makeup foundation, but you can also use it to apply your setting powder. Though, I must warn that you will need to use a light hand. Kabuki brush is very dense so they can pick up a lot of powder.



The fourth type is the flat top brush (another name is the chisel brush). It is very similar to the Kabubi in that it is also very dense and normally use for mineral makeup foundation. As you can see from the picture, the difference is that the Kabuki has a round or dome shape head and the flat top have a flat head. Personally I think you can also use this to apply liquid foundation, in a similar manner as the stippling brush.

There you have it, the different types of foundation brush and their functionality. I hope this was helpful.

TOTD: Brushes and Tools

It is worthwhile to invest in some good brushes and tools. It will make your makeup application more fun and much easier.

Product Review: Foundation Brush Comparison

A good foundation brush is as important as the foundation itself. My first foundation brush was the Essence of Beauty brush. I want to inform you that EoB make two different foundation brush; a dual tone and an orange bristle (come in a package with a concealer brush). I purchased the dual tone brush based on the good reviews it had with liquid foundation. When I got home and opened it, the handle fell apart from the rest of the brush. That should have been a sign. On my second attempt, I exchanged the broken brush for the orange bristle brush instead. This orange bristle brush is big and has good surface area. But that's about it. What I don’t like is that it tends to soak up a lot of product, clump up together, and leaves streaks. It is very frustrating to use and you have to wash it often.

Essence of Beauty and Ecotools foundatioon brush side by side

I like the Ecotools performance much better when compare to the EoB. I also like that the company is environmentally conscious. They use synthetic hair (taklon) and bamboo as handle. Their brushes are also very reasonably price; I got mine for $8. The brush is soft but dense, giving better control during application. It does streak a little, but that can be easily fixed if you go over the area again. It does not split on me the way the EoB brush does. It also does not soak up and is better at transfering product. Which mean I don’t have to clean it after every single use and it is also easy to wash. I actually don’t wear foundation much therefore, I mainly use this to blend out my under eye circle concealer and apply eyeshadow primer, which this brush make it super quick to do. Also very important, I have it for a few months, washed many times, and not even a single hair shed.

Japonesque travel size foundation brush

I also tried the Japonesque in travel size (shorter handle). I like the performance a little better than the Ecotools. I think it’s softer but just as dense. The cons are that it has a smaller head so it can be time consuming to apply foundation and it cost twice as much as the Ecotools. In regard to price, Japonesque foundation brush is still cheaper but comparable to Bobbi Brown or MAC.

I hope this review help with your search for good quality brushes without a big dent on your wallet.