Make Up For Ever recently released an all new Artisan Brush Collection featuring an extensive offering of 76 luxury synthetic brushes for complexion, eyes, lips, and artistic use. Creator & Artistic Director Dany Sanz spent 5 years perfecting these brushes to ensure the synthetic texture mimicked the silky softness of natural hair. Dany consulted with renowned brush manufacturer Raphaël on the island of Mauritius to create specialized brushes that require unparalleled craftsmanship. The construction of each brush involves 25 unique stages, and is hand-crafted by a total of 30 people from start to finish. I have been testing out two complexion brushes and one eye brush from the collection.
What makes these brushes special is different diameters and texture of the bristles used. They are wavy or straight or a combination depending on the required use. When fibers are straight, application is more generous and precise, while wavy bristles are more splayed, allowing for a lighter and freer application. The unique combination of the two fiber textures gives infinite creative possibilities. The beech wood brush handles are gorgeous and I love the bevelled edge that work great for retrieving product. Something that every makeup artist needs when they can’t be repeatedly dipping used brushes into products.
First off we have my favourite brush I have tested and the biggest surprise for me.
104 Foundation Brush – Small
A flat, classic shape, with wide bristles, but not too dense, this brush is very useful for fluid products. This is the classic “foundation brush” used by make-up enthusiasts.
Type of fibers: STRAIGHT.
Description: Small, tapered and flat brush.
Use: Use to apply and blend cream or liquid foundations accurately and quickly for an even result.
Pro tip: This basic brush is an essential in professional make-up artist’s kits, who use it backstage to apply cream and powder blush quickly.
Recommended textures: Cream and liquid foundations.
Key Products: HD Foundation, Face & Body Foundation.
I have never cared for, or used, traditional paddle style foundation brushes. Now I can’t stop using one! I am in love with this brush as it applies and blends foundation beautifully with no wasted product. I enjoy the smaller size but I am also eager to try out the larger 106 Foundation Brush Medium.
Next we have one of the Kabuki brushes.
124 Powder Kabuki
A small compact brush with a Japanese name. The kabuki was inspired by the tools used in traditional Japanese theater makeup. A new basic for finishing powder.
Type of fibers: STRAIGHT & WAVY.
Description: Dome-shaped, dense kabuki brush.
Use: Ensure smooth and even application of all powders to create a lightweight and flawless result. Its short and slender handle offers a controlled application. Pouch friendly.
Pro tip: Use in large smoothing movements to apply Face and Body to the body (arms, legs, etc.) to get an even and natural result. This technique is used by professional make-up artists on music hall and cabaret dancers.
Recommended textures: Loose and compact powders.
Key Products: HD Powder.
I have never been a big kabuki brush user. Actually, while I have a few I’ve acquired over the years, I’ve never gone out and purchased one. I have always preferred fluffier brushes. This brush has been converting me to a kabuki lover as I have been loving this super soft brush for applying my HD powder as well as for bronzer application. It just feels so nice on the skin it’s like a bit of pampering.
Finally I tried one of the eye brushes.
228 Precision Shader Brush – Medium
A basic rounded shape that is larger, with no sharp angles. A product for everyone, very comfortable to use. This is also useful for the eyebrow arch.
Type of fibers: STRAIGHT.
Description: Medium, dense and round-shaped brush.
Use: Its paddle shape and flexibility are used to apply, blend and smudge all types of eye products quickly. Use for an even and intense result.
Pro tip: Professional make-up artists working in film like the precision of this brush to create very sharp and flawless make-up for a realistic look on the big screen.
Recommended textures: Cream, loose and compact powders.
Key Products: Eye Shadow, Aqua Cream.
I am not generally a fan of synthetic eye brushes. As with most I’ve tried I find this brush really excels with cream shadow application like with the Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams. I find the tight and smooth straight hair of this brush make it more suitable to cream products. I can’t attest to how the fluffier eye brushes with Wavy hairs perform with powder eye shadows but from the quality I have experienced thus far with the Artisan line I imagine they perform quite well.
Have you tried the new Artisan Brush Line yet? What are your thoughts?
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Product provided for my consideration. All reviews are always my own honest and unbiased opinions.
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