Review: Marionnaud & E.L.F. Makeup Brushes

Remember those four makeup brushes I mentioned in my Watsons mini-haul entry?

Well, I've been a very busy girl running around town for different occasions.  For example, I've been cataloguing the different Spring 2012 collections already available in Manila (yes, I did get around to this kind of late, I know) and I even helped my good friend, Josh of Diary of a Wannabe, hunt down a Prada tote for a client. 

Hello! 

This was my go-to look this week. I might just do how-to post on this look, not quite sure yet. My apparently solved camera situation, was not really solved. 

 I needed something I could do in ten minutes or less (since I seemed to be running late all the time these past few days), a look that would minimize the products I took with me, but still gave me the "I know what I'm doing, I'm a professional" kind of vibe that could transition to makeup I would wear for a night out with the girls.

In any case, it gave me the perfect opportunity to test those makeup brushes over a reasonable amount of time. 

First up was E.L.F. Foundation Brush. 

 E.L.F. Foundation Brush (Php129.75) 

Now, I've made it quite clear that I don't care much for foundation, but I may just forget my disinclination to use foundation (oh, I rhymed) on occasion to use this brush.

At the first stroke, I thought I wasn't going to like the brush because it left a bit of a streaky finish with the foundation. In fact, when I first cleaned it, it bled a little and that had me worried too. But as I kept going, the streaks disappeared, the application evening out beautifully, and the foundation settled into my skin nicely. The bristles are lovely, soft and quite easy to clean with no more bleeding.

Testing the foundation brush. 

Another way to test the quality of a makeup brush is to hold it an angle, like you would a pen actually, and just press the brush down on the back of your hand. If it looks like a wider version of its original shape, that's a good indication that it's a good brush. As you can see, the E.L.F. foundation brushed passed the test. 

It doesn't quite beat a MAC 190 but with the extreme difference in price (MAC brushes can go from Php1,100 up to Php2,000), the E.L.F. foundation brush is just fine for me, thanks. 

Then there's the E.L.F. Powder Brush. 

E.L.F. Power Brush (Php249.75)

To be honest, I loved this brush from the first moment I ran my fingers through the bristles. By the time I'd given it a good testing, I absolutely adored it. It gets a good amount of product on its bristles and applies the powder lightly just so that you get enough of a matte finish on your face. If you like more powder, you can build on the first layer easy-peasy. 

My favorite thing about this brush is how soft it is. Honestly, I could just run that brush over my cheeks all day. It has a soothing quality that just makes me love putting my face powder on.

Testing the powder brush. 

The powder brush held its shape quite well when I tested it on my hand, so I'm extremely happy with that. I think I may just have my new favorite brush! 

The next thing I tested was the Marionnaud N32 Concealer Brush. 

Marionnaud N34 Concealer Brush (Php69.75)

 I normally use a dome brush or blending brush to blend my concealer in, but I thought I'd give this one a go when I saw how affordable it was. Now, a good concealer brush has relatively thin bristles otherwise it will leave streaks. A good concealer brush is also one that you find you can use with liquid, cream or powder.

When it came to this brush, I wasn't overly please nor was I disappointed with it. It picks up a ridiculous amount of product, especially when it comes to cream concealers, so be careful when you're dipping it into the pot. However, it didn't leave any streaks when I used it with liquid concealer, which was a redeeming quality. 

Testing the concealer brush

It held its shape well when I tested it on the back of my hand - another point in its favor. They say that a good test of a concealer brush is to use it with eyeshadow. If it's good to use for eyeshadow, then it's a pretty decent concealer brush. Admittedly, I haven't used this with my eyeshadow yet. When I do, I'll let you guys know. It may or may not get me more excited about this brush. Till then though, this brush is just average for me. 

 Last up, the E.L.F. Blending Brush.

E.L.F. Blending Brush (Php129.75)

Excitement was prevalent when I first saw this brush. Ever since I lost my MAC 217 (I'm still mourning it), I haven't quite been happy with any blending brushes I've tried. 

This one looked like it was a good quality brush and I had been pleased with E.L.F. brushes I'd bought in the past, so I nearly ran this to the check out counter. Unfortunately, this brush was a bit of a let down.

In terms of blending, the brush gets the job done, but you have to put up with a lot of shedding. 

Not sure if you can see the bristles on the paper towel, but they're there to the left of my finger. 

And I do mean A LOT of shedding. The brush shed when I cleaned it at first, it shed when I was blending eyeshadow on my lids (a strand actually got into my eye), it even shed when I was trying to smooth the bristles back into its original form after cleaning it. There was also a bit of bleeding when I cleaned it.

Testing the blending brush.

It held its shape well when I tested it, but what does shape matter at this point if the brush if going to be bald in a month? When it comes to this blending brush, I think you're much better off buying a MAC 217 because MAC brushes do last a very long time as long as you're taking care of it properly. I was trying to take care of this blending brush and it was shedding all over me!

Evidently, Macauley Culkin shares my sentiment.