Monday, March 12, 2012

Brush Off

There was a point in time when I had doubts these Sigma brushes would ever arrive. I had spontaneously placed an order one night and a month later, they still hadn't reached me. Though the website specifies that delivery can take up to 12 weeks (I mean, really?), most reports I'd read had the real average time at a much shorter 2 weeks or so. I was rapidly losing hope that they'd ever get to me, but just as I resigned myself to the fact they might never make it, my long-awaited package finally showed up. At last, the Round Top Kabuki (F82) and Angled Top Kabuki (F84) were in my hands.






l-r: Angled Top Kabuki, Round Top Kabuki

While I was certain I wanted to get the Angled Top Kabuki, I was tossing up between getting the much-hyped Flat Top Kabuki or the less popular rounded one. I swayed towards the latter after watching a video review comparing the two, where the Round Top was said to be better at fitting around the edges of the nose when applying liquid foundation than the Flat Top. Seeing Lisa Eldridge use the exact brush in her Chic & Simple 5 Minute Makeup Look may have also been a teeny factor. The similarities of the Round Top to my most beloved foundation brush, the Buffing Brush by Real Techniques, also encouraged me to purchase it so that I could compare the two.

l-r: Sigma Round Top Kabuki, Real Techniques Buffing Brush



The most obvious difference between the Round Top and the Buffing Brush is that the Sigma brush has a denser, larger brush head. That makes it a little more work to move the brush around compared to the Buffing Brush, which is smaller and softer. (Seriously, it's so soft, I just want to pat it gently all the time.) The Round Top Kabuki doesn't really sink into the skin on contact, rather, it kind of sits hard and a little heavy on surface. Having said that, moving it around in circular motions to buff liquid foundation does blend the product quite seamlessly. The result is just as good as using the Buffing Brush. In a way, I also feel like I use less product with the Round Top because the density of the bristles mean liquid foundation doesn't get soaked up as much. The Angled Top Kabuki could also be used for liquid foundation, but I know that I'll primarily be using it for blush and bronzer. The brush is shaped to fit into the hollow of the cheeks and essentially does the work of contouring for you.

Ever since I developed an interest in makeup, I noticed that Sigma brushes were constantly brought up in beauty conversation (mostly in a positive way, sometimes overwhelmingly so). I was eager to try for myself two brushes from their range that most interested me to form my own opinion. Overall, the F82 and F84 are good quality brushes that serve their purpose well, though they're a touch too dense for my preference and not the softest brushes I own. I am especially glad to add the Angled Top Kabuki to my collection as I was lacking a fluffy angled brush, and hopefully it will make the task of contouring (which I am hopeless at) a little easier.

27 comments:

  1. Oh, I am so hopeless at contouring too! I'm so jelly at your RT brush set, I really want to get my hands on them! I can't find them locally here so I'm been scrawling the internet to see where I can buy mine for the cheapest on a reliable site. /obsessed. How much did your RT brushes cost you? x BTW, I just read another post that had problems with Sigma shipping, seems like their game is slipping :/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhh, you need to get your hands on the RT brushes! They're my favourite and most used brushes, though I have to stay I was a teeny bit disappointed with the Stippling Brush because I was expecting that to be some heaven-sent miracle tool with all the hype out there surrounding it. (Not that it's bad, just not ahmazzzing - and I wouldn't use it for liquid foundation as the Buffing Brush is infinitely better for that purpose.)

      I bought my RT stuff from this store in the Dymocks Building in Sydney. I can't remember the exact prices, so these are approximate: Powder Brush $17, Stippling Brush $16, Core Collection $30, Blush Brush $17. I'm thinking of going back and buying the Travel Set and the Starter Set, though I probably will restrain myself for the time being (given that I just bought these Sigma brushes, and some more Ecotools brushes not too long ago).

      Hopefully you manage to get them into your hands, even if it means having order them online. The time it took for the Sigma brushes to get to me definitely has put me off buying from them again. I really hate Internet shopping sometimes :p

      Delete
    2. WOO! Thanks for the reply. :D You are my favourite blogger for sure ;). I mostly use ELF and Ecotools brushes and I think my collection needs a total revamp! I'm going to try and get my hands on the core collection and stippling brush. Plus, a good blending eye brush, but from some other brand probably. Sucks that the stippling brush didn't live up to your expectations; you're right, there's sooo much hype surrounding it! I think it would be great to use for my cream products - my NYX cream blush is mostly left untouched because I don't like using my fingers!

      Lucky you! Perth has nothing. :( Not even IMATs. I'm glad the RT brushes haven't been hiked up in price too much from UK prices, and they are sooo cheap and great quality relative to the ones here in Australia. Even brushes in Priceline go for around the same.

      Hmm, the multi-purpose brush in the travel set looks amazing, but I'm not sure if it's entirely needed with all your other brushes. Nice to have, nonetheless! I've heard about how long it's been taking people recently to receive their Sigma brushes, it's definitely put me off buying from them too.

      Delete
  2. I really want to try Sigma brushes, they look so good!
    Think I might look into getting a powder brush!

    Laura xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should give them a go, hopefully you won't be disappointed!

      Delete
  3. I really need to try these brushes! Have been meaning to get them for a while but I always forget! New follower!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're pretty good brushes, though not really must-haves especially if you already have existing brushes that you're happy with and that do the trick. Followed you back, your blog is lovely :)

      Delete
  4. Ever since I bought the Real Techniques brushes last summer, I have used them every day. I love my Sigma kabuki brushes too but the Real Techniques brushes apply flawless makeup every time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're amazing brushes, I can totally relate :) I would say that I do still prefer my RT brushes to these Sigma ones.

      Delete
  5. Loving the steez of your blog little lady.........come by and check out my blog and store its just up your alley........xx

    http://americandeadstock.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Darn, those brushes are sure looking lovely! Yes, all I've heard is how great these are and considering how synthetic brushes now can be designed to be as fine and even softer than natural hair bristles and how they fair better with cream/liquids it's no surprise all make up junkies are interested in collection a few! Can't get them easily at all here! But I intend to get a couple when I can...the best contouring advice and tips that allowed me to learn how to contour my face the best has come from the wayne on youtube of 'gossmakeup' his videos on facial contouring, especially one that used kim kardashian as an example is excellent! Good luck on contouring! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have only tried one Sigma brush but I am hoping to try more. I always hear about their quality and since the time I had my first brush to now, they released so many (soooo many) new ranges and sets that makes me really hope to try them out. Those are from the synthetic line right? those are extremely soft! *followed--thanks for your comment on my blog*

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am a new fan of the Sigma brushes too. I live in Canada and my order took more than a little over 3 weeks to arrive. But they are worth the wait. I just placed another order on 2 more brushes and hope they will arrive sooner this time.
    Great blog you have here, following you now.

    http://mui28.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow it took that long! Would love to know if it is worth it in the long run :)

    Red Soles and Red Wine

    ReplyDelete
  10. oh me too hate it when my order takes loooooooong time to arrive :// But fortunately your sigma brushes arrived! safe and sound ;) where do you live btw?
    and thank you for your comment on my blog, I'm following yours now <3

    xx,
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  11. :O & i thought waiting for 1 week for something to arrive is long~! i do not own any of those brushes :(. i do see the real technique brushes in a store here in the US called Ulta. They seem to have favorable reviews and they are very affordable :).

    you have gained new follower too :D love your swatches and reviews!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. wow, 12 weeks? Thats a long time. Anyway, I heard great things about sigma too... I need to give them a try.. but 12 weeks of waiting.. I better end up loving it. hehe

    Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been wanting to try sigma brushes and they are definitely on my list of future buys! I just found your blog and I really like how your pictures are so crisp and clear. :)

    -Lisa
    The Lovely Memoir

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great post, I just purchased my first Sigma brush (as you probably saw in the post you commented on!) and I'm loving it so far. I will definitely be buying more in future. This was a great point of reference for me!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I always wonder what is a good brush to get. Right now I have a bare minerals brush, but I am looking for a new one.

    Have a good day!

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  16. I definitely want to get these Sigmax brushes for my kit!

    And as for Sigma's shipping, I agree. I couldn't really understand how I could pay equal amount in shipping but still get a product quicker from the UK as opposed to the east coast of the US (I live on the west coast of Canada).

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've been debating whether or not to get the Round Top Kabuki's but I already have the Flat Top Kabuki so it doesn't seem essential to have two of the same brushes in a different shape. The Angled Top Kabuki would be good though, I have bad luck with contouring too!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very thorough review! I keep seeing Sigma brushes being mentioned everywhere, but still haven't personally tried them myself yet. Both of these brushes look like great choices, although I've never used a rounded top kabuki before. The Real Techniques one looks like a pretty good alternative as well. I think I would prefer the sparser brush head so the bristles are more pliable.

    Thanks for the great review!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your blog is sooo CLEAN and ORGANIZED! Love it <3

    -Imani Love

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great review! You clearly know your products! :) I was wondering where I might find one of these? I have been needing a good kabuki brush for aeons!


    Love, Mandy xx
    http://frocksandotherfrivolities.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can't believe the Sigma website says it can take up to 12 weeks to arrive! I want the E25 and E30 as alternatives to the MAC 217 and 219, but shipping's $10 and I'm reluctant to order something else as I just placed another iHerb order after changing my mind twice and cancelling orders for the RT blush brush. I'm getting the Stippling brush instead, that is if I don't cancel again. I have got to be the most fickle person ever. And if I order from Sigma I don't want them to take a month to arrive- I have enough trouble waiting the 1.5 weeks for iHerb orders. Grr. :P x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, I am so impatient when it comes to waiting for my orders - it is the primary reason I dislike Internet shopping and would even prefer to pay a premium if it means I get to see, touch and take the product home immediately (though within reason - I'm not paying for a 200% markup :p). I've been pretty good with not ordering online, as much as I am tempted. I do want to try more Sigma but I can't stand their shipping and I'm not as interested in eye brushes as I am with face - and luckily there's iHerb for RT :

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...