[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] The new vegan brush collection from Illamasqua launched a couple of weeks ago – with distinct pluses and minuses. The plus – highly tactile handles which isn’t something that I really notice particularly about make-up brushes but I did with these. As soon as they’re in your hands, they feel at home.
The fibres (and handles) are made from vegan materials (no information as to what that might be but usually it’s Taklon or Nylon) and in some cases, that’s an issue. While the Foundation Brush did a reasonable job of application, the Eye Brush pick up was very poor.
Similarly, the Fan Brush doesn’t really have enough fibres to give anything more than a whisper – although if you’re using for highlighter, that’s not so much of a bad thing if you want it subtle. I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be like that or not.
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To give an example, I used the same pressure on the same colour first using the Illamasqua Eye Brush and then using a Zoeva Crease Brush – you can see the difference. The Zoeva brush is also synthetic by the way but a completely different fibre texture. The Illamasqua fibres don’t have any grab – they’re too slippy really which is disappointing as they’re not cheap. The Foundation Brush is £28, the Eye Brush is £22 and the Fan is £21. It is a ‘Pro’ range so perhaps in more experienced hands the performance is better but it’s a pass from me this time. They’re HERE, non affiliate HERE.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
4 comments
Wow… from such brand as Illamasqua it is quite unexpected… Also taking in account that technology of taklon\nylon brushes isn’t new. Thanks for the warning! I’ll stick to my new Zoeva set and beloved oldies… My best encounter with synthetics is Powder Blue line from the Real Techniques – they were made to pick and give powdery textures in the best way and my oh my they deliver… Why there is only one single crease-blend brush for eyes (still I can do everything with it – it almost does not need you to do the job by itself!) in this line and why on earth was it made limited edition – I can not even start to imagine unless the management there has strong sadistic vibe and loves to torture us, mere customers… meanwhile I’m looking for any remnants of these online in order to make a secret stash. Standard ones from RT are also good, but the Powder Blue is above it all (and totally better than any goat… they say they mimicked the true blue squirrel fur and I must agree that they succeeded – I had one brush of that in the past and the feel is same while working quality is even better)…
There certainly are some great synthetics out there – thanks for the recommendation on the Powder Blue – I have a couple of those and agree fully x
In truth the minute i saw these brushes on IG I thought they looked quite poorly made – they remind me of those extra cheap sets you can get on Amazon for like ten bucks. It’s a shame cause I own the previous all black pro brushes, I’ve had them in my kit for years and they’re really beautiful and perform so well. I really don’t understand why the brand felt the need to drop these instead.
Beatrice | Strawberry Makeup bag
I’ve no idea either – they are very nice in the hold, but the bristles are not up to scratch.