Wednesday 5 December 2012

A Brush Splurge

After obsessing over brushes for the past two weeks, I decided to treat myself to an early Christmas present (read House of Fraser were offering 10% off). Although I had been considering either a Hakuhodo or Chikuhodo order, what I was particularly looking for were several eyeshadow brushes with a specific shape, as well as at least one for use with cream products. The following brushes all looked like they would fit the bill and the reviews looked promising.

Shu+NARS+Laura Mercier+brushes3

Shu+NARS+Laura Mercier+brushes2

Top to bottom: NARS #15 eye contour brush, NARS #15 smudge brush, Shu Uemura #10 synthetic brush and Laura Mercier Eye Finishing brush.

I won't deny this was a splurge, especially as said I was cutting back on makeup purchases. My justification is that these brushes should help me get the most from the makeup I already own and also improve my application technique. I've come to the conclusion that following the 'lighter lid colour plus darker colour in the crease' colour application just doesn't flatter my eyes and I'm hoping the NARS brushes will help me experiment with different placements.

I touched on Chikuhodo above and I wanted to share a recent discovery. Having previously assumed that you couldn't buy Chikuhodo brushes outside of Japan, I was pleased to learn that you can buy their brushes from Kohlindo, an online store based in Sweden. The website is currently undergoing some changes, so orders must be placed by emailing the shop owner, Malin. I have spent a good deal of time pouring over the various brushes, particularly the long handled Artist Series and Malin has been brilliant at answering my questions via email. I'm planning an order after Christmas if no-one picks up on my very unsubtle hints!

6 comments:

  1. MB, lovely splurge! I really love the Nars smudger brush, for smudging (duh) and placing a sooty line by the lashes. How do you use the LM finishing brush? Is it a blender?

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  2. Oh, I'm looking forward to your reviews of these. I also have and love the smudger brush. I have ordered the travel brush set from Nars and am curious to see whether those brushes are as good as the full size ones... *fingers crossed*

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  3. well brushes are like essentials aren't they,so a "needed" splurge ;) I have been thinking about the NARS eye contour brush, and Laura Mercier Eye Finishing brush so funny that you should post on them, please let me know if you think them worthwhile investments :) xx

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing the information about buying the Chikuhodo brushes outside of Japan! I've checked the website though everything is written in Sweden, I hope when it finished upgrading it could come up with a English vision.

    Chikuhodo brushes are the queen of Japanese makeup brushes! Lots of people have recommended the Z-series as they are made of pure grey squirl hair, just like SUQQU brushes, which are made by Chikuhodo as well.

    Very excited!

    best,
    Jackie x

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  5. Well, well, well, I guess it's the season for buying/lusting for brushes - I haven't made a Hakuhodo purchase last year and forgot about them for a while but I've been thinking of getting a few of them again for the last couple of weeks. All the ones that you got look lovely and useful and I'll be especially interested in how you get on with the Laura Mercier brush - it looks very interesting but I'm not quite sure what I'd use it for :)

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  6. Ooooooooo, lovely. I've had the Nars smudge brush used on me by a make up artist and it is gorgeous. Want it.

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