By Audrey Dao, on January 18th, 2011,

Crown 15 Piece Professional Set With Designer Case ($43.99)
Set Includes:
Chisel Powder • Chisel Blush • Angle Blush • Foundation
Angle Blender • Oval Shadow • Blending Fluff • Flat Liner
Concealer • Lash Fan • Brow/Lash Groomer • Angle Liner
Oval Lip • Mini Smudger • Round Crease • Faux Reptile Case
My Thoughts:
I’ve heard about how great Crown brushes were and how they were a great replacement for MAC brushes so I decided to purchase some when the 15 Piece Professional Set With Designer Case was on sale for $29.99 (included cost of shipping).
There are 3 different designs for the 15 Piece Professional Set With Designer Case: (1) Set 619: black case with red handles and black ferrules, (2) Set 620: red case with black handles and black ferrules, or (3) Set 621: bronze case with black handles and bronze ferrules. I have Set 621. The clutch is made of a faux reptile material with velvet interior lining.
What I like about Crown 15 Piece Professional Set With Designer Case is that it’s a clutch case and not a rolled up case. It’s a good change from your usual rolled up case. The brushes are all very soft and held their shape after each washing. I also love the cost of each brush. After doing the math, each brush cost less than $3 if you buy at the $43.99 price.
What I don’t like about the Crown 15 Piece Professional Set With Designer Case is the strong unpleasant smell I was hit with when I first opened the clutch. It does disappear over time after airing it out, but it took awhile. I also didn’t like how a couple of the brushes shed so much. I do understand brushes shed, but do they have to shed so much every time you use and wash them? My face was covered with hairs. Also noticed a few of the brushes weren’t as soft as they originally were prior to washing, but they were still soft.
Overall, I’m a tad bit on the fence about repurchasing this set. I just expected more from a “professional” brush set. I’ll probably purchase individual brushes to compare the quality to the brush set.
Check out more photos!
By Audrey Dao, on May 24th, 2010,
Tokidoki Kabuki Brush ($28) An oversized makeup brush adorned with tokidoki’s cult-favorite designs.
What it does:
This high-quality, face-and-body brush has innovative antibacterial bristles—playfully dipped in bright purple (in true tokidoki style). A unique square base is covered with irresistibly edgy characters.
What else you need to know:
The white high-gloss handle features a 360 degree decoration showing the Kabuki story. The ultrasoft, luxurious synthetic brush hair is white with glowing purple tips.
My Thoughts:
I was wondering around Sephora looking for a brush to apply bronzer lightly when the Tokidoki Kabuki Brush caught my eye. Look at it. I’m sure it would capture your attention too. I was super excited when I discovered the bristles were super ultra soft. The kabuki brush distributed the bronzer evenly and smoothly. The size of the kabuki brush is great for traveling or throwing into your bag but yet big enough to apply powder quickly. Even though the bristles are super soft, they are firm enough to pick up the perfect amount of powder. Even though the brush is $28, it’s a great investment.
By Audrey Dao, on October 18th, 2009,

(Photos from Temptalia)
(top to bottom)
MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Do-the-Trick Buff and Line Brush Set ($49.50)
An exclusive brush kit of five key buff-and-line brushes: 168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.
MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Morning Noon & Knight Everything Eye Brush Set ($49.50)
An exclusive kit of five key brushes: 194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE and 275SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.
MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Wave of a Wand Sweep and Define Brush Set ($49.50)
An exclusive kit of five key brushes: 129SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE and 275SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.
My Thoughts:
I actually didn’t get any of the brush sets from this collection. Why? I mean it seems like a great deal right? You get 5 brushes for the cost of 2-3 brushes. I used to think like that too. That is why I used to get the brush sets from MAC instead of buying them individually. It turns out, the brushes that come in the brush sets do not perform as well as the regular full-size brushes. I found the brush sets would shed so much more than the regular brushes. Also, the brush sets do not feel as soft as the regular brushes. The regular brushes are much better quality because they are hand-made while the brush sets are manufactured. Even though you are saving money by buying the brush sets, it’s better to spend more money and invest in quality brushes that will last you a life time.
By Audrey Dao, on July 4th, 2009,
Smashbox Fan Brush #22 ($18) This feather-light fan brush softly and seamlessly applies FUNCTION5 SELF-ADJUSTING POWDER FOUNDATION, SOFT LIGHTS, FUSION SOFT LIGHTS, BRONZE LIGHTS, and BLUSH. Use it to apply even the darkest shades lightly for a perfect, natural finish every time. It’s also a must-have tool for lifting away any excess shadow that may have fallen during application without disturbing makeup.
My Thoughts:
I mainly use this brush to apply highlighter/bronzer. It’s really light and soft. It hasn’t shed a hair after many washes and it still works like it’s new. Besides using it to apply highlighter/bronzer, it’s great for sweeping away loose powders and shadows and applying blush. It doesn’t pick up a lot of product, which I love. You don’t have to worry about going over board with color.
By Audrey Dao, on March 1st, 2009,
It is very important to pick a good foundation brush, because it is the key to a flawless face. Foundation brushes should be flat, firm, and made of synthetic bristles. I feel the 2 best foundation brushes are Lancome Foundation Brush #2 and Chanel Foundation Brush #16. Both provide a natural, flawless, streak less application. Both these brushes are very sturdy, and the bristles can handle a good washing.
Lancome Foundaton Brush #2 ($33)

Chanel Foundation Brush #16 ($40)

Even though these brushes are on the pricey side, they are a good investment. You will not have to buy another foundation brush for years. By years, I mean 20. The best way to buy these brushes is to buy them in a set instead of individually.
Lancome Holiday Travel Brush Set–Face costs $55 (valued at $125). The foundation brush alone is valued at $33. So you will be getting an additional 3 brushes for $22. The set includes:
- Powder Brush #1 (valued at $45)
- Highlighting Brush #3 (valued at $26.50)
- Foundation Brush #2 (valued at $33)
- Concealer Brush #8 (valued at $25)

Chanel Professional Makeup Brush Set costs $120. The foundation brush is worth $40. So you will be getting 3 brushes for $80. The set includes:
- Shadow/linear Brush #4 (valued at $27)
- Eyeshadow #2 (valued at $29)
- Foundation #16 (valued at $40)
- Blush #7 (valued at $46)

Both the Lancome and Chanel foundation brushes work equally well. I personally chose Lancome, because I am not going to shell out extra money for the “Chanel” logo.

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