Beauty in a Snap: Japonesque Artist Tools Snap-On Makeup Brush Collection Review

   






Starter set: Dual Ended Magnetic Handle, Foundation brush and angled liner brush


Starter set pieces
SRP: $12 for this set


I was excited to try this new makeup brush collection by Japonesque called Artist Tools.  It's an interchangeable, professional-quality, snap-on makeup brush collection.  It features a Starter Kit of three pieces consisting of the Dual-Ended Magnetic Brush Handle which easily connects to all Artist Tools Brush Heads; a Foundation Brush Head, and Angled Eye Liner Brush Head.  This starter kit retails for $12, and you can get the other five makeup brush heads individually.  Here are my thoughts on this new system and the brushes.

First, the starter set.  The concept is very simple, but in the makeup world, quite revolutionary.  There is a Dual-ended Magnetic Brush Handle that is your primary tool for makeup application.  This is the wand where you connect the makeup heads on either side.  It is magnetic so the heads simply snap in place when placed on the brush handle.  The other two heads can be attached to either side of the brush handle without much effort.


Angled eye liner brush head

I believe these brushes are made with synthetic fibers.  Let me say that I am in love with the liners of this collection - both the angled eye liner brush and the bent liner.  I have been looking for the perfect liner brush for years- one that will create crisp, thin-but-buildable, and precise lines on my lashline using my gel liner.   These two are perfect for creating those lines because of how thin the brushes are.  As for the angled eye liner brush, this is great for creating lines on both the upper and lower lashlines, and it can also be used to fill in brows.


Angled liner on one end and foundation brush on other

As you can see, you can use either side of the handle and attach the heads of the brushes you are using.  Take note that the bigger side has a hole that can only fit the bigger brushes like the foundation and powder, and the smaller end has a hole that will fit the smaller eye brush heads.  The handle is magnetic, so all you need to do is plug in the brush heads and they automatically snap in place.  They are really easy to take off, but they won't fall off while applying makeup.


Foundation brush head

I used the foundation brush head to apply my Chanel Mat Lumiere liquid foundation.  What I like about this is that since the fibers are synthetic, you only need a small amount of the product for application, since it doesn't sink and get absorbed into the hairs and go to waste.   It applied the liquid foundation seamlessly on face, and used less product which I really appreciated.




Shadow crease brush
SRP: $4

The shadow crease brush is perfect for applying color on your lower lashline or to contour your crease.  Similar to the MAC 219 brush which is one of my favorites.  The hair has enough give or resiliency to let you smudge your lines for a smoky look, but it has firmness too for precise application of color.  Love this brush head.


All-over eye shadow brush
SRP: $4

The All-Over Shadow brush is your typical paddle-shaped brush used to apply or pack color on the lid.  What I like about this is that since it has synthetic fibers, it can be used to apply emollient products like concealer, MAC paint pot, eye shadow bases, cream shadows and the like.  I love the versatility.




Powder brush head
SRP: $9

The powder brush is my favorite brush and the one I use most frequently out of all the brush heads in this collection.  I have a TON of brushes, but I realized I only have two powder brushes haha!  It's the least represented brush in my collection.  This powder brush from Japonesque is a very welcome addition to my brush collection.  I apply my finishing HD powder using this brush after I apply my foundation and concealer.  It gives a beautiful finish and the soft synthetic hairs feel wonderful on the skin.


Brow/Lash comb head
SRP: $4

The Brow/Lash comb is perfect for taming those unruly brow hairs.  I use this to comb my eyeshadows in place before and after I fill in the color using my brow mousse from tarte.


Bent liner brush head
SRP: $4

As I said, the Bent liner brush is one of the best liners I've used in a while.  It has the perfect tapered head to apply lines with precision and control.  I like how tapered the tip is for a buildable, crisp, thin line.  It has synthetic hairs which won't splay or create those nasty feathery lines on your eye.

Here's how you can interchange the brush heads on your magnetic handle:


Powder brush head and bent liner brush head on either side




Powder brush head and all-over eye shadow brush head




The brushes are great and the concept is unique and innovative.  I love the brush heads because the synthetic fibers are very soft, and you get control over your makeup application because the heads and handle work in tandem to give you a comfortable yet effective grip on the tool.  I especially like the powder, bent liner and angled liner brushes.  I will be using these often.

My only suggestion would be to improve the packaging.  These are little pieces that will get lost quite easily in a makeup or travel bag.  If this is being touted as Professional Artist's Tools, there should be an accompanying makeup case with little compartments that will hold all these little pieces.  I really think the smaller heads will get lost easily without a kit or case.  The makeup brushes will also look quite professional with a case.

All in all, good quality brushes for a very affordable price.

Artist Tools by Japonesque will be available exclusively at select CVS locations nationwide or by visiting www.cvs.com starting December 2011.  For more information, visit www.japonesque.com.

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration.  All opinions are completely mine.

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