I been receiving questions about where to find good quality, affordable brushes that can be used to achieve a finished look when applying makeup. Below is a review about a brush set and some fabulous cosmetics bags I received back in January from Ecotools:
Finding affordable brushes that are environmentally friendly and great in quality is not something that happens everyday. Well…not until I got my hands on the EcoTools by Alica Silverstone brush set. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was quite impressed with their brushes and the cosmetics bags.
I have used them for over a month to apply my makeup and I think they are amazing. When I washed them they didn’t have a weird smell, like some of the store-bought brushes I have tried in the past. The bristles are very soft and did not shed. After washing and drying them, they felt just like the first time I touched them…soft. The shape was not distorted after the bristle dried like some cheaper brushes.
The EcoTools brush set comes stored in an earth-friendly cosmetic bag. I love the bag because apart from the elastic compartments to store the brush handles, it also has a clear plastic pocket on the side where I store my concealer, lip gloss and any other touch up products I might need during the day. The four brushes that came in the set are listed below in the order they appear in the picture (L to R):
- The Blush Brush: As the name suggests, it is supposed to be used for blush. It works very well with blush application, but I have been using it as a powder brush. Because of the rounded tip of the brush, it really helps to blend my mineralized powder. I also use it to contour my face. It gives me an amazing glow… I just love it!!
- The Finishing Brush: It is also called a stippling brush which is used to blend makeup into the skin for a flawless finish. This brush is supposed to be used to apply mineral face makeup and loose powers, but I use it for more than that. I use it to apply my blush and bronzers. You can also use it to stipple wet makeup like liquid foundation. The light touch gives an airbrushed finish.
- The Angled Eye Shadow Brush: This brush is great for applying eyeshadow to the outer corners of the eyes, giving a smokey eye effect. But I love it even more for applying highlight colors under the eyebrows (the brow bone).
- The Lash & Brow Groomer: This brush is great for controlling stray brows. You can also use it to separate and lengthen your lashes after applying mascara.
Below are some pictures I took of my brush set:
The Cosmetics bags: I also got the other bags from the EcoTools by Alica Silverstone collection. The bags I got were the Overnight bag, Train case and Cosmetic bag. All the bags are made of natural hemp material, which I thought was unique. According to Ecotools, they are lined with recycled plastic and all the designs on the bags are printed with non-toxic inks. The overnight bag, is my new go-to bag for traveling… it holds everything I need, from the moment I brush my teeth to the moment I get out of the shower. The Train Case is my new favorite makeup bag. I love the size because it is large enough to store my makeup, but small enough to leave in my car, in case I need to change my makeup look after work. It has a nice size removable clear case inside that I put items I need easy access to. I also like the fact that my Brush set (mentioned above) fits into the train case with ease.
Pros:
Environmentally and Earth friendly brushes and bags
Because of the color of the bags, they handle stains and dirt very well. I got a pink stain on my brush set and I can hardly see it. It kinda blended in.
AFFORDABLE…YESSSSSS!!!
The brushes are Super, Super soft… and feels soo good on the face
Easy to clean and no odd odor to report like some other drugstore brushes
No shedding of the hair bristles
Added bonus: The brush case can double as a cosmetic bag which fits perfectly into any purse.
Cons:
I can’t think of any…well, expect that the brush set is meant for mineralized makeup, so it does not pack on a lot of makeup, but that’s what using mineralized makeup is about….you want to look natural.. so it works as a positive in my opinion. If you are looking to apply heavy or dramatic makeup, this might not be the brush set for you.
Verdict:
You should get this brush set if you are a beginner and are looking for tools to apply your makeup. I think it would be a great addition to your personal makeup bag. You can pick up the brush set here. EcoTools, also has another brush set that might be of interest to some because it includes three other brushes that are not in the brush set I reviewed above. That brush set can be picked up here.
Price: 5 out of 5 (All the items in EcoTools by Alica Silverstone collection are reasonably priced)
Creativity: 5 out of 5 (Ferrule is made from reuse aluminum; The handles are made from Bamboo)
Packaging: 5 out of 5 (Comes in a nice bag with instructions; packaging is made from post-consumer recycled content)
Quality: 5 out of 5
Functionality: 5 out of 5 (It gets the job done!!!)
Thots,
Tiwa
FTC Disclaimer: This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions. The products were sent to me by EcoTools. I am not affiliated with EcoTools. I was not paid to use or review these products.
Great info! Will keep this in mind when next I buy brushes
good stuff. So how do these brushes compare to mac brushes?
Thanks for the info. I need brushes or I’ve been told I need brushes. I thought my finger would do that job, but I guess not. I like that they’re ECO friendly. Are they expensive?
@ Dayo… Thanks Girl.
@ Thanks ChicLeVougue…MAC is a professional brand, so their brushes are very good quality. They are definitely more expensive than the ecotools brushes, but worth it because they last forever. I have never had any issues with any of my MAC brushes (except for my favorite brush the MAC 109, which sheds sometimes). The finishing brush in the ecotools set is similar to the MAC 187 duo fibre Brush, but the MAC brush is alot more steady, so it picks up more product. Ironically, MAC doesn’t have the lash & brow groomer featured in this set, so I can’t compare the brush to any other their brushes. I have only used these brushes for a month, so I can’t comment on how they will hold up in the long term, but so far I love them and for the price, you really can’t go wrong. I have a post coming up on my favorite brushes to date… so come back and visit!!
@ Sheila…clean fingers work as well, especially under eye area, but make sure to use your ring finger. The brush sets range from $10.00 to $14.99.
so basically its just PERFECT right? lol ..your write up made me want to buy it ..then i remembered i didn’t wear make up..but if i did this would make me buy it..
Thank you so much for this blog post. I am sold!
Why not put the fun back into travel by solving the entire baggage problem with one sturdy well-made steel luggage cart? All three of those bags will fit on one cart, so you free up a hand — and a shoulder. That, alone, will make you feel lighter on your feet and give you a more fun and relaxed outlook!
I bought mine on Saturday and so far so good!
Thanks hon! 🙂
i like your writing style, very easy to understand. i will look foward your next post, keep it up.
@SLMClothingCo…lol.
@Yetsa…Thanks for the update…You will love them.
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Thanks for sharing this, it really helps a lot
Ecotools brushes are great! I always buy them at iherb.com
Use the coupon code NAK992 to get $5 off + free shipping for orders over $ 40 + free samples. They ship worldwide.
http://www.iherb.com/Search?kw=ecotools+brush
Good deal! $5 for brushes, I’m on it.
Hi… I have been looking for this brush set but cannot find it anywhere. Could any of you tell me if these are still available and of so where? Also is there any number associated with this set so I can search it on eBay/Amazon? Thanks …
Try Ulta or Walgreens, I have seen them there recently. I hope that helps 🙂
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