Laura Mercier Cheek Colour Brush

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Another day, another brush review! Today I'd like to discuss the softest cheek brush I own. This is the Laura Mercier Cheek Colour Brush. This was one of those 4 a.m. purchases that seemed like a great idea at the time, but when I woke up in the morning I was feeling a bit more WHAT HAVE I DONE? Luckily all I manage to do was to purchase a sublimely soft brush that is unlike other cheek brushes in my collection.

Before we continue, I have to mention that I have the long handled version, which took some finagling (I cannot express to you how much I dislike short handles). The version available at most department stores these days is with the travel handle. The two have the same head, handle length is the only difference.

The bristles of this particular brush are blue squirrel and let me tell you, they are ridiculously soft, very fine and quite pliable. If you find yourself to be quite heavy handed with blush, this is blush brush for you. The hairs don't pick up as much powder as my other blush brushes, which can be a good thing for some. The application method is also different compared to blush brushes with a more full dome shape (like for example, the MAC 129).

Left to right: Hakuhodo 210, Laura Mercier Cheek Colour, Sephora Cheek Brush (part of a set), unknown cheek brush.

This is definitely the most flat brush that I own, the closest brush in shape being the Sephora one. However, the hair lengths are quite different. The Sephora bristles are all on the longer side, causing a more poofy shape whereas the Laura Mercier brush's bristles are arranged with more of a taper (think of it like layers in a haircut).

Since the LM brush is shaped more like a paddle, I find that sweeping motions rather than any sort of circular buffing work best. Using the side of the brush, I pick up and deposit sheer washes of color. This brush works fantastically with blushes that are alarmingly pigmented, it gives you a great deal of control and allows you to increase the intensity in gradual layers. However, I can see how some might find the bristles too soft and possibly annoying to work with, especially if you're in a hurry and want that blush to apply itself.

My brush did shed a tiny bit when it first arrived but I noticed that it was only in one particular spot on the , as though something wasn't quite glued tight in a specific area. In other words, I would consider this a defect unique to this brush and it wouldn't keep me from recommending the Laura Mercier Cheek Colour Brush to others.

At $45, I certainly won't insist that this is an absolute must. However, if you're in the market for a luxury brush and having found yourself to be perhaps a bit heavy handed with the application of powder rouge, this marvelously soft brush may be perfect for you.

The Laura Mercier Cheek Colour Brush can be purchased from Nordstrom and similar stores.

What's your favorite cheek brush? Do you prefer softer brushes that glide or stiffer blush brushes that pick up pigment nicely?

(By the way, I'm on vacation until the 14th of April! I won't be able to read and respond to comments until then.)
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