This is another little but mighty brush from Paula Dorf. The standard in smudge brushes is probably NARS #15 (before that one I was actually loyal to Sephora Platinum #13, which I still love for certain tasks), but it's quite big and not very precise when it comes to detailed work. Of course, smudging and smoking eye shadow is not exactly about crispness, but there's something to be said for keeping the look clean.
Paula Dorf Smudge Brush is an excellent tool. It softens pencil, powder or cream lines without smearing them all over the lid. The shape and density give incredible control so you don't feel like you're smudging in the dark. I manage to surprise myself with the results I get every time.
Paula Dorf's brush is somewhat similar size and shape to the Hakuhodo brushes I use for tighlining (Kokutan SL E1089 and K005). Tthe hair of the Hakuhodo ones tapers ever so lightly at the edge, making them liner brushes, while the Paula Dorf is more blunt and works better on the lid itself.
Bottom Line: an essential.
Paula Dorf Smudge Brush ($20) is available from Henri Bndel in NYC, Dermstore, cvs.com and pauladorf.com.
All photos are mine.
That looks like a good one. I have the Laura Mercier Smudge Brush, which looks very much like the NARS, though I can't say for sure because I don't own the NARS. I like using mine to apply powder shadow under the lower third of my eye.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This looks a lot like my TooHip domed smudge brush, and it's a lot cheaper! Do you think it's similar?
ReplyDeleteZP, I do the same thing with my NARS, as well as using it to to muffle liquid liners with powder shadow. I had a look today at the counter and the LM was, indeed, similar to NARS. I think Trish has one like that, too.
ReplyDeleteJenn, I'm not familiar with the brush you mentioned, so I can't say. I do love Paula Dorf's eye brushes. I probably have most of them, including some discontinued ones, and the age very well.
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