Since this is becoming a Chanel day, let's have a look at Chanel's new blush brush, #4. A few months ago Chanel revamped their entire range of makeup brushes, and rightly so. Over the last few years, the selection of excellent makeup brushes has grown exponentially, leaving Chanel more than a little behind, especially in the face brush department (my old #12 eye blending brush has fared better than the three year old Blush Brush no. 7).
The new Chanel blush brush No. 4 is smaller, denser, and rounder. The handle is a bit longer, but not enough to make the brush feel much different in the hand. The main difference between No. 7 and No. 4 is the softness. The new brush is a couple of levels above No. 7 in its softness. It feels great on the skin, while my older brush has deteriorated considerably despite getting a lot of TLC. The new Chanel brush is also more directional, as the bristles are tapered at the edge. The brush is relatively flat and can also be used for placing highlighters.
Out of my various blush brushes, the one closest to Chanel #4 in size and shape is Shu Uemura #20. All the other brushes below are bigger, rounder and/or fuller. It's a matter of preference, and I alternate between them according to the texture, amount of pigment, mood and whatever is clean. If you already have Shu #20 the only reason to get Chanel # 4 is as its backup. If you're looking to round up your collection by adding a flat tapered blush brush, this is a great option.
Chanel No. 4 Blush Brush ($54) is available from Chanel counters and chanel.com.
Great review Gaia! I've wanted to invest in some Chanel brushes for ages but the reviews always spoke of the low level quality. I'm glad they've improved! I have the Shu #20 but like you suggest I may get this as a back up.
ReplyDeleteThe new brushes are definitely an improvement. I still think that Hakuhodo brushes and most Shu are better, but for a department store brand, these are a really good alternative (in much better prices than Tom Ford).
Deletewow, ive been really skeptical about the chanel brushes and im glad to see that the blush brush is what you would consider a back up for the Shu 20. great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It is a good option, very similar, and for those of us in the US, something we can go and pick up at our local Bloomigdale's.
DeleteLove bruch reviews. Here's a question: if you wanted to only bring ONE face brush (traveling) is there one that works well enough to apply blush, highlighters AND contour? Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI'd be hesitant to use one brush for all three tasks simply because you won't be able to wash it between products. However, pressed to choose, my pick is Hakuhodo 210.
DeleteHi, Gaia. I'm a long-time reader, but this is my first comment. Could you please tell me where this brush was made? I recall Amy from Café Makeup stating that most of the new Chanel brushes were made in France and some in China. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Walls :) .
DeleteI'm sorry, but I didn't keep the box (bought the brush a couple of months ago), and there's no indication on the handle of where the brush was made.
No problem, Gaia. I can always do some sleuthing of my own the next time I'm at a Chanel counter. Looking forward to your upcoming posts! Thanks so much for the speedy reply.
DeleteOnly a few of the new brushes are made in France (ex. the FABULOUS #25 large e/s) but the powder and blush are definitely made in China.
DeleteThe new powder and blush brushes are made in China. I was shocked when looking at the boxes. But they are still very high quality; very soft, minimal hair loss.
DeleteHi Walls,
DeleteI just got my n°4 brush and it was made in China. I think the new face brushes are. The previous set of brushes sold in the US were as well. N°s 15, 19 and 25 for eyes are made in France, though.
Hope that helps.