Review: Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Blush Brush

I’d been wanting the Sonia Kashuk Flat Top brush for ever. And when I got my paws on it, I was a very happy camper indeed!

The Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top brush was designed for applying cream blushes. The bristles are synthetic to make it easier to clean off the cream blush and so it doesn’t get absorbed unlike natural hair. Like the powder brush, the handle is contoured to fit into your hand comfortably. Again, I’d prefer it if it was fatter. Brush handles should not be anorexic!

I was quite surprised when I first saw the brush head. I thought it would be similar to the Anna Sui Flat Top Blush Brush I own, but when compared side by side, the Anna Sui brush head is noticeably bigger. So, I was quite nonplussed by that.

You can see that the Anna Sui is fluffier – it might be due to the fact that the Anna Sui is natural hair while the Sonia Kashuk is synthetic. I’ve found that natural hair tends to “fluff’ more.

Still, I had to try it but once I did, I forgave it the anorexic handles and the small brush head. The Sonia Kashuk flat top blush brush is awesome!

I tested it first using the Stila Convertible Blush in Lillium. It is the only cream blush I own (which I no longer do – its now residing in a happier home 😉 ). I dabbed the Sonia Kashuk brush onto the cream and found that it did not pick up much color. I then applied it on my cheeks and buffed the colour in. The cream blush applied well without streaking and to my surprise, was effortless to apply. This brush might help me get over my cream blush phobias yet.

Since I mostly use powder blushes, I tested this on powder blush too to see if it would work, and I’m happy to report that yes, the Sonia Kashuk flat top blush brush works with powder blushes too! With powder blushes you must be careful because the brush picks up a lot of color. Application is the same. Place brush on cheeks and buff in in circular motions. In that sense, it works a lot like the Anna Sui brush. However, as the brush head is smaller, the blush application is more precise so you do get a nice pop of color on your cheeks which you can then buff to even.

Texture wise, it is soft but not as soft as the powder brush. It doesn’t poke the skin and I did notice a little shedding after the first wash. It was about 3 hairs and it stopped after 2 washes – whew! This brush, having synthetic bristles, works with liquid foundations too for a smooth look after buffing in the foundation.

Sonia Kashuk is available at Target and at US$14.99 I’d say its affordable by USA standards but at RM54 its not exactly cheap by Malaysian standards. Still, its a good buy and a blush brush I’d recommend if you can find it.

Pros: Soft, applies cream blush well, works for powder blush and liquid foundations

Cons: Unavailable in Malaysia for now, pricey by Malaysian standards

[ratings:4/5]