Monday, May 10, 2010

AMW Reviews: Sigma Professional Brushes Complete Kit

I've always been intrigued with different brush brands outside of "MAC".  I admit, I don't mind spending a lot on brushes, I look at it as an investment and nothing beats using a brush on a client that you are proud of!  And nothing beats touching your face with brushes that you know are made of high quality.

I've always seen Sigma brushes on YouTube and reviews from Beauty Bloggers abroad.  When Kathryn of Sigma Makeup contacted me to do a review on their brushes, its a chance I have to grab!  I was hoping it'll be their professional set as I have enough travel brushes and I wanted a backup for my Suesh 28pcs Brush Set. 

After 2-3 weeks, I finally got this on hand.  The Sigma Professional Makeup Brushes Complete Kit.  At first glance, I was impressed with the way they package their brushes, aesthetically gorgeous and obviously well thought of!


I like it that the brush roll is quite sturdy and easy to tote along.  It has a nice logo of Sigma brand and it looks professional enough.
Instead of the usual "ribbon it yourself" strap, the Sigma Professional brush roll have a magnetic button. I get addicted to the "click" sound.


Each brushes are protected with a plastic to prevent brush hairs from getting ruin during transit.  Even the handles are well protected too!  The Sigma Professional Brush Complete Kit has 12 slots for 12 professional  face and eye brushes and additional 3 pockets for your extra brushes! 


Each handle has an imprint of the brand and the brush number.  For MAC brush users out there, you'll know that the company uses the same brush number as MAC with an additional "SS" prior to the numbers.


Now let's take a closer look on each.  Be ready for a lot of photos! 

Sigma SS150 
(Powder Brush) 


Sigma SS150 (Powder Brush) says ---
Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • very soft bristles, feels really nice when used on face
  • perfect length and size to apply powdered products on both the face and body
  • sturdy ferrule and handle
  • very dense
Cons
  • sheds and bleeds like crazy
  • sheds even when dry, upon powder application

Sigma SS187 
(Duo Fiber Brush)


Sigma SS187 (Duo Fiber Brush) says ---
Specially designed to generate an ‘airbrushed’ finish when used to apply liquid foundation. It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments. Blend of synthetic and natural bristles.


AMW says ---

Pros
  • perfect to stipple liquid foundation onto face for an "airbrushed" look
  • huge handle which makes it easy to hold
  • almost same density as the MAC187 brush
  • multi-functional: can be used for liquid foundation, cream blushes or even powder blushes, perfect tool to prevent powder look after spritzing your face with water
Cons
  • sheds on first 2 washes
  • when stippling: it's scratchier as compared to the MAC's


Sigma SS168
(Large Angled Contour Brush)



Sigma SS168 (Large Angled Contour Brush) says ---

The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades. Natural bristles. 

AMW says ---

Pros
  • no bleeding nor shedding
  • brush bristles are very soft even after several washes
  • has a "stiffness" that makes it easier to contour the cheekbones
  • nice brush to apply bronzer and blushes
Cons
  • white brush hair which makes it easy to get dirty
  • sheds a bit, around first 2 washes


Sigma SS190 
(Foundation Brush)



Sigma SS190 (Foundation Brush) says ---

Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. It is also recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas. Synthetic bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • perfect stiffness for control
  • multi functional: Can be used to apply any liquid/cream products like sunblock, moisturizer, liquid and cream foundation, concealer and even cream blushes
  • very soft 
  • no shedding and bleeding
Cons
  • brush size could be a bit small to some


Sigma SS224 
(Tapered Blending Brush)


Sigma SS224 (Tapered Blending Brush) says ---

Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • multi-functional: aside from blending powdered eyeshadow, can be used to remove excess powder under the eye area, use this on cream concealer to apply "flawless" airbrushed concealed under eye circles
  • very soft
  • no bleeding
  • a mix of MAC217 and MAC224, size is in between
Cons
  • may be too huge to be used as blending brush for small-eyed individual
  • sheds a bit

Sigma SS252 
(Large Shader Brush)



Sigma SS252 (Large Shader Brush) says ---
Flat shape is ideal for application of cream formulas and eye shadow primers. It also works great with loose eye shadows or pigments. Can be used to apply color all over the lid or precisely on the lash line. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • no bleeding or shedding
  • very soft
  • has a nice stiffness, makes it easy to control
  • perfect to pat on eyeshadow on the crease area or foiling
  • multi-functional: can be used on powdered, liquid or cream products
Cons
  • a bit huge for small eyed individuals


Sigma SS275 
(Medium Angled Shading Brush)

Sigma SS275 (Medium Angled Shading Brush) says ---
Angled, tapered, flat top. Ideal to apply highlight shades underneath the eyebrow and on the inner corners. It can also be used for a precise application of darker shades on the crease area. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • no shedding or bleeding
  • very soft hair that does not scratch
  • perfect for crease color
Cons
  • none

Sigma SS239 
(Eye Shading Brush)


Sigma SS239 (Eye Shading Brush) says ---
Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments. Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros 
  • good eye brush for smaller eyes
  • no bleeding or shedding
  • picks up pigment really well
Cons
  • none


Sigma SS194
(Concealer Brush)


Sigma SS194 (Concealer Brush) says ---
The rounded, tampered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area. It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas. Synthetic bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • no bleeding or shedding
  • perfect dupe for Mac's 194 brush
  • multi-functional: for cream shadow application, concealer application 
  • very soft bristles
Cons
  • brush hairs a bit too short to conceal under eye circles



Sigma SS219 
(Pencil Brush)


Sigma SS219 (Pencil Brush) says ---
Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lash line. Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • perfect to apply outer crease color for that "intense" look
  • no bleeding or shedding
Cons
  • not stiff enough to work as pencil brush
  • white bristles, easy to get dirty
  • a bit scratchy



Sigma SS209 
(Eyeliner Brush)


Sigma SS209 (Eyeliner Brush) says ---
An extra-fine tipped synthetic fiber brush that delivers a precise, firm, even stroke with which to line the eyes.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • great brush if you like thick eyeliner application
  • no shedding or bleeding
  • multi-funcational: Can also be used to apply lip products for a defined lips
Cons
  • a bit too huge for small eyes

Sigma SS266 
(Small Angle Brush)


Sigma SS266 (Small Angle Brush) says ---
Essential for the application of gel or cream eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line. This brush is also excellent to filling out the eyebrows. Synthetic bristles.

AMW says ---


Pros
  • no bleeding nor shedding
  • nice "stiff" bristles perfect for gel liner application
  • multi-functional: can be used for eyelining, filling of eyebrows and deepening of the crease to create a nice outer-v
  • can give a perfect winged eyeliner
Cons
  • None


Overall  (On Brush Set)
A lot of reviewers gave their 2 cents on why the Sigma brushes are numbered similarly with MAC's.  Some find it as a Con.  My take?  I seriously don't care if its named after MAC brushes.  For me, I actually like it because I do not need to jumble my brain cells and think of an equivalent dupe with MAC brushes.  Most of the brushes are not the exact dupe with MAC and please do not expect that when you purchase Sigma Brushes.  These brushes are made of good quality but its not and will never be the exact duplicate of MAC brushes.

These brushes have thicker handles and longer in length as compared to most professional brushes.  They are at least almost an inch taller than most brushes (if that helps to give you an idea on its size).  

These brushes are more inexpensive as compared to other brush brands and they are not bad at all!  I can be confident in taking these brushes along on makeup gigs but of course, I'll always have the extra "trusted" brushes.

Base on my experience with the Sigma Complete Kit, most of the face brushes shed and bleeds but after several washes and usage, they are much better.  For the eye brushes, they are GREAT to start with, I am really impressed with their eye brushes.

Definitely a good brush set to start with.  I suggest to purchase Brush Sets rather than the individual ones.  Saves you a couple of bucks.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Sigma Makeup website for $89.00 (approx Php4,940) + Shipping for 12brushes plus brush roll.

Do you own any Sigma brushes?
How do you like it?


Keep smilin'

Stay happy!




31 comments :

  1. thank you for this review! i've been lemming for these brushes for some time now.

    ReplyDelete
  2. awe! I need buy some more brushes too!

    nice reviews!

    btw, I like your new icon pic, so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am really happy to read a review from you on this brush set. I will definitely order, how long does it take to arrive locally? Thank you for such a wonderful review!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't own a single Sigma brush but I've read a lot of good reviews for their brushes. Nice review, Nikki. :P

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ingit!!! haha I want the premium kit! hehe

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ingit!!! haha I want the premium kit! hehe

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the review! I've been intrigued with Sigma brushes...

    ReplyDelete
  8. nice set nikki,ive been so curious and lemming for this brush sets for the longest time now,my aunt frm us have this but her sheds like crazy and they poke me,maybe she had a bad set,then my cousins sets came,hers were better

    ReplyDelete
  9. now i want one!! :) hehehe!

    ReplyDelete
  10. i just reviewed its eye brushes!!! i thought the brushes are really good value for $$$.

    i wish i had tried its powder brushes. look very nice in your pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ive always wanted to try the sigma brushes as well. I really like the brush roll :) great review, very helpful, thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for the review. I've been wanting to try these brushes for ages, they sound pretty good but it's too bad some of them shed. I wish Sigma brushes were sold individually so that I could only get the ones I need instead than having to buy the whole set and end up with some brushes I won't use.

    ReplyDelete
  13. nice review
    ^_^

    i used to dream of owning a sigma set before but when i heard that their products now are not as 'high-quality' compare to their first batch, it made me think twice...
    >_<

    im still not sure up until now..
    hehe

    ps:
    love the new default pic!
    mecha kawaii!!!
    ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  14. Crystal, I know, me too! It has been years that i've been lemming for this!

    Anastacia, I know what you mean, we really do not need that much brushes, but it feels good to see a lot! :)Thanks for liking my new pix!

    Eunice, depending on your local P.O. could take 2-4 weeks

    ReplyDelete
  15. Pammy, thanks dear

    Caby, I know! The premium kit looks fantastic!

    Catherine, base on YT and beauty bloggers reviews, I've been intrigued for the longest time too

    ReplyDelete
  16. Shobe, really? It could be the bad batch, I wish you get to try these!

    Shen, :)

    Jojoba, I love the eye brushes the most, I've got nothing to complain!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Maui, no worries, always my pleasure!

    Gio, the shedding really happens, it happened to my powder brush but glad it stopped after several washes! They do sell individual brushes Gio!

    Thiamere, thanks for liking the new pix :D

    ReplyDelete
  18. haha. my face brushes shed and bleed too. even now it still does bleed (sounds like PMS huh?) xD but I adore them still! =D

    ReplyDelete
  19. thanks for the review! I don't think I'd be too keen on the professional set because not all of the brushes I'd find useful. I really really really want the advanced brush kit though! but it's quite pricey! >.<

    ReplyDelete
  20. the brushes are so pretty!! lucky you Nikki! =)

    ReplyDelete
  21. nice review! im lemming for this :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lucky you nik! Ive been eyeing on these brush set for so long now!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sue, yes it does sound like PMS and you made me laugh, you are too funny!

    Connie, it is especially for international buyers like us! The additional shipping really takes a toll!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Khymm, thanks dear

    Nix, I know, I've wanted this for so long! Wishing works! :)

    MM, thanks dear! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. awesome review. I've had my set for awhile now and the handle on the big powder brush came loose and the blending brush sheds like crazy whenever i clean it. I contacted sigma makeup and they said i can return and they will give me a new one:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. becky, great that they're sending you a better brush :) Yay for customer service for sure

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Nikki, I'm a new visitor. How does this compare to Suesh brushes? I want to start using "real" brushes na, instead of those that come with the makeup when you buy it. I was thinking of Suesh, but after reading this post I was wondering if this would be better for a beginner like me.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Dea, this works really well and I've been using this for quite some time and loving it The quality remains Same with Suesh. Both of them works well it just depends on how you will purchase it. If you want to save up on shipping then go for Suesh, if you can ask someone to help you purchase in the States, Sigma has great quality brushes!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Avid reader here. Have you purchased their tool belt? Seen them online. I am a makeup artist too. Can you let me know the quality of the leather? How many brushes can it approximately fit? How long did it arrive if I order from Australia, how long did yours arrive? Sorry so many questions. I trust and love your blog!

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for the review. Im about to buy my own 12-set of sigma brushes. May I ask what kind of brushes do you use? Are you using MAC brushes?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Lex, sorry I haven't given their toolbelt a try, so I haven't really checked on the quality. Base on photos and other blog posts, the tool belt seems to be really promising!

    Gemme, I use various brushes! I have some MAC individual brushes, Suesh, Charm and SIgma! I actually carry a lot of brushes especially on gigs that I need to put makeup on multiply faces, easier to just use newer brushes than clean in between :D Goodluck with your 12pcs Sigma Brush set :D

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!