I couldn’t resist getting the EcoTools Bamboo Foundation Brush even though it probably cost more getting it at Watsons than online. However, paying S$11.90 seems okay for me especially when it granted me instant gratification.
Earth-friend and cruelty free
EcoTools is a range of earth-friendly beauty tools that are also supposed to be easy on our pocket. The brushes are made of synthetic Taklon bristles that are 100% cruelty free and from what I’ve read online, the range have received much raves from users all over. In fact, this Bamboo Foundation Brush I bought received 4.2 out of 5 ratings from 117 users at Makeupalley. Unfortunately, it didn’t make the mark for me.
Difficult to apply foundation
Yes, it’s very soft and does feel very smooth plus it didn’t shed after one wash. However, application of powder takes a lot longer because it’s small and flat. While I managed to apply my foundation eventually, but if you’re used to a kabuki brush or a rounded and dense foundation brush, you’re unlikely to love this. I bought it because I wanted something small to give me even coverage but I hadn’t realized that a flat brush means application will not be as easy.
May make a good face mask applicator
Okay, to be fair, the brush does provide me with an even coverage. But my first thoughts after using this brush is that this makes an effective eye makeup brush if I wanted to use some color over my entire eyelid. Then my second thoughts were that this would make quite a good tool to apply a face mask. So maybe it’s good to use as a wet foundation brush or as a liquid foundation applicator but I haven’t tried it that way so I can’t confirm.
Wide selection at selected Watsons
Besides the Bamboo Foundation Brush, you can find quite a selection of EcoTools brushes at selected Watsons. I got mine at Parkway Parade and I understand the range is available at Ngee Ann City and probably the larger outlets. Prices of some of the larger brushes don’t seem as affordable, especially when I compare them with the online prices. For example, I’m probably better off purchasing the EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush from Drugstore via a spree than pay S$28.90 for it – that is if I don’t mind waiting.
Well, I don’t mind and so I’ll probably get that during my next spreeing! Certainly hope it’ll do a much better job than this Bamboo Foundation Brush.
Jess
5 Jan 2010 at 10:03 amI have the foundation brush too and it sheds after a few washing. Don’t waste your money on EcoTools brushes.
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:48 amOh it sheds after a few wash? Hmm…it’s already very flat to begin with.
fwy
5 Jan 2010 at 10:22 amI bought the same brush a few months ago too. The liquid foundation ends up forming small bits & got stuck in the brush. It means you may have to wash your brush after every usage which is not user-friendly to me. I had since gone back to using makeup sponge to apply my fluid foundation.
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:49 amSo it works for liquid foundation but isn’t user friendly. Well, doesn’t sound good to me then.
Jyoan
5 Jan 2010 at 12:17 pmI was so tempted when I saw it in Watsons due to the raves online too. haha. But I do too little makeup to need more than one brush set.
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:51 amYa, the raves are good online.
Ida
5 Jan 2010 at 1:28 pmI’ve been curious about this brush although I have read others mentioning that this is too small for applying foundation all over the face. A tip was to use it for applying setting powder over concealer on the undereyes.
This is unrelated to the post, but what product/s do you use for treating dark undereye circles and fine lines in that area? I was trying to search the blog but couldn’t find a post about it. Thanks 🙂
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:53 amThat’s a nice tip for undereyes. I now use this to apply my makeup base. Takes longer but it provides an even coverage.
I used to use grapeseed oil and it helped eased the fine lines. Now I use an eye gel which is good for dark circles but it took me about 5 months to see visible results.
prettybeautiful
5 Jan 2010 at 5:31 pmwow! i didnt see it in singapore watsons when i was there. O_o i have the 5-pc set, the eyeshadow brush doesn’t seem to pick up eyeshadow well. *sigh*
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:54 amMaybe it wasn’t available at the Watsons you visited. I think it was available since October.
pf1123
5 Jan 2010 at 7:26 pmI tried the tester brush at watsons. Can’t remember which brush though. But I have too many brushes at home, so didn’t get this. Hehehe…
I think this flat one should be more suitable for liquid foundations. But I like to use my hand for liquid/cream foundations.
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:54 amI use my fingers too…easier..
Pink Ink
5 Jan 2010 at 9:01 pmHi Sesame!
I think this foundation brush is more suited for liquid foundation application too. I used to use foundation brushes, but gave up coz I’m too lazy to wash them everyday after use.
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:55 amYup, fwy mentioned too but I agree it’s troublesome to have to wash everyday.
Lucia
5 Jan 2010 at 10:57 pmI really love bamboo brushes, I absolutely want to buy this set and I’ve heard lots of beautiful reviews, especially for the softness! And for the faboulous face brushes 🙂
Kaith
5 Jan 2010 at 11:20 pmThe 5-pc brush set is actually on my wish list but reading some of your thoughts here, I am now hesitant to get them online. I use loose mineral foundation so this one might not be a good buy. I’d rather buy another kabuki brush.
Sparklewolfie
6 Jan 2010 at 12:03 amI have the 5 piece EcoTools brush set, and it works perfectly for me! It does not have the foundation brush though, so maybe that one just is not meant for powder? from the shape I would have guessed it was for liquid foundation 🙂
My set has a blush brush which is round and fluffy, eye shadow brush, concealer brush, angle brush which is very soft and easy to tightline with, and a lash/brow comb/brush. It also came with a roll-up brush carry case, and cost about $12 at Walgreens here in US 😀
Maybe if you try the different types of brushes you will like it better!
sesame
6 Jan 2010 at 8:57 amYou’re probably right but it looks like it’s not too user friendly as a liquid foundation applicator. It does work for the powder in the sense that it gives an even coverage but it takes a longer time.
I’m looking forward to try the retractable kabuki brush!
crystal
6 Jan 2010 at 1:10 pmSo do you really recommend it to be used when during facial or masks?
sesame
7 Jan 2010 at 11:12 amActually, that was a bit tongue-in-cheek. But if you’re looking for a brush to brush on your mask, I think this should work well.
Grace
6 Jan 2010 at 5:24 pmthis is my take: i have a Chanel foundation brush that is similar. it works fine with liquid foundation, so i think the EcoTools one is meant to be used to apply liquid not powder foundation.
perhaps you can give it another go with liquid foundation?
sesame
7 Jan 2010 at 11:15 amI hardly use liquid foundation but I can still use this for my makeup base. Just takes a longer time.
SQ
21 Feb 2010 at 12:11 amThis brush i meant for liquid foundation, and it does make a difference compared to applying it with your fingers, I use the kabuki with powder after this and my skin looks perfect. Love it!
sesame
21 Feb 2010 at 9:01 amI use this brush for base makeup and I have to say, the coverage is good.
SQ
21 Feb 2010 at 12:13 amOh forgot to add, if you want very good coverage and something that works fast like kabuki, try the flat top kabuki, saves time from repeated layering.