I can't imagine the makeup world without brushes. Having the right makeup tools is essential to achieving the right makeup look. With that in mind, I absolutely agree that it's important to invest in high quality makeup tools for applying makeup. In my experience, the best premium brushes came from NARS. A few months ago, NARS introduced new line of exquisite makeup brushes designed with the finest quality hairs. This 16 piece comprehensive Artistry Brush Collection features iconic design - the matte black finish with sharp debossed logo and signature pop of red - it's stunning, sexy, and seductive!

These brushes are perfect for achieving a full look:

Bronzing Powder Brush #11 - $58
- a natural, soft bronzing powder brush.
An essential for controlled application, this bronzing powder brush has a dense concentration of high-quality goat hair that holds and applies product evenly for an allover glow.  

Contour Brush #21 - $47
- an angled brush ideal for contouring.
Expertly angled for sculpting and contouring the cheekbones, this brush is an essential for highlighting. High-quality, premium goat bristles blend and define for controlled product application. 

Eye Shadow Brush #40 - $36
-a versatile brush ideal for application of eye color.
An essential for a masterful sweep of allover shadow, this brush is made of high-quality sable hair. It picks up and deposits the perfect amount of pigment to create a polished look.  

Precision Contour Brush #44 (for eyes) - $32
The firm, flexible hair design of this brush is ideal for applying concentrated color. A must for creating a smoky eye, it deposits color perfectly in the eye crease.

These brushes are beautiful. I have them on display in my bathroom and it's been such a pleasure using them everyday. Overall, they rate very well on both Sephora.com and other channels. I would highly recommend most of NARS brushes as they are so well designed. If the price wasn't a factor, I would get all 16!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Design: 5/5
Price: $$$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

After years of using the perfect multi-functional NARS Yachiyo Brush I've finally decided to review it. Sadly, it looks like the infamous, highly rated brush is now out of stock at NARS.com and Sephora, although, I did find it available online by the Canadian retailer, The Bay, where I have originally purchased it for $73+!

So what's so good about it? The NARS Yachiyo brush's modern concept and function unites traditional Japanese culture, creating unique and versatile design. Featuring super black goat hair, known for its softness and strength, this Kabuki Artisan brush is designed for a variety of uses including color application, blending, contouring and highlighting. Super black goat hair is ideal for blending pigments.

PROS: 

• Easy to use
• Gorgeous packaging and design
• Well-made and well-crafted
• Multi-functional and versatile - it's great for contouring and highlighting
• Bendy and spring-like feel and diffusing pointy end designed for a perfect application
• Made for use with very pigmented powder blushes such as NARS Exhibit A
• Perfect for cheeks and face blush/bronzer application
• Made with very soft Pen Super Goat hairs, which are ideal for blending pigments
• The hand-spun black wisteria handle preserves its unique traditional character
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by MakeupAlley.com members

CONS: 

• Very expensive
• Hard to find
• Slight hair fall out

Despite the price tag, I highly recommend investing in this brush. It lasted me many years, and it can do much more than a typical blush brush. Think of it as a 5-in-1 tool!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5  You gotta have it.

Would I use it again? Yes.

I have tried many eyelash curlers - from drugstore to high end department store brands - and no one does it better than Shu Uemura. It may sound expensive, at $19, but it will last for a few years.

It has been voted as 'the best' by InStyle, Elle, and many other magazines. The curler is a staple in most makeup bags, including my own. I have looked for the perfect curler for many years, and this baby is the one for me! No pinching. No pulling. It's easy to use and fits perfectly around my eye.

Of course, if your lashes already have a curl you may barely notice a difference after using eyelash curlers. Or it may not fit your eye-shape. I suggest to try it where Shu Uemura is sold to see if it's the right fit for you. (I found it at Sephora in Vancouver).

The only problem I ran into was replacing the padding. Shu Uemura doesn't sell pads separately. The curler comes with 2 extra pads (total of 3) and each lasts for about 3-6 months. After using up all the pads, I would have to buy a new curler. :(

Value: 4/5
Packaging: clean and simple
Lasting Power: 1-2 years
Price: $$$

Overall: 4/5

Would I buy it again? Yes!