Bargain hunting brush fanatics, lend me your ear. A $12 brush swept me off my feet today, and they call it the Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush.
Compared to department store brushes costing $20 and up, it’s a bargain superhero — affordable, with dense, super-soft bristles that deposit just the right amount of color on my skin.
Not only that, but it’s quite the multitasker, too, moonlighting as a face powder/blush brush. All told, it’s like getting three brushes for the price of one.
WARNING: The following videos featuring Ecotools brushes (my favorite’s the cat eye tutorial) are like potato chips… You can’t stop after just one. 🙂
If your brushes take a beating like mine do, you’ll appreciate how solid the bamboo handle feels in your hand. Really, the brush feels sturdy from head to handle; even the synthetic taklon bristles feel tough. I’ve washed the brush head several times already, and the bristles haven’t shed one iota.
And like all Ecotools brushes, the Bamboo Bronzer’s made from recycled, sustainable materials, and it’s also cruelty free (aka Tabs-approved).
It’s a $30 brush in $12 clothing — an excellent performer for the price. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. We survived Monday, huzzah! Good job, girl. Now it’s time for ice cream (you deserve something sweet).
What are you doing tonight? I’m about to relax with a few eps of my new favorite show, Burn Notice.
It’s like Bourne Identity meets Miami Vice, LOL! You can’t go wrong with a spy show set in Miami. 🙂
CC says
I love Burn Notice!! Don’t you just love Fiona’s light Irish accent?
Karen says
Yeah! Her character’s a trip… I love the chemistry between her and Michael.
How was your Monday?
CC says
Even though it rained and I woke up late, today has been pretty swell :). If you’re still looking for another TV show, I suggest White Collar. The main actor is so cute! And just about anything on Bravo, like The Millionaire Matchmaker or The Real Housewives of Orange County, satisfies my reality TV cravings.
Karen says
I have a weakness for Millionaire Matchmaker. I’m so glad that Patty’s finally getting hitched!
Giselle says
Hi! I’m looking for a new brush to apply my bare minerals foundation. So you would recommend this one??
Karen says
Yah! You’ll probably like this or the EcoTools Kabuki brush. You can read a review here:
EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush Review
Preeti says
Hi Karen – I have the EcoTools Kabuki but wanted to get a bronzer brush. Since I already have the kabuki, would buying the EcoTools Bronzer Brush be redundant? Just wondering what is the difference between the two in terms of the brush heads and the various uses of the brushes? Thanks!
Christina says
I have the retractable Kabuki too and it’s just really a pain to clean. This looks much easier and it looks easier to handle. Do you think that this would work for heavy BE usage?
Rayanna says
I’ve been looking for this brush for the past 2 weeks and no one in Canada seems to have (or at least in my town they don’t) and It’s over priced to buy online! I hope it shows up soon because I love the ecotools brushes I already own and I’m dying to get this one!
Karen says
Hey Rayanna, which ones do you have? I’ve tried different face and eye brushes and I looooove the face ones. 🙂
Rayanna says
I have the Blush brush, Retractable Kabuki and the the 5 piece mineral brush set. They are all so soft! I’m determined to get the Bronzer Brush!
Andrea says
They have EcoTools at London Drugs if you have one of those…
Natalie says
Rayanna, I’m Canadian and found the ecotools brushes in Walmart!
Paris B says
This looks way more solid and better than the retractable which I kinda regret getting 😛 But nevermind I’ll keep an eye out for this one 😉 I enjoyed Burn Notice too – I think its coming back to tv soon
.-= Paris B’s last blog post… When should you start using anti-aging skincare products? =-.
Karen says
Season three just started here! I watched an episode randomly over the weekend and that was enough to get me hooked. I love super-spy stuff!
amy says
I really like the look and feel of the Eco Tools brushes, but I never tried them myself, though I have bought them as gifts.
.-= amy’s last blog post… FOTD Golds, Greens, Purple and Hot Pink Lips using Nars Schiap Lipstick and Nars Easy Lover Lipgloss =-.
Karen says
They make really good stocking stuffers! 🙂
Maybe save buying one for yourself when you have a bad day… a little drugstore makeup pick-me-up always works for me!
Connie says
I’ve been looking around for a bronzer brush and this looks like IT! If the bristles are anything like their mineral brush bristles, I know I’m gonna love it. The kabuki that came in the mineral set was unfortunately not as dense as I’d like it to be.
thanks for the review and rave!
.-= Connie’s last blog post… Rounding Up January 2009 + US Haul =-.
Karen says
Sure! I hope that you like this brush. The head is very dense, so I think it’ll work for ya!
Lehea says
Love Eco Tools! I take the retractable kabuki with me every time I travel.
Karen says
Me too! It’s so lightweight and it works like a dream. 🙂
Happy Tuesday!
Catherine says
OMG. I almost caved on this last week and then didn’t! Totally going to try and find it this week though. My poor EcoTools mini kabuki’s bristles went scratchy (I have NO IDEA why and I’ve tried everything to fix it ;_;) so I’m using my retractable kabuki in the meantime but it’s a little annoying washing the retractable one every week. I think it’s probably better for travel.
I love Burn Notice! I don’t know when I’ll get to catch up on the first two episodes though. SO already watched them without me. ;_;
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… FOTD: P&J Tango & Strawberry Jam =-.
Karen says
I can’t believe I didn’t find that show earlier! From the promos it looked like a cheesy show with Miami Vice dudes and chicks running around in bikinis, but it’s nothing like that at all, huh?
Ditte K. says
Thanks for the recommandation 🙂
Be careful where you lay your brushes to dry – my cat has just started playing with mine and he’s 9 years old 😮
Karen says
Oooh, bad kitteh! 🙂
For the most part Tabs ignores them… we’ll see how long that lasts, LOL!
Tavia says
First of all it looks really cute 🙂 and second I like all the features…but unfortunately this brush is not available here.
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Max Factor Second Skin Foundation – Review + Photos =-.
Karen says
It’s a relatively new brand here in the US. Hopefully they’ll be available where you live soon!
NINA says
I do own this brush and you are right — its an awesome tool for an even more awesome price. I love that its soft and fluffy …. and it works!!!
I love Eco Tools brushes, especially the face brushes and the eyeliner brush!!!
Karen says
I have to give the eyeliner brush another spin… it’s been a while!
Happy Tuesday!
Glosslizard says
I have the mini version of this brush and I’ve been reaching for it more and more to buff a sheer layer of color on my cheeks! It’s so soft it leaves a perfectly-blended glow every time! Methinks it’s time to shell out for the full-size version!
Karen says
Yeah! You’ll love it! 🙂
Marce says
EcoTools, come to me! I totally support eco-friendly brands, I wish we had these here! And the price is great too!
.-= Marce’s last blog post… A look at the Grammys =-.
Karen says
It’s nice to find a drugstore brand that’s eco-friendly and affordable. Hope these come out your way soon!
Toni says
The brush looks awesome! I have a couple of essence of beauty brushes, but no EcoTools. I just picked up a Milani bronzer (75% off at CVS) and this would be perfect for that!
I hope you enjoyed some the Burn Notice episodes and got some time to relax. I spent the evening at the doctor’s office (my son is sick), getting fast food, and waiting 45 minutes for a prescription to be filled. But, I was able to pick up a couple of makeup items at CVS, so not a total loss!
Karen says
I hope your lil’ one gets better very soon! 🙂 Hopefully he’ll bounce back quickly.
What did you end up getting at CVS?
Toni says
I picked up a Milani blush/bronzer duo thingy on sale, a Conair vented hairbrush, a package of the CVS makeup removing towelettes, and Reese’s cups!
Devs says
Somebody on youtube just did a review on this and I was going to go get it soon! Your review just solidified my decision.
Megan says
I’m so glad to see that you use Eco tools! They make some amazingly Eco friendly brushes that are good quality for the money! I got a mac christmas brush set in 09 & I also bought the Eco tools set this Christmas & I must say I am much happier with the Eco tools. Almost all the mac brushes are shedding & not 1 of my Eco tools brushes has shed!!!!
A+ from me too!
Off to my MAC store party for the new line!!!
Niki says
I’ve been wondering about these Eco Tools and seeing great reviews pop up for them all over – I’m definitely going to pick a few of them up! This is a brush I’ve been needing, so this first!
.-= Niki’s last blog post… China Glaze Blue Sparrow =-.
jeannie says
I LOVE Ecotools!!! They never disappoint!
.-= jeannie’s last blog post… How to Apply Eye Liner to Define Your Eyes =-.
Tiffany says
I bought this brush today because of your recommendation! I already have some Ecotools brushes and this one is just as fabulous…
Karen says
Yay! I’m so glad you like it. Isn’t it super soft?
knownever says
I’ve been loving the EcoTools brushes I have, but I’ve been holding off on this one. Next time I’ve got the cash this is on the list.
.-= knownever’s last blog post… The Weirdo Pool: low light look application =-.
Saima says
Oh Karen, as soon as I saw them and tried them, I just love them. Since they’re inexpensive compared to dept brand I would suggest getting several shadow brushes so you have one handy for your dark shadows and one for high lite shadows.
md says
Do you think this is a sufficiently good dupe for the Hourglass No. 2 if I want a brush that will apply liquid foundation in an airbrushed and flawless way? Or do you think there is a substantial difference that makes it worth it to splurge for the Hourglass? THANKS!
marygaelle says
This has been my favourite brush for months now, your post made me buy it and I need to thank you for that. Thank you karen for making me discover my favourite brush! I use it every single day since I bought it.