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It’s Makeup, Precisely! The New NARS Artistry Face and Cheek Brushes

March 19th, 2014 by Karen 27 Comments

NARS Face and Cheek Artistry Brushes
The new NARS Face and Cheek Artistry Brushes

I’ve painted several rooms over the years, but each and every time I swear to myself I’m never doing it again.

That’s because painting rooms frickin’ sucks, man, and every room subtracts at least a year off your life, you know, if you take those Real Age online tests, I swear…

Now, painting faces!? That’s totally different. Painting faces is awesome sauce to the Nth degree.

Enter the new 16-piece NARS Artistry Brush line, arriving at NARS boutiques and online April 1, with four face brushes, two cheek brushes, nine eye brushes and one lip brush, all specially crafted for precision makeup application.

These things are pumping me up to paint my mug. 🙂

First, the face and cheek brushes, which I’ve been using and enjoying very much. I’ll have more to say about the eye and lip brushes soon (target: tomorrow), but for now…

NARS Face and Cheek Artistry Brushes

NARS Face and Cheek Artistry Brushes
The NARS Face and Cheek Artistry Brushes in my paw for scale

The face brushes…

Powder Brush #10 ($52)

NARS Powder Brush #10
NARS Powder Brush #10 ($52)

Designed, according to NARS, to buff, blend and diffuse loose powder to a lustrous finish, it also works pretty dang well for pressed powders. I tried it with both and like the results equally. It lays down a fine, even veil of product.

The brush head is slightly narrower than typical powder/fluffy face brushes, but I kind of like that, too. Even though it doesn’t cover as much surface area as your run-of-the-mill fluffy powder brush, I think it’s easier to control and, when using it, difficult to over-apply, and I’m digging on that.

Only thing is…it’s a tad scratchy. Not terribly scratchy, but still.

I’m not sure about the bristles on this one, but based on the way they feel, I’m guessing the fibers are natural, and not synthetic.

Bronzing Powder Brush #11 ($52)

NARS Bronzing Powder Brush #11
NARS Bronzing Powder Brush #11 ($52)

If you’re a bonafide bronzing buff, you may want to seriously consider Bronzing Powder Brush #11 and its dense, domed head (looks almost like a regular kabuki brush).

No matter where I place it on my face — under my cheekbones, at the edge of my hair line, or anywhere else I apply bronzer — it just fits. And it lays down a perfect amount of product.

I have also yet to see the soft natural-fiber brush head shed one hair in the few times I’ve used it.

Like the Powder Brush #10, the one’s head is a little smaller than usual for its ilk, making it quite precise. It lays down smooth, even color. Love.

Cream Blending Brush #12 ($28)

NARS Cream Blending Brush #12
NARS Cream Blending Brush #12 ($28)

A synthetic multi-purpose brush for face and eyes. Use it to apply concealer around the eyes and to blend cream products.

I’ve been using this one to apply and blend MAC Pro Longwear Concealer on my under-eye area, and it works great! The flat, medium-sized paddle-shaped brush head fits nicely into the corners and the space under my lower lash lines, never leaving behind any streaks.

I bet this bad boy would also rock cream eyeshadow bases…

Precision Blending Brush #13 ($26)

NARS Precision Blending Brush #13
NARS Precision Blending Brush #13 ($26)

Doesn’t the Precision Blending Brush #13 look a little like a pointed liner brush? NARS designed it to precisely apply concealer on small spots and pigmented areas, and it’s ideal for detailed work around the nose and eyes.

Coincidentally, I’d actually been using a pointed liner brush for that, but this brush takes the idea to the next level, as you can use it to apply and blend concealer. I’m pretty sure the fibers are synthetic.

The cheek brushes…

Blush Brush #20 ($42)

NARS Blush Brush #20
NARS Blush Brush #20 ($42)

Like its siblings in the face brush fam, the Blush Brush #20 also has a smaller-than-average brush head (natural fibers), and yes, I like the petite-ness of it. When I’m in a hurry, I tend to get overzealous with blush, but this tool’s smaller size forces me to be careful and precise about placing product where I want it on the apples.

It’s like tough love…but in brush form.

I’ve tried it with both sheer and intensely pigmented blushes, and I think it works great with either. Grabs powder evenly, and sets it down without patches or streaking.

Contour Brush #2 ($42)

NARS Contour Brush #21
NARS Contour Brush #2 ($42)

I really like that the angled edge on this undersized, natural-fiber brush head isn’t too steep, because when I set it just below the apples of my cheeks, it caresses my curves… This one’s fantabulous if you’re going for a more sculpted, yet natural-looking effect.

Can I get a reading??

I am weirdly obsessed with this show! Have you seen it? Long Island Medium? Theresa Caputo: mom, medium, big-haired beauty, Long Island resident.

Netflix just added season three, and I spent the better part of last night marathoning it.

Who knows if she can actually channel spirits, but here’s how I see it: if she can help people find peace, get closure, deal with survivor’s guilt or otherwise move on with their lives, why not?

Do you think you’ve ever been visited by spirits? I’m not sure if I have… I have felt something before — like I was being protected by someone or something on several occasions — but I don’t know.

Gonna finish the season tonight, but only after I make dinner. I’m thinkin’ shrimp, asparagus and snow pea stir fry…

I hope you had a good day today. We’re almost to Friday.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

It’s Makeup, Precisely! The New NARS Artistry Face and Cheek Brushes / Originally published March 19th, 2014

There are 27 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup Tools, NARS

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

Previous Post: Chisel Those Cheeks! Contouring Made Easy With the New NARS Contour Blushes
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rikki Poynter says

    March 19th, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I really like the look of the brushes, but I don’t like the high price tag. Ouch!
    Rikki Poynter recently posted … LIME CRIME LIPSTICK: MINT TO BE

    Reply
    • Karen says

      March 19th, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      Yeah, it’s pretty typical of NARS brushes though.

      Reply
  2. Chris25 says

    March 19th, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    I could use that Cream Blending Brush. 🙂
    Chris25 recently posted … Review: Marie Natie All Natural Lip Sparkle in Love Struck

    Reply
    • Karen says

      March 19th, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      I’m totally feeling it. So are my dark circles, LOL!

      Reply
  3. Noon says

    March 19th, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    The high price tag combined with the very bland/generic look of them makes me sad. C’mon Nars, you can do so much better!
    Noon recently posted … say hello to gorgeous shadows from Hello Waffles

    Reply
    • Karen says

      March 19th, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      Hi Noon,

      Aww, I don’t think they are that generic looking. They’re very sleek, very NARS. I also like the pop of red at the end.

      Reply
      • Noon says

        March 19th, 2014 at 9:18 pm

        The red I love, actually, I guess I just wish the overall design had something more to it! But you’re right, they are very Nars, in terms of the understated black. In the end I guess if they perform as good as the price, that’s what’s important!
        Noon recently posted … say hello to gorgeous shadows from Hello Waffles

        Reply
  4. Rae // theNotice says

    March 19th, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Man, I feel you on the painting rooms — it’s the worst! I always end up lightheaded from the fumes and with paint all over myself. (How does it end up in my hair every time? How???)

    Painting faces, though: that’s something I could get behind 😀 These new brushes look great, and I love the little red accent on their ends!
    Rae // theNotice recently posted … Fraud vs poor customer service: What are your worst online shopping “horror stories”?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      March 19th, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      IT IS THE WORST. I’ve done it a few times and have never, ever enjoyed it. EVER. I, too, end up with paint in my hair, always!

      How have you been?

      Reply
  5. hanna says

    March 19th, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    Those brushes look so nice.
    hanna recently posted … My Walmart Trip

    Reply
    • Karen says

      March 19th, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Don’t they though?

      Reply
  6. Gowthami says

    March 19th, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    Love the way brushes designed and looks very fluffy!
    Gowthami recently posted … The Nature’s Co. Chennai Summer Splurge: Flat 50% off on all products Chennai’s hottest beauty hauls this summer season!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      March 19th, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Yes they do!

      Reply
  7. Natalie says

    March 19th, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    These look awesome! If I wasn’t currently crushing on the Wayne Goss brushes I would be more tempted.
    Natalie recently posted … Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade

    Reply
  8. Ankita@corallista says

    March 19th, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    A little disappointed to know that some of these aren’t super soft. At this price tag, I would want something that is absolutely perfect!
    Ankita@corallista recently posted … Video Tutorial : Emma Watson Oscars 2014 Makeup

    Reply
  9. Erin says

    March 20th, 2014 at 4:29 am

    I want that contour brush!
    Erin recently posted … Workout Wear Worth The Investment

    Reply
  10. Fancie says

    March 20th, 2014 at 5:09 am

    The blush brush looks really interesting. I bet it would be perfect for my small face!
    Fancie recently posted … Spring Lip Picks

    Reply
  11. Alison M says

    March 20th, 2014 at 6:02 am

    I like the look of the blush brush. I’d probably use it for contouring because the size looks perfect.
    Alison M recently posted … I’ve Got the Blues With Radiant Orchid

    Reply
  12. Rhea says

    March 20th, 2014 at 6:34 am

    I typically stray away from purchasing brushes seeing as prices are typically high and I had never seen the use , but now I’ve gotten more into makeup and realize I need to get brushes. I think I’m going to look into getting the blush brush and the cream one.
    Rhea recently posted … Essie : Bikini So Teeny

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    March 20th, 2014 at 7:16 am

    Is it me or like 4 brushes of that set look really similar in shape??

    Reply
  14. Marina(Makeup4all) says

    March 20th, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I love the look of bronzing and contour brushes!
    Marina(Makeup4all) recently posted … Guerlain Sun Celebration Makeup Collection for Summer 2014

    Reply
  15. Vineetha says

    March 20th, 2014 at 8:03 am

    The bronzing powder one is what I am most interested in! 😉
    Vineetha recently posted … Givenchy Le rouge Fuschia Irresistible Lipstick Review, Swatches

    Reply
  16. thebeavercat says

    March 20th, 2014 at 8:22 am

    The red at the end of these brushes remind me of Louboutins. xD
    thebeavercat recently posted … ESSIE LILACISM

    Reply
  17. Amber says

    March 20th, 2014 at 9:52 am

    I really like the look of the bronzer and blush brushes. I love my blush brushes on the small side. Thanks for the great review!
    Amber recently posted … Beauty Box Five March – Spring Cleaning!

    Reply
  18. Chelsea says

    March 20th, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    These brushes look lovely! I like the smaller shape and size of the blush and powder brushes!

    Reply
  19. Nicole says

    March 20th, 2014 at 8:28 pm

    Wow, these brushes are beautiful, I can’t wait to check them out! And how did I not know the LIM was on Netflix?!? I’ll definitely be watching that this weekend 🙂

    Reply
  20. Giselle says

    May 30th, 2014 at 5:19 am

    Which one of these brushes could you use for liquid foundation?

    Reply

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About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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