ECOTOOLS has released a new line of makeup sponges and brushes, and we put them to the test to see if they live up to the hype—and the price tag. This review covers a range of products, from blending sponges and mini color correcting sponges to powder brushes, fan brushes, and even a dual-fiber bronzing brush. We’ll delve into the performance, durability, and value of each item, comparing them to similar high-end options. Our assessment covers both the pros and cons, highlighting the standout performers and pointing out areas where improvements could be made. Get ready to discover if these budget-friendly tools offer professional-level results.This comprehensive review examines the quality and functionality of each product in the collection. We evaluate the application techniques, ease of use, and overall performance of the sponges and brushes, comparing their performance to more expensive alternatives. We consider factors such as softness, durability, and whether the tools justify their price point. Ultimately, this review will help you decide if the ECOTOOLS makeup collection is a worthwhile investment for your makeup routine.
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Perfecting Blending Duo Sponges
The ECOTOOLS Perfecting Blending Duo comes with two sponges: a larger and a smaller one. Both feature unique cuts, reminiscent of the Real Techniques sponge, offering versatility for different application techniques. The larger sponge becomes wonderfully squishy when damp, ideal for blending foundation and setting concealer with powder. It's a bit firmer than a Beautyblender but softer than many other complexion sponges.
However, the smaller sponge remains denser, lacking the same desirable softness. While the larger sponge excels in foundation blending and powder application, after only three washes, tiny tears started appearing. This is a common issue with many sponges, and while the affordable price ($7-$8) makes replacement easy, it’s still a drawback.
Color Correcting Mini Sponges
ECOTOOLS also released Color Correcting Mini sponges. These tiny sponges are designed for color correcting concealers. However, I personally found these less appealing. I prefer larger sponges for faster, more even concealer blending. The small size and potentially tedious application make these less practical for my makeup routine.
Ultimately, I decided to return these. While the price ($7.98) was reasonable, the personal preference for larger sponges made these a less useful item for me. If you have experience with these mini sponges, please share your thoughts below!
Full Powder Brush
The ECOTOOLS Full Powder Brush boasts a large, dense, incredibly soft head for even powder distribution. Its lightweight design is a welcome change from heavier brushes. The softness and overall performance impressed me; it rivals high-end brushes like the Sephora Pro featherweight powder brush (#91).
While the Sephora brush is more substantial and potentially larger, this ECOTOOLS brush offers similar application and a significantly lower price ($8 vs. ~$40). The light weight doesn't compromise quality; it feels luxurious and applies powder seamlessly. It’s excellent for all-over powder application and removing excess powder under the eyes.
Define & Highlight Duo Brushes
This duo includes a smaller powder brush, perfect for setting under-eye concealer and applying powder blush, and a fan brush for highlighting. The smaller powder brush is well-suited for precise powder application under the eyes and on the cheeks, offering a similar functionality to the Sephora Pro featherweight complexion brush (#90), but at a more affordable price.
The included fan brush is surprisingly fluffy and wider than many similar brushes, resulting in a smooth, even highlight application. It avoids the streaky application often seen with thinner fan brushes. Overall, a versatile and well-priced set.
Blending & Bronzing Brush & Precision Brush
The Blending & Bronzing brush, with its shorter dual-fiber bristles, is excellent for applying and diffusing powder bronzer. Its rounded shape ensures a smooth, even application. It also performs well for all-over powder application and blending blushes/highlighters.
The Precision brush, however, was my least favorite. While intended for powder and cream blushes, it applies too much powder pigment and is difficult to blend. It's better suited for cream products, but even then, other brushes offer better performance. For liquid foundation or stick contour, damp Beautyblenders remain superior.
Overall Conclusion
ECOTOOLS's new brush and sponge collection offers a mix of hits and misses. The Full Powder Brush, the Blending & Bronzing brush, and the smaller brush from the Define & Highlight Duo stand out as exceptional value for their quality and performance, rivaling much more expensive counterparts.
The Perfecting Blending Duo sponges are also great options but have a potential durability issue. The mini sponges are good for those who already prefer small-scale makeup application tools. The Precision brush, however, is less impressive due to its difficulty in blending powder products. Overall, the collection's value and quality make it worth considering for budget-conscious makeup enthusiasts.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing. While some products, like the larger sponge, may have minor flaws, the overall value and quality of the majority make it worth investigating.