This is my bad purchase of the year. Like a victim of infomercials, I fell for the sales associate’s spiel about this “one step instant smokey eye brush that will save you time and create perfect eyes”. Yeah, sounds too good to be true, right? Except this wasn’t $19.99 after being discounted from $199.99 and I didn’t get 2 extra brushes if I purchased “right now”. The brush quality is good, it is sable and well constructed but this “one step” process just does not work, and if I thought about it for more than 20 seconds before I bought it, I would have made the realization. You are supposed to dab this with shadow but the shape of this prevents you from getting a good dab so I made a big mess of my shadow while smashing the brush down so I can get powder in the middle. Then you put this up to your lids and press down and tilt from side to side. Uh, shadow doesn’t work this way, it does not stick and I got a ton of loose powder all over my face. And the brush is so rigid and wide that when I tried to blend with it, the shadow went up, down and around my eyes so I looked like a crazy mess. To get this to work, I had to use another brush to blend. In other words, I used the brush that I usually use to get the smokey eye look to get the smokey eye look with this brush. Now you tell me if that makes any sense. This brush sucks so badly that they don’t even carry it Barney’s anymore, where I bought it. Total waste of $95. Always stick to Shu Uemura for brushes. Lesson learned.
Hi Kelly, I enjoy reading your blog, however, I disagree on the brush. I used my brush for the first time this morning and it works great. I am far from a make up artist, but after applying my shadow, I said to myself “the brush is worth it”. I purchased my brush at Barneys New York. I have a few of Claudio’s brushes as I do Shu Uemera’s and enjoy both. CK
oh gosh! that’s terrible 🙁
Wow! That’s expensive for something that wasn’t even close to getting the job done. You’re a brave shopper…compulsive, but brave!
Wow! That’s expensive for something that wasn’t even close to getting the job done. You’re a brave shopper…compulsive, but brave!
I tried the Claudio brow brush. I don’t think that it’s really worth the price. I would love to hear your thoughts on Serge Lutens makeup. I was thinking of trying more things from their line. I did try their eyeliner and it stays well and looks beautiful. I’m not sure about making the investment in the foundation though
VERY ANNOYING.I bet Barney’s might help you, but then it might be tense.If you are a good customer, you could INSIST!
I agree with you connie, i love Claudio Riaz brushes and I am far from a make up artist as well and I didnt even wear much make up, until I discovered these brushes! I recently bought the Claudio Riaz brush from Barneys so i am not sure why Kelly made that comment about Barneys no longer carrying this item?..This is one of my favorite- next to the brow brush and the instant arch. All are so effortless and your make up is perfect everytime with one swipe.
Kelly-based on your description, I am sure you are not using the brush the way you are suppose to and I would def. go back to Barneys and get a quick lesson and see what you are doing wrong. I am sure they would be happy to help you. Once you learn how to use the brush correctly, you will then get addicted and want the whole set, as I did!
The brushes are worth the money- not only are they comparable in price to the other brands but I have found the quality to be much better. And I have tried many different brands (ie chanel,laura mercier,trish mcevoy and mac) as I couldnt find a good lasting brush. Claudio Riaz brushes have kept it’s shape and hair hasnt shed as I have seen with many of my other brushes I have purchased in the past -its worth the investment! I too like the shu erma brushes but I found claudio riaz brushes to be better as it has helped me to apply my make up perfect and quickly every time.
These brushes are the finest quality brushes I have encountered(and i have tried many many many brushes). The instant smoky eye is very easy to do with this brush if you are using it correctly. I also suggest you return to barneys to have them teach you how to use it. I have the mini brush set and i loooooove it! The claudio riaz makeup is also amazing.
I just purchased that brush (instant smoke) but it was sold as a liner brush. Try not to use so much product, and tap off a bit before touching your eye. It is shaped that way for a reason. A little practice and a short lesson will have you loving this brush. I have used many high end brushes and love this line. Will probably end up with the whole collection.
You do realize that you’re supposed to apply the shadow to your eye and smudge it with this brush, right? I positively love this brush.