Part of the Anna Sui Rose Fairy Spring 2012 Collection, this retractable blush brush makes a good complement to the Anna Sui Rose Cheek Colors.
Measuring 10 cm, with 4 cm forming the brush length, this handy little brush tool will fit nicely into most makeup pouches for application or touch-ups on the go. The protective cap, which fastens securely on the handle, prevents the bristles from being bent or exposed to dust.
The synthetic bristles are made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) but they are surprisingly soft. Yet the fibres aren’t so floppy that they don’t apply blush well; the brush does lay down colour smoothly and evenly. The angled cut is a plus too – I like how it allows me to sculpt my cheeks more precisely.
Its mechanism is unlike that of most retractable brushes. Rather than a push-up spring action, this brush relies on a twist-up motion (think lipsticks) to reveal its bristles. The upside (haha) of this is the control you have over how much of the brush head you want revealed.
A larger fluff area is perfect for blushing the cheeks, while a smaller head is great for precise contouring or highlighting. I particularly appreciate this function as I’m always frustrated by the usual retractable tools with a spring mechanism because their brush hairs spring back too easily, snagging themselves in the grooves. That said, I’ve yet to see how long this brush will last; I do hope the twist-up parts don’t loosen over time.
There is a drawback to this tool, though – its Merlot-coloured tip runs. I appreciate the beauty of its dip-dye/ombré appearance but the magenta dye running and staining my tissue sheet startled me when I cleaned my press sample. The black base isn’t colour-fast, either; its dye will eventually come off too. Thankfully, the colours run clear after a while. It’s a nifty tool to own but do remember to wash this brush thoroughly, should you purchase it.
In Singapore, this brush retails at S$51 and will be part of the brand’s permanent range.
Image source: Anna Sui Cosmetics
thank you for letting us know that this will bleed! I don’t really fancy brushes that bleed/ shed, I always feel that it shows that the brush is inferior and is of somewhat low quality?
Hi Plue,
I know what you mean. However, I’d be truly bothered if the water never runs clear! Some of my good MAC brushes also run at first wash but wash out well.
Thanks for the review! it’s timely as I am looking for a good retractable powder and blush brush. Any recs from the drugstore price range? I’m on a budget :)
Hi Jan,
I can’t think of any at the moment but you can browse the Watsons shelves. :)
It would be nice if you could do a comparison post on the retractable brushes you have!
Hi Mandy,
The comparison I made in this post is about it, hehe!
if it’s a good brush but the water never runs clear, then that’s quite a pity :(
Hi Plue,
Yep. Thankfully, the colours stopped running with this brush! I hope it holds up.