Addiction Natural Veil Brush

Addiction Natural Veil Brush is the brand's companion for their Natural Veil powder (I have my eye on it for the future). I picked it because I love the pointed shape for a face brush: one of my favorite blush/powder brushes of all time is the Hakuhodo S103, and Addiction Natural Veil Brush  is basically the Kabuki version of it.

I use both of them for blush, since when I need a precise or localized application of powder I use a small brush (such as the classic Sue Devitt). A pointed, dense blush brush that's very directional and still super soft is a wonderful tool with just about any powder blush I know. It picks the appropriate amount of product and places it exactly where you want it without covering your face with unnecessary pigment. It's more precise than the large Yachio brushes, for better and for worse, so  if we're talking super intense blushes maybe a small Yachio would be more suitable- it's up to you and your preference.

When the brush is soft and pliable enough such as this one by addiction, you can easily use it for blending the brush. Just don't blend yourself (and the color) to sleep- it's too easy to get carried away when feeling it on skin. The short Kabuki handle is great when storage is scarce. I've learned that for travel I prefer brushes that go into my brush roll. If you're packing this (or other Kabuki brushes), I'd suggest finding a small pouch. This is really my only complaint. The brush is beyond fabulous, excellently made, as soft as can be and a great performer. I've had it for months and have yet to see it lose a single hair. But for the price, one would expect it to come in a super nice carrying bag or box.

Addiction Natural Veil Brush ( ¥7850) is available at Asian department stores and from ichibankao.com.

Paula Dorf Eye Primer & Brush

I've reduced my eye primer arsenal to exactly two products: the smooth and creamy Kanebo Sensai Eye Base and the little miracle that is Paula Dorf's Eye Primer.

Paula Dorf's primer comes in two shades, #1, which is the one you see here and the much darker Deep. I was worried at first about the texture, as it reminded me at first glance of the one from Lancome I tested a while ago and didn't like one bit. But as usual, Paula Dorf delivers and this primer is a lot more creamy than it appears. You only need a minuscule amount of product, and a pat of the brush on the pan and then on your lid is enough. The primer is easy to spread on the skin and is as cooperative as they come. It takes seconds to get both eyes primed and ready.

The Eye Primer Brush is basically a flat paddle-shaped synthetic brush. It's about twice as wide as standard cream shadow or concealer brush and the hairs are packed more densely, which I guess is the reason the brush picks exactly the right amount of primer. It's quite firm but gentle on delicate lids and I'm glad I have it as a dedicated brush for my primers, though I'd say you can probably use a good concealer brush just as well.

The smooth surface created by the primer is eye shadow-friendly. I never have any issues with blending over it. But the real magic is the way it keeps makeup in place and even more than that- the primer helps every eye shadow I've used over it maintain its finish for at least 14 or 15 hours. As long as the application is decent, my eye makeup lasts and looks just-applied fresh until I come after it with cleansers.

Bottom Line: a must-have.

Paula Dorf Eye Primer ($25) and brush ($28) are available from Henri Bendel in NYC (Pam, the resident Paula Dorf  SA/MUA is not only delightful but also among the very best I've had the pleasure to meet, so I highly recommend calling the counter). Also on pauladorf.com.

Photo by me.