Innovations in the beauty industry come thick and fast. New technology is constantly evolving and things get more exciting by the day, or at least that’s how it feels like in my office – if you follow me on Instagram ( @DailyCatL ), you’ll know! One of the trends that has recently emerged and instantly changed the beauty game as we know it, has been the introduction of oval makeup brushes, those toothbrush-look-a-likes that are meant to be used on the face and eyes. I certainly realize how wild all of it sounds, but don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Artis is THE brand that began the innovation revolution, putting these brushes on the map. Starting a trend also means more options suddenly appear, with offerings for every budget and appealing to every aesthetic preference under the sun! Some words of caution: not all oval brushes are created equal!
I first saw the Artis oval brushes on YouTube, right before their official launch, and immediately dismissed them as one of those products that might be hot and heavy one minute but gone the next! They didn’t look very practical, had a very unconventional shape for makeup application, storage and traveling, not to mention they also donned a hefty price tag. I was satisfied with my beloved beauty blender and felt nothing could quite achieve the same finish, despite some minor turn-offs (the beauty blender is to be used damp and cleaned quite often, if not with every application, and replaced every few weeks).
But after months of seeing, hearing and watching these Artis brushes warmly embraced by everyone in the beauty community, curiosity got the best of me! Frankly, I wanted to see what the fuss was all about and form an opinion of my own. I was still unsure how I would get along with this futuristic application of makeup (old habits die hard) so I decided instead to opt for some affordable options I came across while browsing the beauty aisles at TJ Maxx. I was quite surprised at the ease to which these oval brushes blended out the product, but found that they used/absorbed way more product than my favorite foundation brushes (the Real Technique Stippling Brush and the Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush No. 56 reviewed here) or a beauty blender. The finish was somewhat similar to that of a beauty blender, but the beauty blender still reigned supreme. At the end of the day, I felt it was like reinventing the wheel with these brushes and voiced my opinion on Instagram. To my surprise, I received an outpour of comments. The online beauty community voiced their opinion: I simply had to try Artis, nothing else compared.
Made from synthetic fibers with microscopically tapered ends, each Artis brush contains 3-10 times as many fibers as conventional brushes. This means densely packed bristles that help blend and buff makeup into natural-looking, air-brushed results regardless of formula (liquid, cream, or powder). The oval shape of the brush head ensures that all fibers are in direct contact with the skin further enhancing the smooth, flawless application. No streaks and no uneven patches! In addition, because of the unique design, less product is needed and thus wasted into the brush. All Artis brushes are man-made, cruelty-free, and incredibly soft, thus making them the perfect tools for even the most sensitive complexions. The handle is light, slick and slightly flexible to allow the brush to conform to your facial curves. The rubbery grips are comfortable to hold and give you more control over the application process. These brushes don’t shed (I repeat, they DO NOT SHED) and are designed to stand the test of time.
The Artis Oval 6 is in my opinion THE most versatile from the entire line. This particular brush works well with any type of liquid and cream formula (I have not yet tested it on powders) and any type of product: primer, foundation, concealer, highlighter, bronzer, blush, and eyeshadows. This brush does it all: it works to apply foundation all over the face, it blends concealer under the eyes and along the sides of the nose, fits perfectly onto the hallows of the cheeks to seamlessly contour, can be used to add a pop of glow to the top of the cheekbones and also works well to buff cream or liquid eyeshadow all over the lids.
How to Use
These oval brushes may look intimidating, but they’re actually very user-friendly. You can apply liquid product directly onto the brush itself, you can dip the brush into the product or dab the product on your face and use the brush to blend. I typically like to dot the product onto my face, using the brush to blend and buff.
How to Clean
These brushes are made to resist excess water and won’t degrade from use of detergents and other brush cleaning formulas. There are detailed video tutorials on how to clean them on the Artis website. I encourage you to watch and decide for yourself. For me, I typically use my own cleaning solution and clean my Artis brush as described here. In the past, I have also used the solid beauty blender cleaner available here. My Artis Oval 6 cleans easily and dries similarly to any other conventional foundation brush. But unlike a conventional brush, it retains its shape without any additional work on my part.
Where to Purchase
Artis brushes are available online on their website here and at high-end retailers such as Space NK, Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom.
Hope you’ve found this post helpful. If you’re in the market for an excellent makeup brush, especially for foundation and concealer application, look no further. Artis is your answer. I also recommend checking out their website and Instagram. They have video tutorials that address any question you might have and their brand representatives are incredibly helpful and responsive. For me, my Artis Oval 6 has completely changed the game when it comes to every day makeup application and I have not looked back since!
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
This brush is very good and versatile indeed! But… it just can’t beat my beloved Marc Jacobs FACE III. The best foundation brush ever to me!
Thanks for sharing! As always a nice post to read!
xx
Lyna
Beauty By Lynmed
Can you believe I’ve never tried the Marc Jacobs brushes? But since you’re making such a bold statement, I am now compelled to try. On my list they go! ~ Cat L.
Such a wonderful post with beautiful pictures as always Cat! I’ve definitely seen a trend for oval brushes but like you I initially brushed them off as a fad, but it sounds like the Artis brushes in particular are the real deal! I agree, brushes can look the same but the devil is in the details – it’s hard to know how great a brush is until we start using it. I’m a big Beauty Blender fan but I’ll definitely keep the Artis brushes in mind when my current bb needs to be replaced!
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Hi Jenny, thank you for stopping by. I really didn’t think I would dedicate an entire post to a brush, but this Artis Oval 6 in particular, was too good not to share! I really didn’t think I would love it as much as I do, but it is quite the multi-tasker! Definitely give it a try! ~ Cat L.
I have been debating this brush for some time now as I would only go for this (the real deal) or nothing and stick to my faithful Sephora Pro #56, Real Techniques Buffing Brush and the BB of course! I know this shall be brilliant and having you confirm it, means I will love it I am sure.
Time to bite that bullet I think! Great review cat and images as always! Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
Hi Kelly, thank you for stopping by. All the brushes you name are personal favorites as well and have raved about them at some point or another. But the Artis Oval 6 has definitely been a game changer for me. The finish is very similar to that of a beauty blender but it’s not as high maintenance as a beauty blender, thus it’s the best of both worlds, brushes and beauty blenders alike! Hope you get a chance to try it! You will not be disappointed! ~ Cat L.
Thank you for your thorough review Cat! This is another brush on my list to try! I think the only thing deterring me is the price tag and I truly have some tried and true ones like the Sephora Pro brush you mentioned! It will be on my radar!
Xx
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
Hi Dom, I too held off for as long as I could, thought I could get away with a more affordable option and so glad I ended up listening to the beauty community on Instagram and delved into the world of Artis brushes. Makeup application hasn’t been the same since. These brushes are available at Space NK and Anthropologie, retailers which often times offer a 20% off discount. It’s not a massive discount, but anything helps! Hope you get a chance to try these! Keep me posted, I’d love to compare notes! ~ Cat L.
I have had my eyes for quite a bit on the Oval 6 now and is not like me to hold back lol but definitely picking it up after reading your post Cat.I am not a fan of the cheap versions on market at the moment as the Artis one looks like a great quality.
Hi Edra, thank you for stopping by. The Artis Oval 6 is definitely the one tool that surprised me the most this year (last year it was the Jade Roller). I’m glad I listed to the online beauty community and invested in this brush as it delivers exactly what it claims to do. Hope you get a chance to try, keep me posted! ~ Cat L.
I hear a lot of great things about their oval brushes!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Same here, kept hearing great reviews and I’m so glad I decided to try! I have not looked back since! ~ Cat L.
Hi Cat!! This was such a great read. I’ve been wanting to try one of these. Thanks so much for sharing such great information.
Sarah ⚡️
Hi Sarah, thank you for stopping by! So glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! ~ Cat L.
A very detailed review Cat as always ! Artis is on my radar but as I’m a huge fan of Chanel’s brushes I need to finish my collection first :)) Still 4 brushes to add to my stash and then I will try Artis and maybe Dior too 😉 xo
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
Thank you so much, glad you found the post helpful! Do keep me posted if you end up trying the Artis, I’d love to compare notes! ~ Cat L.
I kept thinking about buying these and I have tons of brushes. Like way way WAY too many. It’s ridiculous. And for some odd reason? I always go back to using my fingers to apply foundation. I buy sponges, brushes, cheap ones, obnoxiously expensive ones and then there I am using my fingers. I wonder how I’d do with these? Hmmm.
Hi Janine, thank you for stopping by. At the end of the day, you have to use whatever tool works for you. Definitely give Artis brushes a try if you get a chance, you never know. You might like them best, at least that’s what happened to me! ~ Cat L.
The artis brushes are simply amazing I love them. I am looking to add to my collection that’s for sure.
And this review is well written for anyone hesitating to get these! I love the fact that you don’t just jump into trends and grab a beauty product because everyone is doing it, this makes me trust your opinions even more.
Thank you for thoughtful reviews always
Hi Esnath, I know you’re also a fan, I’ve seen your Instagram posts! I was definitely very surprised when it came to finish and application. These brushes work like no others! Thank you for reading and commenting! Off to check out your blog! ~ Cat L.
Ok, I really feel like I need one now too! Maybe next time I am in the States, prices for these brushes are simply ridiculuous in Dubai. I think this one will be perfect for any liquid foundation xx
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
I definitely think they’re worth a try, especially the Artis 6 or Artis 7. These two are the most versatile and can be used so many different ways (for foundation, concealer, to contour, apply cream/liquid eyeshadow). Hope you get a chance to try! ~ Cat L.
Cat I’ve always wanted to try these brushes! just didn’t know which one was the right one when it came to quality and ability . Thank you so much for your insight ! Looking forward to testing it out !