Before I left for Tahoe this morning, I triple-checked to make sure that my Hourglass Foundation/Blush Brush No. 2 was snug as a bug in a rug in my makeup bag.
I wasn’t taking any chances…not with a tool as terrific as this.
A medium-sized face brush with a round, domed head and synthetic fibers made of high-grade Takelon, this $58 beast is one of my top tools because of something it doesn’t do, instead of something it does.
So…I know, $58 is a lot of tacos, but this brush never, ever streaks. It delivers a smooth, even, flawless finish every single time. If you’re looking for that airbrushed look, the No. 2 is your gal.
I think I may have mentioned it a few times before…
Okay, more than a few, LOL!
I 
this brush so much that it’s one of the products on my “can’t leave home without it” list, both because of how useful it is, and because it’s the only foundation brush I’ve ever used (and I’ve used quite a few) that never, ever sheds.
Never sheds nor streaks? That’s not bad.
I used the No. 2 throughout the summer to apply my foundation and tinted moisturizer, and not once did I have to pick bristles off my face.
And it’s capable of handling a lot more than moisturizers and liquid foundations.
Let’s see… I’ve also used it to apply setting powders, blushes and bronzers (both liquid and cream), powder foundations — and probably a few other products I’m currently forgetting.
Sometimes I’ll even use it as a buffing brush to smooth foundation, a blending brush to mellow out the edges when I apply blush, and as a cleanup tool to sweep away eyeshadow fallout beneath my eyes.
Seriously, it must have Intel inside because it’s a great multi-tasker. 🙂
Having a little too much fun with the Hourglass No. 2 Brush
On top of everything else, it’s also easy to clean, dries quickly and feels super soft against my skin.
If you’re interested but not at this price, you might keep it on your Sephora wish list for the next Friends & Family sale.
PRICE: $58
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+ (an expensive brush, but it’s one of the best tools I’ve ever used)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Ahhh I really love my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush, but this looks like a great one! I’m sure I’ll look more into the brand!
Hi Karen,
How would you compare this brush to UD’s Optical Blending Brush? Do you thimk it’s justifiable to have both in le tool arsenal??? Love your blog & Tabs! Hope u r great.
Thanks in advance.
Karen, Tabs, anyone…can u hear me? Just wondering on how the Hourglass No. 2 compares to the newish UD Optical Blurring brush? Is it justifiable to have both? It seems to me like they do the same thing…so what is a brush luuurver to do? Can I use it for Powder coverage, as well or are the bristles a little too dense for that?
Please help, I’m cornfused here.
Hope everyone is GREAT!
<3 the blog Karen & Tabs
Oh a thing that can do everything short of toasting bagels? I’m adding this to my shopping list.
Wallet: But you don’t need another makeup bru–
Me: YES I DO SHUT UP
Anyway, have fun in Tahoe! I know it’s getting chilly in the area but it’s a great chance to hike the trails and enjoy greenery before winter dumps a whole lot of snow. I would make a side trip to Napa (or BevMo to be more practical) and grab some wine before I continue. Romantic picnic of cabernet and…sinanag with Vienna Sausage? How bougie Filipino of you. =p
Ooh, nice, but pricey for this college student.
This month, I finally found my HG foundation brush — it’s Real Techniques’ Expert Face Brush. (Samantha Chapman of the Pixiwoo sisters collaborated with EcoTools to make awesome, affordable brushes.) I love the shape, size, and synthetic bristles, which are perfect for applying liquid foundation and dries quickly after cleaning. It cut my foundation routine down to less than 5 minutes!
Before that, I was using the Sonia Kashuk Flat-Top Brush, which is good, too. 🙂
Katie, where do they sell Real Techniques brushes? I’m Canadian but travelling to the US soon and would love to know where to get my hands on that one. Thanks!
That really is a pretty brush. I have an EcoTools one and don’t use it enough for anything fancier, but I have noticed the shedding problem – I would be really mad if I paid more! If I was going to swap it for anything, I’d probably go the Models Own route – their stuff almost always impresses me, and those fluorescent handles are brilliant.
I’ve been wanting to try this one for a long time–it looks so lovely! But ugh…the price! I’ve never paid that much for a makeup brush. I prefer to spend my money on a nice blush or lipstick and use mostly Sonia Kashuk brushes–which actually work quite well!
Haha, that photo… 🙂 I’m very much into using the beauty blender for foundation right now, and a stippling brush for my cream blushes.
Well, it looks fluffy and lovely. 🙂 I hope you’re having a great time in Tahoe!
Looks similar to Sephora PRO brush #55.
I agree! It looks very similar, and it sounds like they work about the same too.
I bought this. I have no shame in saying I love it! Might be my fave-est face brush, like ever!
I bought this brush and I have no shame in admitting I have fallen head over heels in love with it. This might be my fave-est face brush, ever!
Have fun, Karen!!!
I agree that this brush is fantastic (Hourglass never do bad products, don’t they?). You’ve made me curious to try it with a powder blush/bronzer. Nit used if I have used it for that.
Sounds amazing! I think a great brush is always worth the investment – you do use it every single time you apply makeup, after all!
Looks lovely, but wow, that’s pricey!
I love this brush so much. I need blush otherwise I look pale and tired. But I am not skilled in making it look natural. This brush changed that. It’s worth every penny.
I recently bought the Urban Decay Good Karma foundation brush. Love it! Sounds quite similar to the hourglass description.
Oh goodness, I think it’s the packaging.. but I NEED to own this eventually but It’s an insane $67.00 for us Canadians! #CRINGE … WHy.