Current Makeup Menu

I've been super lazy with my makeup lately. I've also decided to stop doing regimented monthly favourites posts and instead do ad hoc posts of the products I've been reaching for whenever an update might be of interest. Most mornings during the past couple of weeks, I've adhered to a fairly pared down routine (from my previous standards at least). A lot of it is motivated by the desire to stay in bed for as long as possible, which naturally cuts into the time I have to get ready.

After washing and moisturising my face (I've been loving a sample of the hydrating but not oily Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Lotion), I start with the eyes. While usually one of the most enjoyable aspects of makeup for me, I've ditched all my powder eyeshadows or need for brushes in favour of one product only: KIKO Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow. I alternate between two shades, Rosy Brown (for a more cool-toned, mauvey taupe option) and Golden Brown (more neutral bronze). Touted as a dupe for By Terry Ombre Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow, these are quite simply the best shadow stick I've come across. The quality is superb for the price. They're strongly pigmented, very metallic but not gritty or patchy, long lasting, easy to apply and blend, and most importantly, flattering on the eyes. So quick, fuss-free and reliable. I just whack some onto the lid and blend out the edges with my finger. I also run the stick along the lower lash line. It takes about 30 seconds per eye and the eyeshadow is done.

l-r: KIKO Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in Rosy Brown (05), Golden Brown (06)

Next is eyeliner. I've been trying out the affordable Essence Eyeliner Pen Waterproof which I used my $5 birthday voucher from Priceline towards. It's only so-so. The colour is pleasantly black, but it's the shape of the tip that doesn't work for me. It doesn't give me enough control when extending the line and drawing the flick. It's more of a hard felt tip rather than a flexible but firm thin brush like my superior Japan-made Creer Beaute La Rose de Versailles liquid eyeliner, which I'd use all the time except that it's running out. The Essence also dries in a way that if you go over the dried eyeliner, it'll flake off.

After eyeliner, I follow with whatever mascara I have available. The two I've been reaching for are in their final stages and nothing to write home about. I'm more or less waiting for them to be finished entirely before cracking open one of the many brand new mascaras I have waiting in the wings.

Next comes skin. Some days if I'm interested in an injection of extra glow, I'll apply a small amount of MAC Strobe Cream all over like I would a luminising primer. I'm having something of a lovefest with Strobe Cream at the moment and think it's incredibly underrated despite its cult product status. The colour is beautiful, the texture is great, it's so multifunctional and compared with other liquid highlighting products like Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid, it's not that expensive. I find applying Strobe Cream to my bare face before foundation results in a more natural, subtle effect than if I mixed it into my foundation. I am slightly paranoid that smoothing it over my nose and forehead has a tendency to break me out, but it seems fine over the cheeks.

Recently, I've been sticking to one pump of Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme in Fair (02) mixed with a drop of Tarte Maracuja Oil applied with my Zoeva Silk Finish brush for my base. I don't know if the texture of my Dior is a bit off, but I don't really like it. It feels slightly moussey and thicker in consistency than most liquid foundations I'm used to. Coverage is definitely on the light side, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if my skin was in good shape, but lately I've had some dryness, redness and break outs which call for concealer after the foundation is applied. Otherwise, you can see most of the underlying blemished and uneven skin peeking through. Even with the drop of oil mixed in and thoroughly buffed in with my brush, the BB Creme doesn't meld or sink completely into my skin. I do notice, especially if I examine my skin closely in the mirror, parts that still sit on top of the skin, especially around the nose. The finish isn't as brightening or dewy as I'd like, though it's not exactly matte. It's just a bit flat, albeit "natural" (though the colour is a little too pink-toned for me). Additionally, as the day goes on, the foundation starts to break up on my skin, especially visible on the cheeks. It's not as effectively skin-perfecting, illuminating or easy to work with than the much cheaper Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Combination to Oily Skin. However, I'm persevering with the Dior because it was pricey and if I don't force myself to use it, it'll never be touched.

Last we have another favourite aspect of makeup for me apart from the eyes — blush. The two I've been loving lately have been Benefit Rockateur and Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve. The Benefit is a brightening, shimmery pinky peach that's more girly, summery and warming, whereas the plummy brown, satin-finish Nude Mauve is more cool-toned, sculpting and polished. Nude Mauve is a versatile hybrid bronzer and blush that I can just whack on without being concerned about placement or overdoing it, since the colour payoff is on the subdued side. It has a softer baked texture and blends without any issues. I'm still loving my Wayne Goss Brush #14 for blush, though I've also been reaching for my angled Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush.

l-r: Benefit Rockateur, Max Factor Nude Mauve

Depending on time constraints and whether I feel like it, I'll highlight and/or powder after blush. I did go through a phase of preferring certain colour-shifting eyeshadows (Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Thunderstruck, Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadow in I'm Peachless) to dedicated powder highlighters for my cheek highlight, but I've found the texture of them usually isn't as forgiving on the skin. They're not as easily blended and can emphasise pores and sit on the skin in an obvious manner. I've been mostly using Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop (can't beat the colour and the BAM! HIGHLIGHT effect) or Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond (probably the most refined highlighter I have, along with Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow), applied with a Burberry No.09 Socket Line Brush. Powder has been Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in N°20 which I actually really like, except I suspect that might have more to do with the fact it's Chanel than anything else.

As a final step, I'll put on some lip balm. I do this for an odd purpose — it's not to hydrate my lips, but rather, to get rid of any foundation on my lips. I'll remove the lip balm with a tissue which removes any foundation. I've been rediscovering the cult product Lucas' Papaw Ointment. My tube is God knows how old, but it still works perfectly. The shine it gives the lips is super pretty and it's an excellent multipurpose ointment that soothes, protects and moisturises.

Powder Brush Party

I have a thing for makeup brushes. They're my babies. While I have more than enough brushes, I always tell myself they're an investment to justify buying another one (or two, or three). After all, makeup products can expire, but good quality, well cared for brushes last forever. I can't see how one can be a makeup lover without being a makeup brush lover in turn. It's simply the basics, like the importance of skin care and good skin to any makeup, or a rudimentary understanding of how colours work on different skin tones. The tools one uses are equally as important as the actual products, if not more.

With the latest brush purchase of the Wayne Goss Brush 00 (yes, an absolute splurge ... I guess I'll call it my early Christmas present to myself, or part of it at least), I was inspired to round up all the powder brushes in my collection. No, one absolutely does not need 5 powder brushes, but if it counts for anything, they were accrued over the past four years. The funny part is I don't even use powder that often, and I'm not the hugest fan of face powders in general. I guess I just like big, fluffy brushes.

My powder brushes include:

• Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush (synthetic)
• Zoeva Powder Brush #106, from the Rose Golden Luxury Set (synthetic)
• Wayne Goss Brush 00 (goat hair)
• Real Techniques Powder Brush (synthetic)
• IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush #225 (synthetic)

l-r: Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush, Zoeva Powder Brush, Wayne Goss Brush 00, Real Techniques Powder Brush, IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush

l-r: Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush, Zoeva Powder Brush, Wayne Goss Brush 00, Real Techniques Powder Brush, IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush

Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush

Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush
Probably the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch, the Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush was something I purchased 75% because of the way it looked. The remaining percentage was because it was pleasantly soft. I'm bummed that parts of the handle near the base of the ferrule have cracked, especially since I've barely used this brush. I tried to remedy the problem by applying some clear nail polish over the areas, which at least seems to have prevented further damage. The Powder Pouf is unique in that it's the only brush I have with white bristles but dark brown tips (be prepared to see a lot of dust and fluff nestled on the tips each time you use it). It's a fairly dense brush with a rounded top that's more kabuki style. The bristles are more tightly packed and the brush head is on the smaller side than what would be ideal for a light application of powder all over. It's more suitable for buffing mineral foundation or even liquid foundation (though I've never tried it with liquids).

Zoeva Powder Brush (#106)

Zoeva Powder Brush (#106)
This one is a bit larger than the Too Faced, with longer bristles that are considerably looser, meaning it could be used for a light dusting of powder (pressed or loose) all over. It's also the exact inverse in terms of colouring — dark bristles with white tips. It's roughly the same length as the Powder Pouf, which is to say on the short side (which I prefer, being short-sighted). I'd say the Zoeva is slightly scratchier than the Too Faced, but still feels generally lovely and soft. Since I bought it in a set, it's excellent value for money and the most economical purchase of the lot. By itself, it's about $20 from Beauty Bay or $15.50 USD ($21.63) direct from the Zoeva website. (Speaking of Zoeva, how utterly stunning is the Rose Golden Luxury Set Vol 2? Ugh.)

Wayne Goss Brush 00

Wayne Goss Brush 00
I'd put this brush firmly out of my price range back when it was called the Holiday Brush, but two things tipped me over. One, I had a $20 gift card from Beautylish that I had to spend. Two, I'd just bought the Wayne Goss Brush 14 and fell head over heels, so I was operating on a very positive first impression of the brush line. I thought to myself ... if Brush 00 is as amazing as Brush 14 but a large tapered powder version, it'd be worth the hefty price tag. I placed my order on Beautylish then waited in excitement for its arrival.

The first thing that struck me when it came, after I'd washed and dried it, was the shape was odd. I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture, but I swear it's not evenly cut? No matter how much I try to shape it, it simply doesn't seem symmetrical. One side is rounder, the other side is flatter, as if it's missing hairs or the hairs aren't the right length. It also doesn't come to a precise point in the middle, but is kind of wonky and slanted to one side.

Having said that, I'm not sure if that's just an inevitable characteristic of a natural hair brush that's handcrafted, or whether any of my dissatisfaction with the shape impacts performance. Probably not. It's by a large margin the softest powder brush I own. I don't see myself reaching for any of my others, simply because why would I use anything inferior? The softness means I can apply powder all over without disturbing too much of the foundation underneath. The tapered shape is great for getting around the curves of the face, like around the nose and underneath the eyes. Brush 00 could also be used for a diffused application of bronzer, highlighter or blush, though I've solely been using it for powder.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Real Techniques Powder Brush
The first powder brush I purchased many years ago. I go through periods when I think to myself, "Why don't I use this more often?", then promptly forget about it again. This is by far the largest brush of the five. I don't reach for it much at all, but if I did, I'd imagine it'd be even larger and fluffier with repeated washes and use. I like the fact it's humongous, because that's it's defining characteristic. That's what it has going for it. It covers a wider area in a shorter period of time and the larger size ensures product isn't concentrated in one spot. In terms of the feel of the bristles, the closest match is the Zoeva. The Real Techniques version is denser, though not as dense as the Too Faced Powder Pouf.

IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush (#225)

IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush (#225)
Featured in my April 2015 Favourites, this brush is like the synthetic cousin of the Wayne Goss Brush 00, except not as tapered. In terms of the general shape, it is the most similar, though it's larger in size and doesn't come to as sharp a point as Brush 00. I can't deny I'm upset that for whatever reason, the shape isn't what it used to be when it first arrived. I'm not sure if it's in the way I've washed and dried it, or whether it just happens with time, but there's gaps and fissures in the hairs that prevent it from being one evenly smooth domed surface. (Clearly, I'm overly concerned about how my brushes look and derive satisfaction/pleasure from how much they resemble their pristine state.) Come to think of it, the wonky shape is another thing this brush shares with the Wayne Goss. Imperfect shape aside, this is probably the softest synthetic brush I've encountered. While incredibly dense (it takes like, 2 full days to dry), the brush doesn't feel hard and stiff against the skin, but still luxuriously plush, fitting snugly to the contours of the face. If I didn't have the Wayne Goss brush, the IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush would be my favourite.

l-r: Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush, Zoeva Powder Brush, Wayne Goss Brush 00, Real Techniques Powder Brush, IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush

l-r: Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush, Zoeva Powder Brush, Wayne Goss Brush 00, Real Techniques Powder Brush, IT Cosmetics Live Beauty Fully Complexion Powder Brush

So there we have it. Five powder brushes. One is more a dense, somewhat stiff kabuki style brush for buffing in mineral powders (Too Faced), the other is your standard medium-sized rounded powder brush with longer, looser bristles (Zoeva), one is a denser, much larger version (Real Techniques), one is a premium goat-haired, tapered brush that's supremely soft and ideal for an all-over, light application of powder without disturbing the underlying foundation (Wayne Goss), and the final is a larger, more rounded synthetic variation of the Wayne Goss (IT Cosmetics). Let's hope I stop there.

Gilded Eight

It was on my wishlist in December. Come March, I cracked. Yep, we're talking about the Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Set. I was doing well resisting it, telling myself I had more than enough brushes, but one random night (no doubt watching YouTube tutorials or reading beauty reviews), I came this close to purchasing the Louise Young Super Foundation Brush LY34 from Beauty Bay. Considering it was about $48, I thought to myself ... why not pay an extra $50 and have a whole set of brushes? The same set that I'd been coveting for months? The rest, as they say, is history ...

l-r: 317 Wing Liner, 231 Luxe Petit Crease, 227 Luxe Soft Definer, 142 Concealer Buffer, 110 Face Shape, 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek, 102 Silk Finish, 106 Powder

Top to bottom: 142 Concealer Buffer, 227 Luxe Soft Definer, 231 Luxe Petit Crease, 317 Wing Liner

l-r: 110 Face Shape, 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek, 102 Silk Finish, 106 Powder

The Rose Golden Luxury Set consists of 8 brushes housed in a dark brown faux leather makeup bag:

• 106 Powder (Taklon)
• 102 Silk Finish (Taklon)
• 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek (Goat)
• 110 Face Shape (Taklon)
• 142 Concealer Buffer (Taklon)
• 227 Luxe Soft Definer (natural-synthetic hair mix)
• 231 Luxe Petit Crease (natural-synthetic hair mix)
• 317 Wing Liner (Nylon)

It wasn't until I saw the brushes in person that I understood they weren't all synthetic as I originally thought. The ones with white hairs (labelled "Luxe") are either made entirely of natural hairs (i.e. Luxe Sheer Cheek) or a mix of natural and synthetic bristles (Luxe Soft Definer and Luxe Petit Crease). The rest are made of synthetic taklon bristles (same as Real Techniques), except the Wing Liner which is made of nylon. I don't think there's a significant difference in softness between the brushes with synthetic bristles and natural hairs, though I do prefer the look of the white-haired Luxe brushes. Natural hairs are usually better for powders, while synthetic brushes perform well for both powders and creams.

Overall, this brush set is great value, especially for makeup beginners looking to build a brush collection from scratch but not wanting to stretch the budget. I paid just under $94 for this set, which works out to be $11.75 per brush, not including the makeup bag which may or may not be added incentive to purchase.

The quality seems comparable to Sigma (at least compared with the two Sigma brushes I own, the F82 Round Top Kabuki and F84 Angled Top Kabuki), though the feel and performance of the bristles remind me a lot of Real Techniques. The closest thing Sigma offers in terms of a whole set is probably something like the 7-piece Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit, though that's more expensive, with all synthetic brushes and shorter handles. The Zoeva brushes feel sturdier, better made and more expensive than Real Techniques, with the smooth rounded black handles, engraved rose gold lettering and rose gold ferrules. For the price, I'm not sure if your money could buy you anything better. Sure, Real Techniques might still be cheaper, but they're not as aesthetically pleasing as the Zoeva brushes, you're not getting any brushes with natural hairs (whether or not that's a good thing, depending on your preferences), and you'd have to buy at least two separate sets to achieve the mix of face and eye brushes in the Rose Golden Luxury Set.

Having said that, if you already have a load of Real Techniques brushes like me, you may find a lot of the brushes in the Rose Golden Luxury Set superfluous. I've included some comparisons in this post so those that have yet to bite the bullet with the Zoeva set can see if it's worth the splurge.

l-r: Real Techniques Multi Task Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek

l-r: Real Techniques Multi Task Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek

There isn't anything like the Luxe Sheer Cheek from Real Techniques that I own, but the Multi Task Brush and the Blush Brush are similar in function. Real Techniques did recently release the Sculpting Brush which has a similar angled shape, though it looks like a diagonally shaved Expert Face Brush, rather than a brush designed to give a sheer finish for powder products. Despite its name, the Luxe Sheer Cheek can still pack a punch in terms of distributing pigment, especially for products with stronger colour payoff. SUQQU Cheek Brush this ain't. This brush was the one I was most excited about and its inclusion was the strongest incentive for me to purchase the set. It's been my favoured tool to apply blush since the set arrived, as you might be able to tell with how dirty it is. It's excellent at simultaneously sculpting the face while giving it some colour.

Top to bottom: Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Zoeva Silk Finish

l-r: Zoeva Silk Finish, Real Techniques Buffing Brush

l-r: Zoeva Silk Finish Brush, Real Techniques Buffing Brush

These two for me are pretty much indistinguishable. They are extremely similar in appearance, cut and function. The Zoeva is slightly more rounded in shape and firmer to the touch, but in terms of how they apply liquid foundation, there's not much difference. Considering the Buffing Brush was a favourite of mine for years, I'm glad I now have a very close alternative without having to buy a backup Core Collection.

Top to bottom: Real Techniques Powder Brush, Zoeva Powder

l-r: Zoeva Powder, Real Techniques Powder Brush

l-r: Zoeva Powder, Real Techniques Powder Brush

The Real Techniques Powder Brush is quite a bit bigger than the Zoeva version. The density of bristles is about the same. The Zoeva is maybe slightly floppier. I've traditionally neglected the Real Techniques Powder Brush since I don't powder that often and I've always found it to be intimidatingly large, but this past month I've rediscovered it and have found myself loving it. It's its very largeness that makes it enjoyable to use. The Zoeva version is better for more targeted application and closer to the Real Techniques Multi Task or Blush Brush, both of which can be used for all-over face powders, though I prefer to use them for liquid foundation and powder blush respectively.

Top to bottom: Real Techniques Contour Brush, Zoeva Face Shape

l-r: Zoeva Face Shape, Real Techniques Contour Brush

l-r: Real Techniques Contour Brush, Zoeva Face Shape

Zoeva Face Shape is one of the more unique and specific brushes in the set, though the Real Techniques Contour Brush is basically a larger, slightly tapered version of it. The Face Shape is essentially a smaller version of the Zoeva Silk Finish, with the same rounded kabuki shape. My favourite contouring brush is the Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt, though I use it only for powders. I don't often attempt to contour with cream products (likely because I don't have many cream contouring products to begin with), but I feel the Zoeva Face Shape would be ideal. Its smaller size and relative firmness allows for more precise placement and ensures that product is well blended but not buffed away to near nothingness.

Top to bottom: Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush, Zoeva Concealer Buffer

l-r: Zoeva Concealer Buffer, Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

These two are another close match like the Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Zoeva Silk Finish. The Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush is slightly larger than the Zoeva Concealer Buffer. It's also softer and the bristles aren't as densely packed as the Concealer Buffer. Both function similarly in terms of applying and blending out concealer to brighten under the eyes, diminish the appearance of blemishes and neutralise areas of redness. I prefer the Real Techniques as it's not as firm as the Zoeva and performs better on the face, but the Zoeva is still a very close alternative.

l-r: Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer, Sigma E25, MAC 217, Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

l-r: Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer, Sigma E25, MAC 217, Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

l-r: Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer, Sigma E25, MAC 217, Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

The Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer seems to be one of the brand's best known and celebrated brushes. Said to be a dupe of the MAC 217 Blending Brush (or at least a good, affordable alternative), it's made of a mix between natural and synthetic hairs. I believe the MAC 217 is made of goat hair, though surprisingly it was hard to find confirmation from an official source online.

I have several brushes that have a similar shape and functionality to the MAC 217, with a couple of them touted to be dupes. The Sigma E25 is another popular pick, also made out of goat hair. The closest thing Real Techniques offers is the Base Shadow Brush, which is entirely synthetic. I still rate the MAC 217 as the best and despite three similar brushes, there's no competition. The Sigma is probably the closest, but I still prefer the MAC as it's slightly larger, fluffier but still very soft, packs on more pigment and blends better. The Zoeva was at times a little scratchy on my eyelids, but nothing unbearable. Since it's partially comprised of natural hairs, I'm hoping it will get better with continued use and washes.

l-r: Zoeva Wing Liner, Zoeva Luxe Petit Crease, Zoeva Luxe Soft Definer, Zoeva Concealer Buffer

Along with the Face Shape, the Luxe Petit Crease is one of the more specialised brushes in the set. I honestly don't have a brush like it. The most similar would probably be e.l.f. Essential Blending Eye Brush, though the Zoeva is thinner and longer. It's designed to be used in the crease to softly define the socket and blend any shade transitions. As I have monolids and therefore no crease/socket, I can't use it for that sole purpose. Sure, I could always experiment with "cheating" a crease and literally drawing one on, but I've never found a way to do that without it being unflattering or bizarre-looking. Certainly not without resorting to false eyelashes to tie it all together. I subscribe to the Asian eyeshadow technique of putting the "crease" colour (usually a medium neutral) all over the lid and up higher in a rounded shape across the eye so that it's visible when the eyes are opened, then placing and blending the "lid" colour (a deeper shade) from the upper lash line upwards so that it just peeks through when the eyes are opened. Despite not having a crease, I can see the Luxe Petit Crease being useful for more precision work with eyeshadow, especially darkening the outer-V of the eye and blending away any harsh lines.

l-r: Real Techniques Brow Brush, Zoeva Wing Liner

Finally, we have the Wing Liner brush, which is most comparable to the Real Techniques Brow Brush. The Brow Brush is considerably longer and thicker, with the Zoeva being shorter, thinner and more fine. I tried the Wing Liner once and it was fine, but I rarely (i.e. never) use angled eyeliner brushes. I can't be bothered. Most days, I just freehand with a liquid eyeliner pen like my Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner and hope for the best. If there's a super special occasion that calls for more symmetry (we're talking weddings and up), I might use sticky tape as a guide and a proper liner brush. In any event, the Zoeva version gives a lot more precision and control than Real Techniques. Maybe because the Real Techniques, as its name suggests, isn't designed for eyeliner. They have a Pixel Point Eyeliner Brush supposedly for that purpose, which is shaped in a thin straight line and is about the last brush I'd reach for to draw my eyeliner.

l-r: 317 Wing Liner, 231 Luxe Petit Crease, 227 Luxe Soft Definer, 142 Concealer Buffer, 110 Face Shape, 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek, 102 Silk Finish, 106 Powder

So there we have it. My brush collection is now bursting at the seams with the addition of the Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Set. Time to start burning my larger candles fast so I can empty them and transform them into more spacious makeup brush holders. Overall, I'd say my favourites and most used of the set are the Silk Finish, Luxe Sheer Cheek and Luxe Soft Definer. I like that there are a couple more specialised brushes included, like the Face Shape for contouring and the Luxe Petit Crease for more intricate eyeshadow work. I probably won't use the Wing Liner though it's a perfectly functional brush, and I prefer my Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush to the very similar Concealer Buffer. The Zoeva Powder Brush is fine, but there are at least three brushes made by Real Techniques (Multi Task, Blush and Powder) that are worthy substitutes. Still, this is a reasonably priced, thoughtfully assembled starter set with well made, high quality, beautiful-looking brushes. Rose gold continues to have its moment.

As a side note, I recently just hit 5000 followers on Bloglovin'. To everyone who reads, comments, "saves", and otherwise supports and engages with my blog, thank you for helping me reach this blogging milestone!