If you're mystified and overwhelmed by all the makeup brushes available on the market, don't worry, you're not alone. Here, we sat down with Sigma Trainer Kayla Casciano to get an insider's opinion on the tools we use to apply our makeup—plus, the essential Sigma brushes no girl should be without.
Dermstore: What makes Sigma Brushes special?
Kayla: Sigma strives to create new brushes (and products of all kinds) that solve beauty problems everyday users are experiencing, and the market isn’t offering solutions for. The perfect example of this is our 3DHD® Kabuki Foundation Brush, it has unique angles and edges that fit the creases of the face for easier application, and achieves amazing multifunctionality for contouring, highlighting, concealing and more.
Even the most basic blending brush is special when Sigma does it. Every brush is handmade of lightweight, sustainably-sourced wood handles and exclusive long-lasting, high-performance synthetic fibers. Even the metal ferrule is unique, the patented 3-ring design is stronger than competitors and the SigmaAlloy™ material is durable, corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial. All this is why they believe in their brushes, each one is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Dermstore: What’s the difference between real and synthetic makeup brushes? Which one’s better?
Kayla: It used to be that animal hair was preferred because it is porous and holds onto product better than traditional synthetics could. The downside to “real brushes” is that those fibers are hair and will split and break overtime, making them much more temporary than synthetics. Per usual, Sigma saw a problem and got to work on it.
Sigma's cult-favorite brushes have such a following because of the incredible, exclusive synthetic fibers – Sigmax® and SigmaTech®. Using unique engineering, the tip of these fibers is tapered like animal hair to pick up, hold and apply product better than animal hair. Problem solved! As a bonus, these synthetic brushes are cruelty-free, so stock up without any guilt.
Dermstore: What’s the typical life span of makeup brushes? How often should we change them?
Kayla: With proper care, Sigma brushes will last well beyond their 2-year warranty and every beauty can build their collection as skills and trends develop. Just remember, cleaning and storing your makeup brushes properly is important in protecting all the money you spend on your makeup tools.
Ready to give Sigma brushes a shot? Here are seven of Kayla's favorite makeup brushes and why she loves them.1. Sigma E25 Blending Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Eyes
What It Does: This soft, fluffy brush is also good for applying color and softening harsh lines, as well as applying a transition color to the crease. You can also use this to apply highlighting colors onto the brow bone.
What Else You Need to Know: You can also use this brush to dust away powder fallout without smearing the rest of your makeup.
What Kayla Thinks: “This brush is an absolute staple for creating a well-blended smoky-eye look.”
2. Sigma E45 Small Tapered Blending Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Eyes
What it Does: This brush features a small, tapered brush head with a pointed tip, ideal for adding depth in the crease while maintaining full control. It works great with dark shades of powder shadows, keeping them in place.
What Else You Need to Know: You can also use this brush to apply eye shadow under the lower lash line and contour the nose.
What Kayla Thinks: “The versatile brush head of the E45 is perfect for defining the crease and outer corner of the eye. It also features a tapered point which makes it easy for inner corner shading as well.”
3. Sigma E45 Small Tapered Blending Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Eyes
What it Does: This brush features a small, tapered brush head with a pointed tip, ideal for adding depth in the crease while maintaining full control. It works great with dark shades of powder shadows, keeping them in place.
What Else You Need to Know: You can also use this brush to apply eye shadow under the lower lash line and contour the nose.
What Kayla Thinks: “The versatile brush head of the E45 is perfect for defining the crease and outer corner of the eye. It also features a tapered point which makes it easy for inner corner shading as well.”
4. Sigma F23 Soft Angled Contour Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Cheeks
What It Does: This brush has a soft angled head made with SigmaTech® fibers—a must-have brush for powder bronzer and blush to achieve a gentle contour.
What Kayla Thinks: “It blends and contours beautifully, making the appearance more natural and flawless.”
5. Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Face
What it Does: This brush features soft fibers with a small tapered brush head, which you can use to apply highlighting powder on the cheekbones, forehead, nose and inner corners of the eye.
What Else You Need to Know: A Sigma bestseller! You can also use this for setting your under-eye concealer.
What Kayla Thinks: “The F35 is an absolute must-have for highlighting! These SigmaTech® fibers provide a buildable coverage, creating an application that is just right.”
6. Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Cheekbones and Jawlines
What it Does: This brush features fluffy, tapered bristles, which lets you apply and deliver pigment with maximum control and absolute precision.
What Else You Need to Know: For more pronounced cheekbones and jawlines, this brush is for you.
What Kayla Thinks: “If you want a full-coverage contour, you’ll be obsessed with this brush.”
7. Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush (1 piece)
Application Area: Face
What It Does: This brush features a flat top brush head with very soft and dense fibers. Made with exclusive Sigmax® fibers, this brush provides a flawless, high-definition finish with liquid or cream foundation.
What Else You Need to Know: Another Sigma bestseller! It works great with liquid and cream foundation as well as skin care products.
What Kayla Thinks: “The F80 is my favorite foundation brush. The application goes on so smooth and creates the most flawless perfected skin finish. It can also be used to apply skin care products including moisturizers and primers because it does not absorb any product into the brush.”
8. Sigma Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat 8.89in x 6.5in (1 piece)
Featuring seven patented textures along the surface, this Sigma brush cleaner makes it easier for you to wash and rinse your makeup brushes thoroughly. It has a unique, bendable design—with suction cups on the backside—to fit most sinks.
