Review/Comparison: Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar Duo Fiber Optic Brush vs. Etude House Duo Fiber Cheek Brush & Laura Mercier Finishing Brush (Mini Size)

I had been wanting to try a couple of things from Lumiere and its brushes were on my to-try list for the longest time as I had read a lot about them either on Makeup Alley or on other sites.


I finally could get my hands on Lumiere products and the first thing came to my mind were those brushes! I browsed through its brush page and picked out the more interesting ones.


I knew immediately that all my outstanding reviews had to be postponed again to give way to these new brushes upon opening the package. They just kept calling out, ME FIRST! ME FIRST! to me! Therefore, just let me get to review the Duo Fiber Optic Brush first. And I still have an atypical Long Handled Kabuki Brush to review in my next post! :)

Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar Duo Fiber Optic Brush

Product Description:


This is the perfect tool for adding definition to your cheekbones and highlighting with the application of soft layers. Great for those of all skin tones, which enjoy using deeper colors yet, are looking for a more subtle definition. May be used with any face powders, but recommended for use with all over colors, blush and bronzers. Similar to MAC #187

We will be making this brush even fuller this time to make it very close to the MAC #187!

Brush measures 6.5 inches total length. Brush hairs measure approx. 1-5/8 inches long and 1.75" inches in diameter across. - Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar



Put to test:


As I have never tried the famous MAC 187, I can't compare the Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic with that. I did have MAC 188 (but swapped it away after 2 uses). Therefore, I'd better keep quiet about the comparison of MAC 188 and Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic Brush as I surely will bitch about MAC 188 simply because I hated that darn brush!


Thus, I think it's only fair for me to compare Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic Brush with my two current favourite skunk brushes, Etude House Duo Fiber Cheek Brush and Laura Mercier Finish Brush (from Mini Brush Set.)

Brush Performance Comparison

Etude House Duo Fiber Cheek Brush: made of a mix of goat hair and synthetic fibers, super soft, the most densely tapered bristles. Even though this can be used to apply powder products, I find it is best suited for liquid foundation (medium - high coverage).


Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic Brush: 100% synthetic hairs (cruelty free and vegan friendly), super soft, has the most bristles (in terms of volume) but less dense, both suited for liquid foundation (light - medium coverage) and powder products - blush, loose powder & highlighter & bronzer (light - medium coverage). I prefer using this for powder products. If I use a liquid foundation, I find the finish too sheer for me. I need more coverage due to hyperpigmentation.


NOTE: Lumiere indicates on its site that it is planning to make the bristles denser in the future so please take this factor into consideration.


Laura Mercier Finishing Brush (mini size): comprised of both natural & synthetic hairs, the least dense among the three brushes, super soft, best suited for sheer natural coverage of powder products - blush, loose powder, highlighter & bronzer (light coverage). I don't recommend using this for liquid foundation as the bristles are too sparse for an even result (unless you use more foundation but why waste?)

Brush Length Comparison

As my Laura Mercier Finishing Brush comes in a Limited Edition Mini Brush Set, its handle is the shortest. Personally, I prefer short handled brushes because I have small hands. But I don't mind the length of the other two brushes either. They aren't cumbersome by any means as their handles aren't as long as those long handled Bobbi Brown/MAC eye brushes so they are still OK by my book.

Price/Packaging:


Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic Brush is retailed for $24USD. It is not a cheap brush at all. But I do think it's value for money judging from what it offers. I have written to the site and was told that Lumiere is planning on opening boutiques (or counters?) soon. I am not sure where the stores may be but I am excited to know that this e-tailer has ventured into the real life makeup market because I believe most people prefer seeing the real products before buying them (unless they have no choice, of course!)


The brush comes with a transparent plastic brush guard (see the first picture above), just the right thing for traveling.



My Verdict:


I am very impressed by Lumiere Skin & Body Bar Duo Fiber Optic Brush. It is now joining my skunk family. I can tell you that I don't keep brushes that I don't love just for the sake of collection so you know that it has to be good by my book! It is a multiple purpose brush and produces natural yet flawless result (the most important factor when I judge a powder/foundation brush.)


One extra bonus is it's made of 100% synthetic fibers and still maintains the softness. I used to think natural animal hair was great till I got scratched by Bobbi Brown Kabuki Brush. (That's another long story!) I am now looking into more synthetic brushes as they are best for sensitive skin.


Do have a go if you are searching for a good Skunk Brush (aka. Stippling Brush).






Related Posts:

Review: Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar Long Handled Kabuki Brush vs.Tarte Glam On The Go Kabuki Brush & Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush

Review: Etude House Brushes

Review: Laura Mercier Mini Brush Set



My Colouring:

MUFE Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream #4, Lift Concealer #3, Duo Mat Powder Foundation #202, High Definition Foundation #125, Liquid Lift Foundation #2, Clarins Instant Smooth Foundation #1.5, Pupa Professionals Triple Action Powder Foundation #02

Light Asian skin (obvious brown spots on cheekbones, slightly dry & doesn't break out easily), dark brown eyes, jet black hair, medium pigmented lips.

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