I’ve been meaning to do this review for a while. So long, in fact, that it appears Target is no longer selling the specific brush set I bought. However, they do have many more Sonia Kashuk items, including other (similar) brush sets. Sonia is, apparently, a makeup artist with a vision (or something like that) according to her website, who has been working with Target since 1998. I, however, have only heard of her products for several years. For comparison purposes, I present you with the Sonia Kashuk® Purse Brush Set. I believe the one which is available now is an “ugprade” to the one I purchased (but it’s actually less appealing, IMO).

The sleek purse case closes with a snap clasp and the sides are hinged together. The exterior of mine is a shiny white and, unlike some brush cases, it is hard. However, it is prone to scratching and denting so it might be an item to replace frequently (I will probably do so myself). On the plus side, Sonia’s brush sets typically range from $12 – $20 at Target so replacing them isn’t going to set you back 3 months’ paychecks. On the front, there is a silver square which says “Sonia Kashuk”. Overall, this look is cute. It sort of reminds me of my Nintendo DS, which is also white. It could easily be slipped in a medium to large sized purse (It measures about 6 1/4″ by 3 3/4″) or carried instead of a purse at all.

Instead of the 4 brushes currently offered, my set came with 8. That’s impressive. I’ll be honest with you that I don’t really know what brush does what, normally. I just pick the brush whose size and shape will work best for the project at hand. I do know that mine has an all over face (powder) brush, eyeshadow brush, angled eyeshadow brush, smudger and eyebrow brush. The last 2 are smaller so are probably intended for the lips but I never use brushes there. I find this more useful than the current purse brush set because I don’t wear blush. I would much prefer a powder brush.

The brushes themselves slip between plastic ridges and are held in place by plasticy silver bands which hide elastic bands. I suspect the elastic bands actually do the work. Sometimes it’s a little difficult to pull out the brushes because you have to wedge your fingers between the brush and the case; there isn’t a lot of room to do that. In general, this set up works fine for me but there’s one thing which consistantly bothers me. The powder brush (which has the biggest “plume”) is on the edge of the case. Sometimes when I close it, the hairs get stuck, sticking out of the case. Even if I try to prevent this, it happens. I think that brush would be better placed somewhere in the middle.

So, I love the case. It’s handy for travel or going out. I never lose my brushes and it’s cute. But how do the brushes fair? Let’s be honest, for the price, this is a steal. Most people wouldn’t expect a lot of quality. I’m glad to say the brushes are not horrible quality. They are all decent for what I need them for but if you’re more serious about your makeup, you may want to look elsewhere.

The only issue I have is with hairs falling out of the largest brush – and then they get stuck on my face. Super annoying, I’m sure you can tell. Unfortunately, I’ve never had any powder brush which avoided this issue and I’ve paid more for some individual powder brushes than this entire set. Even a $38 Sephora brush has reviews which complain about that so I suppose it just comes with the territory of applying makeup with a brush.

As far as actual application, the brushes are just fine. The powder blush blends easily but might be a bit fluffier than some prefer.

As I wrap this up, I’d like to let you know that I will more than likely replace my current brush set with another from Sonia Kashuk (I have my eye on the Double Duty Brush Set). Despite my issues, it’s still very convenient and affordable and has lasted me at least a year. Unfortunately, the clasp mechanism has loosened over time. It still works but I have to manually align either side. It’s a small price to pay for a good product.