Artis brushes with their oval velvety “bristles” called a fiber bundle have been popular for several years now. I’ve been so curious about them, but the price has kept me from taking the plunge.
Back in October, I received a knockoff Artis-style “velvet” brush as part of a giveaway I was hosting. It was an inexpensive brush that doesn’t even have a brand name written on it. Nevertheless, I fell in love with it because it was a terrific all-purpose brush for me, so handy for applying foundation and blush. In fact, I liked it so much that I picked up a similar brush from Precision Beauty a couple of months ago at Ocean State Job Lot. I think I paid about $2.99 for it. For both brushes, the head is about an inch and a half long and just less than an inch wide. It’s the perfect size for my face.
I also decided to try one from Real Techniques. This time, I got a larger size that was supposed to be similar to the Artis Oval 7 that is recommended for applying foundation. Sadly, this brush did not become a favorite of mine for two reasons:
- the size is just too large and too awkward for my face
- it has white “bristles” and it never looks clean.
As a result, I don’t use it very often.
Around Memorial Day, Artis had a rare half off sale. I decided that I needed to find out if it was important to own an “original” rather than knock-offs.
I landed on the Artis Oval 6 from the Brushcraft series that I believe is Artis’ least expensive brush line. The regular price is $24.50 for the Oval 6, and I paid $12.25. Brushcraft brushes have a curved neck and are made from a heavy plastic. Months ago, when I was trying to decide whether to buy an Artis brush, I read online about many consumers complaining that the neck snapped when applying makeup on some of the Artis brushes, and there was no recourse with the company. It doesn’t seem like the Brushcraft brushes would have this problem because the plastic is so stiff, it doesn’t bend or move.
How Is the Artis Brush Different from the Less Expensive Competitors?
To be very honest, I am not sure.
The Artis Brushcraft Oval 6 has a longer handle than the similar size brushes from Precision Beauty and the no name brush. Frankly, I don’t find the longer handle to be a benefit.
The curved neck of the Artis Brushcraft is different from the competitors that were design to be more similar in style to the Artis Elite brush line.
The Artis Brushcraft Oval 6 came in a big non-recyclable hard plastic box. I think it was overpackaged, and I was disappointed that the plastic box wasn’t recyclable. Boo.
When it comes to the velvety bristles, I can’t really tell the difference. They are all super soft and very densely packed with fiber bristles. I like the darker color of the Artis bristles, but that’s not so different from the two similar sized brushes that it makes a big difference. The dark bristles are definitely better than RT’s white ones that won’t come completely clean.
In terms of application, I find the three similarly sized brushes to be the same.
When it comes to lastingness, I will be curious to see if the Artis Brushcraft Oval 6 holds up better than the knock-offs. So far, the knockoffs look good, showing no real signs of wear, but they are both less than a year old. I hope that the Artis will ultimately outlast them!
So would I spend the money for more Artis brushes? Probably not, but that’s just me. I’m not a makeup brush expert, by any means.
Artis Cleaning System Products
I decided to take advantage of the Artis sale further by trying the Brush Cleansing Foam Aerosol at half price. The regular price is $25 for a 6 ounce spray can.
The foam creates lots of tiny bubbles that remove product residue on the fiber bundle without drowning it in water.
Artis sent along a Brush Cleaning Microfiber replacement as a gift that you’re supposed to place over their rectangular pad that holds it in place. I’ve been using it on its own by swiping the brush’s fiber bundle against the microfiber. It seems to help clean the velvety fibers fairly easily.
In addition, the Brush Cleansing Foam dries much faster than using solid brush cleaner and water that I had been doing previously. Nevertheless, I’m not sure that I’d pay $25 for it. I’ll have to see how long it lasts.
If you’re interested in learning more about Artis, it’s sold on the Artis website, Sephora and Macy’s and more.
Are you a lover of real Artis brushes? Which is your favorite and why?
I’ve never been able to make this type of brush work for me. If I’m applying creams, I’d much rather use a Beauty Blender so I don’t get brush marks.
Jen Mathews recently posted…Subtle Purple Makeup Tutorial for Hooded Eyes by Phyrra
I have a bunch of Artis brushes, and love them, but they are definitely expensive. It is nice to see that there are plenty of affordable alternatives out there.
Lola Seicento recently posted…Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Coconutter
I have a few of the RT ones and I think Jouer. I love the Jouer one.
Courtney recently posted…Modern Romantic Gothic Bedroom
I’ve been curious how the knockoffs compare to Artis! And white bristles are the bane of my cosmetic-loving existence. Seriously, WHY???
I ended up never really get the hang of these brushes. Especially the eye ones!
I have some Artis brushes and they are my least used. I haven’t been wearing foundation but even then, I just never used them enough
I love the Artis brushes. I have more expensive ones and they work beautifully but my original 10 brush did break. I figured I’d over used it since it got a daily workout. Now I’m using the Pur foundation oval brush and a Real Techniques one (but not the large one) and finding them very effective. I love how this kind of brush blends cream blush that I’ve swiped on my cheeks.
MarciaF recently posted…Not Your Mother’s Naturals Butter Masque Packets are here with a review and giveaway
Thank you for the comparisons! I’m so clueless when it comes to brushes and have been using the same couple for YEARS.
Krystal E recently posted…LVX Millennial
Great comparison. I tried a knockoff brand a couple of years ago. While I did like them, they take so long to dry, which is kind of a bummer.
Kristina recently posted…China Glaze Body & Sol Collection
That’s why Artis sells a super fast drying cleanser to go with their brushes. But I guess I must be lucky. Prior to getting the Artis cleanser and brush, I used solid brush cleanser and water on my knockoffs, and they were always dry by the next morning, but the larger RT Oval 7 version does take longer to dry with soap and water – tho it dries in minutes with the Artis cleanser.
I still have the knockoffs but I don’t use them anymore, I’ve been using IT foundation brushes.
Cindy Ingalls recently posted…The Beauty Spotlight Team June Edition!
I’ve seen a lot of these dense type brushes but I’m not sure they have a place in my makeup routine, maybe if I wore liquid foundation more frequently hmm
Mai recently posted…Persona Cosmetics Season One Lip Gloss: Swatches and Review
I use a lot of liquid and cream makeup, so these velvety brushes are good for those, though I don’t usually use them to apply cream eyeshadow.
I’ve never tried, but I really only use brushes for contour, setting and eyes so I’m not sure I’d put them to good use!
Artis style brushes seem to be best for liquid and cream makeup – foundation, blush, highlight and contour etc. I haven’t use them for eye makeup coz they seem awkward for that, but maybe that’s just me
I have one Artis brush which I love but not sure if I will splurge on another. They are way too expensive and I love my knockoff ones just the same.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…THE HAIR EDITION: L’OREAL PROKERATIN LISS UNLIMITED
I’m glad I bought this Artis brush for half price – $12 was OK, but truly, I don’t see a major difference between the Artis Brushcraft and the knockoffs