Enter the Sigma Beauty E25 Blending Brush ($19.50 from Nail Polish Canada), a recent acquisition that is compared to the MAC 217 online and has an uncanny similarity to my Hakuhodo J5523 Eye Shadow Brush.
The Sigma Beauty E25 Blending Brush is a slightly firm and rounded brush, meant to blur lines and edges and apply colour to the lid. The tapered side is for the former and the flat side is for the latter. Pretty much all-in-one eyeshadow application.
As aforementioned, the Sigma E25 Brush is very similar to the Hakuhodo J5523 Brush. Hakuhodo is slightly pricier at $23 CAD. Both are made of natural goat hair. The handle of the Sigma E25 is ever so slightly longer, while Hakuhodo's J5523 bristles are a couple millimetres longer with the brush head slightly rounder. Both retain their shape through washing and can be used with cream, liquid and powder products.
Eyeshadow application looks the same but the experience is a little different. Perhaps it's my imagination but the hand-cut bristles of Hakuhodo's J5523 are slightly softer, which makes blending out shadows ever so slightly quicker than the Sigma E25. Other than this, there is no difference in performance.
The Sigma Beauty E25 Blending Brush works almost exactly the same as my trusty Hakuhodo J5523. In other words, it's a great brush and an essential in my everyday eyeshadow routine. So, if you're looking for a Hakuhodo J5523 Eye Shadow Brush dupe, the Sigma E25 will certainly satisfy your needs.
While I'm perfectly satisfied with both the Sigma and Hakuhodo blending brushes, I'm still might have to pick up that $27 MAC 217...
Have you tried any brushes from Sigma Beauty before?
Press samples featured. For the full selection of Sigma Beauty available at Nail Polish Canada visit nailpolishcanada.com.
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