Dior | Professional Finish Light & Full Coverage Fluid Foundation Backstage Brushes

It’s said that a meal is only as good as the ingredients used; a similar philosophy applies to makeup as well, in that a look is only as beautifully executed as the tools one chooses to use. Of course, that rule isn’t set in stone (I can’t begin to count the times I’ve switched from brushes to a finger application instead), and definitely your skill level plays a role as well, but in general – and when asked – I will always recommend in putting one’s money towards a few top quality brushes, rather than a cobbled-together bundle of some bargain brand. And yes, there is a difference, trust me.

With Dior’s extensive beauty and fashion history, I would expect nothing less than exacting quality – and as always, it’s all in the details. Modeled after Raphaël paint brushes that were originally created in 1793 to perfectly blend water with colour pigments, the new Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation Brushes come in the brand’s signature black beechwood handles and bear synthetic fibres that are hand placed and graduated by hand, never machine sliced or cut. Traditionally, natural bristles are preferred for makeup brush use, but as those types of hairs have a tendency to absorb fluid and therefore clump up, synthetic fibres become the best option for creamy and/or fluid products.

All Dior Backstage Brushes have been created with the input of their makeup artists, and are designed to help you achieve a flawless, high definition finish. Each brush comes with its own velour sleeve for added protection as well, which comes in useful for transport purposes.

Dior | Professional Finish Light & Full Coverage Fluid Foundation Backstage Brushes

Dior | Professional Finish Light & Full Coverage Fluid Foundation Brushes, protective velour sleeves

Dior | Professional Finish Light & Full Coverage Fluid Foundation Brushes, protective plastic covering

Dior | Professional Finish Light & Full Coverage Fluid Foundation Backstage Brushes

Light Coverage Professional Finish Fluid Foundation Brush (CAN $46.00) | The unique “langue-de-chat” (cat’s tongue) shape of the Light Coverage Brush works to ‘effortlessly deposit a super-fine film of colour’ to the skin. This is the more traditional paddle-shape fluid foundation style, and the one I usually reach for to start my application. The brush head itself is somewhat thicker than other similar types, but tapers beautifully at the top. The density of the synthetic fibres helps to keep your foundation from sinking in to the brush (which means less product waste), as well as helping to minimize the look of any visible brush strokes along the skin.

Dior | Light Coverage Professional Finish Fluid Foundation Brush

A quick comparison to other paddle-shaped brushes I own, reveals several differences (please ignore the less than pristine condition of my CHANEL brush):

Dior – brush head dimensions: 1 1/4″ x 1 1/8″, handle (ferrule to tip): 5 3/4″, fibre width (at base): 1/2″
MAC – brush head dimensions: 3/4″ x 1 1/16″, handle (ferrule to tip): 6 1/4″, fibre width (at base): 2/8″
CHANEL – brush head dimensions: 1″ x 1 1/16″, handle (ferrule to tip): 4 3/4″, fibre width (at base): 3/8″

Of the three, I find that the longer & thinner head on the MAC brush works to its disadvantage, as it leaves the most visible marks on the skin and therefore takes more effort to smooth out. The CHANEL and Dior brushes have a comparable application, although the thicker Dior brush head feels that much better on the skin and is the softest overall – which thus translates to a more even look as well, since you don’t need to apply as much pressure to achieve a smooth finish.

Dior | Light Coverage Professional Finish Fluid Foundation Brush & comparisons

Full Coverage Professional Finish Fluid Foundation Brush (CAN $46.00) | A densely and beveled headed brush that’s used when blending in a larger amount of product, or when desiring fuller coverage. The angled fibres help foundation reach all angles (nook & crannies too) of the face, while the thick – yet super soft – bevelled surface area of the brush head is ideal for pushing in and buffing the product into the skin, for an exceptionally flawless looking finish. The preferred method of working this brush is by using circular motions along the skin – I always finish my application this way, as I find it gives the most seamless coverage.

Dior | Full Coverage Professional Finish Fluid Foundation Brush

I was first introduced to this shape of foundation brush when I picked the Shisheido version and for years now, I have been quite happy with the finish achieved. The differences between the two:

Dior Full Coverage Brush – brush head dimensions: 3/4″ (widest point) x 6/8″ (tallest point), brush handle (ferrule to tip): 5 3/4″
Shisheido Perfect Foundation Brush – brush head dimensions: 3/4″ (widest point) x 5/8″ (tallest point), brush handle (ferrule to tip): 3 7/8″

Both brushes have an even flat top that is velvety smooth to the feel, and the only other differing point is that the Shisheido brush head appears to be slightly more compact overall, although that could also be as a result of all the usage it has seen. Between these two, it basically comes down to your preferred handle length.

Dior | Full Coverage Professional Finish Fluid Foundation Brush vs Shisheido Perfect Foundation Brush

I’m slowly working my way through testing the entire Dior Backstage Brush range, and if my first foray using these foundation brushes is anything to go by, then consider me impressed. The handles are smooth and ergonomically shaped, but more importantly, they feel comfortable when I hold them. The fibres are ultra-soft and almost buttery feeling, which basically means the finish they give to the skin should be comparable – and from what I’ve seen so far, it is. I haven’t put them through their paces with regards to washing yet but I expect some shedding, which is only normal – although I will update if I see the need.

Available at all Dior counters nationwide and select Hudson’s Bay stores (Canada). For more information visit www.dior.com