The last thing in this world I need are more brushes, I know that. But when the Sigma Beauty Performance Eyes Kit ($55 USD) was released, I knew I had to have it. Small, precise brushes for detail work was exactly what I was missing, and I thought this set of 8 brushes would be just what I needed.

The Packaging

The eight brushes come packaged in a long, skinny box (it was much smaller then I was anticipating, however what can you expect for the miniature size of these brushes). The handles of the brushes are the same size as regular ones.  These brushes have the glossy handles, which I’ve expressed in the past that I don’t like as much as the matte or satin handles they used to. I find it makes them look a little more cheap and plastic-y, while the old finish looked more professional. The white detailing on each brush is nice and clear, and there is an engraved Sigma logo on the metal ferrule as well.

Sigma Beauty Performance Eyes Kit

Sigma Beauty Performance Eyes Kit

Sigma Beauty Performance Eyes Kit

The Brushes

The kit comes with eight precision brushes, meant for small eyes, detail work and getting into difficult areas like the inner corner and tightline (upper waterline). Overall I’m extremely happy with my purchase- I really did need these brushes (even though I never thought I could possibly need anymore)- I’ve been using them everyday since I got them and they have helped incredibly to create special little details that I couldn’t otherwise.  Cut creases, double liner, artistic curves, intricate blending- this brush kit has got you covered.

There is one thing I would change though, as the E16 Tightline Liner and E17 Waterline Liner are SO similar (differentiated only a tiny bit by bristle length, but not enough to even notice a difference) that I would have preferred to see perhaps a precise pencil brush or precise angled liner brush instead.  I also hope to see these brushes being sold individually in the near future.

It’s also important to note that these brushes, while extremely helpful and beneficial to detail work, may not be “everything” you need for a complete look. I found myself reaching for a larger blending brush to get the whole job done, because it was just taking too long for the precise blending brushes to do the job on their own. A great complementary set none-the-less. This collection includes:

• E11 Eye Liner: My favorite brush out of them all! You all know how much I love super precise eyeliner brushes, and this one takes the cake. Super fine and easy to use, this is great for creating cat-eye liner.
• E16 Tightline Liner: A great flat eyeliner brush that works great on the waterline or tight line. As I previously mentioned, this one is slightly longer and skinner than the waterline brush, but the effect is the same. I prefer this one.
• E17 Waterline Liner: A great flat eyeliner brush that works great on the waterline or tight line. As I previously mentioned, this one is slightly shorter and wider than the tightline brush, but the effect is the same. I prefer the E16.
• E21 Smudge: Finally! Precise smudging! It’s not always easy getting the smudged look without being messy- but this is the answer. Great for smokey eyes.
• E36 Blending: A super soft blending brush- this one is amazing for detail crease work. Blending, yet still being able to create lines at the same time. Amazing!
• E46 Shader – Inner Corner: A great little precise eyeshadow brush- I really like using this one to line my lower lash line with eyeshadow too.
• E47 Shader – Crease: Resembling the shape of a mini MAC 217, this brush is amazing for crease work! Similar in effect to the E36, but a bit more stiff and precise.
• E56 Shader – Lid: Another favorite brush in this kit… big enough to shade the entire eyelid while still being practical. Perfect for small eyes.

Sigma Beauty Performance Eyes Kit

Sigma Beauty Performance Eyes Kit

Sigma Beauty E11 Eye Liner Brush

Sigma Beauty E16 Tightline Liner Brush

Sigma Beauty E17 Waterline Liner Brush

Sigma Beauty E21 Smudge Brush

Sigma Beauty E36 Blending Brush

Sigma Beauty E46 Shader- Inner Corner Brush

Sigma Beauty E47 Shader - Crease Brush

Sigma Beauty E56 Shader - Lid Brush

See More

• March 2012 Favorites Video

Summary

• Price: $55 USD
• Availability: Sigma Beauty
• Selection: All eight brushes come in this kit
• Overall: Very impressed with this collection. Amazing for small eyes or detail work. Having both waterline and tight line brushes is a bit redundant for me- would have preferred to see an angled brush or pencil brush. Still, overall the kit is a total winner in my books.
• Rating: A