Sigma SS209 Eyeliner Brush

The SS209 is another great Sigma brush, but I have to admit, this is the brush I have had the most issues with. I use it as multi-functional, both eyeliner and as a lip brush, but quality is not the greatest. It applies just as well as any other Sigma brush, but I have had a problem or two with the bristles. However, it is still a wonderful brush, and the issues that I have with mine, could just be from my bad care or something. Overall, this brush gets a nine out of ten from me when everything is averaged out and said and done.

HANDLE

The handle is great like any other Sigma handle, but a little shorter than I wish it was. But, compared to the size of the bristles, it is a proper size. It has the Sigma matte black finish with the painted on silver logo and the rounded end that I like so much in a brush. It almost feels a little small in the hand, but nothing uncomfortable. The handle is also not horrible- it is actually very nice. I just have very high standards for my brushes.

BRISTLES

The hairs on the SS209 are kind of stiff, a needed trait in good eyeliner brush. However, they are also not uncomfortable like some I have tried. It has a very nice shape, starting round at the top of the ferule and coming to a tapered point. They are soft and smooth, but not so much that it gets in the way of applying the product. The bristles are probably the highest scoring thing about this brush, as they really are perfect for an eyeliner brush.

BUILD QUALITY

This is where I have the most of my issues. The density is great, the ferule is put on excellently, the brush is cut perfectly, the stiffness of the brush is awesome, and so what is wrong with it? This is one of those brushes that get stray hairs on the sides constantly, something I find extremely annoying. They don't get in the way too much, but they can smudge product if it gets really bad. It has actually gotten so bad that I have considered throwing this brush out. But, I will put up with is since it is my only pointed liner brush.

APPLICATION

The SS209 really does apply product well. I do not use it too often for gel/cream eyeliner as I do not use gel/cream eyeliner, but I do use it very frequently for defining and lining the lips with a lipstick, and I really like it for that. It is dense and stiff enough that goes exactly where you want it to, but the pointed tip makes it marvelous for getting color in the corners of your lips. I think this is actually a great lip brush, and maybe that is why I have so many stray hairs- because it is not meant to be used for lip products. Although, if that is true, this brush would have to be knocked down a peg or two in my book because I really like brushes that can be multi-purpose.

FINAL OPINIONS

This brush is great if you can ignore issues with the hairs sticking out on the sides. It applies the product well and can be used to get in the corners of your eyes and lips, but I would probably not repurchase it. If I were to order another set and get it that way, I would probably use it. But, I would not fork over the money to order a whole other set just for this brush. The SS209 is currently not sold individually, but is part of the Sigma Complete Brush Set, retailing for $69 without the brush roll, which I did not get. Once again, I think this brush is decent, but only time will tell if the hair problems get better or worse. We'll see how long it takes before I throw it away out of frustration.