Sparkled Beauty

Continuing the 2014 product coverage, today is for EcoTools' skin care line :)

This post is also about a brush and a sponge, but they are completely different from the Real Techniques 2014 items I reviewed yesterday:)

Note the fresh aqua packaging for the new line. The pouches now have a safety strap with the brand name printed on it, a clean look. Sleek and pretty!

This first item is well known since the day it was launched - Skin Perfecting brush, $9.99.

Following the theme at EcoTools, this brush has soft cruelty-free bristles, recycled aluminum ferrule and bamboo handle. The pouch is also made of natural materials.

Meant for BB/CC creams and tinted moisturizers, the compact brush head and the angled cut of the bristles works really well. The brush gets around the face quickly, especially around the nose and under the eyes. I like the natural finish it gives and am happy to have a brush to do the work with my tinted products instead of my fingers.

Worth noting that the brush did shed on me once during the testing period, I found 2 bits of white bristles on my face. Only that one time though, hmm...

The Pure Complexion facial sponge, $11.99, is an interesting product. This one is for washing your face, not for applying makeup :)

This is the Sensitive Skin version (white), handmade with Konjac vegetable fiber. Konjac is a renewable perennial root plant mostly comprised of starch, grows in warm climates like Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia. You might have heard of a similar sponge from boscia for over $20 :)

The half-egged sponge (rounded top, flat bottom) comes dry and rough, sealed tightly in a plastic wrap, with EcoTools' "e" logo etched on top. Size comparison with Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge below.

The sponge softens tremendously and enlarges a little after a few times squished under running water. It is very gentle for the face, good for daily use with a cleanser (to remove makeup at night) or just by itself with water (in the morning). Not much exfoliation to it, but you can use it with a scrub.

The sponge is easy to wash with water after use, even with the makeup residue transferred to its surface. Laying flat on a surface, it takes a full day or more to air dry and does not shrink back to its dry size.

Ultimately, this sponge is a good cleansing gadget for your face. The brand suggests to replace it every 1-3 months though, so it might become pricy after a while. I also think a drying "rack" to help water drain out from underneath the sponge would help it dry faster.

There is also a Deep Cleansing version of this sponge (grey). Both versions are fragrance free, with packaging made from post-consumer recycled paper.

Also new this year from EcoTools are the Eye Enhancing Duo brushes (Shade & Define, and Blend & Smudge) $9.99 and EcoPouf delicate sponge $2.99. Check them out next time you are near a display.