Edit: Link to free brushes from rephr: https://www.rephr.com/prototypes?r=kimkpham

Welcome to a new series of reviews where I focus on some of my favourite tools of the trade - brushes. These are a personal opinion of how I use them, what I like about them, and how they are helpful. They'll range from inexpensive to higher end because I know there are quality brushes at different price ranges. Onto the first brand, rephr.

Rephr is a super new brand that I came across from Instagram and a makeup artist I follow - Angie Di Batista. They had a promising philosophy where they utilise the voice of makeup artist professionals to produce the best brushes for the market. They are handcrafted in Kumano, Japan, the capital of brush manufacturing where 80% of brushes are made. They are known for their long history of craftsmanship and artisanship and will remain the capital for brushwork for years to come. Stemming from calligraphy brushes, these artisans now have a demand for makeup brushes due to the growing trend worldwide. Hooray for us MUAs! I find this helps create unique shapes and densities that aid makeup artists with their application and precision.

I bought 4 brushes (2 of the same one) and was kindly sent their prototype to test as well. Let me know what you think in the comments below and whether you want me to review any brands in the near future :)

1. No. 1 (Eyeshadow brush)

   Bristle: Goat Hair

   Washability: Easy.

   This is the brush everyone has been talking about. It is ultra-versatile due to its shape. Its a medium-sized dome shape that is fluffy and slightly dense, perfect for blending, buffing, and applying creams and powders. The shape holds when it is applied to the eyes/skin so it doesn’t blend your eyeshadow all the way up to your brow bone

   I found it was great when applying a pigmented colour to the lid and was perfect for blending out harsh edges. This was the one I grabbed the most as I found it was the perfect tool for a light wash of colour or smokey eye. The fibres are great for cream eyeshadows and concealers, so if you like to buff in your creams this is great.

   Compared to similar brushes (MAC E25, Hakuhodo J5523), the 01 brush is slightly thinner, so there are less hairs packed into it. I personally didn't mind this, as the shape was great for my smaller lid and socket. It's just as easy to blend and apply shadow as their comparable counterparts.

2. No. 3 (Pencil brush)

   Bristle: Goat Hair

   Washability: Easy

   My love for pencil brushes was concreted by this amazing tiny brush. It is shaped perfectly to fit under the lash line and blends shadows with ease. I tried this on my cousin who never wears makeup because it tends to scratch her sensitive skin - she definitely approved of this one! It's dense enough to place shadows with precision and, with a little bit of pressure, can diffuse colour in a concentrated area. I love this about brushes that have been made with calligraphy artisan hands. It's details like pressure and bristle placement that make all the difference. Also, great for smudging out soft eyeliner and applying inner corner highlight.

3. No. 4 (Angled blush brush)

   Bristle: Goat Hair

   Washability: Easy (with powder)

   The softest brush with the best amount of bristles. It remains soft, fluffy, and is great for blending out really strong colours as well as applying soft washes of colour. The shape is what I loved the most because it was small enough to add a definite contour, yet round enough to blend out highlight and blush. I used this for powder products and have yet to use it for cream blushes and bronzer. It's incredibly soft and is a great all rounder brush for all your cheek products. If you're lazy like me and like to use 1 brush for everything, this is a clear winner.

4. No. 7 (Eye blending brush)

   Bristle: Goat Hair

   Washability: Easy.

   I was initially hesitant about getting this brush because I usually steer clear of fluffy blending blushes. They tend to be too big or too loose, where they diffuse the colour too high and create the panda eye effect. This one has been a superb exception. First of all, it's super soft - as blending brushes should be. Secondly, it's actually got a smaller head compared to most fluffy brushes out there, great for hooded eyes and monolid eyes. For almond shaped eyes, I think this would be great for adding depth in the crease because of it's dense nature. Due to rephr's high quality goat hair, the brush can easily blend and diffuse eyeshadow whilst remaining it's structural integrity.

   Personally, in my kit, this would be the perfect brush for eyeshadow application. I like fluffier blending brushes to help with blending out edges and this one wouldn't fit in that category. It's because I find it's too small and dense for that use. I used it to buff my contour colour around my nose and eye socket. It's the perfect shape for that!

Gear up for more brush reviews in 2019. For now, please check out rephr.com/kimkpham because they are a baby brand and are in need of some loving. The link will lead you to some exclusive goodies :) I bought these brushes myself and genuinely love them all.