I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but I always took it way too seriously and got overwhelmed 😂. I’ve been spending the last few weeks shopping my stash and getting reacquainted with a lot of my things and suddenly I felt like I could probably do it. It’s only hypothetical after all. This tag pops up ever so often, but I believe it was initially started in 2018 by Kelly Gooch on YouTube. As Kelly points out in her video, the interesting thing about doing this is that it narrows things down and not necessarily to your favorite products. If I had to just use one product every day (and of course, I want a cohesive look), it really did change the products that I initially would have picked. So let’s see what made the cut.
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Sigma Beauty Ambiance Palette
I’m specifically calling this a product update on the Sigma Ambiance palette since that is my newest Sigma Palette purchase and my initial post only provided swatches. However, I feel like the formula is consistent enough across all of the palettes that I own that you can also consider this a product update for the Cor-de-Rosa (swatch post) and Warm Neutrals (swatch post) palettes as well (pictured below).
As mentioned in my previous posts, while this formula is nicely pigmented, I’d call it buildable. If you are looking for intense pigment right away, I think you can pass on these. The mattes are loose and have kick-up in the pan, but they are not as messy as the Anastasia Beverly Hills formula. I have the most success using this formula with the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow primer. I have tried it with the NARS Smudgeproof Eyehadow Base and didn’t like that combination.
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I ordered this palette during Sigma’s recent semi-annual sale. While that sale is over, they are currently having a 4th of July sale and this palette is currently 25% off until July 6 at 8AM CDT. I figured I would go ahead and share some swatches in case anyone had their eye on this palette.
The cover of the palette is textured, but I haven’t noticed any shimmer particles coming off on my hands.
UPDATE October 21, 2021: In my experience, the Sigma formula is really great for those that like applying shimmer shades with their fingers and prefer a buildable matte eyeshadow. If you are someone that likes super-saturated colors or only likes to apply eyeshadow with brushes, I think these may miss the mark. For a more detailed breakdown, click here and check out my Updated Sigma Eyeshadow Palette Review.
I already own the Sigma Cor-de-Rosa palette and the Warm Neutrals palette, so I’m not expecting any surprises. You can click on the palette names to go and check out those posts for more information on the formula.
This blog uses affiliate links (marked with **). When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn a small commission. Learn more here.
The affiliate links listed in this post will not take you directly to Sigma Beauty, so I want to be clear that you will get the best price by purchasing these items directly from Sigma when they are having a sale.
The semi-annual sale at Sigma Beauty has already gotten started, but if you are interested in any of their products it doesn’t end until June 30, 2021 at 9:00 AM CDT. The discount ranges from 35% to 75% off depending on the product, so it really is a good time to check them out if you’ve been meaning to place an order.
I personally really like Sigma brushes and I’ve never had issues with performance or quality. You may hear people point out the 2-year warranty as a selling point, but I’d advise you to consider it to be a limited warranty. It only covers manufacturing defects, but they will replace the brush with the same brush or with a similar brush if that one has been discontinued. I consider this to be limited because even without a warranty, I’ve never encountered a brand that will not replace or refund your money for a manufacturing defect. Now the 2-year time period is likely unique, but a manufacturing defect should show itself way before you get to the 2-year mark. Just something to keep in mind.
Top to bottom: Sigma F10 Powder/Blush, F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki, F80 Air Flat Kabuki
You’ve heard me mention this brush several times before, so probably no surprises here. I use this for blush rather than powder, so I can’t tell you if it is good for powder. For blush, however, this is a workhorse brush for me. The bristles are loosely packed, giving a diffused application. It works with all textures (including baked gelee), it cleans up easily, and it dries fast.
This is the only brush that I use for my undereye concealer if I’m not using my fingers. I do have to admit though, I’ve only tried a handful of concealer brushes, so I don’t have much to compare it to. It is dense while still being soft enough for the undereye area. This brush isn’t as easy to clean due to the density and using it with concealer, but it does still dry fairly quick.
I really enjoy using this brush when I want my fuller coverage foundations to look less heavy. I feel like the duo fiber design helps apply foundation in lighter layers. This brush is best for applying foundation in circular buffing motions. This brush is the hardest to clean, but again, I’d blame that on foundation being more tenacious to remove than blush. You may have also noticed that mine is a little stained, but keep in mind it is nearly 3 years old at this point.
If you are someone that likes to apply foundation in a stippling motion, I would suggest looking into the classic F80. I haven’t personally tried that brush, so I can’t give you any insight, but it is a cult classic, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a review for it.
There is one last caveat with this brush. If you use MAC Studio Fix Fluid, this brush does not get along with that formula. I don’t know why, but at least for me, this brush leaves terrible streak marks on my face. They just don’t go well together. I don’t get streak marks using this brush with NARS Natural Radiant Longwear or Estee Lauder Double Wear.
If you’ve been here for a while you should recognize these two palettes. I’ve done full swatches and given my thoughts on the formula of both palettes that I will link for you if you want more details.
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Nikki From HR 