Designer Pro

Sonia G. Designer Pro Brush ($46.00) is a small-to-medium-sized cheek and face brush that's a bit flatter but still dense, plush, and rounded along the edge. Per the brand, it is supposed to work with "blush, blush toppers, highlight, sculpting" and "performs in a more airbrushed way" but avoids "harsh edges" and is better at "diffusing" and "blending." It has a curved ferrule, which was described as helping to achieve the efficiency of the brush.

If you've read about my favorite blush brush reviews, you'll know that I have an affinity for slightly flatter (but not floppy or too thin) cheek brushes over the more classic, moderately-dense, dome-shaped brushes (though they have their place). The brush is incredibly soft and smooth, where it can be used in any direction with any level of pressure yet the bristles moved as one. The denseness coupled with the shape was what made it more standout compared to other cheek brushes.

The flatter surface works well for picking up products on firmer and denser formulas, and I've found it is better at picking up with less disturbance for more powdery products, though I'd still use a lighter hand and concentrate product on the edge/tip of the brush (or else it can pick up too much product!). It offered a lot of control, though, because it held its shape and didn't fluff up much at the edge, which was still more feathery and airy in feel.

The actual edge of the brush has an airier quality to it, which gives it some spring and flexibility that helps with spreading and diffusing product over the face. I've found myself using the brush primarily for sheer to medium-coverage blush application, highlighters of all types and finishes, and applying translucent powder underneath my eye. It can be used for more circular motions, but the shape lends itself more to tapping, patting, and sweeping/sliding motions.

• It is made out of brown-dyed, saikoho goat hair.
• 165mm total length, 33mm hair length, 15x11mm ferrule width

It released originally earlier this year in October, and it's been restocked this morning. The first one I received was a press sample, and I ended up buying a second one during the original release as well (since I liked it as much, not that I need more brushes or anything!).