ecotools brush set vs individual brushes

i bought ecotools 6-piece brush set a while ago when it was 20% off all ecotools at priceline. i can't remember the exact rrp, somewhere close to aud$30.

if you notice that there are something missing from the photo, it's the lash and brow brush. it decided to go hiding somewhere when this photo was taken.

i have some individual brushes that were purchased at different times. because i thought they were great and economical brushes, i decided to get more as extras and backups when they were finally discounted (and there were stocks! what a surprise!)

i was debating if i should get individual ones or the sets. i ended up getting the set because, after doing some rough maths, it seems more value for money than getting them individually.

the comparisons

here are some comparisons of brushes purchased individually and the brushes from the set.

the blush brush. you can see that they are of different shapes.

the inividual brush is tappered, makes blush application a breeze. it's my favorite blush brush.

the blush brush from the set is, just bleh. it's soft, which is usually a plus in most cases. but it's too soft for blush application. i'm bad at blush applications and this blush just doesn't do the job right with my limited skill.

the side view. notice how flat the brush from the set is.

the eyeshading brush.

there's more noticiable difference from the side view. the individual brush is thicker than the brush from the set.

i find that the individual brush performs better padding loose powder eyeshadows, giving a more even application. they don't make much difference when applying pressed eyeshadows.

the concealer brush.

once again, the difference is very obvious from sideview.

the individual brush is a perfect for applying cream based or liquid based concealers. i like that it's thick and easy for padding on the concealers. feels almost like applying with my fingers.

on the other hand, the brush from the set sucks! it leaves a streaky finish! and when trying to blend the colors to make them more even, the concealer itself is brushed away and not hiding any blemishes.

the angled eyeliner brush. visually, one is narrower and taller and the other is wider and shorter.

the individual brush is more stiff and is perfect for brows application. the brush from the set is too soft for brows, but is good enough as eyeliner. it's one of the tools that that is soft enough to 'push' eyeliners into the lashline as invisible eyeliner and doesn't hurt my eyes.

this is probably the only brush from the set i'm not complaining. they have their own functions.

the lash and brow brush (not photographed) is just so-so. i don't own an individual one to compare. the lash comb is ok. the brow brush is too harsh and stiff. i don't use it very often.

the result

obviously, the individual brushes win!

when you buy brushes from the same brand, whether they are part of the set or not, don't you expect they are the same, or closely the same? i was quite disappointed and in disbelief that they aren't! some brushes are so obviously different!

i was quite happy with the ecotools brushes that i own and bought more. i thought i was being a smart consumer doing my maths. i was singing and dancing how much money i saved getting those great brushes!

they are not the same!

i wasted my money!

the only thing i like from this set is the brush roll.