I am setting aside my trusty tools for this Spa Sciences Echo review. Using sonic makeup brush technology, I am playing with liquid foundation, cream makeup, and powders to see how this brush performs.
What is It?
You might be thinking that the Spa Sciences Echo is a spinning makeup brush, but that is not the case. This is a sonic makeup brush. Essentially, it vibrates sonically. It has three vibration settings, which are low, medium, and high. Personally, I always use it on low. You cycle through the settings by pressing the on/off button.
Where To Buy
You can purchase it from Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohls, and Walgreens. I have not seen it in stores, but it very well could be in select stores. Mine is from Amazon.
In the package you receive the device itself along with one brush head and a USB charging cord. You have the color options of White, Pink, and Black.
Claims
It claims to be antimicrobial by preventing 99% of bacteria that can grow on brushes. It should blend and buff makeup to an airbrush-like finish. The system has innovative Flaw-Fill technology which they call MicroDust™ that should transform liquid and powder into micro-sized particles. By doing this, they can fill fine lines, scars, pores, and texture, thus supporting the flawless claim.
The Brush Head
Discussing the brush head is highly pivotal. It has the perfect amount of density, give, and bristles to make it a one-and-done brush. Once you feel it you will become confident that it can handle liquids, powders, and creams. Additionally, it is soft and does not feel cheap.
You can purchase spare brush heads for your device, which I did. If you plan on, for example, applying your foundation, and then moving on to cream products, and then powders, you will definitely want more than one brush head on hand.
One of my brush heads has shed about five to 10 bristles, while the other has not. The brush head is incredibly easy to remove and put on the device. You can simply push it on or pull it off.
You can clean the brush head just like you would any makeup brush, but be sure to remove it from the device first. I have an entire tutorial dedicated to washing makeup brushes, which you should reference for the proper technique and product recommendations.
Charging the Device
On a full charge the Spa Sciences Echo can run for 60 minutes. The light flashes during charging, and then goes solid when complete. It makes no claims on how long it takes to get a full charge, but in my experience, that is also around an hour.
Performance with Creams, Liquids, and Powder
I am testing it with liquid, cream, and powder formulations. More specifically, I have used it to apply foundation, cream contour, and powder blush.
This brush head does a great job of applying foundation. It is not streaky, nor does it absorb product. Your overall complexion ends up looking well blended and smooth. I still prefer to finish my complexion with a quick bounce of a blending sponge to provide that skin-like finish.
The brush head is much too large for use with concealer, at least in my routine. I am sure it will work the same as it does with foundation. Since I apply concealer under my eyes and dotted on my chin, the bridge of my nose, and on the center of my forehead, I need a smaller and more precise brush or sponge for the job.
If you are planning on applying one layer of foundation, so be it. But, if you plan on building up coverage, thus doing multiple layers, that is when this brush starts to not work so hot. As evidenced below, the foundation starts to build up in the bristles and they bunch or stick together. They almost look spiky in the picture. This will cause streaking in your foundation. You may want to wash this brush after every foundation application, or at least wipe it off well.
For the powder application test, this brush also passes. It does not take away coverage or displace my foundation underneath. Application is even and just as impactful as it would be with an ordinary brush. I even dipped the brush into the pan while it was on and nothing bad happened.
This brush also blends cream makeup, like contour or blush, out well. Everything looks blurred and evenly dispersed. Using a sponge might be a tad bit quicker.
Ending Thoughts
This brush absolutely does its job. However, it does not replace my favorite brushes and sponges that can accomplish the same tasks. It is not a game changer, nor does it outperform anything that own. Ultimately, this product is worth the money if you want it. But, if you already have tools that work for you and that you love, you will find this brush to be on equal playing field.
Shop The Brush
The pros are that you can easily and flawlessly blend creams, liquids, and powders with vibration alone and no spinning action needed. The cons are that this brush needs charged, you most likely need to purchase multiple brush heads to accomplish each step of your makeup routine, and it will not replace a tool that already works for you. Have you fallen victim to the battery powered makeup brush trend? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
