Sonia Kashuk for Target – review

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Some people have expressed worry over my obsessive love of Target. But I think a few readers out there will totally understand! For years, a trip to Target was a special treat. Living in Hollywood, it seemed like quite a haul to trek out to Valley for a shopping trip, so we planned our trips sparingly. When we finally got a Target in my area (walking distance no less!) I was literally dancing in the aisles. The Grand Opening coincided during my Mom’s annual trip to the West Coast and yet she graciously indulged me by joining me for my first visit. As we entered the beauty section, I couldn’t hold back any longer and had to perform a little happy dance with my cart. It’s been some time since I embarrassed my Mom in public, but I think she was on the verge of mortification..until another pair of shoppers rounded the corner. Pushing the cart was a woman about my age doing her own little dance of joy! Her husband and my Mom exchanged “I feel your pain” looks as my fellow Target lover and I happily woo-hooed one another.

I still get a thrill entering the beauty aisles at Target! One of my favorite offerings is the Sonia Kashuk for Target collection. Sonia broke into the beauty business in the early 80’s (On a video shoot naturally – the makeup artist didn’t show and Sonia stepped in). She quickly rose to the top of the beauty world, working with top name designers and fashion magazines. She’s painted some of the most famous faces in the world (from Cindy Crawford to Brittany Spears and even Oprah). In 1999 Sonia brought her knowledge and style to the masses with the Sonia Kashuk for Target line.

Sonia believes that every woman deserves high-quality, affordable makeup. She wanted to let more women have access to the latest color trends and formulas and strove to create an easy-to-use and easy-to-wear line of make up. The results were this ever-popular line adored by budget beauties and big spenders alike, that’s celebrating 10 years with Target.

We received a sampling of makeup and tools from the Sonia Kashuk line for our testers to review. This was the first time I got a good look at her make up tools and I was most impressed with the high-quality, synthetic brushes. I’m a big believer that a few good brushes can make a world of difference in any woman’s application skill level. Yet, the high cost of most brushes can deter many women. Sonia’s beautifully crafted brushes let everyone in on the fun. I’m in love with my Crease Brush. It’s super soft, has a great weight and grip and is perfectly angled to blend the all important crease area. It’s taken it’s spot on my vanity (pushing aside some high priced big names) as my go-to eye brush. For under $10 bucks it’s quite a steal.

I’m also hearing great things about the Limited Edition Hidden Treasure Brush Set (pictured). Six essential silver brushes with a unique coral-influenced handle, which allows them to lay flat. Great for doing makeup on the go (as there’s no chance they can roll away) or for packing on your next weekend getaway. You can also store them all neatly in the strikingly graphic compact bag. A great deal for the price!

Testers – were you dancing in the aisles for the Sonia Kashuk for Target collection?

Author

  • tyna

    Tyna is a former editor of we heart this that worries about becoming a crazy cat lady, reads at least a book a week, checks in at a Flyers fan forum every morning and is forever organizing her closets and drawers. skin tone: NW 20/25 skin type: combination favorite beauty product: eye shadows and lip balms

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10 Comments

  1. Generally, I strive to stay away from makeup that’s any bright shade of pink, so when I received the Hydrating Lip Balm in Dainty (think watermelon lollipop) from the Sonia Kashuk collection, I was scared.

    The balm itself is thick and substantial. It’s easy to over-apply because a little bit will go a long way! The flavor is a little bit overwhelming. I can’t exactly place what it is, but it’s sweeter than what I would want in a lip balm. However, the flavor was easy to get over once I discovered how well the balm actually worked! The bright pink goes on sheer but still provides some much needed color to my everyday look. It is also very hydrating – I’ve used chap stick that hasn’t moisturized as well as this lip balm does! Possibly best of all: it’s SPF 14! Wonderful!

    I’d definitely recommend the Sonia Kashuk Hydrating Lip Balm to anyone who wants subtle color and doesn’t want to compromise on moisture or sun protection.

  2. I got to try the Limited Edition Hidden Treasure Brush Set and I was excited when I opened the cute little bag and saw these even cooler brushes! Looking at them in the bag I thought they would feel heavy because of the metal handle but then I picked one up and it’s plastic! Not heavy at all and the texture of the “coral” gave it an easy grip. I also really like how you can just lay them down and not have to worry about them rolling into the wet sink. I had problems with my old brushes doing that. At $19.99 you would think they would feel hard and itchy or at the very least be shedding like crazy, but no, they are super soft and little to no shedding!

    The bag is great too. I have a set of travel brushes that I take with me on trips so if I accidently leave them behind I won’t mind. So when I went to Chicago I packed the bag with some makeup and other essentials and dropped it into my purse. It’s the perfect size and the magnetic clasp worked great.

    I’m really happy with these brushes and I would definitely buy them again if I ever break down and take them on a trip and lose them like I normally do!

  3. When I peered into my bag of tricks from WHT I saw I had one of Sonia Kashuk’s powder brushes to test, well umm, I actually stopped breathing (momentarily) I let out a sigh, and I looked at Stef and smiled, and told her how much I liked the powder brush. Sonia has been one of those make-up artists that has truly made her mark in the industry. My sister was a make-up artist too and she used to talk about her line. I really needed this brush too. I had a huge void in this area for a while so I was thrilled. In my opinion, this is an incredible brush for how much it is. It is of great value! I think it’s gorgeous and feels great in your hand.. It’s not heavy and well balanced. It’s funny what you think of when you touch objects.. In this case, I was reminded of a childhood friend (Like a sister) who would love this brush. She had a noticeable habit of playing with her silky soft hair! She would twirl her long blonde hair between her fingers for hours. That hair became so soft to touch, she’d even run it past her cheek! Occasionally I’d ask Donna if I could feel it too! Well, that is how soft this brush is. There is something about natural hair brushes. Synthetic anything is something we should all avoid! I also like the quality her natural hair brushes. It is a superb finishing tool. I did a side-by-side comparison of make up and ended with her brush on one side of my face. It was obviously a better finish with this brush. The dusting was perfect. I used a different brush that I’ve had around for a while and it left way too much powder on- no matter how lightly I stroked my face. I love to do side by side experiments I also took her advice because I want this brush to last a long time. I washed it at night with a mild soap and water rinsed it really well, and left it to dry flat over night and it was ready in the morning for reuse! Nice and silky soft!! .. So happy to find a product that really deliver!

  4. I received the Hydating Lip Balm in Peach Passion 01. It looks pretty orange in the tube so I was a little nervous. However this shade is BEA-utiful when I put it on my lips. Just the perfect amont of color and shimmer. I’m not so sure how it will look on my skin when I turn winter white but for the summer I am loving it. The downside to this product is the goop that comes out of it prior to application. I thought it was just from shipping at first but many applications and a number of weeks later I still have the same issue. So I give it4 stars, not 5. Less because I’m thinking the extra goop has something to do with the sheerness and perfect amount of sparkle. I am also the proud owner of a brush set that I got on clearance last Christmas. My brushes also have the look of metal but they are brushed with gold instead of silver. They are shaped for your fingers to hold in anyway that works for you. This I find to be genious because not everyone holds pencils the same way – why on earth would a make-up brush be any different? Sonia has designed contoured brushes for those of us who never can seem to get the right hold and make those perfect swoops that other can. Her brushes get 5 stars from me. If you need anymore convincing that you must own something fromthis line……HELLO…..TARGET budget consious gals unite!

  5. I was the happy recipient of the Sonia Kashuk for Target Crease Brush and as mentioned, I was really impressed with the quality of this essential brush. Unfortunately, when Giles was a kitten he liked to climb up on my vanity and chew on my brushes and lip glosses (just look at the sweet cat in my avatar – can you believe he would be so naughty?!). Anyway, I have needed to replace my crease brush (which was stolen in the night by Giles never to be found) but have been waiting until I had some spare cash. Considering how many times I’ve been down the Sonia aisle, I’m not sure why I never tried the brushes. I guess I was still holding out on the idea that brushes were an item you had to spend lots of money upon! Not true – it’s a 4 star product in quality alone – super soft bristles, synthetic, (important to me, the veggie) with no shedding that goes right into the crook of your eye crease for smudging and blending of color. I also like the deco inspired angles that also have flat edges so, again, brushes don’t roll away from you. I am going to go ahead and give this brush 5 stars, because of the spectacular price. $10 bucks for brush of this quality is a deal.

  6. I have her blending sponge which I absolutely LOVE! It’s $10 and very similar to the popular Beautyblender sponge. I’m a huge fan of Target too Tyna. I know a week doesn’t go by that I don’t stop in for something. It’s one of my favorite place to shop even if I have no idea what I’m shopping for. I sometimes just go to get out of the house…mine is about 5 minutes away which is pretty dangerous!

  7. I have a vast array of Sonia Kashuk wares in my formidable makeup stash. Being the shameless blush addict that I am, I adore her cream blushes. I worship her sheer lip colors with plumping glosses. Her eye shadows are so finely milled, they could make a grown woman weep (to the people at Target last Tuesday, yes that was me, and I apologize for making it weird). One of my favorite items from her is a mineral kit that is a tower that contains powdered foundation, blush, and cream concealer in the lid and has a permanent place in my travel bag. Her hairbrush is a fairly close match to the crazy-expensive-yet-still-coveted Mason Pearson brush. Her cosmetic brushes are TO DIE FOR (they are such a ridiculously high quality for the price and they make a fantastic gift because they are always packaged so beautifully, like the current coral set which I MUST OWN). The line’s cosmetic bags have the best patterns and again, make great gifts, but the larger ones are really well thought out with compartments and such (I own one that not only has pockets for brushes and pencils in the top of the case, but a protective flap to keep makeup from transferring and two small clear, plastic zippered pouches that velcro into the larger bag, so when I travel, I can put things I need while I’m out into one of the mini bags and just pop it in my purse). I don’t think I’ve ever been inside a Target and haven’t made a beeline for Sonia Kashuk :)

  8. OOooo I must try her cream blushes Krista ! And those brushes are adorable! Time to head to Target!!!!

  9. Delayed reaction time! I tried and love my Eye Shadow Duo – Secret Admirer The perfect purple duo. This color duo stands alone and blends perfectly for a lovely pink middle ground! The lighter lilac offers a hint of color, while the deep purple emphasizes the eye contour as a perfect compliment.

    A well worth while duo for 6.99!! The amount is generous, the packaging is classy and the colors are long wearing.

    I have been in the dark while at Target, totally missing the gem of Sonia Kashuk! Never again! I am now a devotee!

    Her brushes are my next purchase!! & I’m going to get them tomorrow!!! :)

  10. Just a heads up for everyone—all the Targets in my area clearanced the coral brush set, the chubby, single coral brush, the highlighting powder that goes with it, and the giant coral makeup bag. I think everything was under $7. Get thee to Target!

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