Sigma Beauty Review: Are Sigma Makeup Brushes Worth It?

Short Sigma Beauty review answer: yes, for most people Sigma makeup brushes are worth it: single brushes cost about $18 to $40, every brush uses synthetic fibers, and the brand says its whole range, brushes included, is 100% cruelty-free. The best place to start is the F80 Flat Kabuki ($38) for foundation plus two or three eye brushes, or a set if you are building a kit from zero. Sigma also sells brush-cleaning tools, eyeshadow palettes and some makeup, but brushes are the core of the brand.

What makes Sigma brushes different

Sigma names every brush with a letter and a number, which makes it easy to rebuy or compare: the F80 is a flat kabuki for foundation, the E25 is a blending brush for eyeshadow, and so on. According to Sigma’s product pages, its brushes share three design points:

• Fibers: exclusive synthetic, antimicrobial fibers made to hold, apply and blend product.
• Ferrules: corrosion-resistant SigmaAlloy ferrules with a patented interlocking design.
• Handles: solid, waterproof polymer handles.

The F80 Flat Kabuki, Sigma’s best-selling foundation brush, won an Allure Best of Beauty award in 2016.

Sigma Beauty best sellers and prices

Product	What it does	Price
F80 Flat Kabuki	Liquid and cream foundation, medium to full coverage	$38
E25 Blending	Apply and combine eyeshadow shades	$24
E40 Tapered Blending	Soften and blend harsh lines	$26
Most-Wanted Brush Set	5 best sellers: F80, F35, E40, E25, E30	$108
Essential Brush Set	12 face and eye brushes	$221
Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat	Silicone mat with 7 textures for washing brushes	$38
14-shade eyeshadow palettes	Cool Neutrals, Cor-De-Rosa, New Mod and more, with a dual-ended brush	$65

Prices from sigmabeauty.com on the day we checked. For the full face-brush lineup, see our Sigma F80 review and our guide to eyeshadow brushes.

What to buy first at 3 budgets

• Around $40: the F80 Flat Kabuki alone, or the Essential Trio ($37: travel E25, E55 and F40 with a tin).
• Around $110: the Most-Wanted Brush Set ($108), which costs $36 less than buying its 5 brushes separately.
• Full kit: the 12-piece Essential Brush Set ($221), about $18 per brush. Compare every option in our Sigma brush sets guide.

Whatever you buy, budget for brush care: Sigma’s cleaning mats, gloves and Brushampoo cleanser are covered in our guide on how to clean makeup brushes.

Sigma Beauty review: pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Clear numbering system; synthetic fibers; cruelty-free (brand statement); sets save 25% or more vs singles; 60-day refund window	Pricier than drugstore brushes; return shipping is paid by the customer; some collab sets are excluded from discounts

Sigma Beauty returns and shipping

Returns made within 60 days of the order get a refund to the original payment method; from 60 to 90 days you get store credit or an exchange. The 3DHD Blender sponge has a shorter 14-day window, and the customer pays original and return shipping. US orders ship free from $65.

FAQ

Are Sigma brushes synthetic?

Yes. Sigma describes its brush fibers as exclusive synthetic, antimicrobial fibers.

Is Sigma Beauty cruelty-free?

Sigma states that all of its products, including brushes, blenders, brush care and makeup, are cruelty-free.

Which Sigma brush should I buy first?

The F80 Flat Kabuki for foundation, then the E25 and E40 for eyeshadow.

Bottom line

Our Sigma Beauty review verdict: Sigma is a strong mid-priced choice for makeup brushes: start with the F80 and a couple of eye brushes, or save with a set. Every current way to save is collected in our Sigma Beauty discount code guide.

Shop Sigma Beauty brushes →

Unbias Review may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.