I’ve been thinking about getting some new makeup brushes. Recently, I’ve been wearing eye makeup a lot more; after my lashes fell out last year and I haven’t bought any new eye makeup or brushes in a long time. Obviously, the last thing I wanted to do when I couldn’t wear makeup was buy a pretty new palette. I mentioned to a friend that I was getting some new brushes and she suggested this set from eBay. Not exactly what I originally had in mind, but they were only £14.69, so I thought why not. When I ordered them, I noticed they looked similar to Zoeva brushes, but it wasn’t until they arrived, I realised they were complete copies. In all honesty, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have bought them. But they’re here, so I’m testing Zoeva dupes to see how they perform.
Zoeva Dupe or Zoeva Copy?
I’d class these as a copy. The brushes even have the same names as their Zoeva counterparts, just a different brand stamped on them. I’ve been through the Zoeva website and I can’t find the exact set this one is trying to replicate, the closest I found was the Complete Eye Set. That set contains 12 brushes, 10 of which are in my copycat set.
Testing Zoeva Dupes
The set I purchased contains 15 brushes and I have the Zoeva original of 11 of those 15. So, I thought to do a true test, I’d do one eye with my Zoeva brushes and the other with the ‘dupes’ and see how they compare. And I’ve added a quick note about how they feel comparatively before I try them on my eyes.
Before we get into my makeup, I took photos of each brush beside the Zoeva equivalent for the sake of comparison. Most of them do look very similar, especially factoring in that some of my Zoevas have been washed over 300 times (I’ve had my rose gold set nearly 5 years…).
Side By Side
Luxe Crease – As you can see, I have two of the Zoeva versions of this brush. And the ‘dupe’ is the one I’m least excited about. It feels quite limp in comparison and isn’t as full and fluffy.
Wing Liner – The bristles feel quite similar, but the dupe version is a little bit wider. I guess it’s personal preference whether that’s an issue.
Concealer Buffer – I’ve always hated the Zoeva version of this brush, it’s hard and feels like you’re stabbing your undereye. The dupe isn’t the same at all- it’s quite fluffy, while still densely packed. I think I might end up preferring the dupe version of this brush.
Smudger – Another one that I don’t like from the Zoeva set, it’s a bit too hard for my liking. The two versions look almost identical, but the dupe is a bit softer.
Luxe Soft Definer – They look exactly the same, but the Zoeva one feels a bit softer.
Luxe Smoky Shader – There’s a big quality difference with this one. The dupe version feels the same, but some of the bristles are uneven in length and look a little jagged.
Luxe Pencil – Mine looks a little beaten up over the years, but the Zoeva version is firmer and more tapered. How that works for you will depend on what you want to use the brush for, but the Zoeva one feels like it will offer more precision.
Luxe Soft Crease – I’ve mentioned this brush before, it’s one of my favourites. I can really see a difference in these two, maybe because I love the original so much, but the dupe has slightly longer bristles, isn’t quite as fluffy and...well…soft. It still feels soft, but nowhere near as soft as the OG.
Luxe Petit Crease – This brush is a little bit fatter and less tapered than the Zoeva version, but they feel very similar.
Detail Shader – They look very similar, but the dupe is a lot softer.
Brow Line – I’ve never used this brush, I normally use a brow pencil so don’t have any need for it, but they look almost identical. The Zoeva version is ever so slightly softer.
Prediction: judging by how they feel to the touch, I think the brushes are going to perform well, but the blending brushes don’t feel as soft, so it might take more work to blend. The smaller brushes, like the luxe pencil, I don’t think I’ll see many differences.
Testing Zoeva Dupes On My Eyes
I decided to use my Too Faced Natural Matte palette because that’s my go-to for simple everyday looks. Obviously, I won’t get to test all the brushes with a simple matte look, but I’ll try to use as many as I can.
Before I started, I used the cream shader to place some cream pigment on my lid as a primer. It applied well and went on smoothly.
To begin my eye look, I started with ‘cleavage’ through my crease using the luxe soft crease. Then applied a mix of heaven and nude goals on my lid with the luxe soft definer. Added less is more and cleavage to my outer corner with the luxe petite crease. Then took the luxe crease through my crease and outer corner to soften edges. Smudged the same shades I used on my outer corner using the luxe pencil.
After taking the photo, I tested the detail liner. I don’t have the Zoeva version of that brush, so I can’t compare, but it was really good for a precise tight line.
Overall
As I hope you can see (I’m way better at taking photos of meatballs than eyeballs), the end looks were almost identical. The main difference is that it took a couple more dips in my palette to get the same level of pigment from the dupes. It did take a little more effort to blend out with the crease brushes, but nothing major.
Zoeva eyeshadow brushes range from £9-11, so logically speaking, I only need to like two of these brushes for it to be a cost effective exercise. I can definitely see myself using more than two of these again in the future. Quality wise, I do think the Zoeva ones are better; the handles are weighted better and feel sturdier. As I said, some of these brushes are nearly five years old, and I don’t think that the others would promise the same longevity. Having said that, the brushes overall do perform well. If you were looking for brushes and can’t afford the Zoeva ones or needed a backup set, these ones will definitely do the job.
Have you tried any brushes from this brand? Were you shocked by the results here?
Until next time,
Sophie
Zoeva brushes are my absolute favourite – and I’ve repurchased the 317 for eyebrows and eyeliner so many times, because it’s the perfect thickness to get a super precise line! Dupes are always great, especially if they save you money, but the fact these are called the same thing makes me agree that these are more copies than dupes.. ♀️
Great review! I can’t afford a full set of Zoeva brushes right now, but these look like a really cost effective substitute.
Great review! Thanks for sharing!
Carina | https://carinazz.blogspot.com/
The Zoeva brushes sound like they’re great quality! They still look in great condition five years later x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
They really are! They’ve held up so well, especially as I use some of them most days. Would always recommend them! x
This was really interesting to read. I’m always a firm believer that originals are usually better than dupes, but if you’re on a budget these seem like a really good alternative. Also, you look beautiful! 🙂
Totally agree, I don’t think these ones match up to the originals but they are a pretty good alternative considering the price. Thank you so much!
I’m surprised at how the makeup on both eyes looks so similar. I was expecting a totally different result!
I had no idea there were so many brushes. Are they all vegan and plastic free? Have a great week.
I always find it really interesting how dupes compare, but, like you, I’m a little dubious of straight up copies. These Ebay versions sound like incredible value for money though and like they’re pretty good at doing the job!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
I’ve never heard of this brand before but honestly for the price it looks amazing, and sometimes cheaper brushes can do amazing things, I’ve got some cheaper brushes and sometimes they’re my go to rather than my expensive ones!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
You know, I’ve never even considered that make-up brand brushes get copied before! I wonder if there is an issue legally with this or not? But, anyway — it seems like these were not so bad to have got. Thank goodness these weren’t awful and a waste of money!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing! I love their brushes, I’ve been meaning to buy some ever since January.
Lindifique
I always love reading about brush dupes. Sometimes, you get the same good quality for so much less. I love the look of the dupe. The shapes look pretty identical. Even though there were some hits and misses, it was still good overall. Glad it worked out at the end! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Great review, I didn’t think I could be interested in investing in Zoeeva Brushes but may be I should.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, I’ve actually never tried zoeva brushes even though I’ve heard so many things about them. It’s good to know that they are better quality than the dupes. I think it’s great these were such a bargain and do work, I’m always a little worried if I buy dupes incase it’s a load of rubbish.
Jordanne || thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
I have 0 clue about makeup brushes so this review was really handy to read! I do like the sound of the Zoeva brushes so would probably go with them!
This is a great review of these makeup brushes, I love a good makeup brush, especially when it’s brand new, I don’t like to use them at first as their so new and I don’t want to ruin them! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I love that you’ve compared them next to each other, both the zoeva brushes and the dupe look gorgeous but I did think that the zoeva brushes would be better quality x
Kayleigh Zara http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
This is such a thorough dupe comparison – Thanks Sophie! I don’t own Zoeva brushes but I’m always curious about how the quality actually compares, so it’s good to know. I find it very interesting how you said that some of the dupe brushes were softer, as I find that a lot of my cheapest brushes are my softest ones!
Jas xx
Love this honest review! Brushes are something I thought were redundant with make-up until recently. Since I am quite new to the make-up world, this piece gave me some ideas for what to look for in a good brush. 🙂
I haven’t tried this brand but I just this week switched from the Bare Minerals brushes to some Real Techniques ones and I wish I’d done it sooner! Great results at a fraction of the cost. It really does pay to gamble every now and then!
I would’ve never considered buying brushes from eBay I’m quite skeptical about how they’d turn out! These seemed to be fairly decent for the price! I’ve never tried Zoeva brushes either so might consider those when I buy some new brushes!
Zoeva brushes are my absolute go too apart from a couple of real technique ones, for example I prefer RT concealer brush as it’s exactly the same but softer, I am glad to see this try out though as they are pretty costly.
Thank you for sharing
I love dupe posts! They all sound like amazing brushes, I would probably try some from one brand then dupes of them too.
Mel
http://www.moonlightmel.co.uk
The Zoeva brushes look lush but my skill level doesn’t warrant so many brushes- I am definitely out of sorts with that much choice. That said, with the results you garnered, while the dupes perform quite well, I would be inclined to lean towards the Zoeva brushes.
Such a great review, thanks for sharing hun!
xx- Nina
I love the detail comparison you did Sophie. I have never tried Zoeva brushes. I always go for the Real Techniques ones as they less pricy and great quality. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Such a helpful review! Tbh, I kind of knew the dupes were going to be satisfying. As usual! My brushes are affordable and so soft! Loved this.
I have not tried these brushes. I truly like the review. I need to look into getting a brush to smooth my eyebrows.
I love dupe reviews! I’m all about saving money if I can get the same or very close to the same quality. I’m pretty basic when it comes to makeup and I’m guilty of keeping the same brushes for longer than I should. I will def check these out as I have not used them before! Thanks girl!
Ooo thank you for this review! I’ll have to check out this dupe!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
Such a great review of these brushes 🙂 xx
Love that you compared them all for us, I always enjoy your detailed beauty reviews 🙂 Sometimes it’s definitely worth paying more for better quality xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Shows how much I know about beauty, I’ve never heard of this brand before at all! But this was a great comparison post. And I love the look you created! x
They sound great – I need to try more from Zoeva x
I love Zoeva brushes, so interesting to see the differences between the two x