Review: Real Techniques Brushes

REAL TECHNIQUES

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Expert Face Brush & Powder Brush

Hello Internet!

On this lovely Saturday morning, the sun is shining, there's not a cloud in the sky, and I'm still in bed, wanting to make up for a lack of posting since I started this blog.

The Real-Techniques brushes by Samantha Chapman (one half of Pixiwoo on Youtube) are raved about by everyone and anyone who have tried them, and my opinion is no different. Though I don't have much to compare them to (cheap H&M make-up brushes and an M&S set), on first view, the brush looks professional, and the bristles look thick and full, which is definitely enough to make me take it off the shelf and have a look!

When I opened the packaging on both of these, the first thing I noticed was the softness of the bristles (it was just difficult not to touch them!). However because they are used for different purposes, I will go into detail about each.

POWDER BRUSH 1401

As you can see from the first picture in this post, the size of this brush is considerably larger. For me, this is great for the amount of product it picks up and spreads evenly over my foundation. It doesn't make powder look cakey and thick, like if you were to use a more dense brush, but leaves a micro-thin layer, producing a much more natural look. 

I use this brush to apply setting powder, however it can also be used for a sweep of bronzer all over the face, and for a light mineral foundation (if you're not looking to build up coverage). 

The bristles are synthetic, though I'm not sure what the difference would be between real-hair bristles and these. They definitely don't feel like real hair at the base, but the end of the brush feels nice to the touch, and not itchy like my H&M 'budget brush'. 

I've used this brush with 3 different powders so far, and as long as they are the right shade (I bought a powder in a hurry... don't out to be a bit orange!), it produces great results and is easy to work with.

EXPERT FACE BRUSH

 In comparison to the powder brush, the bristles on the expert face brush are much more firm, and densely compact. This makes it good for applying any liquid based foundation or BB cream, because it is able to pick up a substantial amount of product, but then blend it out well with the tapered edges. 

The size of the brush is much smaller than the powder brush, which allows the user to focus on areas, and apply in all the nooks and crannies on their faces (or at least that's how it works for me!).

When applying foundation though, one thing i found was that you have to work with the brush, then it will blend seamlessly. I used to not spend a lot of time blending my foundation, haphazardly using my fingers, thinking a brush would hold too much bacteria, and just make my pores clogged. When i first tried this brush, foundation was still 'streaked' across my skin, (clearly not applied properly), but it definitely produces better results with a bit more time spent. 

Overall, both of these brushes provide quality and value for money. They fulfill their purposes, and have improved my understanding of how to apply foundation minus the use of fingers. 

I read some reviews on these brushes before I bought both of them, and I saw one comment about the bristles falling out after washing them, however this hasn't happened with me, and I've washing them both plenty of times. To wash them I use a facial cleansing soap bar, and basically scrub all the dirt out of them! I could be a bit more gentle to them, but I like knowing that I've tried my best to get them as clean as I can, and it definitely hasn't changed the quality of the bristles from when I first opened the box. As for drying time, I usually thoroughly ring them out before leaving them, and then they'll take about a day. I also leave them next to the window so they've got a bit of a breeze (don't know whether that helps or not).

 I know we've only just got into November, but they would be great as a Christmas gift for a girl just getting into make up or someone looking for good quality brushes to expand their collection!

Another added bonus, they stand up on my dresser, great for displaying them in all their glory!

Prices at Amazon

Real Techniques Powder Brush £10.99

At the moment on Amazon they are £8.66, which is a great bargain  then you could go on to use Super Saver Delivery if you went and bought another brush and spent over £10!

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99

On Amazon at the moment at £6.66, so another bargain there!

Prices at Boots

Real Techniques Powder Brush £12.99

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99

However Boots sometimes have Buy One Get One Half Price deals which apply to these brushes. It's all about getting the good bargain at the right time and doing your research!