Man, I am such a sucker for brushes. I have a lot (more than 50), which makes sense since I'm kinda-sorta in the makeup industry; but ever since I started doing makeup gigs, I've always wanted to build a brush set that was just for me. There's nothing wrong with using brushes that I've used on clients (provided I wash it, of course), but I wanted to have brushes that were strictly for personal use.
Brushes can get pretty expensive, but I've been very lucky in that I've been able to find great quality brushes for a reasonable price (IMATS is a great way to stock up). There are also some fantastic drugstore brands that have amazing brushes and Real Techniques is one of them.
Real Techniques has been available in London Drugs stores in Canada for some time now, but it was always sold out. Finally, I was able to get my hands on 2 brush sets: the Core collection and the Starter Set. Each set sold for approximately $20 each; which, at 4 brushes per set, works out to around $5 a brush.
Real Techniques brushes are all made with super soft, synthetic taklon bristles, which make them 100% cruelty free. The set comes in a travel case which also functions as a stand -- so convenient!
THE CORE COLLECTION
L-R: Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush, Buffing Brush
Contour Brush: I've used this both as a contour and blush brush -- it works wonderfully either way. As a contour brush, I find that this shape works best for my face. I've used angled brushes before, but I found they were too large. This brush is rounded and tapered, which I prefer.
Pointed Foundation Brush: When I do my foundation, I like to do it fast. Unfortunately, this brush doesn't really let me do that because it's quite small. Still, it does the job; just not fast enough for my liking.
Detailer Brush: I've used this for lipstick and it does the job well. My problem with all the lip brushes I own is that they tend to separate during use, which makes it hard to make precise lines. This one also does, but not as much as the others that I own.
Buffing Brush: I love this brush! The bristles are densely packed, which makes it perfect for powder foundations. I've been neglecting the use of the powder foundations I used to use, but this brush actually made me want to use them again. Plus, it's soooo soft and feels amazing on the skin.
THE STARTER SET
L-R: Deluxe Crease Brush, Base Shadow Brush, Accent Brush,
Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush, Brow Brush
Deluxe Crease Brush: This brush is definitely much too big for my non-existent crease, so I use it to buff in concealer (which is how the ladies of Pixiwoo like to use this brush). It feels soooo soft, even on the delicate eye area! Basically, this brush is like the Expert Face Brush in smaller form -- it buffs in base products beautifully for a flawless look. Love!
Base Shadow Brush: I was pleasantly surprised by this brush. Because the bristles are dense, it packs on eyeshadow so well. Base eyeshadow brushes are pretty standard -- they're almost all the same. But this one really impressed me because it picked up SO much of a particular eyeshadow that I normally have trouble getting enough of on the brush.
Accent Brush: I love small brushes like these -- it's so perfect for the lower lash line area. And because it's so soft, it doesn't irritate my skin at all.
Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush: For eyeliner, I normally tend to gravitate towards angled brushes. However, I do have an old Sigma that I still use. At first, I wasn't all that impressed with this brush because it separated as I used it. But then I realized that if I coat it with cream/gel eyeliner by placing the product on the back of my hand and rolling the brush into the product, the bristles don't separate at all. I still love my angles brushes and still do prefer them, but this eyeliner brush also does a great job.
Brow Brush: Dense, stiff, perfect! I love it!
I'm so glad I was able to find a great set of brushes that I can now use on a daily basis. No more worrying about not having any brushes to use when I've got makeup gigs! :p
Real Techniques' biggest draw is the great quality and the inexpensiveness -- who doesn't like either? These babies were definitely worth the wait!
Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush: For eyeliner, I normally tend to gravitate towards angled brushes. However, I do have an old Sigma that I still use. At first, I wasn't all that impressed with this brush because it separated as I used it. But then I realized that if I coat it with cream/gel eyeliner by placing the product on the back of my hand and rolling the brush into the product, the bristles don't separate at all. I still love my angles brushes and still do prefer them, but this eyeliner brush also does a great job.
Brow Brush: Dense, stiff, perfect! I love it!
I'm so glad I was able to find a great set of brushes that I can now use on a daily basis. No more worrying about not having any brushes to use when I've got makeup gigs! :p
Real Techniques' biggest draw is the great quality and the inexpensiveness -- who doesn't like either? These babies were definitely worth the wait!
What's your favourite makeup brush?
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