Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Real Techniques Brushes First Impressions

I'm going to do a post about my first impressions of the Real Techniques Core Collection. This is a bit different to a review, more like my first opinions of the brushes. 

Also, sorry I haven't posted in a while but I just finished my last exam today, so I am ecstatic and I have finally finished Latin after four years of intensity, that devil is now off my back, woo!

Anyway, just in case you were wondering a good place to get these brushes for Aussies or any other country that doesn't directly stock them, as the Priceline ones are super overpriced, I bought mine from iherb.com and they have pretty decent shipping for an America based company so if you want $10 off a first purchase of $40 or more or $5 off the first purchase less than $40, you can use this referral code at the checkout: GCW357

This Core Collection comes with a Buffering Brush, Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush and Detailer Brush. It also comes with a standup case which to honest, I don't understand haha. 

The brushes are made of Taklon bristles that are synthetic so if you like vegan brushes they're great. Also because of the bristles, they actually create a really flawless finish, perfect with cream products but also awesome with powder products. 

The handles are also super pretty however I kind of expected them to have a nicer or glossier finish. I just find the material is a little 'industrial' between the fingers, it looks luxurious but it doesn't feel super luxurious. But still, I think the handle is great! I'm not trying to take a huge stab at the handle here but just point a tinsy little disadvantage of the brush. 



Buffering Brush

This is my favourite out of the whole kit and mainly the reason why I bought it. I love this for a foundation. It is very similar to the Sigmax brushes but in my opinion it's better. I remember everyone was always fussing about the denser the better but too dense is not good either. For example the F82 Round Top Kabuki from Sigma is extremely dense and it makes it really hard to work with. However, this Buffering Brush is a great amount of density that makes the brush really easy to work with and quick while also creating a flawless finish.

I also love the shape. It's a perfect combination between the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki and F82 Round Top Kabuki and I think that's what makes it so great. I liked the round shape of the F82 but it seemed quite small. I liked the size of the F80 but that flat shape wasn't ideal.
Density comparison with F80, Sigma left, Real Techniques right
Shape comparison with F80
 Contour Brush
This brush is actually for contouring and I think it's great if you want a more defined contour but I personally prefer a subtle contour if any so I actually quite like using this for blush or highlighter. If you want a more specific brush colour it's great or just basic highlighting. It's a nice size to also kind of sweep maybe any fallout and could possibly also be used for foundation if you prefer a smaller brush. 

Pointed Foundation Brush & Detailer Brush
These brushes are really similar to each other but just different sizes.
The Pointed Foundation Brush is the larger one. This one is also smaller than usual paddle foundation brushes but, like the Sigma Foundation brush, it's just scratchy and I really dislike that. The paddle foundation brush that I use is the Sephora 110 Foundation brush that is amazing and isn't scratchy at all. However, I do sometimes use this Pointed Foundation brush for cream highlighter although I personally don't find much use for it.
The Detailer Brush is a much smaller version of the Pointed Foundation Brush but I find it way less scratchy, however that may be just because of it's size. I like this brush for things that need precise application such as eyeliner or bold lip colours. Some recommend it for concealer but I personally feel its not that great for it.

Overall, I do love these brushes and I am pleasantly pleased with my first ever Real Techniques brushes. However, if they were to sell the Buffering Brush individually, I would only buy that but as they don't, it is still worth it to buy the whole Core Collection even if you just want the Buffering Brush. It is still great value for such a good quality brush!

I hope you enjoyed this First Impressions post and tell me what you think down below!
Have you tried any of the Real Techniques brushes? If so, which ones do you enjoy? Otherwise, which ones do you have your eye on?

Disclaimer: I was not sent these products nor am I sponsored for this. I bought this with my own money. 

2 comments:

  1. awesome post! I really want to try these out! I'm also from melbourne! :) xx
    http://pastel-pink-lace.blogspot.com.au/

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  2. i love this set too! :) the buffing brush is one of my favs <3

    vickyhoang.blogspot.com

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