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February 17, 2014

Real Techniques Core Collection: Review

There was a time where you would browse forums or Facebook groups and everyone was talking about the Real Techniques brushes and how to get their hands on a set in Canada. It seemed like the only store that carried them were constantly sold out. I wanted to know what the fuss was about, but didn't have the patience to stalk the stocking people at the store. Needless to say, when I was given the opportunity to try these brushes, I jumped on it and I'm quite happy that I did!



Starting with some basics, you can purchase these brushes at Walmart (if you're lucky enough to find them in stock) or on Farleyco.ca, the official Canadian distributor for Real Techniques.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman... wait, who? For those who don't know, Samantha Chapman, along with her sister Nic, are best known as YouTube beauty gurus Pixiwoo. Well that explains part of the reason why everyone wanted these brushes!

All of their brushes are made with taklon bristles, which is a synthetic fiber, and therefore 100% cruelty free. Not only are these brushes amazingly soft, but you can feel good about using them too.


Aside from each collection being colour coded (gold for "flawless face" , purple for "enhanced eyes" and pink for "perfect finish"), each brush features the brush name on the handle. This is great for beginners. However, just because the brush's name says one thing, doesn't mean it wont be good for something else. Let's face it, most of the time, we just use a brush that does the trick, regardless of what it's actual purpose is.

This kit, the Core Collection comes with 4 brushes to help you create the perfect canvas for your masterpiece. It also comes with a nifty travel case. It retails for $23.99 on Farleyco.ca

Contour Brush

 

 delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish

I have fallen in love with this brush. This is perfect for cream highlighters. It gives you that perfect diffused, natural glow. The brush is also amazing for contouring with a matte bronzer (and bronzer application in general).  It grabs the perfect amount of product and because of it's size and shape, you have great control over application while still being able to blend.

Pointed Foundation Brush


Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage

I was a little surprised at how much of a disappointment this brush was. It's smaller and seems a little thinner than a regular foundation brush. Application took a little long and I had to buff my foundation with the Buffing Brush in order to get a streak-free look. Instead of foundation, use this brush for concealer under the eyes and around your nose. The pointed tip gets in those hard to reach places easily. For best results, I had to pat the concealer instead of brushing it.

Detailer Brush


Precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition

Since I really only use concealer under the eyes, this brush was not good. It's too small to get the job done (takes too long to apply then try to blend, which didn't do a good job at). However it is pretty good at the smaller areas that need to be covered, such as a small blemish or scar. In this brush's case, if the problem is bigger than the brush itself, it wont be good. The size and texture is excellent for a lip brush! So at least this isn't a total dud.

Buffing Brush


Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation

WOW. Where has this brush been my whole life? I love my Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation, however I can't use a regular foundation brush and I've noticed that if I use the provided sponge, it looks caked on and actually dries my skin to the point of slight itching (nothing has ever done that before!). I started using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush and I get amazing application, it doesn't look or feel cakey, doesn't dry out my skin and it looks flawless and natural. This brush alone is worth the $23.99 price tag of this collection. 

Panoramic Brush Case

  a 2-in-1 case + stand

This case is made of what feels like cardboard, some padding and canvas. It has a spine, folds in half and is held closed with a velcro. The elastics on the inside that hold your brushes in place are very snug. There are 6 spots and possibly a 7th along the spine if you have a really small & short brush. Realistically, the 5th +6th spots on the opposite side seem to be for big brushes and you can't really close the case well. If you put in a slightly smaller brush, the bristles may get squished from the other brushes. The case also features a drawstring at the spine that converts it into a stand. This is a pretty cool concept, however I find the drawstring annoying. If you have the case closed, you either have the cord hanging out a bit, or the fastener inside damaging your bristles. Overall, for someone who doesn't have anywhere to store their brushes, this isn't bad. I don't like that it doesn't have a zip to fully close it and if you purchased all 3 Real Technique collections, you'd have to carry 3 cases (inconvenient).


Verdict
This is a great set of brushes for beginners and intermediate users alike. I'm not too familiar with "pro" brushes, but I'd say pros would even like this set. The price is very good (less than $10 per brush!) and very good quality. Whether you're looking to buy your daughter/niece/best friend their first set of brushes or looking to update your personal brush collection, I would highly recommend Real Techniques. Again, purchase online so that you don't have the hassle of trying to find a Walmart that has the brushes you want in stock, Farleyco.ca


 *Hugz*

-Sam

*Products received for review 

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