[Review] Real Techniques Blush Brush

Say hello to another addition to my Real Techniques brushes, this time is the Blush Brush.

After I ditched the uber-scratchy MAC 129, I was in the hunt for a decent blush brush. Considering I was in Real Techniques hysteria back then (Still is, actually. My other brush has just arrived. Yeay!), I decided to order the blush brush from this line. At a glance, Real Techniques Blush Brush is not the usual blush brush you usually see in the market. I mean, when was the last time you see an egg-shaped blush brush? 

Yeah, as weird as it sounds, it literally is a fluffy egg-shaped blush brush, with long bristles and tapered side. Like every Real Techniques, the bristles is made of cruelty free taklon bristles. The bristles feels really really really soft. Did I mention that it feels really soft? My previous Real Techniques brushes are all dense so they aren’t really described as soft when touched my skin. Now with this blush brush, I can really feel how soft it is, especially with MAC 129 as my previous brush.

Now, soft bristles is not always handy for some brushes. The bristles of this brush is longer than usual blush brush so it sways easily and the fact that it’s really soft made me a little bit worry that the brush won’t be able to pick up and transfer enough pigments on my cheeks. However, I was worrying over nothing. All my blushes show up fine. The egg-shape might be something that needs to take a while to get the hang of. However, once you get used to it, this brush blends effortlessly. I usually use swirling motion to pack on more pigments. Or just the tapered side to tame more pigmented blushes. 

Note that, just because a brush is named after one task, does not mean it’s the only thing the brush could do. Other than blush, this fluffy brush is also handy for dusting powder when I don’t want a lot of powder on my skin (which is all the time). Sam claims this brush could also be used for contouring, which I disagree. Contouring requires high precision, however the brush is too wide and fluffy so it won’t apply product accurately. I’d rather go with my Real Techniques Contour Brush from the Core Collection for that (after all, it’s in the name). On the other hand, I also use this brush to apply my bronzer since you don’t have to be really precise when applying bronzer. The tip of the brush is perfect for creating the E3 shape. 

The brush comes with pink aluminum handle and I've explained about Real Techniques color code in my previous entry. I love that it's ergonomically comfortable and lightweight. 

In a nutshell, once again Real Techniques impressed me with their product. The brush retails for $8.99 and I paid IDR 120k plus shipping for this brush. The price makes this brush even more perfect, in my opinion. Sam just added three new brushes to the line, and they are Setting brush, Fine Line brush and Expert Face brush. My latest purchase is Expert Face brush and I so can't wait to try it. Check this page out for complete Real Techniques collection.

[Review] Real Techniques Core Collection

Here's another review of Real Techniques brushes. This time is the Core Collection. As you can see, all the brushes included in this collection has yellow handle means these brushes are meant for base products. Inside there are four brushes and you get Buffer brush, Pointed Foundation brush, Detailer brush and Contour brush. Different than the Stippling brush, which is sold as an individual brush, brushes in this collection don't have flat base to help these brushes to stand. But that's because this collection comes with a brush case where you can properly keep all the brushes.

Buffer Brush

According to Sam, this brush is ideal for powder and mineral foundation for full coverage finish. The name of the brush is self-explanatory, it's supposed to be used to buff powder on the face. Personally, this brush is my least favorite out of the collection. I think this brush is not dense enough to buff yet it's not fluffy enough to swirl powder on my face. When I try to buff this brush to blend my powder, it makes awkward motion on my skin that feels uncomfortable. Sam and Nic have been using this brush to apply their liquid foundation so I tried that too. Still, not sold. I rarely use this brush. In fact I only used this to try it and never used it anymore. I wish I could make this brush works because I don't want to waste it, so I'm open to suggestions.

Pointed Foundation Brush

When I first saw this foundation brush included in the collection, I knew this brush is not going to work as my foundation brush. It looks tiny. And yes, it's confirmed as tiny when I received it. The thing is, I'm not a very patient person when applying foundation, especially with traditional foundation brush. I used to like MAC 190 brush and I wished there was a bigger version of the brush. Pointed foundation brush in this collection is even smaller than MAC 190.

I've been using this brush mostly to apply my undereye concealer. As well as for cream blush. And to me, those are the two tasks that this brush really masters. Especially because I have a large undereye area that needs to be covered, plus I've been doing the 'triangle' technique with my concealer that works to conceal my undereye as well as highlighting the area on top on my cheeks. And this brush covers it in no time. The pointed tip makes drawing neat lines when creating the 'triangle' as well as reaching the inner part of my eyes much easier.

However, if you are thinking about purchasing Core Collection in the hope of getting a decent foundation brush, especially if this is going to be your first foundation brush, I'd suggest you to look for other foundation brush.

Detailer Brush

Honestly, I didn't expect anything from this brush when I ordered it. But now this brush has become on of my favorites. This is like a tiny and denser version of the pointed foundation brush in this collection. Just like the name, this brush works for all kinds of detail jobs. Obviously this brush is meant mostly for precise application of concealer but I prefer using this brush to smudge eyeshadow or eyeliner on my lower lashline. I also use it to line white liner all around my eyebrows and blends it. Sometimes I even use it to create a crisp 'outer V' for my eyeshadow application. This brush can also be used to blend lip liner or apply white liner all around you lips. But I decided to keep this brush for eye application only, because using it for eye and lips at the same time sounds like an unsanitary idea.

Contour Brush

Here's the brush that I'm excited the most. I've been looking for a tapered dome shaped brush for proper contouring and highlighting. And this brush does the job very well. This brush rules the cheek areas. I love how this brush has perfect density. It's sturdy enough for contouring yet feels soft when touches my skin. I use the tip to contour the area underneath my cheekbone. This brush is even perfect to create crisp line for heavy contour. I use the side of the brush for highlighting. Sometimes I use this to apply my powder blush as well although this is not really my favorite for that because I prefer fluffier brush for blush. But if you are all about multitasking brush, then this brush is good enough.

Panoramic Brush Case

The idea of including a brush case, in my opinion, is brilliant. It's convenient for proper storage while keeping the brushes together. The brush case even comes with extra space so you can also keep other brushes altogether in this case. By pulling the toggle, the case transforms into a brush stand that you can use to display the brushes. Since the rubber material that holds the brushes are pretty tight, I use it to holds my brushes upside down when drying them.

The brush case is sealed with velcro flaps so the brushes are securely stored which also makes it suitable for traveling.

Despite the hits and misses, this collection as a whole is enough to cover all basic makeup needs. When you're on the go, with this collection, at least you already have brushes for your foundation, powder, concealer and blush. You just need to add some eye brushes if you wear eyeshadows a lot. Again, Samantha Chapman is doing a great job with her brush collection!

If you are interested, Real Techniques Core Collection is available for $17.99

[Review] Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Guys, I have to share about this brush. It's too amazing, I can not keep it just for myself! So here it is, Real Techniques Stippling Brush. I received it on October, as you've probably seen in my haul entry, and this has been my only foundation brush since then.

I'm sure you're all already familiar with the brand. Real Techniques has been around long enough. It's a brand by Samantha Chapman, one of the two sisters who run Pixiwoo channel on Youtube. Back then, I was watching their videos with Sam and Nic using a bunch of colorful brushes and they kept mentioning the name, Real Techniques. I was interested and thinking about where can I get those brushes. Only to found out that it was Sam's own brush line. Sam and Nick are UK based make up artist but for US residents Real Techniques line is available in Ulta, which is where I ordered this brush (via online seller, of course). Real Techniques is a brand by Paris Presents Incorporated, a company that also produces Ecotools. So if you are familiar with Ecotools, you'll see that the two brands have the same quality as well as affordable price range. They also use eco-friendly materials to support the environment.

In general, Real Techniques brushes are divided into three sections, which are Base brushes, Eye brushes and Finishing brushes that are color coded into Gold for base, Blue for eyes and Purple for finishing. Stippling brush has a purple handle but for me it's more of an all over brush that can be used for base to finishing. I use this mostly for my foundation. On the handle, there's a brand written and, instead of number, the name of the brush. At the base is a flat black rubber so the brush can stand on a flat surface. Which I don't think is necessary but not a bad idea. One time I already pumped my foundation into the brush and realized I forgot to put my primer so I just let the brush stand on the table while I applied my primer. Yeah, just when you thought the flat base would be unnecessary.



The bristles are made out of cruelty-free taklon bristles which I much prefer for foundation brush rather than natural bristles. It's densely packed, the way flat top brush usually is and it has a perfect length so it doesn't tilt when stippled on my face and applied products exactly where I wanted it to be. The solid pixelated tip also delivers more even finish. The diameter is not as huge as, say MAC 187, but it still applies foundation in no time. Thanks to the dense bristles that helps 'push' products around. Below is a picture comparison of Real Techniques stippling brush to other stippling brush (MAC 187 SE). As you can see, MAC's bristles are way longer than Real Techniques' that way, it easily tilts on application (unless you bounce it really really lightly on your face, but I don't do that especially when I'm in a hurry) so products tend to get everywhere outside the area I was meant to cover.

Click for larger image

I use this brush mostly for foundation, cream and liquid. Since it's dense enough, I can wear this to apply even a watery foundation. I use this with swirling motion and if the finishing looks streaky, I can just stipple this brush and the foundations will look smooth. Sam claims that this brush can also be used for powder application, whether it's foundation or blush. Thank God for the tiny diameter, I can use this to apply cream blush without the final result covering my whole apple cheeks and a bit outside that area. Multi-purpose indeed!

After months of applications I don't experience any shedding while using this brush. And the shape stays the same after washing it time after time. I know MAC also made one brush like this. I've been looking for MAC 130 myself. But it's a limited edition and, not to mention, pricey. Now that I have Real Techniques stippling brush, I'm just gonna stick with this one.

So far I couldn't think of any flaw from this brush. Like any other brands, of course there are hits and miss products. And I think this brush deserve to be a hit from Real Techniques. If you're interested, Real Techniques Stippling Brush is available for $9.99 at Ulta but I don't remember hom much I purchased it in IDR. Different online stores might give you different price, but it still falls in affordable category.

[Review] My HG Foundation Brush

Happy Sunday, everyone! How’s your Sunday doing? It’s a lazy Sunday for me. I have to wake up early for six days a week, Sunday is my only sweet escape. Nothing beats snuggling up under my bed cover and sleep until noon. Anyhow, I didn’t sleep till noon. I slept at eleven last night and woke up at nine this morning. Now that’s one long beauty sleep.

Okay, sorry for rambling on and on. Let’s just continue to my review.

Have you found your foundation brush yet? I mean like, your HG one? I tried a stippling brush before. And I’m not a fan. It was okay, but not great. I think the pixelated bristles that suppose to give that ‘airbrushed’ look make foundation application feels never ending. When I do my make up using the stippling brush, I’m always the last one who gets out of the house along with mom’s voice yelling at me to hurry up! Plus, I don’t see any airbrushed look whatsoever.

As for paddle brush, still not a fan. Back when I had only stippling brush and paddle brush, I always reached for paddle brush. It’s denser than stippling brush so at least I could apply my foundation faster. But it makes my foundation kinda streaky. So I have to, either make short strokes or, go back to back to the part I’ve applied my foundation on, and fix it.

The first time I laid my eyes on Stila Double Duty Cheek and Contour Brush, in my heart I KNEW that this will be a great match for my foundation. It was like…. Magic (yes, I’m quoting Sleepless in Seattle, in case you’re wondering. I’ve watched the movie for like a gazillion times). I mean, look at the dense bristles, I bet that’ll help spread my foundation in no time.

You’re probably wondering about the name. But you know what Shakespeare said, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose; By any other name would smell as sweet." According to Sephora, “A corner edge applies color precisely beneath the cheekbone for a contoured cheek look. The flat circular top of the brush puts cheek color down on top of the cheekbone in one sweep.”

After contemplating for some times, I finally decided to purchase this brush at Sephora Hong Kong. And no regret! As I thought, I love how dense the bristles are. The brush helps transfer my foundation on my face with just the tiniest amount of it. When I use this brush, I love to pat the foundation in a quick motion, instead of swirling it, to give me that full coverage. The bristles of the brush are at the perfect length. They don’t bent on your skin and gives you more control. The bristles do shed a little the first time I washed it (I always wash brushes I just bought, before I use it). But that’s it.

Other than liquid and powder foundation, this brush also great for applying loose or compact powder (although I rarely use powder these days) and I use this for my mineral make up. This brush is multitasking when it comes to complexion!

As for what this brush is intended to, blush brush and contouring, I find the top of the brush is way too big for my cheeks. It smeared color all over the places I need no blush on. And do you know how hard it is to contour using the edge of a flat top brush? That being said, I’m gonna skip this brush when it comes to applying blushes and contouring.

The only downside of this brush, I think, that this is so overpriced. This brush sells for US$45. I bought it for HK$420 (times Rp1200), considering that this is a China made brush. I really have to save up to buy this.

But still, I’m glad I have this brush. It’s my one and only foundation brush now.

My First MAC

After doing a lot of thinking, well, for weeks, I went to the mall last Sunday and bought my first MAC products. Ooh.. I'm so happy, I almost cry!

I was aiming for the foundation, compact powder and the 187 brush. I went to the counter and, thankfully, this lovely Make Up Artist was a really big help. I told her that I'm a rookie and I'm looking for Studio Fix. And she really took her time and showed me all the possible shades for me. I said, I was here before and tried the NC40 and NC 42, and I thought NC40 was the right shades for me. She asked me to sit in front of this huge mirror in the counter and brought NC40 and NC37. Then, she applied the NC40 on my chin. I could really see the yellow shade on my chin.. haha.. and she said that it looked so unnatural. So she removed it and applied the NC37 with the NC40 compact powder. She even offered me to try the NW35 with the NC40 compact powder to compare and she applied it along my jawline. Got confused, I told her I can't really make a decision right at that time because, although these two look natural on my skin, they might give different result under different lighting. So.. once again the MUA being so nice, she told me to go and walk around the mall and come back after I can really decide which shade is the right one for me. So I took a while wandering around the mall and came back after decided to take the NC37.

After finally made a decision about the foundation and the compact, I was still thinking about buying the 187 brush. Boy, that is one pricey brush! Once again, the MUA helped me by showing a collection of limited edition brushes. With this limited edition brushes, I got the 187 and 190, for foundation (and blush and bronzer..), the 194 for applying concealer and the 168 for contouring in one package. She honestly said that these brushes aren't the first quality, more like one level under the actual brushes. But it's still under MAC and it's enough if I'm just gonna use them for individual needs. I thought it was a pretty good deal, so I bought it!

My Studio Fix Fluid in NC37

Studio Fix in NC40

The Limited Edition Brushes

oohh.. so cute.. It comes with two pouches, the big one and the small one

You can see I already used them.. :D