Tuesday, May 22, 2012

New Real Techniques Brushes

I've raved about them before, but like most beauty bloggers, I'm a huge fan of Real Techniques brushes. Recently, three new brushes were released and I snapped up two of them: the Expert Face Brush and the Setting Brush. As with my previous brush purchase (the Travel Essentials set), I have iHerb to thank for stocking the whole Real Techniques range at affordable US prices, with relatively quick and inexpensive shipping. I wish iHerb had been brought to my attention earlier, as it would've saved me from buying a whole heap of Real Techniques brushes at inflated prices from a local stockist late last year.




Top: Buffing Brush; Bottom: Expert Face Brush

l-r: Buffing Brush, Expert Face Brush

The Expert Face Brush is said to be very similar to the Buffing Brush from the Core Collection, except that the two are different in shape and the Expert Face Brush can be bought by itself. In the words of Samantha Chapman herself, the Expert Face Brush "works exactly the same as the Buffing Brush, so for all those that wanted the Buffing Brush on its own, this is a good alternative." Both are super soft and feel lovely on the skin. The coverage and finish is the same and both give a polished, airbrushed effect.

The Buffing Brush has a larger head, so it can apply product to a wider area of the face (namely the cheeks and forehead) with fewer strokes. The Buffing Brush is used in circular motions to blend and work foundation into the skin, whereas the Expert Face Brush is moved mainly in downward or sideways strokes. One advantage of the Expert Face Brush is that it's better at blending around the edges and corners of face, such as around the nose and mouth area. The more narrow shape assists in more precise application and is better for contouring using blush or bronzer.

Top: Contour Brush; Bottom: Setting Brush


l-r: Setting Brush, Contour Brush

Top: Setting Brush; Bottom: Multi Task Brush

l-r: Multi Task Brush, Setting Brush

I'm not really sure why I bought the Setting Brush. It was more out of curiosity than any envisaged practical use. At first I thought it would be like a mini Blush or Multi Task Brush, as it's another pink-coded brush and appears to be shaped similarly (albeit on a smaller scale), but it's more like an oversized eyeshadow brush (soft, somewhat loose and flat). The first thing that struck me about the Setting Brush is how small it is. The closest in size to it is the Contour Brush (from the Core Collection), though the Contour Brush is noticeably larger, thicker and firmer. The Setting Brush is way too big for eyeshadow, but too small for blush or bronzer. Its primary purpose is to set concealer under the eyes or to do some spot powdering over the face, two things I don't do regularly, if at all. It could also be used to apply highlighter, though I feel the Contour Brush would be a better choice.

76 comments:

  1. Your knowledge of brushes and their uses, puts me to shame. For my face, I just use a MAC stippling brush and a MAC kabuki. I feel like they do the trick, but more recently I've been looking into getting a good quality angled blush brush. Real Techniques is definitely at the top of my list. I've heard so many good things about them. Also, I'd never heard of that site until you mentioned it just now. Off to have a browse!

    x.

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    1. It's kind of random that the website stocks Real Techniques (and Ecotools) but I'm so glad I found it - the prices are unbeatable (compared to Australian retail) and the shipping is only $6 or something. I wouldn't say I have much knowledge, I just like brushes (especially RT ones :p). I'm sure the MAC ones you have do the job perfectly. But it's nice to expand and experiment anyway :)

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  2. I have been looking for a brush for setting concealer under the eye. Do you think the setting brush would be a good match?

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    1. Yes, I use that brush to set my undereye concealer.

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    2. It's probably the primary function of the brush. Pretty unique as I haven't encountered too many brushes tailored for that specific purpose :)

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  3. I don't really know the function of every brushes so this post is definitely inspiring! Thanks for sharing! I'm following you, it would be great if you follow me back (:

    natzcracker

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    1. The great thing about these brushes is that they're so multifunctional. I guess there are no set rules, use them however you please :) Sure, followed you back.

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  4. LOVE the expert face brush! I didn't know about the setting brush either, but don't think I'm going to get it!
    I want that multi task brush though!!!
    Loved this review :)

    Laura xoxo

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    1. It is a great brush, though a bit more work than the Buffing Brush in my opinion. I'd have to say the Buffing Brush is still my #1 love, but the Expert Face brush comes close :) Get the Multi Task Brush, soooo soft and fantastic for blush/bronzer/powder.

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  5. I went to pick up the buffing brush and it was out of stock:( So sad. It looks like it would work amazingly.

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    1. Oh no :( You mean as part of the Core Collection? It's probably my favourite brush of all the ones that I own, so I can't recommend it enough.

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  6. Ooo I want the contour brush! Great reviews!

    Evani

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    1. It's a really neat little brush. I use it primarily to apply powder highlight to my face, though you definitely could use it for more precise contouring on the face (as its name would suggest :p)

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  7. those brushes look great! I haven't bought any in a long time now that I think about it lol

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    1. They are amazing brushes :) Do consider them if you ever decide to refresh your brush collection.

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  9. OMG I'M SO BUYING THIS!!!
    I don't have any idea that iherb does have real techniques for such a nice price!! oh I'm so excited, got to order now, come back later! *lol*
    thank you for the tipps!

    xx

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    1. Haha, I learnt about iHerb in the first place from you! :) Glad to return the favour in any way ;) Get shopping! And definitely post if you do end up making/receiving your order!

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  10. I just read on the side of your page that you're a law grad! That's so exciting!! Are you still working in that field? Don't worry - I'm not here to bombard you with legal questions in any regard lol
    xx

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    1. Haha, are you studying law? I finished my LLB at the end of 2010 but I didn't pursue law any further (study or professionally). I guess it was more just a glorified generalist degree because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my uni studies/work when I finished high school, and my parents wanted me to get into law. I'm actually working in the financial services industry at the moment, but in a very lowly position :p So I guess you could say my law degree was really for nothing except a kind of abstract achievement. I would only recommend law school for those that are passionate about becoming a litigator, otherwise, it's a very competitive field and you really need to be special and dedicated to succeed. But having said that, I'm not ambitious and I'm quite lazy so that's basically my downfall. Sorry for the essay lol :)

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    2. No no I love hearing about people's experiences with it! I'm in the midst of it right now, and am somewhat directionless myself - so we'll see what happens!

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  11. When I was at Ulta looking at the Real Techniques brushes, I was definitely intrigued by the Setting Brush...but I was definitely not sure what to do with it! I love the Real Techniques brush and recently hauled a couple more for my collection. Pretty soon I feel like I'm going to have them all!

    xx,
    Jordana

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    1. I have the same feeling ... I am just missing the eye set and some individual face/eye brushes. But the majority of my makeup brush collection is Real Techniques and I wouldn't have it any other way :) They really put my other cheaper brushes to shame, with the exception of Ecotools, which I think are excellent as well :)

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  12. Great post, I've heard such good reviews of Real Techniques brushes, may have to put them on my wish list :) x

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    1. I think you should Donna :) Believe the hype lol

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  13. I really want the new ones, they look amazing! Definitely have the Expert Face Brush now on my wishlist :) x

    http://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. It's very close to the Buffing Brush, though in my opinion a bit more work to use because it's smaller and flatter. But that makes it more geared towards more precise application of blush/bronzer, so it's a bit of a give & take situation :)

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  14. Those brushes look great! I haven't purchased any new makeup brushes in so long... maybe it's time to start looking again :)
    Thanks for dropping by my blog- Would you like to follow each other on GFC? :)

    tiffiemonster
    http://tiffiemonster.blogspot.ca/

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    1. If you do, I hope you consider these :) Sure! :)

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  15. I have to give these brushes a try! They sound amazing!
    Thank you for the comment on my blog dear! Did you want to follow each other? :)

    http://dugongsss.blogspot.com

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    1. They're really fantastic quality for the price (soft, don't shed, no weird smell like some cheap brushes, actually work) so I thoroughly recommend them. Sure, I just followed you :)

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  16. I like the idea of the setting brush - but short of setting my under eye concealer, I really don't know what other uses it has. Great to know you can get these from iHerb (what a magical place!) I'm definitely wanting more. (: x

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    1. I'm with you, I'm kind of stumped about how I'm going to actually use the Setting Brush, especially since I don't use concealer under my eyes (probably should start though :p). It's still nice to have even though truthfully I probably won't be using it much, if at all. I have you to thank for introducing me to the wonderful world of iHerb for buying Real Techniques :D

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  17. where can I get this brand online? :)

    http://chicadvisor.blogspot.ca/

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    1. Depends where you live, their website has more details about where to buy:

      http://realtechniques.com/where-to-buy

      I purchased the ones in this post from iHerb.com :)

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  18. I wish i could get these brushes in Canada

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  19. Have always wanted to try this brand.. does that website ship to Canada?

    xo

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    1. It does! http://www.iherb.com/info/shipping/International :)

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  20. I've definitely heard great things about these brushes from other bloggers! thanks for the review. Really have to grab myself some of these brushes, most likely the Contour and Expert Face ones!

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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    1. They're popular for a reason :) Expert Face is great for liquid foundation and cream blush, possibly contouring with bronzer as well. Contour is great for highlight (cream and powder), contouring (you don't say...) and I suppose more precise application of blush.

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  21. Definitely picking up the Expert Face Brush when I make my iHerb order of Ecotools. Argh. The poverty/laziness of Uni student life... Lovely, helpful post. xx

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    1. Heh, I empathise! Do you have a part time/casual job? I worked 2 days a week for a couple of years when I was at uni, the cashflow helped a lot in satiating my neverending material desires :p Ecotools is also really affordable from the iHerb website, I recommend the 5 pack (the one with the mini kabuki) and the eye brush set. And blush brush.

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  22. I have to grab the expert face brush! I absolutely need a foundation brush to give that airbrushed look that I've been chasing after and Real Techniques seems awesome!

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    1. The Expert Face brush definitely would help to achieve that effect. Or the Buffing Brush from the Core Collection :)

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  23. I feel like I could always use new makeup brushes. It must be an obsession of mine.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  24. this is actually beyond helpful! i've been searching for some decent, cheap brushes for such a long time (i actually just whined about it in my latest post haha). i haven't heard much about real techniques but i feel like i need to give it a try now ! thanks :)

    cocoandgarcon.blogspot.com

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    1. Ecotools and Real Techniques are the best for relatively affordable but high quality brushes in my opinion :) I've tried a few others (Manicare, Models Prefer, Australis, Priceline's beauty range) and they don't compare to those two.

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  25. They look fluffy and amazing! X

    Join my first giveaway and stand a chance to win $25 Modcloth voucher!
    http://rosalindatj.blogspot.com

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    1. They are! I love their fluffiness, it evokes pleasant feelings of soft toys and teddy bears or something :p

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  26. They look great, I've only got one brush from them so far, the stippling brush and I haven't used it much yet. The next time I get the chance I'm definitely picking up some more. I'm contemplating the eye kit of brushes but the face brushes I think are more of a priority.

    Great comparisons...I still can't decide which to get next! Grrr...probably the expert face brush...for a cream foundation I hope to get xp

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    1. I have to admit I'm not that enamoured of the stippling brush, which is weird as I absolutely love most of my Real Techniques brushes and the stippling brush is one of, if not the, most hyped one from their entire range. I just didn't find it as soft as the other brushes they have, and I didn't like the way it applied liquid foundation. But it's good because it's so multifunctional - I use it these days to really work in and blend cream blush, or wipe away eyeshadow fallout (it's surprisingly super effective for that purpose :p). I recommend the Core Collection if you're contemplating buying something else (it contains the Buffing Brush and Contour Brush) and the Blush Brush (so soft, gorgeous tapered shape, did I mention it was beautifully soft?) :)

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    2. I agree completely, the blush brush is so lovely, I purchased the core and eye collection plus the blush brush, it became my favorite instantly! I highly recommend it too! :)
      My Blog

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  27. have a few real techniques brushes and love them! must try more :)

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    1. I'm glad you like the ones that you have. Which ones are they? I'm sure if you get some more you won't be disappointed :)

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  28. I don't have any real techniques, but Ive been meaning to try them.. might just be motivated now!

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    1. Hope you do end up getting some and loving them :)

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  29. Nice brushes! They make me want to go out and get some nice brushes myself. Currently, all the ones I have, I got for free. Unfortunately, their quality reflects that lol. :-)

    ~ Yun

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    1. Haha, I guess you get what you pay for :) Sometimes! These are quite affordable but also great quality, so I definitely recommend you buy some if you do decide to update your brush collection :)

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  30. I really wanna get the Expert Face Brush, thanks for the review!!

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  31. I've recently got a few of the realtechiniques brushes in the mail and been using them ever since. I'm very happy with the quality and overall performance. I don't have the face core kit, or any of the new brushes, but after reading your post I'm so adding them to my next purchase list. I've also recently discovered the pixiwoo sisters (I'm oblivious like that LOL) and saw Sam using the expert face brush for foundation and it seemed to work wonderfully Thanks for sharing. xo

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  32. I have couple of realtechiniques brushes too and I love them all because their so soft must say their more soft than mac brushes!

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  33. I got my Real Techniques brush sets from iHerb.com and used a discount code for $5 off and also got free shipping! I got quite a good deal! You can also use discount code QER242 (no expiration!) and get $5 off your entire purchase!=)

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    1. Love iHerb :) I think the $5 only works for first time purchases though (unfortunately).

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  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Nope, the brush here is the Expert Face Brush, which is only issued separately (on its own). The brush in that set is the Buffing Brush which can only be purchased as part of a set (called the Core Collection).

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  35. Nice brushes. I think i might get one as well! keep up the good work.
    موقع اي هيرب بالعربي

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