My Picks: Real Techniques Brushes

Everyone wants the perfect flawless base and I believe one of the key elements in achieving this is good makeup brushes (depends on your foundation though sometimes fingers work too!). I'm a real makeup brushes addict, I love trying different ranges & different kinds. I was recently introduced to Real Techniques and very quickly they became close to the top of my favourites list! I currently own all 3 sets, the stippling brush & the powder brush. Above are my favourite 7 brushes from the Real Techniques collection. Compared to other brushes I own these are the ones that stood out to me & the ones I've been reaching for the most since I purchased them at the IMATS 2012 (see my haul here!)

They are as follows:

Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Multitask Brush, Giorgio Armani Blender Brush, Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush, Mac 182 Buffer Brush 

Powder Brush - being someone who likes an all over bronze look I have been using this for taking bronzer down my neck and a little onto my collar bones and chest as it picks up a great amount of product and distributes it evenly. It works wonderfully for this as its so big & therefore has saved me a lot of time than using a normal powder brush! If you're someone that does the same I would really recommend this brush. However, I would not recommend it to use on your face as its just too big and picks up quite a bit of product so you can end up looking cakey!

Jemma Kidd Pro Flat Top Foundation Brush, Sephora Mineral Powder Brush 45, Mac 109, Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Buffing Brush - I have used and loved the Sephora Mineral Powder Brush for many years and not being able to find anything similar I was very pleased when Real Techniques came out with the buffing brush. I use it most days to buff in my foundation as it blends so quickly and helps me achieve that 'second skin finish'

Mac 130SE, Jemma Kidd Pro Top Foundation Brush, Mac 109, Real Techniques Contour Brush

Contour Brush - Being synthetic brushes Real Techniques are all great for applying cream products especially the Contour brush. I use this to apply Chanel's cream bronzer, Soleil Tan De Chanel every day - give it a quick whirl in the pot and contour my cheeks. Also great for applying one of my current favourites, the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Cream Blush as gives an even distribution and allows easy blending.

Mac 120 Brush, Mac 116 Brush, Bare Escentuals Flawless Face Brush, Real Techniques Multitask Brush

Multitask Brush - Such a revolutionary brush for me as I like to apply powder with a puff to set foundation but very rarely have time to do that. The Multitask brush is made flat on each side so is absolutely fantastic at pressing powder into the skin to really make it set rather than just swirling it on. Its like the brush version of a powder puff!

Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Jemma Kidd Pro Top Foundation Brush, Mac 187SE, Mac 188, Mac 130SE

Stippling Brush - I have been a Jemma Kidd Pro Flat Top Foundation Brush fan for ages but sometimes with it being so small and all it just takes too long to buff in foundation. I gave up on the Mac equivalents as they shed all over my face. The Stippling Brush is one of my favourite brushes hands down! It makes finish look so natural another one of those 'second skin' foundation brushes. Paired the buffing brush, the two make a wonderful flawless face team. First, use the stippling brush and then finish off with buffing foundation with the buffing brush.

No7 Blend & Contour Brush, Sephora Rounded Crease 13 Brush, Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

Deluxe Crease Brush - Great for applying cream concealer under eyes as it gives an even flawless finish, the same effect as buffing brush but for under eye concealer! I have been loving using it paired with my beloved By Terry Touche Veloutee Concealer

A La Carte Shadow Brush, Topshop Liner Brush, Jemma Kidd Pro Pointed Eyeshadow Brush, Real Techniques Accent Brush

Accent Brush - Fantastic shape for really getting into bottom lash line. I have been applying a Carbon by Mac eyeshadow to my lower lash line to fake looking like I have naturally fuller lashes. It looks so subtle but makes such a difference! 

The most important thing was that the brushes do NOT shed! As accessible as Mac brushes are it's no secret they shed all over the place. One of the most frustrating things is having finished your foundation to then pick off all the little black brush hairs, or even worse have someone else point it out to you! Real Techniques brushes are made from Taklon bristles, so they are synthetic - which also means they dry really quickly! Synthetic bristles also means they are super soft & feel fantastic on the skin! The only problem (and quite a big one) with Real Techniques brush range is they are not sold separately. The Powder Brush and Stippling Brush, along with some others, are sold by themselves but the rest are sold in sets. If you're looking for an entire brush set I highly recommend looking into Real Techniques as they are fool proof & require little technique to use them. 


Real Techniques are available at Boots or online here.