Someone sent me a message last weekend asking me what I thought about the Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman brushes since they saw me using them in my "How to clean your makeup brushes" post. I've seen this question being asked a lot online when I come across Youtube videos or other makeup tutorials so I thought I'd do a review on them.
Firstly, I can understand the hesitation in wanting to try these brushes. I, like many other people, initially thought this was just a way to advertise a product created by another one of those Youtube makeup gurus who are just trying to make the cash. BUT I've been watching the Pixiwoo sisters on Youtube for a while now and they are not just another one of those "gurus" but are true makeup artists. In fact, I think the Pixiwoo sisters are one of the only ones I'd watch to learn makeup from. They know their products and know exactly what they're talking about. So I thought to myself "I don't see why I wouldn't purchase brushes I see them using constantly throughout their tutorials. I mean, they must be good, right?" Correct! Now enough about my prior purchase thoughts and more about getting down to these brushes!
They're truly great. I've recommended them to my sister-in-law and she's also been really happy with them. I have yet to purchase a brush from MAC so I can't compare these brushes to those. I'm sure MAC brushes work wonders but I can't seem to find the need to dig into my pocket and pay that much for brushes. There are other ones out there like the Real Technique brushes for example, at such a cheaper price and they do an amazing job. I've had them since last summer (August 2011) and I've cleaned them about every two weeks since then. I haven't noticed any shedding on any one of the brushes so I think they're pretty well made in my opinion. Some people have said a few are a bit bulky but I think that's because of the flat bottoms that are made so you can stand them up on your table. I don't mind the handles that way and wouldn't really care if they had the flat bottom or not.
Here are the ones I've purchased and used so far:
1. Stippling Brush: My favorite has become the stippling brush. I use it to apply foundation, tinted moisturizer, moisturizer, and cream blush. It's streak-free and blends everything in. It definitely helps to give you that "no makeup" makeup look. It's smaller than other stippling brushes I own which I like better because I find I have more control when I'm applying foundation.The bristles are soft as well so you don't have to worry about it being too rough on the skin.
2. I use the Blush Brush more for bronzer than blush. It's soooo soft. I can blend it in really well using this brush so I don't have a noticeable line of bronzer across my cheekbones.
3. I also have this set of Starter Brushes. They are very versatile and I use the eyeshadow and crease brush to apply concealer. Again, I've never seen them shed and I've been really careful in observing to see if there are any hairs coming out as I wash them. The pixel point eyeliner brush is a bit too thick for me though, so if you like a thick line this would work for you.
4. The foundation brush is nice, but it's nothing to rave about. It's a good brush don't get me wrong but pretty standard in my opinion. After using a stippling brush, I don't think this can compare which is probably why I'm so blah about this one.
If you have anything you'd like to add and have tried these brushes comment below:)
