Real Techniques - Core Collection Review

So I seem to have a tiny obsession with make-up brushes lately and next to my Collection was the 'Core Collection' brushes by Real Techniques, designed by Samantha Chapman.

'Core Collection' brushes by Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman

What made you choose these brushes?
I had heard a lot  of good reviews about these brushes from people on youtube, to blogs and to opinions from friends.

How do you find the design of these brushes?
Really lovely, the colour is just super, the bronzy/orange really makes them stand out and their so easy to find. Also the black handles aren't a cheap rubbery material but feel nice. Also the brushes are pretty light and easy to hold.

Pointed Foundation Brush by Real Techniques

First we have the 'Pointed Foundation Brush'.

Description says, ' use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage'I'm not usually a fan of foundation brushes but out of all the ones i've tried it's my favourite and one i've actually been using!
In terms of size, its pretty small which at first I was unsure of, but now I realise its great as you can get in all the curves of your face (inner eye corner etc) and provides a really great tool for precise coverage. This may sound odd, but the bristles are great as they 'stay together' i.e. they don't separate and get all clumped together.

Buffing Brush by Real Techniques

Next up is the Buffing Brush. 

Description says 'ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation' although I haven't strictly stuck to this description... On days where I am rushing my makeup I often use this to put on liquid foundation, by dabbing the foundation on my skin and using the buffing brush in big circular motions to apply it, and ohh boy does it work wonders. Also i'm not a total fan of powder foundation as my skin is quite dry and I find my 'Bundle Monster powder brush' applies the perfect amount of powder.

Next is the Contour Brush
The description saying it 'delicately applied highligher to contour of create sheer, soft-focus finish'. Now, to be honest I haven't really used it that much, cause i'm not very good at conturing... for me the 'head'/'bristles' (whatever the brushy bit is called) is too small for me because I don't like looking like i've to much on.
But that's probably because I can't use it...

Last up is the Detailer brush
Described as 'precison cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long lasting shape and perfection'. 
I've mostly been using it as a concealer brush as I really needed a new one. It is a lot smaller than my previos brush and its good for covering up spots but not so much under eye darkness as it really is too small and I prefer to 'dab' that area with concealer to let it soak into the skin rather than just paint concealer on.



Would you buy from this brand again?
Definately, once I get more money to spend i'm looking to buy the Expert Face Brush which is the brush meant for Liquid Foundation.

Overall I love these brushes. Take a look at the website for more hints and application tips!
http://realtechniques.com

Bundle Monster 15pc Brush Set Kit

Obviously if you want to travel the world you got to be looking your best incase any foreign princes are around... and to look your best it is essential to have a few good brushes!

I've been looking around for some make-up brushes for a while, but to buy a good foundation brush on its own is pretty expensive never mind all the other brushes I wanted too.
And so, I turned to my friend Amazon.

Amazon had loads of sets of brushes and for cheap too! After reading numerous reviews the brushes I went for was the 'Bundle Monster 15pc Studio Pro Make Up Cosmetic Brush Set' which also came with a 'Pink Faux Crocodile Case'.

The brushes are made of synthetic fibres which is better for applying liquids such as foundations better than powders, but either way, for the price of the brushes they do the job.
They feel nice to hold, and aren't too plastic or cheap looking, personally I love the pink colour, its nice and bright with a black rim at the neck of the brush.

This shows the brushes the pack comes with, although i've kinda done my own thing with them, not sticking strictly to the descriptions.
For example, the 'Medium Powder Brush' I think is better for putting on foundation as you can really buff the make-up into the skin for a even look, but then again, i'm not a fan of the foundation brush to begin with.

From reading on comments on the Amazon page, some people have found their brushes come apart at the joint between the head and the handle, but for me, after about a months use all is well and i'm still super pleased at my purchase.

I haven't noticed many hairs come out of the brushes, when they arrived the 'Small Fan Brush' had a few rouge hairs sticking out, but after taking the scissors to it all is well, although since I don't know what it is for I won't be using it that often anyway! (help please?)

All brushes come with a protective plastic case, which is nice and hygienic since it protects against some dirt and bacteria coming into contact with the bristles and in turn your face.
The case is also good for storing the brushes in as their held in by pockets and there is also room to squeeze a few other brushes in there too. When closed, it is held together by two magnetic clips which do not come apart too easily.
The case does, however feel very plastic, but as an avergae girl, i'm not really bothered by this fact, its just a holder after all.

In conclusion, if you're not a professional, and just looking to have a few make-up brushes to have to make you feel like a professional, go for it.
I paid about £13 for the set, so it's a bargain not to be missed!

http://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Monster-Studio-Cosmetic-Crocodile/dp/B004ZH5MTS/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1364989702&sr=8-11&keywords=makeup+brushes