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Real Techniques

You may or may not have heard the Twitter explosion when people caught sight of the Real Techniques brushes at Walmart/Shoppers/London Drugs (the Canadian trifecta of drug store makeup).  It's here, people, and it's real.  We have full access to the entire collection!

I've never properly reviewed these before, because I haven't actually collected all the ones I want (ahem, see claim at the end of yesterday's post).  The five I've picked to wax poetic about all come from different sets or are sold individually.  I have yet to try the Travel Essentials collection or the Core Collection, but I've thoroughly enjoyed the ones I have.



Deluxe Crease Brush:  I caved and bought a second one of these.  They are just so perfect for concealer -- under the eye and anywhere else.  The densely packed brushes are arranged in a cylinder, so it's almost like using your finger to blend out product, if your fingers could give you an airbrushed finish.

Expert Face Brush:  I also recently acquired the Sephora #45, and the two are almost interchangeable.  This brush is very dense, but not at all difficult to clean -- a complaint I've heard more than a few times about the Sigma Sigmax kabukis.  This doles out primer and foundation like nobody's business -- it literally goes swirl, swirl, swirl and your entire face is done.  I also use mine for extremely sheer cream blushes like the ones from Fusion.

Stippling Brush:  I featured this in my drug store favourites, and a reader commented that I'd gotten her all excited about it then broke the news that they weren't available in Canada.  No longer!  I love this brush even more than my MAC 187 and 130 combined.  Where the 187 is too large and loosely packed and the 130 is a little too dense and small, Goldilocks would be more than happy to take on the RT Stippling brush.

Blush Brush:  I like to picture this as the synthetic version of the Suqqu Face Brush.  I've never actually tried that one before, but after seeing Lisa Eldridge use it in almost every single video, I can tell that it's a full, tapered powder brush.  I use this brush interchangeably for blush, bronzer, powder and occasionally highlight -- the pointed shape makes one of the most versatile brushes I own.  This is also a nice alternative to the NARS Yachiyo, especially if you prefer synthetic brushes.

Setting Brush:  Warning, this brush is way smaller than you would picture.  Even after all the reviews that mention its miniscule size, I was still surprised when I unwrapped it.  It's actually the perfect size for blending out the edges of your eye makeup, for sweeping powder under the eye, highlighting your cheekbone or contouring your nose.

These brushes feel like they were made for people who aren't necessarily makeup artists -- I admire that quality about them.  The taklon bristles are also incredibly soft and easy to wash.  If you've never thought about purchasing brushes before, this is an amazing line to go with.  The effects of their application are right on par with several of my more expensive brushes, and there are definitely shapes in this line that are reminiscent of speciality brush lines.

Let me know if you try them, and which ones are your favourites!

34 comments :

  1. I couldn't live without the stippling brush which I use for foundation or cream brush or the buffing brush which is my go-to for foundation, concealer blending, and powder. I also like the large powder brush. It's HUGE which is a bit scary but does a great job or applying a thin layer of bronzer all over the face.

    I haven't used any of the eye brushes. Looks like I need to check these out.

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    1. The brush fiend in me completely wants to try the Buffing brush, just to see how it differs from the Expert Face brush. For powder eye brushes I think I still prefer natural hair, but all her brushes make for excellent cream product brushes.

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  2. OMG, I am so pleased these will be sold in Canada! I picked the Expert Face Brush last Summer in Chicago and just started really using it daily to apply my liquid foundations...I love it! I have my eye on a few more now...did you find yours in Toronto?

    Thanks, Lisa

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    1. They're available at some Walmarts in Toronto. If I find a specific location I'll update this post! I've also found them (at a higher price) in this shop underneath the Bloor-Yonge centre. It's called Deisgner Cosmetics, and they have the entire NYX line, plus a few of the RT sets. Hope that helps!

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  3. Yay! I know where I'll be headed after my midterm today for some much needed retail therapy ;) Thanks for the heads up!
    Gems

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    1. You are so welcome my dear! Good luck on your midterm!

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  4. Wait, what, seriously? You can find these so easily in Canada? I keep wanting to try the Expert Face brush. Some swear it works so well with liquid foundation that it trumps my beloved Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush! Must verify if it's true ;)

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    1. I love both! Maybe I'll do a comparison post...

      I can send you one if you like -- I'll let you know once I find out where they are! These ones I ordered from iHerb.com

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  5. Ah no way! Haven't seen them at my local Walmart yet (I'm in the Maritimes), but HOLY AWESOME!!

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  6. I have the stippling brush, setting brush and blush brush. I personally find the stippling brush and the setting brush works best for me. They help to blend cream products wonderfully :) The blush brush seems to be too big for me, I ended up using this brush to apply powder.

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    1. For me the blush brush is best used on its side for powder blush. I do love it for powder the most though.

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  7. I bought the stiffling one the other day and I loveee it! theyre amazing...
    xxx
    love Em xx

    www.emtalks.co.uk

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    1. They are, aren't they! The stippling is one of my favourites for tinted moisturizer.

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  8. i love these brushes! buffing brush and expert face are my favorite! all of them are great though

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    1. What do you use them with? I love how dense these brushes are!

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  9. Are they priced the same as on the real techniques website? for example the blush brush normally is 8.99, so is it still 8.99 CAD at walmart?

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    1. I'm not 100% sure, I think they're a tiny bit more expensive. From what I've heard, the sets are $19.99 versus $18.99 in the US. I'll update as soon as I know more!

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  10. Ahhh NEED to try these brushes already! Damn me and my laziness!! :P

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  11. I adore Real Techniques brushes - they are my absolute favourite! I use the buffing brush all the time, as well as the Multi Task, Blush, Powder, Contour and Stippling.

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    1. I'm so excited to get the buffing brush and contour brush, you have no idea! People keep telling me how amazing they are. What products do you use them with?

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  12. Where have I been?? I haven't even heard of these!

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    1. Do you follow Pixiwoo on Youtube? They're designed by Samantha Chapman!

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  13. ahhhh I need to find them...I mean I don't NEED any more brushes...since I have a bunch of the Bdellieum ones, but I mean this are raved so much...I want to buy one set at the very least :P

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  14. ilove these brushes, they are the best. My favourite is the buffing brush. :)

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  15. Yup! I nearly bought this at WMart (last one left) but passed up and got the 70th anniversary Dior Brush set from SDM instead... Tragic because the dior brushes shed, and are mediocre, i haven't heard anything but praise for the RT ones. GREAT review, might i add.

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    1. Ack, really sorry to hear that! Which Wal-Mart did you see these at?

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    2. Um..the one at the Stouffville/Aurora border..dunno if that's near you, probably not

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  16. Love the RT brushes I have! I have the core and travel sets, and I want more! Lol I ordered mine from iherb but the shipping took way too long. They're worth the wait, but I really don't want to though..anyway, glad to hear they're available here now,but haven't found any in my local Walmart yet.. How much are they at Designer Cosmetics? Just curious to see if the trip is worth it..thanks for this post!

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    1. I think they have only the sets at Designer Cosmetics, and they were almost $30!

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