Real Techniques brushes // First Impressions

Hello everybody!

In an attempt to create some sort of blogging schedule, I've decided to post a review every single (when I'm not being lazy) week based on a product, beauty related or not, that I've been trying out. This week I'm going to be reviewing makeup brushes from Real Techniques, which I was so happy to receive for Christmas from my parents. 

My collection of Real Techniques brushes

Real Techniques was started by Sam and Nic Chapman, but I originally heard about the brand through their brother's Youtuber channel, Jim Chapman. I also noticed that a lot of beauty bloggers were using these brushes and wanted to try them out myself. The set my mum bought for me came with a travel case, which is so handy! I keep them in here to save some space in my makeup bag and to keep them in a good condition. 

Another thing I love about the Real Techniques brand is that they have created a youtube channel based giving tutorials using their brushes. This is a service that you don't typically get from makeup brands, but it helps users understand the best and alternative ways that their brushes can be used. 

(Sorry in advance for all my brushes being a bit dirty, I use them every day and I'm yet to apply makeup today so I didn't want to be left with wet brushes!)

1) Buffing brush - £11.99 (part of a set)

This brush works so well with my Maybelline foundation! It does exactly what it says on the tin and buffers foundation so you're not left patchy or uneven. I just dip it lightly into my foundation and do small circular motions around my face and it quickly blends in with my skin. It also leaves you with an even coverage quickly, so you don't have to spend ages blending in foundation, especially good for early morning starts. Without a doubt the best foundation brush I have ever owned!

2) Contour brush (part of a set)

I am in no way shape or form an expert with contouring so after watching this video I knew how to use this brush a bit better. I use this brush when I'm making a little more effort with my make up, with bronzer on my cheekbones, top of my forehead and along my jaw line to add some definition.

3) Pointed foundation brush (part of a set)

This foundation brush is best used with liquid foundation, but I tend to use a mousse foundation that suits the buffer brush better. So I use this brush with highlighter along the top of my cheek bones or under my eyebrows. Although it isn't the recommended way to use it, I find it works brilliantly with highlighter!

4) Blush brush - £9.99

This is without a doubt my favourite brush in the range, it's so soft! I don't typically use blusher, so I use this brush to put a light layer of powder over my face after foundation and concealer. If I'm just doing every day makeup, I'll use it to add a small amount of bronzer to my cheekbones. 

5) Detailer brush (part of a set)

Another one of my favourites! I use this brush for my eyebrows, with my Barry M Brow Kit (which is an amazing eyebrow product by the way! Perfect for those who need a bit of guidance with eyebrows). I find it's just the right shape to fill out my eyebrows without applying too much product to them. 

6) Shading brush - £7.99

This shading brush is used for eyeshadow. I'm not very confident with eyeshadow so this brush and a couple of tutorials has definitely improved my eyeshadow skills! It's good for blending along the crease and getting even coverage on your eyelids. I'm excited to try out some new makeup looks with this in the future!

7) Fine liner brush - £6.99

This is the brush I am yet to use. In the couple of years or so I feel I've (just about) mastered liquid eyeliner but I've never tried jel liner before. I'll definitely be investing in some to get some use from this brush.

As you can probably tell, I'm incredibly happy with these brushes! The quality, look and feel of all the brushes is better than any other kind of brush I've tried before, I definitely believe you get you money's worth by purchasing these. Perfect for those who are just starting to use makeup right through to those who are passionate about it. 

Are there any different brands of brushes you've been loving? Leave me a comment below to let me know! 

Hope you enjoyed this review,

Melanie xo