real techniques core collection

BOOTS real techniques core collection 1403 £21.99

I bought this brush set a month or two ago when on a random splurge in Boots. Created by Samantha Chapman, of Pixiwoo fame, these brushes were destined to be a blogger's favourite + for damn good reason too! These brushes are by far the softest I own + worth the money even for just the buffing brush! Although I'm a firm believer in the power of good quality make up application tools, I only own one MAC brush. I've picked them up numerous times but just can't bring myself to spend £30+ on a single brush, I'm way too thrifty for those prices!

This beauty of a set contains four dense, light weight brushes + a really clever pouch which doubles up as a stand! Although the brushes are labelled with their designed use, I think they're so multifunctional! I use the buffing brush to apply liquid foundation, the detailer brush for lipstick, the pointed foundation brush for my MAC studio finish concealer + the contour brush to contour. I'm not sure if this is the correct way to use these brushes but it certainly works for me!

I've washed these brushes around 5 times now + I don't think they've shed a single hair between them! Also they seem to dry a lot quicker than my other brushes even though they're so dense. I'm totally converted to Real Techniques now + can't wait to treat myself to the blush brush, powder brush + starter set out of my pay + Boots points! Have you tried any of these brushes yet?

HAUL: MODELS OWN MAKE-UP BRUSHES...

As I mentioned in my previous Models Own haul post I treated myself to some make-up brushes as well as the obligatory nail polishes in the Models Own 50% off sale. So here are the brushes I bought in a little more detail..

Type - Kabuki Brush

Price - £10 £5

What Models Own Say: 

"Our professional Kabuki Brush is a must-have all-purpose accessory without which no make-up bag can be complete! Use this super-soft and full brush for a natural and beautifully layered look. It can be used with powder, bronzer or blush - this is multi-functionality at it's best!"

I kind of expected this brush to be a little bigger but it is the perfect size to fit in an on the go make-up bag. Models Own promise 'super-soft' & they definitely deliver, all are gorgeously soft brushes! I have been using this brush for my bronzing needs for just over a week now & have had no shedding what-so-ever, for £5 it was certainly worth the money!

Type - Angled Blush Brush

Price - £8 £4

What Models Own Say:

"Looking for a way to create super defined and glamorous cheekbones? Our professional Angled Blush Brush is perfect for creating a fantastically sculpted look. The slanted shape of this brush offers precision contouring, is soft on your skin and is perfect for accentuating your features!"

I had been looking out for a reasonably priced angled blush brush for a while so when I spotted this it felt like my prays had been answered! Again really soft & no shedding as of yet! I've been using it to apply my MeMeMe Blush Box & it goes on so much better with the angled brush than with the little square brush that it comes with! The perfect brush for the £4 price tag!

Type - Powder Brush

Price - £10 £5

What Models Own Say:

"Our professional quality Powder Brush is excellent for blending loose or pressed powder. Load powder to the brush, tap on palm of your hand to remove excess and lightly sweep over your face or body for a sheer and flawless finish."

This brush only arrived this morning so can't 'review' it as such. With my initial order I was sent two blush brushes & no powder brush so I mailed Models Own & they resolved this straight away. My powder brush was replaced free of charge so I am a very happy customer. I also have high hopes for my new powder brush as the others I have started using are great quality for their tiny price tag!

MAC 187 DUO FIBRE STIPPLING BRUSH...

Couldn't get a good enough photograph of the brush itself but you all know what it looks like!

The latest addition to my make-up bag is this MAC 187 brush. It's the first MAC product I own including make-up & brushes, I feel so behind the times! I noticed there's a lot of love for this brush so I thought I'd give it a go & see why it's so popular. What MAC say about this brush;

"A large full circle brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres."

At the moment I am using Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid foundation & using my new brush to 'stipple' it in. I  love how soft the bristles are, in my opinion there is nothing worse than a rough brush! In the past I have used the ELF Foundation Brush but I find the coverage too thick for everyday wear so usually just use my fingers. This brush claims to give the 'airbrushed' effect & I couldn't agree more! I did have to watch a few tutorials on YouTube to get the hang of the technique to get the best application but think I've mastered it now. The coverage produced is perfect & doesn't look caked on, leaving you with a smooth, streak free finish. I'm very happy with my purchase & think it'll produce an even better finish when I invest in a new foundation. I'm currently torn between MAC or Illamasqua, which would you recommend? The obvious downside to this brush is the price tag. I do want to invest in more make-up brushes but think I'll save for the Sigma 12 Brush Kit. It contains all the brushes on my wish list at a relatively cheaper price of around £75 with shipping. I thought higher end make-up brushes were just hyped up but after using this brush I have realised the difference it makes; what do you guys think...