Does This Thing Really Work? Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush Review

This odd little alien of an eye liner brush is all around the internet lately. Some love it, some hate it, where did PrettyPandaMakeup fall on the love/hate spectrum with the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush ($5.99).

All this is is a tiny pointed silicone tip attached to a brush handle. Gimmicky? Maybe...but the premise is interesting. It is supposed to provide tug-free application of liner.

The tip is decently long and is very very flexible. 

I decided to test it with the IT Cosmetics Liner Love liner, and here is the silicone brush loaded up with liner.

These liner swatches show the bendy-ness of the brush, but also show that application on the flat surface of the back of my hand is a little patchy. At this point, I was concerned about how it would fare on my eyes.

I was able to get a dense, thick line that was relatively smooth by using this brush. However, thin lines are a no-go here. Because the brush holds so much product and doesn't soak any of it up, this is a tool better suited for thicker cat eyes or more dramatic looks. I did find the fine point useful in making the little eye-liner flick, and I like that it is very easy to clean, but I still prefer a traditional eyeliner brush.

Have you tried this weird, new beauty tool? Thoughts?

Sponge Showdown!

I've always used a stippling brush or my fingers to apply foundation, but I have always lusted after the Beauty Blender. You know, that $20 sponge? Before you all hate me....I really do think it is worth it, and for those of you that have it...awesome!
Personally, I just can't afford a $20 on a grad school budget when there is so much other beauty to haul!

I have only played around with the Beauty Blender and used it to apply makeup to others. I do not own one, so this is based on feel, and observation of makeup application only. The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge is roughly the same size and is meant to do what the BB does.FACTS:BB                                             RTTear Drop                                 Oval with flat sectionExpands in water                      Expands in water$20                                            $6Pink/White/Black                      OrangeIn my experience, the use is the same. You get the sponges damp, apply makeup, and blend out. This does not have as fine as a tip as the BB does, but the flat side is a great addition for smoothing.

Overall, the BB may last longer, and may be a bit easier to grip and use, but this is the closest thing I have found to a dupe for it. And at $6, I am not complaining!

Are you a loyal BB fan, or will you be trying the Real Techniques version?

Sponge Showdown!

I've always used a stippling brush or my fingers to apply foundation, but I have always lusted after the Beauty Blender. You know, that $20 sponge? Before you all hate me....I really do think it is worth it, and for those of you that have it...awesome!
Personally, I just can't afford a $20 on a grad school budget when there is so much other beauty to haul!

I have only played around with the Beauty Blender and used it to apply makeup to others. I do not own one, so this is based on feel, and observation of makeup application only. The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge is roughly the same size and is meant to do what the BB does. FACTS: BB                                             RT Tear Drop                                 Oval with flat section Expands in water                      Expands in water $20                                            $6 Pink/White/Black                      Orange In my experience, the use is the same. You get the sponges damp, apply makeup, and blend out. This does not have as fine as a tip as the BB does, but the flat side is a great addition for smoothing.

Overall, the BB may last longer, and may be a bit easier to grip and use, but this is the closest thing I have found to a dupe for it. And at $6, I am not complaining!

Are you a loyal BB fan, or will you be trying the Real Techniques version?

Real Techniques Powder and Blush Brushes

Is anyone else completely obsessed with realTechniques brushes? I know I am...that is why I am labeling these two my HG brushes right now. I love them...they definitely are my favorite! 

 The realTechniques line by Samantha Chapman is both affordable and high quality. You can find them at Ulta, or online, and the blush brush runs $9 and the big powder blush runs $10. You can build a collection easily on a budget. The handles are color coded per part of you face (foundation/blush/eyeshadow) and are thick and easy to grip. 

  What I love about these brushes is that they are synthetic and cruelty-free but handle powders, creams, and liquids like much more expensive brushes. The powder brush is huge and dense and the blush brush is tapered so you can really enhance your cheekbones. I am loving it! Both are very big and can even stand up by themselves which comes in handy sometimes.  

 

Look! Its so fluffy!!!!

 

I have had these brushes for a few weeks now. They wash well and keep their shape and I haven't lost a hair yet. So far, REALLY impressed.

 

Do you have a favorite realTechniques brush I must pick up? Do tell!

  

Real Techniques Powder and Blush Brushes

Is anyone else completely obsessed with realTechniques brushes?   I know I am...that is why I am labeling these two my HG brushes right now. I love them...they definitely are my favorite!  

  The realTechniques line by Samantha Chapman is both affordable and high quality. You can find them at Ulta, or online, and the blush brush runs $9 and the big powder blush runs $10. You can build a collection easily on a budget.   The handles are color coded per part of you face (foundation/blush/eyeshadow) and are thick and easy to grip.  

   What I love about these brushes is that they are synthetic and cruelty-free but handle powders, creams, and liquids like much more expensive brushes. The powder brush is huge and dense and the blush brush is tapered so you can really enhance your cheekbones. I am loving it! Both are very big and can even stand up by themselves which comes in handy sometimes.   

 

Look! Its so fluffy!!!!

 

I have had these brushes for a few weeks now. They wash well and keep their shape and I haven't lost a hair yet. So far, REALLY impressed.

 

Do you have a favorite realTechniques brush I must pick up? Do tell!