Real Techniques: Expert Face Brush

My HG brush for applying foundation.

Real Techniques by Samantha Champman,, Expert Face Brush @rm27++/ US$8.99, bought at iHerb. 

It's quite dense but not as overly dense, just nice to buff your foundation.

The bristles are so soft, it's quite surprising it is a synthetic brush, I dare to say it is softer than my MAC blush brush. 

I have more than two foundations that I use intermittently, and because of that I'm intend to buy another Expert Face Brush (EFB). Right now, I use the same brush to apply all my different foundation and I'm so lazy to wash my EFB everytime I change it, so it's quite... err unhygienic.. opps

Note:

Use this gift code MTR421 to get a US$10 OFF (order more than $40) or US$5 OFF (order less than $40) your FIRST order at iHerb.  I do earn credits when you use this gift code. There is no expiration date for the gift code as long as this is your first purchase from iHerb ^^.

Click here for :-

Real Techniques: Travel Essentials
Real Techniques: Core Collection
Real Techniques: Expert Face Brush
Real Techniques: Setting Brush
Real Techniques: Blush Brush

Real Techniques: Core Collection

Here are one of my purchase from iHerb, Real Techniques Core Collection. It has four brushes :-

1. Detailer Brush
2. Pointed Foundation Brush
3. Buffing Brush
4. Contour Brush

You can click here for Core Collection tutorial by Samantha Champman.

Real Techniques by Samantha Champman, Core Collection @rm56++/ US$17.99

It came with a case, but I didn't use it because I like to put all my brushes in my square box, just a normal square box that I got at store near my place.


1) Buffing Brush

You can use this brush for cream/ powder/ mineral foundation. Samantha also use this brush for applying bronzer, blusher and highlighter.

For me, I use this brush to buff my compact/ pressed powder all over my face. I feel that the density of the brush is just nice to use with compact/ pressed powder. I don't really like to use it for liquid texture, don't know, just my preference.

2) Contour Brush

I really love this brush! As its name, I use it for contouring. The shape of this brush perfectly match the shape below my cheek bone. The bristles are smooth and I don't have any complain about it. Just perfect :)

3) Pointed Foundation Brush

Though the name is Pointed Foundation Brush, I don't use it for applying foundation, I feel like the brush is too small and will take time to buff foundation all over my face, which I'm lazy to buff and buff and just thinking about it makes me super duper lazy. I'm satisfied with the Expert Face Brush :D

I use it for applying my cream concealer. And because of that, I don't really use this brush as much as the others because only when I'm attending special event like wedding reception, that I will do full make up, which requires concealing my blue/ red pigmentation on my face. That is when I will grab this brush to do it's job.

Of course, this brush do it's job perfectly, with its pointed shape brush, it can reach all angle perfectly, such as the side of my nose and below my eye areas. It's soft and doesn't irritate my skin.

4) Detailer Brush

Just like the Pointed Foundation Brush, I don't use this brush as much. But that doesn't mean that I don't like this brush, same with the first. I use it for concealer, be it liquid or cream. 

I feel that I have said too many times already that the synthetic bristles are soft unlike some of synthetic higher end brushes that hurt my skin and no fun to play with. 

I do recommend getting this set as all the brushes have their own roles and worth the money. It's not expensive and for the quality, it's to die for.

Note:

Use this gift code MTR421 to get a US$10 OFF (order more than $40) or US$5 OFF (order less than $40) your FIRST order at iHerb.  I do earn credits when you use this gift code. There is no expiration date for the gift code as long as this is your first purchase from iHerb ^^.

Click here for :-

Real Techniques: Travel Essentials
Real Techniques: Core Collection
Real Techniques: Expert Face Brush
Real Techniques: Setting Brush
Real Techniques: Blush Brush

Real Techniques: Travel Essentials

I have made a blog post about something is coming... this was what's on its way that time :)

I ordered Real Techniques brushes from iHerb. Before this, I bought my first Real Techniques brush from SgDrugstore and it's a blush brush, which I super love it!

So, I ordered a few of Real Techniques brushes at iHerb, it's cheap because I only need to pay the conversion from US$ to RM.

Inside my package

Cute! free gift, iHerb marker pen

I bought 4 package brushes but I'm gonna separate it to different post because there is so many pictures I took!

Real Techniques by Samantha Champman, Travel Essential @rm56.27/ US$17.99

Here are the brushes :-

1) Multi Task Brush

The name is Multi Task Brush, but I like to use this to buff my compact powder or blusher. But I don't really reach out for this brush because :-

1. I used my MAC Blush brush for applying blusher
2. I'm so in love with my Real Techniques Blush Brush for applying loose powder or Real Techniques Buffing Brush for applying compact powder.

Conclusion, I won't be buying this particular brush in the future should they sell it individually.



2) Essential Foundation Brush

I use this to apply my foundation but I prefer to use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (EFB). Unless the EFB is dirty, I won't grab this brush because it's small and it will take longer time to blend the foundation all over my face. 

You still can use this to apply foundation at certain area that need a precise blending such as the nose, under the eye or around the mouth, but I don't usually do this, as I don't have enough time in the morning. Usually I just dab my foundation all over my face and grab my EFB to buff it and walla! flawless blending FTW!

3) Domed Shadow Brush

Apart from the three brushes, my favourite is the third brush which is the Domed Shadow Brush. I use it to blend my Clinique Concealer under my eyes area. I wish Samantha will consider selling this brush individually.

The bristles is synthetic but it's so soft compare to Urban Decay synthetic brushes. Is it worthy to buy the sets? Yes, you have to get at least one set in your collection. If I buy the Travel Essentials set again in the future, it's only because of the Domed Shadow Brush.

iHerb use DHL-international which is reliable and if you order more than US$40, it's free shipping! I paid more than US$40 for my order and I'm entitled to get the free shipping, but I want a tracking number, so add another US$13.61.

After I paid everything, iHerb sent me an email and gave me this gift code MTR421 which if you use this  code you can get a US$10 OFF (order more than $40) or US$5 OFF (order less than $40) your FIRST order. 

I didn't know about this when I ordered my item at iHerb, if I know, I can use other people gift code, which I found in MUA and get less $10 off of my first order :( ... But bear in mind that I do earn credits when you use this code for your first buy. There is no expired date for the gift code, which means as long as this is your first order from iHerb, you can use this code to get less $5 or $10! ^^,)



Click here for :-

Real Techniques: Travel Essentials
Real Techniques: Core Collection
Real Techniques: Expert Face Brush
Real Techniques: Setting Brush
Real Techniques: Blush Brush

It's Been A Long time, Mid Valley

I went for a meeting in KL on Thursday and stayed at Cititel Hotel, Mid Valley. It's been two years since the last time I'm here at Mid Valley. I usually stay at Bukit Bintang or Bukit Jalil area when I'm outstation here in KL.

I bought myself MAC Eye Brows pencil and a small flat shader brush (no particular brand). I didn't spent much because I'm too tired to walk around, I only spend around one hour and a half then I went back to my hotel room. I need to wake up early for my meeting tomorrow, so I need my beauty sleep and get enough rest because tomorrow will be a long day for me.

1) MAC Eye Brows Pencil in Brunette, @rm62

2) Small Shader Brush, @rm10

The quality of this brush is quite good. This brush is use especially for shading under the eye area. 

I also got myself a black chiffon skirt @rm72. It's quite expensive but I've been wanting to buy this skirt, it has two layer garment, the inner layer is a knee length skirt, and the outer layer is short at front and gradually elongated at the back (kinda tailcoat type). It's in trend right now, and I've been falling in love with it when I first saw it on someone else.

After my meeting at KL, hubby fetched me and we went to Melaka as he is outstation there right now, yeppi! Gonna spent my weekend here with hubby, will be back to the land below the wind this Sunday.

Real Techniques & The Brush Guard

My parcel from SgDrugstore! I love shopping there, they have items that I want for so long and Ryan is such a helper.

SgDrugstore ship using PosLaju 

1) The Brush Guard

They have five type of brush guard pack, and SgDrugstore sell it for @rm20 each :-

1. The Blush Pack
2. The Foundation Pack
3. The Powder/ Kabuki Pack
4. The Shadow/ Liner Pack
5. The Variety Pack

I picked the shadow/ liner and variety pack because most of my brush is an eyeshadow brush.

At first, when I unpacked the packet, I was surprised to see such a small tube and I don't think it can fit my brush, I was really upset because I spent rm40 on these and I can't use every single of them :( ... but, I still can't believe a recognize brand such as them created brush guard to not fit most brushes, and it's MAC brush somemore. 

So, the next day I tried again with heavy heart and I pushed so hard (at this moment, I didn't care if it's torn) so that the brush can fit into the small tube.. and it fit! the tube can expand and you just have to put a little pressure on them when trying to put your brush in it.

2) Real Techniques Blush Brush @rm46

I saw one of my favourite youtube guru NikkiTutorial using this brush and she recommended it. I wanted to buy MAC 150 brush but the price is too expensive, I don't want to spend anymore money on MAC brush except for eyeshadow brushes (217, 224, 239).

This brush is so soft and although it's for blusher, I use it for buffing my loose powder. I have my MAC brush blush for blusher.

Planning to get the rest of Real Techniques brushes! soon baby soon :)

Haul: MakeupGeek

Yay! I received this last week, can't remember exactly when but I think I received it within two weeks from the date I've ordered. I'm super excited to open this package!

Yay!!!

Ta-daa

The lip gloss & brushes were nicely wrapped using bubble cover

Oh my :D

1) Ardell False Eyelashes InvisiBands Fairies @rm13

Ardell False Eyelashes Invisibands Fairies @rm12++ [US$3.99]

2) Ardell False Eyelashes No.110 @rm13

Ardell False Eyelashes No.110 @rm12++ [US$3.99]

3) Palladio Herbal Treatment Concealer - Green @rm18

Palladio Herbal Treatment Concealer in Green @rm17++ [US$5.50]

Description:

A fusion of scientifically proven skin treatments, these vitamin-enriched concealers aid in reducing puffiness, eliminating the build-up of toxins around the eye areas, and masking various skin flaws. Choose the shade closest to your natural skin tone for everyday coverage; Yellow for camouflaging bluish pigments such as dark circles and bruises; or Green to disguise red blotches caused by acne and Rosacea

I have red blotches around my nose area. The red blotches are so obvious and it started last year I think. (aargggh.... I'm becoming older and older) I do have other concealer, my Clinique Airbrush Concealer and my MAC concealer, but ehehehe I never have any GREEN concealer before.

4) NYX Mega Shine Gloss - Beige @rm18

NYX Mega Shine Gloss in Beige @rm17++ [US$5.59]

Lovely pink and it's pigmented

I heard a lot of reviews for NYX lip gloss, mainly it's a good stuff. I don't really fancy this lip gloss, I don't know, but I may give it a few more tries before saying anything bad because I just wore it once. The first time I put it on my lips, I realized the stickiness of it. Most of my lip gloss are sticky and I don't have a problem with it, but not this one. 

The colour? I should not have chose this colour, it didn't suit me Y__Y .. Don't get me wrong, the colour is beautiful and so pigmented as you can see in the picture above, but I just can't wear this colour for everyday office look. huhu.. I can't go to work with my obviously-shining-pink-sticky-lips in front of consultant/client, can I?

Brushes!

Gurls, wash your new brushes!

I'm glad they put this note to wash the brushes before using it. The MakeupGeek (MUG) brush has a medium-soft bristles but I felt something sharp pocking here and there when I brushed it on my eyelid the first time. But after I washed all the brushes, they become much softer than before, especially the MUG brush, and there is no sharp pock anymore. 

At first, I don't know whether I should get the MUG or the Essence of Beauty (EOB), it is clearly stated on the description box that both brushes is a crease brush. I was planning to buy the MUG brush only, but the EOB brush has a lot of good reviews compared to the MUG, so I thought I should get both! :D

5) MakeupGeek (MUG): Pointed Crease Brush @rm13

MakeupGeek: Pointed Crease Brush @rm12++ [US$3.99]

It is denser but shorter bristles compare to EOB crease brush.

Description:
This brush is great for getting in the crease of the eye! It is light weight and easy to handle! The bristles are soft but durable to blend color or put heavy amounts of color on the eye! A must have for every makeup artist! 

As I mentioned before, after I washed it, the  bristles  become softer and no sharp pocks here and there. I don't have anything particularly to say about this MUG brush, it is working as a crease brush as it supposed to.


6) Essence of Beauty: Crease Brush Duo, @rm35

Essence of Beauty: Crease Brush Duo @rm34++ [US$10.99]

Descriptions:
These brushes are perfect for defining the outer V, smudging under the lashline, and blending any harsh lines. 

The Essence of Beauty-Crease Brush Duo come in set consist of two crease brushes, a larger and a smaller brush. The larger brush is almost the same with the MUG brush, only the  bristles  is longer compare to MUG. I really love using this brush for my outer V and the  bristles are so soft! It is safe to say it's quite near to MAC brushes standard. 

The smaller brush is a perfect choice if you want a very DEFINE crease line. This smaller brush is a lot stiffer and condensed. Well, it is for defining crease line, but I won't use this to smudge eyeshadow or eyeliner under my lashline. I found it too harsh on my delicate lashline skin. 

Comparison:

Left to Right: EOB - smaller crease brush, EOB - Bigger crease brush & MUG brush

The Essence of Beauty brushes are softer than the MakeupGeek. Both brands works well for a crease brush. Between these two brands, personally, I would buy the Essence of Beauty sets because the bristles  are softer. 

Content: -

This product contained: -

Delivery Time: The parcel reached me within two weeks from the date I purchased.

Where to buy: All item bought at MakeupGeek. They do post internationally, affordably :D (jeez.. I sound like a promoter). I paid all the item for US$44 (including shipping and handling US$7.95) using Paypal :D

What Happened to the Quality?

I only have one kabuki brush which is from Elianto and I love it because the bristles are dense at the same time fluffy and smooth on my face. It's cheap only rm29++ compared to other low end kabuki brush.

But bad things happened. I packed all my makeup in my makeup case whenever I'm travelling. I can't remember when this happened, but I brought my clear colour nail polish and packed it together with the others in my case. It accidently leaked and the victim was my beloved kabuki brush :( I tried a few times to buy it at Elianto shop but everytime I went there, the sales assistant said it was out of stock. Seems everyone is in love with it making it out of stock as soon as they re-stocked it.

Last month, they have the kabuki brush back at Elianto! I quickly bought it when I saw it and I feel happy until I reached home. The moment I applied the newly bought kabuki brush on my face, I noticed something was lack. I checked the first kabuki brush and immediately saw the difference. The new kabuki brush, the bristles are loose compared to the first kabuki brush. I feel like that I don't have the control of the brush movement because the bristles are loose and move around too much. 

Left: The first kabuki brush that I have.                  Right: The second version of it

Obviously, the first one looks denser. Sorry for the dirty brush :D

Since the first one is denser, it holds the minerals in them and I can buff them on my skin better. I have better control over the coverage that I want to achieve. 

I think Elianto has downgraded the quality of the kabuki brush but maintain the same price. I remember still when I bought the first one, the sales assistant was eager to introduce the kabuki brush and said that it's their new product, much improved and it's a hit now. Why they downgraded the quality? Are they trying to cheat the customer by making it denser at first and then after they won the heart of girl like me (sob sob), they downgraded the quality to make more profit from it? I don't know.. huh.. I just feel like that.

My poorly cut kabuki brush

Now, I feel regret ruining my first kabuki brush. When my bestie told me that I can just try to wash the nail polish using nail remover instead of cuting the effected bristles, I feel depress even more.

Estee Lauder: Michael Kors Christmas Collection

YaY! I got myself Michael Kors collection!!

There are three choices of makeup collection and I picked the soft tone (medium) makeup. The other two is more to the pink tone and dark brown tone. This collection worth @rm200, quite cheap right! but there is catch in it!

The makeup set inside

I really love the gold theme! and the makeup set too, I'm very lucky to have the makeup set come together with the theme colour that I like the most among the three.

This makeup bag was design by Michael Kors. Apart from the gold colour theme for this makeup set, the other two are silver (pink tone) and greyish black (darker brown tone).

I feel like rich people having this in my bag, lol!

This is the best I can get for the colour to show up, I really like the colour from second and third from bottom left side. It's soft pink and slightly dark chocolate. 

The lipstick is dark brown with gold specs

A bit surprised to see the colour of lipstick. It's dark brown with a gold specs in it. The makeup set is more to soft tone colour so that's why they made the lipstick more dramatic I think. Thanks goodness the lip gloss can toned down it a bit. Suitable to use when you are having party or just wanna have a glamorous dinner.

I haven't use this eye pencil because I have other waterproof eye pencil so I wanted to try that first.

Double Wear Stay-In-Place Lip Pencil @rm68

This lipstick pencil didn't come with the collection. I bought it separately. To buy the Michael Kors collection, you have to buy any item from Estee Lauder meaning, it's purchase with purchase package. At first the salesperson recommended me to buy the cheapest Estee Lauder product which is their sharpener at only rm15, so overall I only have to pay rm215. After looking around a bit, I was thinking that it's better to buy their other product rather than just a sharpener which I'm not gonna use it frequently (almost 0% usage). I chose the nearest colour to my lips and coincidentally, the lipstick colour in the collection is also quite the same, so it's really a very good choice, I think :)

My only qualm is these two brushes are not too good because the bristles are quite stiff and not easy to maneuver. Such a pity because the look and colour are such glamorous and pretty.

I did mentioned before this that if I ever found a waterproof pencil eyeliner, I'll buy it! and I did. I found this at Watson and it's from Elite brand, I never heard of them before but I just want to try it out. I already wear this twice and so far so good. The colour is pretty intense and it really can make your eyes pop out. I think I'm gonna keep this in my bag.

Pinky

Greeny. Lately, I have a soft spot for green :) Christmas probably?

Besides makeup, I bought two ehem ehem.. Pierre Cardine bra. I got these two bras @rm98, the normal price would be rm79++ for each! Quite a good bargain right :) This is by far the most expensive bra I ever have. The second expensive would be my Audrey where I got two bras for rm68 and I absolutely adore both of them, plus there are three different ways of wearing it.