Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes Review

    A couple weeks ago I took a trip to Ulta and picked up this kit of Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes on a whim. I have so many brushes already but I really have been wanting to try these out! Real Techniques brushes have a reputation to be of the highest quality at a really affordable price. I believe these four brushes cost me about $17.99, which is usually the price of one brush.

 The kit comes with (from left to right) a contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush and buffing brush. They have the softest bristles ever and the handles are really sleek looking and just big enough to give you a good grip without being bulky. I also like how the bristles are attached directly into the handle, not with one of those separating pieces which can trap water and cause the brush to become wiggly and loose.

    As you can see the density on the bristles is really nice and consistent, shown above is the buffing brush, which is also by far my favorite. I seriously don't know how I've been living without this thing! I do feel as though I need a *tiny* bit more product when using this brush, but only like half a pump more. I apply it directly onto the bristles, pat it around my face and then buff it out to blend evenly. It gives me such a flawless, even, photoshopped finish, especially in combination with my Tarte Poreless primer. This brush doesn't absorb the product, which is nice because with some other buffing brushes, I feel as though the foundation sometimes leaks down into the bristles never to be seen again!
    I also am obsessed with the contouring brush, it's perfectly shaped and just full enough to give your cheeks the perfect contour! I go in with a light hand and sweep the bronzer across my lower cheekbones, and then buff it out with this same brush. It does it all! The pointed foundation brush is nice for contouring too, especially on my nose and in tough to reach areas. I also sometimes use it for a fuller coverage foundation routine, painting on the product first with the pointed brush, and then buffing it out with the buffer brush. The only brush I haven't 100% found out the best way to use yet is the detailer brush. Perhaps people with more noticeable blemishes would get more use out of it, to really cover them up precisely with concealer. For now I use it when outlining my brows and lips for a sharper look, and sometimes to detail my inner tear duct with a hilight color or something.
    All in all, I really recommend Real Techniques brushes to anyone who has been looking for an affordable and quality set of brushes to use! I really want to pick up the eyeshadow brushes now too.