The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is one of the most famous alternatives to the famous Beauty Blender when it comes to makeup sponges. I have been using it for the past year and thought it was about time to write a full review, especially due to the controversy on the “new” vs the “old” version of the sponge.
Real Techniques Collector’s Edition Eyelining Set review
New brushes at the drugstore
I have been hiding at home writing my thesis and as soon as I resurface I find that one of my favorite super affordable drugstrore brands released a full new range of makeup brushes. I am talking about the Essence Make Me Pretty Limited Edition. A full collection of 9 bright colored brushes, a brush cleanser and a brush holder. I couldn’t pass the opportunity and picked up 6 brushes and the brush holder and want to share my first impressions with you, in case you still want to pick them up.
I find the brushes to be the same quality as the ones from the permanent collection, of which I am quite fond. In fact I have at least Essence 7 eye brushes in my daily stash. All the brushes range in price from 1.90 to 3.50€, with the brush holder being the most expensive item at 4.60€. I definitely recommend checking this limited edition out if you’re in the market for some affordable makeup brushes, because there are some gems in the collection, especially the Eyeshadow Blender, Lip and Blush brushes. They are available at your local drugstore that carries Essence, which is Kruidvat in The Netherlands.
Brush Cleansing Tips and Essentials
Independently of how you wash your brushes, it is extremely important to keep moisture and liquids away from the attachment of the bristles to avoid shedding. This is also true while the brushes are drying, and for this the best method I found is using a Brush Tree. I have recently purchased mine from Aliexpress and loved it so much that I am now waiting for my second one to come in the mail. They are small, easy to store and fit brushes of all shapes and sizes, including the thick handle Real Techniques ones. You just set the brushes to dry upside down and the shafts will be safe, the bristles will keep their shape and they will dry faster than when they’re lying on a towel. You can find them for any price from 5 to 20 euros depending on the seller. I highly recommend these.
So here are my tips and essentials to clean and bacteria free makeup brushes.
Do you have your own secret to taking care of your brushes? If so, leave a comment down below, I’d love to learn more!
xo
A
Brushology PART 2: eye makeup brushes 101 with Zoeva brushes
Here we are with part 2 of Brushology talking about eye brushes and their uses. If you missed the first part with all the face brushes, check it out here.
Brushology PART 1: face makeup brushes 101 with Zoeva brushes
- 106 Powder brush: this fluffy and soft brush is ideal to apply any loose or pressed powder to give a silky finish to the skin. The bristles are vegan, which means that no animals were harmed in retrieving them.
- 104 Buffer brush: this is a synthetic flat head kabuki brush and is perfect to apply both liquid and mineral foundation. Buffing brushes will give you an airbrushed flawless finish, almost independently from the foundation used. I prefer to use flat head brushes to apply mineral and powder foundations.
- 102 Silk finish brush: another foundation brush, slightly smaller than the 104 and with a round top. I personally pick this one to apply my liquid foundations because it is dense and the round top helps to get in all the features of the face (around the nose,..).
- 110 Face Shape brush: this is a smaller version of the 102 brush and is prefect to contour your face precisely (hence the name). I personally use it to contour the nose area which needs precision, but use something like the 127 brush to contour the cheeks because it is easier to blend with.
- 142 Concealer Buffer brush: again a smaller version of the round top buffer to be used to blend concealer or corrector under the eye. The synthetic bristles are extra soft and delicate for the under-eye area.
- 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek brush: this blush brush has the most amazing natural bristles and the angled cut makes it perfect to apply precise powder blush, highlight or contour.