Best makeup brushes: Real Techniques review

After trying them out for just over two months, I can wholeheartedly say I LOVE Real Techniques brushes!

Samantha Chapman's line of makeup brushes is fantastic, affordable and high quality.

I don't have all the brushes... I think I just have 8 of them, but I think that's a pretty good number to rate them.

Here's my Top 4:

--Expert face brush ($9): This one is my absolute must-have. I use this brush to apply my foundation or BB cream (which is the only thing I've been wearing lately!) and I dab my under-eye concealer in with this as well. It's sturdy, dense and very easy to wash. I used to use a Clinique foundation brush that got really gross, even after washing it. This one is a third of the price and so much better. It's amazing when you're looking for more coverage and it doesn't leave my makeup streaky. If you're going to try one Real Techniques brush, I recommend this one.

--Powder brush ($10): Love, love, love this brush. It's a really big, super soft brush that I could sweep across my face all day. It's that soft. I use this to set my makeup with a powder. I, again, used to use a Clinique brush for this, and the Real Techniques brush is a lot bigger and softer. And so much more affordable.

--Blush brush ($9): I use this one for two things - applying blush and blending away any harsh lines on my face. At first, I didn't like this one for blush (I thought it was too large), but I've been using it this way for the last couple weeks. It picks up just the right amount of product and allows me to build the color. Otherwise, I love using this one to blend my bronzer and blush into my skin, so you can't tell where the product is starting or ending. The worst thing is going out and then realizing that my bronzer is very harsh, too obvious and just odd. I prefer the subtle look! For a flawless face, BLEND BLEND BLEND!

--Contour brush (only available in the Core Collection kit for $18): This is the perfect size brush for applying highlighter just at the top of my cheekbones. I don't use it to contour. I've been loving the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze for this.

As you can see in one of the photos, I also like my MAC brushes. But for much less money, I highly recommend Real Techniques brushes, especially my Top 4 picks!

I linked the above descriptions to Real Technique's website, but I bought them in person at Ulta. I recommend slowly building your brush collection with Ulta's amazing $3.50 off $10 coupons! Best deal around.

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