The Best Drugstore Brushes | Real Techniques

As an advocate of drugstore beauty, I have tested my share of high street offerings and discovered a fair few steals along the way. This is the start of a series dedicated to the makeup tools that I think are top of the drugstore. For anyone who wishes for their makeup to apply smoother, but aren’t prepared to invest the pretty price of high-end brushes, there are great options to be found on the high street. Todays post is dedicated to the first brand of makeup brushes that I ever tried; Real Techniques.

I am sure that few are a stranger to this brush line; the brand child of makeup artists, sisters, youtubers and overall beauty gurus, Sam and Nic Chapman. They are truly passionate about their craft and produce chatty, easy to follow makeup tutorials that I am constantly inspired by. The first ever brush I invested in was by Real Techniques and, despite my collection growing vastly since, the brand has remained a firm favourite. This is due to their high performance, high quality and surprisingly affordable price.

1. Stippling Brush - £11.99

Starting with the first I ever added to my collection, I love the versatility and finish that the Stippling Brush creates. It is perfect for using to apply foundation on the days when I want a light ‘second skin’ coverage. It picks up only a small amount of product and disperses it evenly around my face for a natural-looking finish. I also find that this is the perfect tool for applying cream blushes and I use it regularly to add a a dewy flush to the apples of my cheeks. 

2. Powder Brush - £12.99

The Powder Brush is also one that graces my daily makeup routine. It is the perfect size for dusting on a setting powder to lock your foundation in place and matte out your t-zone. I also love it for using a light bronzer over my whole face to subtly warm up my complexion. Lastly, it is ideal for blending in any harsh lines when you may have accidentally been a tad too heavy handed with your contouring, simply sweep it over to blend the colour seamlessly into you skin.

3. Blush Brush - £9.99

The Real Techniques Blush Brush is a true multi-tasker and it is without a doubt my favourite brush for adding colour to my cheeks. The tapered ends mean that it distributes product evenly for a natural finish. This makes it perfect for using with a contour shade to chisel out your cheekbones, with a blusher to add a flush of colour or with a face powder to add extra coverage to the precise areas where it's needed. The possibilities of this brush are endless and it is definitely a worthwhile investment.

4. Expert Face Brush - £9.99

The Expert Face Brush is the tool I reach for on the days when I want a full coverage and seamless finish. The densely packed bristles allow you to receive the maximum coverage your foundation offers without looking unnatural. This is because the brush allows you to buff the foundation into your skin for a streak free, expertly blended finish. All signs of fatigue, skin pigmentation and blemishes are skilfully camouflaged and I am never left with a cakey complexion.

That is my Real Techniques collection so far although I am sure that it won’t be long before another addition is added to my dressing table. At the moment I can not wait to finally get my hands on the set of eyebrushes, setting brush and I desperately wish for the contour kit to be in my possession! I would love to hear your thoughts on this new series and the Real Techniques line down below, what are your favourite drugstore brushes? 

Devon 

xoxo  

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Skincare Week : How To Cover Acne

Whilst avoiding makeup during a blemish breakout is one of My Acne Dos and Don'ts; I also understand that a bare face is not always an option. Over the years I have tried and tested every method and I have finally learnt the right approach to concealing acne.

I think everyone's initial reaction to that horrifying morning breakout is to dig out the heavy coverage foundation and pile on the thickest layer possible. However I have learnt that this is the biggest mistake to make and my first tip is to ditch the heavy foundation.

Now before you write this post off as the words of a crazy girl, hear me out. It is unlikely that every inch of your skin will be covered in blemishes, but instead they appear in concentrated clusters around your chin, cheeks, nose or forehead. It is only these specific areas that require a heavy coverage. Applying a thick layer over your whole face will not only create a cakey, unnatural finish but also clog up your pores and cause breakouts in the clear areas of your skin.

Before you apply any makeup, always ensure your face is freshly cleansed and moisturised so that you have the perfect smooth base to start with. Next, choose a light coverage foundation or a BB cream and blend a thin layer into your face and neck. I like to use the L'Oreal Lumi Magique as this creates a youthful glow and I blend this in with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for a seamless finish.

Now decide where you suffer the most with acne and use a precision brush to apply extra coverage to the exact areas that it is needed. My perfect choices are the Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation and EcoTools Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush. Whilst this is a foundation and not a concealer, it is ideal for covering up imperfections as it provides twice the coverage of a traditional foundation but with a lightweight finish. It is created for the purpose of offering a camouflage coverage for irregular skin tone, acne scars, dark circles and pigmentation disorders.

I place a small amount on the back of my hand and use the precision brush to apply it to my exact spots. I then use the brush to blend out the edges of the dot of foundation into my skin. This will create a flawless, long-lasting coverage that will blend seamlessly into your natural skin tone. Unlike using a full coverage foundation over your entire face, this perfectly conceals your acne without looking cakey. I finish by using a powder to lock the foundation in place. I prefer to use a translucent powder like Soap & Glory's One Heck Of A Blot, as this will increase the longevity of your coverage.

For inspiration on the perfect drugstore choices for a light coverage foundation click here, or you can read about the cleansing routine that my skin is currently loving.

This method will effectively camouflage your acne, allow the clear areas of your skin to breathe and provide a coverage that looks natural, is lightweight and long-lasting. I hope this helped those of you currently suffering with blemishes and I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Devon

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin