Product Review: Real Techniques Powder Brush

Product Review: Real Techniques Powder Brush

Cost: $10
Where to Purchase: Real Techniques or Ulta

Claims:  Evenly apply powders and mineral foundations for smooth, high-definition results.

Thoughts: I've owned this brush now for 3 weeks and I usually like to use a product for longer before I post a review but I've been so enamored with this that I just had to share my thoughts. This brush is brilliant. I'm quickly becoming a big fan of Real Techniques brushes like many people and I have to say that this is my very favorite of them all. I had been searching for the perfect brush to apply my loose powder and I happily found it in this one. This brush is dense enough to work in the powder without it looking cakey yet it's soft on the skin and easy to clean. I compared it in the shots below to my MAC150, same size only a couple of $20s cheaper. Never again purchasing the MAC150 as long as I can find this. I actually prefer this one to my MAC because this one doesn't shed AT ALL while the MAC one does.
How I use it: Use it for loose powder or even bronzer.

Rating: A+

Haul: Ulta 6/29/12

Haul: Ulta 6/29/12

I had been waiting to go to Ulta and use my 20% OFF entire purchase coupon I got in the mail and today was the day. The coupon expires tomorrow so USE YOURS!

I ended up getting a few things which I wasn't willing to pay the full price for and ended up getting it discounted.

Here we go:

• Real Techniques Blush Brush - I'd been waiting for this one to come back in stock because BOTH my Ultas were always sold out, imagine my luck that I not only finally found it but I was able to use my 20% coupon on it!
• Regular Price: $8.99
• With Coupon: $7.20
• Saved: $1.79
• Real Techniques Powder Brush - I really needed a large nice sturdy brush for my loose setting powder, the one I have is very old and needed replacing so this was a justifiable purchase.
• Regular Price: $9.99
• With Coupon: $7.99
• Saved: $2.00
• Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Polish in 'Parrot' -This was on a whim but to my defense, I don't own this shade of green and it was on clearance!
• Regular Price: $7.00
• Sale Price: $3.99
• With Coupon: $3.19
• Saved: $3.81
• Philosophy Purity Face Cleanser - I've been courting the Philosophy products lately, wanting to try them out but finding it really hard to pay full price for them. So I decided to go for the travel size of this cleanser and see how I like it.
• Regular Price: $10.00
• With Coupon: $8.00
• Saved: $2.00
• Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Strips in Take the Stage - I'm addicted to these but not to their price so I only get these when on sale or on clearance which this was! This is a beautiful black with tons of silver glitter - perfect for a night out or a party!
• Regular Price: $8
• Sale Price: $4.99
• With Coupon: $3.99
• Saved: $4.01
• Neutrogena Shine Control Liquid Makeup - This was a whim, I'll admit because I really wanted to try it just to test out if it really could control shine so I will be testing this out and most likely posting a review. Right off the bat I can see a problem in this - they only have 4 colors! 4 COLORS!! I'm NW25 and I got their darkest in Natural Beige.
• Regular Price: $13.99
• With Coupon: $11.19
• Saved: $2.80
• Amazing Cosmetics, Amazing Concealer in Med Beige - This claims to be the best concealer IN THE WORLD. Ok, challenge accepted! This was another whim. I fully didn't go in to buy this but I've been a little obsessed with under eye concealer and I've heard such good things about this that I just had to try it. Plus I got to use my coupon on it!
• Regular Price: $28.00
• With Coupon: $22.40
• Saved: $5.60

I also cashed in some of my Ulta Rewards and they took off an extra  $3.00 from my total. A total savings of $25.01!!!! Seriously, I basically got the Amazing Concealer for free!

I shall be, believe it or not, heading back to ULTA on Sunday because their July sale begins where nearly all of their drugstore brands are BOGO50%OFF. I shall share my next haul then! :)

Product Review: Everyday Minerals Flat-Top Brush

Product Review: Everyday Minerals Flat-Top Brush

Cost: $12.99
Where to Purchase: Everyday Minerals
Claims: Perfect for even full coverage powder applications. The Flat Top Brush is ideal for powder application as its unique flat top shape is excellent for providing buildable yet seamless coverage to the face. Just apply the powder using short “buffing” strokes from the face to the jaw line.

Thoughts: This brush is just dreadful for applying mineral powders - in my opinion. However, it is BRILLIANT for applying liquid foundation. It's such a dence small brush that it is my go-to for travel as it fits in the palm of my hand and just applies my foundation to create such a perfect 'airbrushed' look. I've had mine for over 2 years, using it nearly everyday and NEVER shed, always cleaned well. I love it so much that I buy it for friends for Christmas and their birthdays and have converted them all of this little brush.
How I use it: I warm up my liquid foundation in my back of my hand and then dot it all around my face. Then I take this brush and using a combination of the stippling method and circular movements I work it well into my face. Clean the brush in gentle shampoo at least once a month.

Rating: A