REVIEW: Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush

Real Techniques is a range of make up brushes by make up artist Samantha Chapman, one half of Pixiwoo. The entire range is made from synthetic materials as Samantha is a vegetarian, and they have been made with quality and value in mind.

I bought the Stippling brush after seeing Nic and Sam use it numerous times in their videos and seeing rave reviews of it on the internet. It's been a few weeks now and I have a verdict for you!

The description:

This dual-fiber brush is the trade secret for creating airbrushed, high-definition results with all types of makeup:

• look pixel-perfect even in harsh light
• ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
• self-standing for easy storage
• extended aluminum handle is light and easy to use 

The verdict: This brush is possibly the holy grail of foundation brushes. I currently own 5 foundation brushes, of varying types and sizes, but this is by far the best. It is similar in density to the MAC 130 brush, but the brush head is larger and the bristles slightly shorter. I've used the MAC 187 for ages to apply my foundation, but this puts that in the shade. Because the bristles are synthetic, it doesn't absorb product like natural bristles do, meaning you can use less and spread it further. This brush provides excellent blending and product application, and really does leave a pixel perfect finish. I've got some fairly visible pores around my nose and on my cheeks that foundation has a tendency to pool in but after using this brush, that doesn't happen.

I love this brush so much I want the rest of the range. If I didn't already have a whole load of brushes, I would, because the price point is pretty darn good as well!

Where to buy: Go to http://realtechniques.com/ for the full range, and shopping options in the UK and USA. I think in the USA you can buy them in a specific drugstore, but in the UK they are mail order only.