TSF

Here are few other brushes I got from different sets - Real Techniques Artist Essentials Set and Real Techniques Everyday Essentials. I apologize because I forgot to include the smaller brushes in the picture.

I haven't done a thorough research yet but I think there's not much written reviews about these Real Techniques Artist Essentials Makeup Brush Set. I am happy to be able to write one myself. I cannot help myself from buying makeup brush sets from Real Techniques whenever I find available stocks from legit resellers online. It's not everyday that local beauty stores here in the Philippines restock on brushes so I consider myself lucky to be able to snag this particular set when I had the chance.

Five (5) full-sized face and eye brushes make up the Artist Essentials Collection. They come in different solid colors and sheer brass handles that contribute greatly to the overall aesthetic of the brushes. Correct me if I'm wrong but all the brushes here are limited editions and cannot be bought individually. Most RT brushes in sets comes in different sizes and shapes and sad news, they aren't here for long. This is the main reason why I am buying them. For a makeup brush collector like me, variations of brushes are important, not just quantity.

I guess RT is finally clearing off the old RT packaging - the ones with black rubber handles. I like the old packaging but I think they have their reasons for the revamp. One of the good things is that we could have better options. There are a lot of counterfeit RT brushes that look similarly like the old ones so with these changes, we can now make sure that we're only buying authentic pieces.

The handles still have the brush names so despite their versatility, it's nice to get familiar with them and to know what purpose they serve.

The brush heads are made of soft, synthetic bristles and as always, the overall look and feel is very sturdy and definitely of quality. My old Real Techniques brushes have been with me for years. The oldest are like seven years old and with proper care and storage, they can even last for more years.

I have used and washed these for more than five times in two months and I'm not surprised at all that they do not shed and they also keep the shapes intact. A bit flaring occurs from time to time especially to the Spotlight Fan and Soft Accent but brush nets always are my remedy. They are also easy to clean with minimal to no staining with my BeautyBlender Liquid Cleanser.

The best thing  about RT brushes are the price! A set ranges from P1000-1250 depends on where you buy it but I got mine for only P1000 after applying discounts and points plus free shipping! Anyway, let's talk about each brush.

The RT 217 Expert Edge Large  has a symmetrical cut featuring five unique edges; precisely apply liquid or cream foundation and contour makeup. This is similar to one of my favorites - Real Techniques Expert Face Brush from my buffing brushes. It has a domed head but has three multifaceted angles that blends makeup seamlessly in all areas of the face. The tip allows it to apply foundations on hard to reach areas like sides of the nose and lips. The size is enough to blend your contour like a dream too. For an additional function, you can use it for baking and setting the under eyes. It works for both liquid and creams. 

The RT 420 Spotlight Fan has a precision fan shape that softly glide powder contour makeup or highlighter. This is the very first duo-fiber fan brush I ever own and I don't know but I am liking the trend haha! I didn't like duo-fiber stippling brushes in general but if they are shaped like a fan brush, I think I am buying.

This particular brush has a light pink handle that adds an extra oomph to the overall look. The brush head is kind of dense on the bottom but sheer on the top part. It disperses highlighter in the most natural way possible. You can even use it to powder your face very lightly especially if your have dry skin that doesn't need to much setting. You can also use it to lightly contour and bronze. Just a very effective brush that's worth keeping.

I like the colorful packaging and the presence of too much visuals is very playful but not irritating to the eyes. It sprays on well and the long, slim bottle is sturdy and travel-friendly.

This product has a strong citrus scent. The smell of grapefruit is very prominent. It lingers for quite a while then gradually disappears after a few minutes. I like it to be honest however, it's heavily fragranced that those with sensitive noses may find offensive.

The consistency is water-like. It feels refreshing upon spritz and it also hydrates the skin very effectively. Thanks to the combination of natural hydrators it's equipped with. This product absorbs easily without any stickiness or discomfort.

The box is rectangular, has pink and white theme and is sealed in plastic. The back part shows the ingredient and concentration as well as the directions for use, expiry and manufacturing dates. It's good that they have English translation too for international buyers like us.

Now be careful when buying these supplements. I bought the first 2 boxes from a suspicious seller online and I was just overwhelmed as to how cheap she sells these on her account.One box from her is only P650 while the registered shop from Shopee Mall offers a box for P995. P650 per 15 capsules is still too much but I only could think of the 345-peso savings at that time. I asked her in a polite manner, careful not to offend her, if her items are authentic and she immediately got back to me and said yes. She told me that those were excess from her stash that she decides to just sell for less. Out of curiosity, I asked her why. I was still waiting for her to say that that they are not effective so I can just forget about it, but she gave me only vague explanations that eventually had me backing off.

Anyway, I wanted to see the results myself so despite being skeptical, I just decided to buy from her. Twice. The lack of reviews made me think that it's not at all effective and that Sexy Boom is just lying about these supplements being a bestseller in Thailand. If they are, shouldn't there be at least some people who would talk about it online? But then again, being open like that in public might appear as bold yet embarrassing move for some just like how I am feeling right now. Anyway, that sparked my curiosity even more. 

Moving forward, I wasn't aware then that Sexy Boom have counterfeit products. It only gave me a hint after buying 5 more boxes from a different shop. I was still hesitant but I wanted to see the end even though they will not be favorable. I eventually found out that a registered shop under Shopee Mall (@brightskinphilippines) also sells authentic Thai products (at least what they claim). One box with 15 capsules retails for P995. The good thing is that they offer wholesale prices - P725 (2-4 boxes) and P625 (5 boxes and more). They also offer 10-20% cashback on top of that. I bought it on a Tuesday so I got 20% cashback from the total amount I originally paid. Doing the Math, I got 625 worth of Shopee coins back in my account (1 Shopee Coin = P1). I wished I knew this shop first but I couldn't be more thankful because that was then when I figured out that one or the other is fake.

I couldn't remember if there's any difference at all in the outer cardboard box. They are pretty much the same in my memory. I didn't dare take a photograph of the first 2 boxes I bought because I never thought I would be writing this blog. The lilac-colored capsules appear pretty much the same as well. The only significant thing I could remember from the first 2 boxes to the ones I bought from Shopee Mall is the appearance of the blister packs. The back aluminum foil from the first seller is plain silver/gray which reminds of me those candies we loved to buy during our childhood years. Nothing fancy at all. Now the ones I got from @brightskinphilippines were painted black and pink with the letters SXY. The blister pack as a whole is smaller in size than the former ones I own.

Here's the catch though - I don't have any proof that the first 2 boxes are fakes and the ones I bought from Shopee Mall are authentic. The lack of information online is frustrating. My only proof is what my guts is telling me. I believe that Shopee Mall won't partner with sneaky, suspicious sellers. I think no one as big as Shopee would put their brand on the line. Secondly, the one with colors and prints looks more premium to me. The ones I bought from the first seller just looks cheap and to be honest, my initial thought was "so this is P650?". I was kind of expecting something with a more pleasing aesthetic considering the price.

Now for the moment of truth, is Sexy Boom Dietary Supplements effective or not?

Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream has three UVA/UVB blockers: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino, Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate and Titanium Dioxide - all of which are safe and effective. It also has Glycerin to moisturize the skin and has very little irritants. With regular use, my skin isn't clogged and irritated. This sunscreen is easy to wash off with oil cleansers.

This is an okay sunscreen for me in terms of formulation. My only concern is that it's lacking on the sun protection level. In a tropical country and most especially during summer, I believe that we need to use products with SPF not lower than 35 to make sure we're protected from the sun's harmful rays. This is advisable to be used together with Maxi-Peel Exfoliant Solution which I'm very skeptical about. If the skin is peeling, there's much more need to use stronger sunscreens.

The price is very affordable so if you are a bit tight on budget, this is a good alternative especially effective sunscreens usually comes at a steeper price tag. I just feel more secured in using high SPF sunscreens so I don't think that I'll be repurchasing Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream anytime soon. Splash is a very well-known and reputable brand so I would assume that there's always a place for improvement.

What do you think of this product? Care to share?

Maxi-Peel Facial Wash have acids and chemicals that are quite alarming especially for sensitive skin. However, there are also notable ones that are beneficial to problematic skin types. There are potent ingredients for anti-aging and brightening (Niacinamide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate or Vitamin E), and also for fighting acne (Salicylic Acid). Oh, at the moment, my skin is loving Niacinamide!

Apart from these, Maxi-Peel Facial Wash is paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free and EU allergen-free.