HANNA

Ecotools Precision Blush Brush

Price: P460.01

Bought from: Ecotools

Here's a quick review on an Ecotools best-selling brush - Ecotools Precision Blush Brush. I remember a beauty guru I follow on Youtube rave about this brush and so she made me buy one I guess. There wasn't much dilly-dallying because this brush is just so cheap that it won't make a dent in your wallets. We know Ecotools for making quality yet affordable brushes.

CLAIMS

This brush is just about the perfect length you can ever have, storage-wise. I always love Ecotools' lightweight, bamboo handles because it makes me feel like I'm closer to the environment. I also appreciate that they included the brush name on the handle so users will know which is which. Good makeup brushes ought to be multi-tasking brushes, still it would be better to include brush names for the sake of beginners and so that they'll have a guide.

The bristles are two-toned and they are also tapered so it distributes powder product efficiently. Like all Ecotools brushes, this is made of synthetic hair so it's really soft to the touch and there's absolute zero hair that feels scratchy. That's one thing I always consider when using brushes. I want it to be super soft that it's comfortable on the skin and won't cause tugging.

Ecotools Precision Blush Brush is pinched on the bottom so it's kind of flat but still fluffy. I like that it's not too small or too big - it just fits the apples of my cheeks. There's zero shedding even after several washes and it also stays in shape.

It was a mentioned in their site that this brush can be for both cream and powder application. I tried it on both - it does an amazing job in blending powder blushes but is not a very ideal cream blush brush. I think small stippling brush will do the job better. For cream products, I prefer firmer, shorter-type bristles. I don't now if it's just me but I think it's a matter of personal preference.

Real Techniques Powder Bleu Brush Collection

I've been buying brushes non-stop and one of the loveliest haul I did through Zalora includes three (3) brushes from the Powder Bleu Brush Collection of Real Techniques. This limited set is the luxurious line of this famous drugstore brush brand. The bristles are said to be comparable to blue squirrel hair which is a premium kind of fiber only expensive and high-end manufacturers uses. Hence, the brushes are way more expensive from their usual price point.

The brushes we'll talk about today are the B01 Soft Large Powder Brush, B03 Soft Complexion Brush and B04 Soft Shadow Brush. There are two more brushes and a powder puff in the collection that I don't have. I've long been searching for the B02 Soft Finishing Brush but it's sold out anywhere. If you happen to know where I can get one in the Philippines, please, please, let me know.  I'm also eyeing the Plush Kabuki which is this massive body kabuki brush I think everyone's raving about. That's, I think, the most expensive in the collection and I still need to ponder whether it's something I'll need in my life. On the other hand, I did not bother buying the Plush Powder Puff because it's not a necessary makeup tool in my opinion. I might buy that still if I change my mind about collecting the entire set.

The overall design of each brush are awesome - they remind me of Kat Von D brushes with that long, sleek handle and pointed bottom. It has that ombre effect design which goes from royal blue to black all the way up. The handle is very sturdy and is made of wood and you can tell that they are really of quality as they have weights individually.

The bristles are blue in color so these are stain-proof. Here I am using and combining words again that I don't even know whether or not they exist in dictionaries haha. Anyway, these brushes are so, so soft. Words aren't able to describe how it hits the softness factor - if that's even a technical term lol. In fact, I would say they are the softest brushes from a drugstore brand that I ever own.

Another good thing about them is that they are able to keep their shape even after several washes. The blue dye doesn't wash off too so yey! There are no hairs sticking out so no need to worry about hairs getting into your face as you apply and blend your powder products.

REAL TECHNIQUES B01 SOFT LARGE POWDER BRUSH

This is a great fluffy brush that has a long tapered tip. I like tapered brushes because they really get to the nooks and crannies of the face and they don't really bother the makeup underneath. It's also able to pick up too much pigments in one go so it would cover a massive area of the skin, ensuring a faster makeup setting application. This has a smaller brush head compared to the regular powder brush we know from Real Techniques - that one I truly love - but is still big on its own.

Aside from its luxurious feel, this is also a true multitasker. It's a brush that I can use to sweep on my favorite blush for that flushed look or bronzer to enhance face dimensions. Mostly though, this is my go-to brush to set the under eyes and face.

REAL TECHNIQUES B03 SOFT COMPLEXION BRUSH

This was what I'm most excited about the first time I got my haul. I love dense, buffing brushes just because. I think they are great investment for some reasons. This PowderBleu Soft Complexion Brush is a must-have. I didn't like it at first and it was solely my fault because I use it with a liquid foundation when it's actually intended for powder products. This brush just soaks up the liquid and I ended up having a very sheer, streaky finish. I did look up online and that's when I figured out I was using it wrong. Oopsies, stupid me I know.

Anyway, I gave it another try and use a powder foundation from Loreal and it does blend my makeup so naturally seamless. Everything looks airbrushed and my pores are blurred out. I think it's because the brush is soft and dense that bristles are well packed together and they are doing a great job in pushing the product onto the skin. Blending products with this brush lessens the look like you are actually wearing something.

REAL TECHNIQUES B01 SOFT SHADOW BRUSH

This is a basic blending brush that is also fluffy and tapered to the tip. It looks like a teeny tiny version of the powder brush at least in my opinion. It's so soft to the eyes and doesn't feel scratchy. Just like all brushes from the collection, the bristles are extra soft and they feel feathery on the skin too.

Because it's slightly bigger compared to other blending brushes that I own, I'm thinking that this may not be fitting for those who have smaller eyes. My eyes are round and small and I really find it hard to blend because of the brush size. It's giving me like a smaller space for blending and a lesser control. I cannot move too much or my shadow will go places...if you know what I mean. If your eyes are bigger though, this may be a great transition or like an overall blending brush but definitely not ideal for detail work.

So there you have it! I hope this review helps especially if you are someone who's eyeing this brush collection. I don't think these are something you have to buy but if you are a brush collector like me and is willing to spend for quality brushes, then go ahead. If you are looking for cheaper alternatives, Real Techniques have cheaper brush options for you that you'll never go wrong with.

Sharing with you my July 2019 Product Empties! These are items I truly like and been using religiously last month. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Laneige Water Sleeping Masks are skincare items I constantly repurchase for who knows how many times. Here I included links to full reviews if you would like to know why I love them. Feel free to do a quick visit!

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Laneige Water Sleeping Masks

Althea Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser

Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask

Ecotools Full Powder Brush

Bought for: P517.34

Bought from: Ecotools

CLAIMS

Natural by Watsons Olive Shampoo and Argan Conditioner

Price: P209 (490ml) and P239 (490ml)

Bought from: Sample Room 

PACKAGING

Both products are packed and secured upon arrival. The overall packaging looks so eco-friendly with the wooden cap and recyclable plastic bottle. You can find all the necessary information in the packaging such as claims/benefits, ingredient list, usage, and expiry dates. The dispenser is okay but it gets loose and hard to work with after several pumps. This is a very minor issue though.

NATURALS BY WATSONS OLIVE OIL SHAMPOO

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Bought for: P603

Bought from: Real Techniques

Here's a review to another favorite brush I have in my vanity - Real Techniques Stippling Brush. I didn't really expect it'd be one of my essentials because to tell you the truth, I always end up throwing out every single stippling brush I get that's included in sets I purchase. I don't get it why I have to have this type of brush when I can do well with other foundation brushes I have. At first, I thought stippling brushes are nothing compared to Beauty Blenders and buffer brushes and it's only until recently that I discovered what I had to do with them and the best shape and size to buy. Anyway, if you want to know more why I love this brush and how I use it, please keep on reading after the short break!

CLAIMS

My stippling brush comes in basic RT packaging. The base is made of black rubber material that (sadly) pick ups dirt and dust wherever and however I store it. The handle is sleek and is fuchsia-colored and has the brand's name and brush description printed in shiny, white font. I'm happy that they don't rub off very easily. The size is standard so it's quite easy to grip and bring to travel. Overall, the packaging looks and feels sturdy - something you gotta expect from Real Techniques.

This is a duo-fibre brush wherein it's a combination of synthetic (black) and taklon (white) bristles that's intended mostly for foundation application. Taklon bristles are famous for creams and liquid foundations because they do not soak up too much product. I personally do not like this particular type of bristles. I think they're too harsh as they drag the skin and open up the pores. I always end up having streaky base every time I resort to taklon brushes. It's either what I'm saying is true or that I'm just dumb enough not to know how to properly use them (lol).

What I like most about Real Techniques Stippling Brush is the short, flat brush head because it allows precise application and blending. I am quite annoyed with those big stippling brushes which are way more flimsy and they do nothing in terms of blending. It's still a matter of personal preference though because I know a lot who are fond of using them. They say to resort to stippling brushes if you want lighter and more natural bronzer or blush as they lightly pick up product and distributes in an airbrush finish.

Here's my take though on this particular brush from Real Techniques. Again, I like that it's short and small because it fits the smallest corners of the face. Also, I can focus more on areas where I just need the 'blending'. I personally use this brush to apply cream blushes as it distributes color evenly. Unlike denser brushes, this brush makes bronzer and blush appears more natural-looking. Colors are sheerer, less harsh and way more subtle with brushes like this so if you are the type to like that, DO BUY.

I also use this as a blending brush to finish the makeup base and make sure my foundation is well blended. You can pack on foundation with a buffer brush or sponge and then finish off with a stippling brush for an airbrush look.

Unlike before, I am now seeing stippling brushes in a better light. I would still refrain from buying stippling brushes with larger brush heads but if I have too, I'd choose something similar to Real Techniques' like the ones from Zoeva and Eco Tools!

Do you know any stippling brush that made it to your top brush essentials? Let me know and I'd love to try it out! Happy blogging!

This is a cleanser that comes in a set and which I got from Zalora during a sale back early this year. Aside from makeup brushes, I love collecting beauty sponges as well so I was really glad that the value set has a cleanser to use for my tools. It comes in a chubby plastic bottle and an opaque white plastic cap wherein you gotta push one side to open. I think it’s just very useful and hygienic at the same time.

The liquid is amber-colored, smells so clean and subtle and what I really love is that you don’t have to use too much to create a very rich lather. Just a teeny tiny bit is enough per brush head. It only matters I guess depends on how dirty your brushes are. With this Beauty Blender Liquid Blender Cleanser, brush cleansing is so convenient to do. No more of those old cleansing methods that almost broke you a sweat. This melts makeup in a flash and removes every bit of stain – whether old or new – with ease. In fact, it was able to remove old stains that my previous cleanser missed. This is, by far, the best I’ve tried for both brush and sponge cleansing. Also, it’s easy to rinse without leaving soapy, slimy residue on the bristles.

If you purchase it in regular price, this may cost you more or less $18 or a little less than P1000. I suggest you buy it in value sets and if you can, wait for sale season so you can save more. I highly recommend this product as it’s a great value for money. That’s pretty much it! Happy blogging!

Maris Racal wearing Careline's newest makeup innovation, Stain Gloss