I'm a Beauty Blogger from Australia, sharing my love for makeup. Some of you may know me as @Skindzmakeup on Instagram.

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Review: Real Techniques (Part 1)

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman

We've seen them all over Youtube, magazines, and beauty blogs.. and for a darn good reason. For those of you who don't know, the one item I hoard when it comes to makeup is makeup brushes (possibly foundations too but that's for a later post :P). I'm always on the search for both high end and affordable brushes that perfectly compliment my makeup products to give the best finish possible.

I must say... these Real Techniques brushes are some of my favourite affordable brushes. They are made of synthetic hair, are labelled for easy use and for those that come in packs, come with a swift little brush stand.

Keep reading for more of my thoughts.


Overall: These brushes are super soft, durable, don't shed (at all) and have a great amount of density. Whilst I have not featured all the brushes in the photo above, my opinion is still the same for those not in the picture (will do a separate post).

1. The Powder Brush

This brush applies powder perfectly. I use it for finishing my face with translucent powder or when I want light coverage from my powder foundation. The brush distributes the product in a thin and even layer, creating a flawless finish. When you pick up the brush, it has a nice weight to it and cleaning brushes is so much easier since the ferrule can't be easily drowned in water. Oh and did I mention that its super fluffy??

2. The Blush Brush

This has the same bounce as the powder brush but it is tapered. While it's meant to be used for blush, it's just too big for my face. I find bronzer and powder a better match for this brush. Because it's so fluffy, the products can be dispersed evenly across the face, reducing the chance of blotchy makeup.

3. The Multitasking Brush

Definitely the most versatile. While you can only purchase this in a pack, it's great for blush, bronzer and powder. It's the perfect little size for a range of uses.

4. The Contouring Brush

I use this almost every day... While you can only get it in a pack, the fact I bought two packs just for this brush proves how much I love it. It fits perfectly into the hollows of my cheek and manages to pick up just enough product so that I don't look like I have a line dark across my cheek. The size of the brush means it's easy to control and also provides great precision upon application. Highly recommend it.

5. The Setting Brush

Fits perfectly under the eyes to set my concealer. I also use it to blend out any contouring along the bridge of my nose or on the sides. It's quite small and manages to reach any nooks and crannies your bigger brushes may skip.

6. The Deluxe Crease Brush

I find this brush much too big for my crease but it's perfect for contouring my nose and for blending out my eyeshadow. I also use it for blending out undereye concealer... It provides a silky smooth finish. 

7. The Base Shadow Brush

It's a no fuss brush. Perfect for applying a sweep of colour (cream, powder or primer) across my eyelid. Simple and easy.

8. The Accent Brush

I really love this brush for detail work. It fits into the inner corners of the eyes, along the lashline and across the waterline. One of my favourite eye brushes.

The Verdict:
  • Quality - 5/5
  • Price - 4.5/5 (it loses half a point as in Australia the price is much higher)
  • Packaging - 4/5 (a point is lost as the base of the larger brushes is quite bulky - I'd rather the brush fit in my makeup holder than stand on its own)


Do I recommend them? YES!

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

Face of the Day (FOTD 1)

My First Post:


What's on my face today?

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush 'Off the Cuff' Palette

Where to buy: Sephora (however this was Limited Edition)
  • Amazing Pigmentation
  • Great array of colours
  • Long Lasting

2. Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette
Where to buy: MyBeautySpot Stands
  • Some colours are quite pigmented, with others lacking (I'd say about 50:50)
  • Colours are quite buttery and smooth
  • Long Lasting if you use a primer (note that I didn't today)

3. YSL Glossy Stain
Where to buy: Myer, David Jones, YSL Stand Alone Stores
  • Amazing pigmentation 
  • Super moiturising
  • Ok longevity (I'd say about 3-4 hours without reapplying)
  • Application allows the product to glide on effortlessly

4. Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder (Medium)
Where to buy: Strawberrynet
  • By far my Holy Grail sculpting powder 
  • Cool-toned for a natural contour
  • Long Lasting
  • Pigmented
  • Buttery soft

5. Giorgio Armani Corrector (orange)
Where to buy: Myer, David Jones
  • So smooth and blends like a dream
  • Long lasting
  • Hides my undereye circles

6. Lancome Hypnose Mascara
Where to buy: Myer, David Jones
  • I didn't like this product at the beginning, it wasn't until I dried it out that I saw the amazing effects it has on the lashes
  • Provides volume and length
  • This waterproof formula also holds the curl quite well
  • It is a little difficult to get off, so make sure you have a good eye makeup remover

7. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation
Where to buy: Myer, David Jones, Chanel Stand Alone stores
  • Great product for normal skin
  • Very blendable
  • Satin finish
  • Not the most long lasting, but still lasts a good 5-7 hours on my skin
  • Medium coverage

8. Mac Studio Finish Concealer (NC30)
Where to buy: Myer, David Jones, Mac Stand Alone stores
  • Shade is a bit dark for my skin but it works well for spot concealing UNDER foundation
  • Blends in very well (note for the best effect apply and warm it up with your fingers)
  • Full coverage
  • Long Lasting

9. Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner
Where to buy: sasa.com
  • My Holy Grail Eyeliner
  • Super black
  • Long lasting
  • Precise tip
  • Does not smear or smudge
I can do reviews on individual products in my upcoming posts.

Hope you're all having a beautiful day.

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)




It's finally here

Hey everyone,

I've finally started a blog where I can share my makeup addiction with the world.

For those of you who don't know, my username is @Skindzmakeup on Instagram. My love for makeup started about 5-6 years back and in this time, I've seen my makeup collection grow to ten times the original size. Hence, I've decided to create this page to share some of my hauls and reviews on the products you see on my ig.

Please feel free to ask me any questions.

Look forward to posting more soon!

Love Cindy (aka SkindzMakeup).