Hey guys! If you read my previous posts, you'll notice that I already reviewed the Core Collection and Travel Essentials of Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman. Now I'm back to review the Limited Edition Duo-fiber Collection. 

My first and only duo-fiber brush is the powder/blush also known as the F15 brush from Sigma included in the Premium Travel Kit. It's my least used brush in the kit since I prefer using chunky and dense brushes when applying liquid-based makeup.

I have to admit being a bit disappointed that this set doesn't come with a panoramic case unlike the Core Collection and Travel Essentials. 

Although the brushes are securely packed in a thick foam-like holder, I would've loved this set even more if they included a brush holder. Maybe it's just me but I feel like coming up with a limited edition brush set without the case is quite incomplete. 

The duo-fiber face brush isn't as dense as the other large brushes of Real Techniques. Come to think of it, duo-fiber brushes are meant to be less dense than regular brushes because they're intended for lightweight application and blending. I find this really nice when using powders with shimmer like my Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder. It can pick up just the right amount of product and evenly distribute it on your face achieving a natural glow instead of a glittery finish. 

The duo-fiber contour brush is meant for precise contouring and sculpting but I mainly use it to apply my blush. I love how it makes my cheeks look lightly stained rather than flushed. Again, you will notice the bristles to be sparse yet it effectively diffuses and buffs your makeup. 

This duo-fiber eye brush is probably my most favorite in this set. I love how this brush can add that much needed umf after using it to apply highlight on your lid, crease and brow bone. You can also use it to blend your eye shadow. 

Luckily my two other brush sets offer additional slots to accommodate extra ones so I was able to put these brushes with them. 

Notice how they look nice with the other brush sets? Maybe that's why they didn't bother to include a case for the duo-fiber collection but still, having a limited edition case would've been great! Just saying. 

 

 

Overall these duo-fiber brushes are a good addition to my slowly growing number of tools. I love the soft bristles, the shiny white ferrules and of course the rubber handle. You can tell that these are of good quality after several times of deep cleaning them without literally shedding a strand which is actually a major turn-off with my Sigma F15 duo-fiber brush. The price ($19.99) is a bit higher than the other Real Techniques brush sets ($17.99) so this might be a concern for some of you but don't fret because having these may be a good addition to your makeup tools but not at all a must-have in my opinion especially when you already have duo-fiber brushes of your own.

 

 



Image courtesy of  Real Techniques

 

Now that I'm done reviewing all three brush sets from Real Techniques, I'm thinking of doing an entry to show you the brushes I use daily including those from the core collection, travel essentials and duo-fiber collection so do please check back in for that.

 

 

 

If you're interested in getting your own Real Techniques brushes, I invite you to check out my online shop Beauty Rx or my Instagram beauty_rx and you might just see something you'll like. Any questions? Please leave them on the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and have a happy holiday!

 

 

 

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REAL TECHNIQUES: Travel Essentials

Hey guys! This post is my 2nd in a series of reviews about Real Techniques brushes. I initially reviewed the Core Collection and now I'm back to give you my thoughts on the Travel Essentials. 

 

This set is housed in a transparent hard plastic so you can see the brushes right away without having to tear the box open. At the back you can find a description of each brush and how to use them. 

 

Like the Core Collection, this set also comes with a panoramic case that functions as a dual carrier and stand to keep your brushes organized whether at home or on the go. 

As the name implies, this brush is for applying your foundation but you may also use this to apply concealer. Although this brush is densely packed with soft bristles, I still prefer applying liquid-based makeup with either a flat top brush or a dome shaped one like the buffing brush included in the core collection.

The domed shadow brush is intended to smoothly apply your eye shadow or to give your eyes definition. It reminds me so much of my large fluff brush from Sigma, also known as the E50 brush but a little smaller. Although both brushes appear similar, I prefer using the Sigma E50 because it can pick up and pack more eye shadow. But hey, that's just me. Others may find this brush better than the E50 especially those
with smaller lids.

 

This multi-task brush is my most favorite tool in this kit because aside from the lovely pink ferrule, it's also the most versatile among the three. I love that the size is perfect for applying your face powder, not too large nor too small. Just pinch the bristles over the base near the ferrule and you can use it to apply your blush and bronzer.

 

Of course I love the extra slots to fit in two more brushes you may want

to bring with you.

 

Although adding big brushes may give you a hard time closing the panoramic case, still it locks into an inch thick carrier which is better than having your brushes mixed with other stuff in your bag or vanity kit making them more prone to contamination and early damage.

 

Overall, the Real Techniques Travel Essentials kit is my 2nd most favorite set in the collection. I think I can do away with other brushes and achieve a full look with just three tools in this kit. Like all the other Real Techniques brushes, these have soft and densely packed bristles with very minimal shedding. I love the dual purpose case with the extra elastic bands to accommodate more tools you may want to add. Need I mention the overall look of each brush? The matte metal ferrules and rubber handles are a delight to have and make these brushes very unique and eye-catching. This set, like the core collection, retails for $17.99 at Ulta which I think may be a bit steep for just a 3-piece brush set but the versatility and quality of these brushes are worth it.

 

 

Image courtesy of Real Techniques

 

Still haven't joined the Real Techniques band wagon? You really have to get at least a set to fall in love with every single one of them. If you ask me, the Travel Essentials is a good way to start. You may purchase one at a very affordable and competitive price from my online shop Beauty Rx or via Instagram beauty_rx. Any thoughts on Real Techniques? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful holiday!

 

 

♥♥♥

ENHANCE COSMETICS: 15 Piece Makeup Brush Set

Hey everyone! Aside from being a voucher addict I'm also a skin care advocate and makeup enthusiast which is why I'm always on the look out for beauty related products with good quality yet affordable prices. 

There are times when I splurge a little on some things worth spending my money on but I also look for cheaper alternatives. Good thing we now live in this era when there are more than a few choices of almost everything in the market. Take makeup tools for instance. My first makeup kit was bought online directly from an international brand which took forever to get here and caused a painful dent on my budget. Years later after trying out locally available makeup brushes like Charm and Ellana, I can proudly say that I now patronize local brushes. 

After taking basic makeup class at The Makeup Artistry, I realized I lack a few more brushes needed to achieve a full look. Luckily, I watched Miss Say's You Tube video featuring a locally available brush set from Enhance Cosmetics. They were having a sale with 10% off the regular price on every item from makeup tools to cosmetics so I finally got myself a 15-piece makeup brush set.

The brush set comes in this really cute pink foldable pouch made of synthetic snake skin with magnetic locks on both ends.

The pouch unfolds into a long brush holder with a flap made of the same synthetic material that covers and protects the brushes. It has a netlike fabric carefully sewn to fit each brush handle securely. The brushes aren't labelled and there's no product insert telling you the name of each tool and what they're for so I just assumed which is which based on size, shape and overall appearance.

Top to bottom:

Face Brush: a densely packed large brush perfect for finishing powder application.

Blush Brush: a smaller brush that you can use to apply your blush or contour your face with.

Angled Brush: it has the size of a blush brush but comes with angled bristles best for contouring or applying blush.

Foundation Brush: a flat brush best used in spreading your liquid foundation for an evenly flawless finish. 

Concealer brush: this has the shape of a foundation brush but is much smaller making it easier to apply concealer to under eye areas, around the nose and on blemishes.

Large Shader brush: smaller than a concealer brush best for applying and blending of powder eye shadow or emollient-based products.

Small Shader brush: smaller than a regular shader brush used for precision shading of eye shadow.

Flat Definer brush: has a sharp, thin edge used to apply eye shadow along the upper and lower lash lines to create an easy thin line.

Lid Shader brush: has long, firm bristles used for precise application of deep shades on the crease.

Lip brush: a flat tapered brush best used for applying emollient or water based lip products.

Mini Lid Shader brush: has a fine and oval tapered tip for controlled application of color on precise areas of the lids.

Flat Angled brush: has flat bristles with angled tip used to define the brows.

Sponge Tip Applicator: the flat side may be used for applying eye shadow while the tip is ideal for smudging eye liner or placing a highlight color on your lid.
Lash brush: is firm and has a spiral looking shape best for applying mascara, separating lashes and grooming eye brows.
Eye brow comb and brush: the comb works to smooth brows for a more polished look while the brush sets brow shape and softens hair texture.


Aside from the pink color, I love the snake skin material of the pouch and the way it discreetly folds into a wallet size making it a great travel companion. The bristles are so soft that I initially thought they were made of synthetic fibers but they're actually made of goat hair. Each brush is densely packed with minimal shedding. The metal ferrules look good in black while the pink wooden handles look very feminine and are light weight for easy brush manipulation.

 Overall, I honestly think that this set can pull off a complete look. Although it would've been greater with a flat top brush instead of the flat foundation brush and a tapered blending brush instead of a sponge tip applicator. Quality wise, don't expect the high end look of MAC or Sigma brushes. The bristles, ferrules and handles aren't flawless but for its price (950 Php) this set is really a good steal.

Enhance Cosmetics 15-Piece Makeup Brush Set

Retail Price: 950 Php

Facebook: facebook.com/enhancecosmetics

Instagram: enhance_cosmetics

Email: enhance_cosmetics@yahoo.com

Viber/text: 0917-5575312


♥ ♥ ♥ 

Beauty Travel Essentials

          Whether you're going out of the country or just staying away from home for a few days, you still need to bring your skin care essentials. I really dread leaving my regimen behind because my skin tends to break out without it. But when travelling, you really need to minimize your luggage and just bring the ones you can't live without like a good facial wash, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen and personal hygiene products. If you're travelling abroad, you have to abide by the standard rules of carrying liquids, gels and aerosols kept in containers with volumes of not more than 100 ml each. In this case, it helps to bring sample sizes or just refill smaller containers that can be bought from different stores like watson's and beabi.

beabi SM North Edsa (Php 95)

          I actually got mine from beabi together with the bag organizer which I featured in a separate blog early this month. It's a set of 2 bottles for liquid products with 2 small jars for lotion or cream housed in a snap on plastic compact. I love that the bottles are in the standard travel friendly size of 100ml.

          You can also use a water resistant bag to organize your bath products and bring with you when you shower. I used this free bag I got as part of a set from L'oreal. It's small enough to fit in my bag and spacious enough to hold my skin and bath products. I like using this particular bag because it's water proof so it's easy to clean and if your liquid products accidentally spill during travel, they won't get to your clothes and other stuff that easily. 

          Also, this has a metal loop on top so it can be hooked to the bathroom wall. It has 3 compartments that fold into a bag with a top handle. The middle pouch can accomodate most of your things even a full size facial wash. It's made of durable transparent plastic which I really like beacuse you can instantly see what's inside. The top and bottom compartments can be used for smaller objects.

          If you have hotel accomodations, then you can skip packing some bath and hygiene essentials like shampoo, soap, buds and cotton. But if you're a toner freak like me, who needs more cotton than you can possibly imagine, you might want to bring your own just to be sure. If you can't do without your favorites like shampoo or facial wash, you may purchase them in sachets to lessen the bulk. Most importantly, always make sure to pack at least 3 days from your departure, so you still have time to buy stuff and not forget anything you need. Remember, you can save a lot of time and money if you pack wisely.

My very own SIGMA!!!

     I've been eager to get my hands on this baby for the past months and it's finally here!!! My very own SIGMA premium travel kit. Pictures first before the story of my long agonizing wait.. :)

The complete set: brochures, free gift, brush set with pouch

The brush kit was in this pink net drawstring pouch

Sigma premium travel kit 

Opened Sigma premium travel kit 

Sigma premium travel kit with flap open

7 AWESOME Sigma brushes

Freebie!!! Sigma blending brush E25

The entire deal.. :)

ORDER YOURS NOW!!! Click on the pic above.

     I can't begin to describe how I felt when I got this from the post office this afternoon. Finally, after the very long wait.. months of looking at different sites and blogs for reviews on the best and reasonably priced brush kits.. 4 weeks of waiting for the shipment to arrive.. Well, I have to say that it was worth the wait.. I love the brushes, carefully packed and placed in the pouch. Each one in its' own plastic cover. The bristles are so soft and they really smell good.. at least for me. The kit is everything I have hoped it would be. I love the pink metallic color of the entire collection. I also love the free brush they threw in, blending brush E25. I have never purchased a brush kit and it's really a good thing I never did and waited until today. :)