The Setting Brush is one of three new Real Techniques tools that were recently launched (together with the Face Expert brush and a fine eyeliner one). This fluffy setting brush might be my favorite of the three, as it's not just good and useful, but also unique enough that I don't have anything similar in my not-so-small brush arsenal.
Real Techniques Setting Brush looks like a supersized domed blending brush. It's not crazy fluffy and long haired like the Hakuhodo G5537 and G5538, and it's packed much more densely. It's also a synthetic brush, and just as suitable for use with cream products as it is with powders. As a matter of fact, after the first round of testing when I tried the Setting Brush with just about every face and finishing product I own, I decided to keep it for use with creams: buffing concealer and blending cream highlighters.
It's the full round shape of the soft Setting Brush that makes it so good at buffing products. It's excellent to use it when going back to clean up under the eyes when it still has some foundation or concealer residue. The tapered head lets you go in and reach under the eyes just as well as the sides of the nose.
As you can see, I compared it with a brush of a similar size and function (though a completely different shape), Shu Uemura 14 (yes, I realize that I have yet to review it, but as is obvious from the photos below, it's rare to catch it clean, so I never got to photograph it). The Shu 14 brush is also used to apply highlighter, concealer or even foundation to small areas. The technique for using it is quite different, though. If you've ever watched YouTube videos by Korean makeup artist Jung Saem Mool, you probably noticed how she applies makeup in small, precise patting motions. It gives a flawless, full coverage finish, different than buffing but no less effective. These photos, I hope, show exactly why both brushes are ideal for different techniques using the same products.
The second comparison is to Sephora #57 Pro Airbrush. The latter has a full round head of dense bristles, but has always annoyed me by being slightly uneven (I understand that it's a quality control issue that only happened with some of the brushes in the series). It also has a little too much give for good buffing action.
The talkon bristles are as soft as expected. I did find a couple of hairs that were too long and oddly placed in the brush, which required microsurgery, but since this is a mass-market item and not a handcrafted brush such issues can happen.
You can see the brush designer, Samantha Chapman (of Pixiwoo fame) demonstrates the use of her setting brush here.
Bottom Line: I could use a second one.
Real Techniques Setting Brush ($8) is available at Ulta. I was sent the product for consideration by the company's PR.
Ah! Thank you for this! I recently received this brush in the mail but wasn't sure how to use it! I tried it with concealer this morning but I think the texture was too thick to work with the brush. I think I'll try cream highlighter with this brush as well, as you suggested :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! I'm of the opinion that every good brush can find a use with one product/formula or another.
DeleteSounds interesting! I wanted to try something like that for use with under-eye concealer. I might have a look. Btw Saem-Mool Jung is such a brilliant artist, I try to use the brushes in a similar way as she does and I wish we had those Korean Picasso bruses. Her touch appears to be so soft and she makes everything look like it belongs where she put it, like it's natural for it to be there. Her videos have such a relaxing effect that sometimes I watch them before bedtime. If ever she were to apply make up on me(ah! happy thought!), I think I would fall asleep on the spot and look gorgeous whilst dong it with such beautiful make up on.
ReplyDeleteI fantasize about having her, Goss, and Lisa E. do my makeup. On different days, that is ;) .
DeleteI have been dying to try these brushes but can't seem to find a reasonable way to get them in Canada. Now that I hear your valued opinion I'm anxious to review them even more. I wonder if it would be similar to the bdellium 787 brush I just got?
ReplyDeleteSometimes Canada baffles me. You guys have Shu counters but can't get some of our most pedestrian items.
DeleteI was highly impressed with the Bdellium brushes I saw at IMATS. It was hard to stick with my original shopping list, that sadly didn't include them. I'll have to order at some point.
want it. but im still waiting first RT order
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've seen so far, the best RT brushes are the thickest ones. That's what makes them special, as there aren't that many easy-to-find synthetic brushes that are so full and densely packed for buffing products.
ReplyDelete