little white truths

Verdict

I use the contour brush from this set the most, but this one is a close second. My skin is dry, and if I use a mineral foundation or setting powder, I only want to use the smallest amount because any more than this can exacerbate that dryness and give me lines I never knew I had.

This brush is great for applying a fine layer of powder and I use it a few times a week at least, on days when I need to refresh my makeup or set it with something that will extend its wear-time.

As with the other brushes in this set, if you're expecting these brushes to apply your makeup quickly and with impact, you'll be disappointed. As mentioned, these are best for applying a very fine layer of colour and therefore they won't suit everyone for all purposes.

What's good about this face brush is that you can use the thinner side to apply your blush if you're in a pinch or need something that isn't going to pick up too much colour. I wouldn't use this brush however for very sheer powders because it takes too long to apply colour, nor would I use it for loose powders because I struggle to pick up a small amount of product (the powder gets caught between the longer bristles because they're too sparsely packed).

What it is good for however is pressed powders that are a little on the soft side, because it won't kick up too much product if you use it lightly, whereas denser brushes might.

I'm also not sure how you would use this brush (or any other in the set) for cream or liquid products because I think the long bristles are too sparse and blending would be a nightmare. I'm only putting a question mark over that however because I use my fingers for creams and liquids so I haven't tried these brushes for that purpose.

I've had this set for a while now and the brushes are yet to shed or lose their shape, although the white bristles have been dyed (that's why they look brown in the above photos) and I can't seem to wash the colour off, no matter what products I use to clean them.

In sum, I do like this brush but I don't think that it - or any other in this set - is essential, and you're better off starting with the core Real Techniques range if you don't already have an armoury of brushes in your collection.