Product Review: Real Techniques Stippling Brush

For an artist, his tools are probably his best friend. For a makeup artist, it is her/his makeup brushes. This is one tool you should probably invest in more and yes dolls, quality DOES matter.

In my case, I can never get enough of them. I'm always interested on new ones that come out and with Real Techniques who has gotten great raves from all types of review, my curiosity got the best of me!

I've never own a stippling brush before this one because I've put so much faith on my beauty blender for flawless foundation application. But then again, cleaning the beauty blender is never an easy feat. The stains could be an OC's worst nightmare. So, everyone was saying how a stippling brush could achieve almost the same effect as that of an airbrush machine and it is very easy to clean, I was instantly on the hunt for the perfect stippling brush. That was the tricky part. I've read different people's experience with theirs shedding badly and leaving streaks when they apply makeup. I had to do extra research.

Stumbling upon Real Techniques, I was sold by two points: 1)Endorsed and is a brainchild of a popular Youtube guru-Sam Chapman, half of Pixiwoo 2) very affordable yet of high quality. If it disappoints, less tears would be shed :) So, I went on multiply.com to look for local reseller of the brush. 

I bought mine from yourfabfindsonline.multiply.com from their pre-order service at Php 650.00 (approx. US$15.00). I had to wait a couple of weeks before it got to me but I guess the waiting only "amped up the ante"! hahaha...

The brush is purely synthetic. In fact, all Real Techniques brushes are made from synthetic fiber (cruel-free!). Now, for the true girly girls out there, the color would be enough to get hook on this brush--it's pink and shiny! :D The appearance is totally something I've never seen before in a makeup brush. The body of the brush is almost completely ferrule (probably aluminum) except for the base which is made of rubber to provide a  better grip and is flat at the bottom so you're able to stand the brush on a flat surface (very innovative!).

I've had this now for 3 months and I consider this as one of my favorites by now. Though I rarely used this for foundation simply because the head itself is a bit small. I love this for finishing powders, blushes (cream and powder), and contouring/bronzing powders. The brush picks up just the right amount of product so you have more control on how much you put on your face ideal for really pigmented products.

The head is small but quite dense. I've already washed this numerous times and so far no shedding for me! Dries really quickly. Great, especially if you're to use this for several purposes.

My problem with regular brushes is come deep cleaning time. I have to be extra careful when running the brush heads under running water careful not to let the water sip through the short ferrule as it may loosen the glue that holds the head from its wooden body. With this one, I don't have to worry much. Practically pain-free to wash!

I love this brush so much I'm planning to buy several back-ups and probably try other brushes from Real Techniques especially their Core Collection.

If you haven't tried any of their brushes, I suggest you should! Highly recommend it. :D

Till then,

Maven "Beyond the Blush : A Beauty Blowout" (2nd Leg)

Hey everyone! Sorry for being MIA for a couple of months. My sister got married and I was a bit busy doing a couple of stuff. Anyways, I haven't been out on events lately and I have to say that I've really missed it. Well, Luckily, Maven Magazine had set us an irresistible treat -  a beauty blowout! :D 

As you know, this is the 2nd leg for this event. The first one was held at the Trinoma Mall which I was not able to attend so this time around, I made sure not to miss it. Thankful too that it was held at Glorietta 3 near Rustan's (a venue I'm pretty much familiar with).

I arrived early so as not to miss anything and so that I could freely check out the booths before the workshops begin. Only a couple of people are there and I was fifth from the pre-registered participants list to arrive. A lot of great sponsors and participants! After registering upfront, I went to the Sweet Patti Cakes station for a complementary cupcake with an M gum paste embellishment for Maven. How cute!

First booth that caught my eye was Snoe's. They have a lot of their products on display and the person manning the booth was actually very friendly and accommodating. I haven't tried any of their products before so I hover around to test a couple of samples of their products.

I'm always on the look out for a great non-greasy sun protection so I think Snoe's Here Comes the Sunblock with Bengkoang is very promising! :D I've also spotted some hair extension clip-ons which are really fun to play around with! 

Digital Traincase was also present at the event. I had the pleasure of swatching and getting acquainted with their products (so I'd know what to order online next)!

The Face Shop was there to offer us Mavens a free makeover.

Another familiar exhibitor is Milea Mineral Makeup which is from the same company as All Organics skin care.  I've been a customer of All Organics for a while now so it was great seeing them there. Look at all those pretty minerals!

Workshops was scheduled to start at 1:00 PM and would last up until 6:00 in the evening. We were welcomed by Myx VJ Bianca Roque who's the host for the entire afternoon. She gave us a rundown of what was in store for us ladies. 

First on the list was a lecture on personality development by Bb. Plipinas - Universe 2002 Ms. Karen Agustin-Ostrea which is now a Director for Global Image Management.

She gave us tips on how to dress according to our body shape, for the office, and also on how to determine our color personality. Here she is doing a consultation with one lucky volunteer...

Then, we were treated to a makeup demo by Benefit's Chief Makeup Diva, Ms. Mica Tuaño-Fuentes. She introduced several new offerings from Benefit which are definitely a must to watch out for. 

One participant also was able to get made over by Ms. Mica bringing out her natural flush and beauty!

A representative from Prime Skincare Asia was present to talk us through proper skin care regimen (very informative) with the aid of Nivea Philippines, one of the event's generous sponsors.

Nivea Philippines raffled out several goody bags much to the girls' delight!

On a different note, Mr. Ben Ampil took the floor to give us a lecture on money and basically some general guidelines on how to pave the way for success. 

He taught us very helpful tips one of which is to compare success as to having a taxi ride. We should ask ourselves 1) Where do you want to go? 2) How do want to get there?  and 3) And how would you know if you're already there? very enlightening! I must say, he is a very entertaining speaker. Really enjoyed it. :D

Next up is a makeup demo by The Face Shop. Their models for the day were very pretty. They are the winner and the runner up of a contest they've previously held. TFS makeup artists did different looks on each model. One for night time and one for the Day. Then, they raffled out a couple of their products.

Last workshop for the day is from Tokyo Posh. Ms. Denise Aquino, owner of Tokyo Posh, graced the event and gave a demo on how easy it is to change looks without fully committing to a new hair cut! Because of how impressive these hair extension clip-ons are, I am now a believer and can't wait to own my very own! It was amazing! :D

And to cap off the event, registered participants were treated to impressive Maven loot bags containing products from various sponsors who made the event a complete success. 

It was the perfect ending to a fun-filled afternoon. If ever a 3rd leg would come about or another Maven event come up, I highly recommend you guys to come and participate. You will sure enjoy it! And make sure to grab a copy of Maven Magazine available at National Bookstores.


Till then,