Real Techniques - Giveaway

Are you familiar with iHerb? It is an online store that sells everything from groceries to supplements. I love iHerb for their fabulous prices. iHerb is teaming up with me to give away set of brushes Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman that I reviewed recently!

This is open worldwide with a few caveats:
An international winner will be responsible for paying any additional customs taxes/duties on the prize. The winner needs to register to iHerb.com in order to claim their prize. While iHerb will take care of shipping costs, the winner needs to be in a country that iHerb ships to. To see if iHerb ships to your country, go to iHerb.com, add a product to the shopping cart, and then click the drop down Country menu below the shopping cart to see if your country is in the list.


To Enter:

1. Register at iHerb, if you don't have an account already, you'll automatically get a $5 discount too.

2. Follow me with Bloglovin or GFC.

3. Leave your name and email address when you leave a comment so that I can contact you if you win.
4. If you’re a reader outside of the USA, please tell me your country.
This giveaway closes on May 31, 2012 at midnight. The winners will be selected from random.org.
Good luck!

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Core Collection

The Real Technique brushes by Samantha Chapman seem to be a hot topic at the moment. I like the Pixiwoo girls, and have always been really intrigued by these brushes every time Sam and Nicola used them in their videos. I decided to purchase the Core Collection, costing $17.99 for 4 brushes at iHerb.com. The price of the set is pretty reasonable when compared to the likes of Mac's brushes however they are not as cheap as brands such as Eco Tools.

If you want great quality brushes, for an amazingly reasonable price then I can really recommend these. The brushes are made out of a lightweight metal with a black rubber bottom and feel sturdy, the bristles are Taklon and are nice and soft on the skin, I also haven't experienced any shedding. The brushes in this set are a metallic looking copper color, and her name and the type of brush is printed on each one. These are nice quality brushes and the small size makes them perfect for using on all areas of the face.


For the core collection, the foundation and concealer brush are narrow, soft and tapered but the two brushes from this set that really stand out are the smaller sized blusher brush - it's perfect for adding a bit of contour under the cheek. The larger, domed top powder brush is large but dense enough to buff foundation into skin to finish. 

Contour Brush: It is very soft and fluffy and has a slightly domed shape. Recommended to use for applying highlighter, I also like to use this brush to apply bronzer. 

Pointed Foundation Brush: This is a pretty standard foundation brush and probably the brush I have used the least from the set, however it's always handy to have an extra foundation brush on hand. 

Detailer Brush:It is a smaller slightly pointed brush that recommended for use with concealer or lipstick. Also it great for targeting individual blemishes that may need a bit of extra concealing. 

Buffing Brush:  It’s very soft and great size. This is my favourite brush from the collection and the one I use the most. I have found it great for buffing in foundation and powder blushers as well as face powder and highlighter, it's a very versatile brush and the flat head helps produce a flawless finish.

I have to say I love these brushes and the buffing brush has found it's way into my everyday make up routine. I'm not a make-up expert, so wouldn't feel happy spending a fortune on a brush set - but these are the ideal balance of excellent value for money and high quality. It’s nice to have brushes which are more affordable and it means you can buy more too!  )

Lovely mini kabuki EcoTools

EcoTools^® cosmetic brushes are what started it all! The iconic look of the sleek bamboo, gorgeous recycled aluminum and incredibly soft bristles are only part of what makes EcoTools, EcoTools.

Cosmetic brushes are beautiful and show respect for the earth. They are 100% cruelty-free, have incredibly soft bristles made of synthetic taklon and have handles made of bamboo and recycled aluminum ferrules.

EcoTools, Beautiful Expressions Kabuki Set

Brushes are really well-made, durable, soft, affordable, cruelty-free & highly portable (with a brush guard). Apart from the buff brush, I'm really happy with how the rest of the brushes apply with powder. At $ 3.5 / brush I think they are worth it! Brushes are small, 2.5 inches tall. I like it for traveling too, would throw in a brush guard and travel with this.

Where to buy:  I got these at iherb.com for $13.95, here’s the direct link with $5 off, if you new costumer.  I believe  you can also find these at target.

More of each of them:

Conceal: A mini softly-pointed brush. This brush is great for creams & liquid. The tapered top and slim shape is really good to go into the crevices of your face.

Bronze: This is definitely not for creams, but great as a blush brush (which is what I use), or bronzing brush. I feel like the shape is just right for my cheeks.

  

  

Contour: A soft dome shaped brush used for contouring blush. It says it’s a contour brush, but I used this to buff in my powder foundation and it really picks up the product and buffs into my skin perfectly.

   

Buff:  A mini flat-headed brush perfect for buffing product into your face or wiping off excess blush or powder. The denseness is similar to the bronze kabuki, but  brush is a little small for all over the face dusting. , and hence was a little disappointed with this.

Hope you enjoyed my review!

EcoTools Accessories

If you don't know much about Eco Tools Brushes, they're great quality brushes but are also eco friendly - they're made of recycled material and are cruelty free which is fantastic. 

EcoTools, Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set

I found on iHerb.com this one for $10 which I think is amazing seeing as these sets are $20 in the shops!

The five brushes you get are a Lash / Brow groomer, a Concealer Brush, a Blush Brush, and two Eye brushes. It also comes with a little pouch to keep them in!

Blush brush - this is so soft! Very nice to use a brush)

Concealer brush - a good brush, but it would be a smaller size to mask small pimples

Lash and Brow Groomer. Now this one I haven't used very much, and I'll definitely use it next time I do my brows!

Eye Shading Brush and Eyeliner Brush. It truly is great. They picks up product well and because it's rounded you can really get some shape on your lids with it.

In conclusion I want to say that's great. They really are great brushes if you can't afford Sigma etc.

Earth Therapeutics, Loofah Bath Pad

Tasted and so loved that lingered in the bathroom ... I really liked

EcoTools, Sustainable Moisture Socks

Socks are so soft and comfy, so are my feet after using them for a night. However not for thin feet, as tend to fall out during the night.

EcoTools, Bamboo Mini Nail Files

Large grit made filing/sculpting my nails so quick. I think the grit could be a bit smaller and still be effective, but I am pleased with the files overall.  good size to fit easily in a travel case or a purse.

EcoTools, Bamboo Mini Foot File

It is very usefull. Destroying all calluses, highly recomended.

EcoTools, Loofah Facial Sponges

When wet these sponges are very gentle to skin. Clean and exfoliate very softly. They are so cheap though, still a good value.

Hope you enjoyed my review!