Real Techniques Your Picks Berlin Holiday Set - Review And Giveaway - CLOSED

For someone who never used to use, or see the point in make up brushes, it's safe to say that I'm now slightly obsessed with them. I have 5 jars and vases full of make up brushes, and I have several more squirrelled away in make up bags and drawers. I've said it before and I'll say it again though , a cheap brush doesn't make a bad brush, and if you were to have a look through my brush collection then you'd see that I have brushes from a huge variety of brands and at a variety of different price points.

One of the brush brands of the moment is of course Real Techniques, the beauty tool brand founded and championed by professional make up artists and You Tubers Sam and Nic aka Pixiwoos. As much as I love watching their tutorials up until recently I only owned a couple of their brushes, a stippling brush and an eyeliner brush. I'd heard a lot of great things about their brush sets but if I'm being honest I couldn't really justify buying a full brush set. I didn't desperately need any more brushes, and even though I view Real Techniques as being a made range brand I couldn't really justify the cost.

You know how it goes though, you stay strong for so long and then you just say sod it and buy it anyways. Well that's exactly what happened when I saw this set, the Real Techniques By Sam & Nic Your Picks Berlin Brush Set.

Comprising of 5 brushes for the face and eyes, this limited edition set is Real Techniques first ever fan voted kit. Way back in April, Real Techniques gave their fans the opportunity to vote via their Instagram and social media pages for which brush design they liked the best. All of the brushes were themed around cities, and the designs reflected local landmarks, art and culture. I'm going to be honest and say that I preferred the brighter Sydney or Shanghai designs, but this set Berlin was the clear winner.

The inspiration for this design came from the multi cultural Berlin street art scene, with the brushes reflecting abstract paintings, street murals and graffiti. All of the brushes are cruelty free and are made from 100% synthetic duo fibres so they can be used with liquids, creams and powders. The main metal section of the brush handle features an abstract black and white, which depending on how you look at it could be a cow print, or even brush strokes. The name of each brush is also printed on the side in hot pink / purple colour. In direct contrast to the black and white design, and the monochrome brush hairs, the end of the brush handle is also in a bright pink / purple plastic which has a slightly rubberised feel for easy grip.

As I say this kit contains 5 full sized brushes, for both the face, and the eyes. It's a real essentials kit, and it's perfecting for trying out Real Techniques for the first time, or for expanding you make up brush collection 

Buffing Brush

If you're a loose or pressed powder fan or if like so many of us, you love the look and ease of mineral foundation, then this is the brush for you. It's super soft and fluffy, but it isn't too big so you can apply the powder exactly where you need it.

I've been mainly using this brush with both loose and pressed powder and I've found it a really easy brush to use. It picks up powder with ease, and it feels gentle on the skin but at the same time it's firm enough to do the job. 

When I first used this brush I notice a little bit of shedding and as you probably see in the photos above some of the hairs were slight splayed. I do think that this was probably down to the packaging though rather than down to any manufacturing issue. The brushes are quite tightly packed it a piece of foam so I think that may be why some of the hairs were slightly displaced.

Contour Brush

One of the key beauty trend of 2016 was contouring, or using powders and creams to re shape your face. As well as needing the right bronzers, concealers and highlighters you also need the right brushes to apply you make up.

This smaller slightly domed brush is perfect for applying a bit of highlighter to your cheekbones or even for popping a bit of colour into the hollows of your cheeks. I've mainly been using this brush with a powder highlighter, and again I was really impressed with the softness of the brush, and with how easy it was to use.

Stippling Brush 

I already have quite a few similar brushes in my collection, and whilst I do sometimes mix it up and apply my foundation with a different type of brush or sponge, I always end up coming back to the classic stippling brush.

This duo fibre brush not only features two different types of hairs, but the hairs themselves are actually different lengths for a more natural, feathery finish. The brush hairs again are super soft but at the same time the brush is substantial enough to hold it's shape even when it covered in liquid. I've been using this brush mainly with a liquid foundation, but I've also tried it with a cream foundation and I was equally impressed.

I did notice a little bit of shedding the first time I used it but it was a very easy brush to work with and unlike some brushes that I've used in the past it blended out the product very easily and I didn't really get any streaks, or uneven patches.

Deluxe Crease Brush

The last two brushes in the kit are both eye brushes and this one is the Deluxe Crease Brush which is specifically designed to contour and shape the eyelid.

This is quite an over sized fluffy crease brush, personally because I don't have a lot of lid space, I prefer a smaller more precise crease brush but I still think that I'll get a lot of use out of this brush. With a very steady hand I can use this brush to apply colour to my crease but I think I'm mainly going to be using this brush to blend and soften my eyeshadow, and maybe to apply a highlight colour to my brow bone, where I have a bit more space.

Like all of the other brushes in this kit this one was super soft, but it was substantial enough to the job. Again some of the hairs did look a bit splayed and I did actually notice a few loose hairs in this brush that came out when I first used it.

Base Shadow Brush

The final brush in the kit is the Base Shadow Brush. This brush is still pretty soft and fluffy but it's a lot smaller and as a result I think it's something that I will definitely be using on pretty much a daily basis.

As the name would suggest this brush is perfect for applying your base shadow colour all over your lid, personally though I would also use this brush for crease work and even for applying an eyeshadow primer. This is a super versatile brush and I think that it's one that most people would get a lot of use out of.

In fact I think that most people would get a lot of use out of this entire kit. This set contains 5 of the most useful essential brushes that everybody needs in their collection. These brushes look great and bar a couple of minor blips, the quality is excellent. All of the brushes were really easy to wash with minimal shedding and they were quick drying. 

I think that this kit would be perfect for someone who is new to make up or for anyone who wants to expand their make up brush collection in one easy step.

The Real Techniques Your Picks Berlin, is a limited edition set with a recommended retail price of around £25 and is available from all of the usual Real Techniques stockists including Boots, Superdrug and the Real Techniques website. This was a limited edition holiday kit though so you better get your skates on if you want to grab it before it disappears.

If you're having trouble finding it though, don't despair, in celebrating of the new year and LouLouLand reaching, 1,000,000 all time blog views,  I've managed to track down an extra set, which I'm going to be giving away to one of my lucky readers.

All you need to do is make sure you're following my blog and fill in the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open internationally and will end on Saturday 4th February x 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you've any questions on this post then please leave me a comment x Thanks for reading and good luck x 

Cruelty Free Make Up Brushes From L.A.B.2*

Many moons ago now when I first started using make up, I wasn't too bothered about what I used to apply it. I used to use a combination of my fingers, cotton buds, and cheap scratchy make up brushes, and then I used to wonder why I was so bad at applying make up!

With age comes experience though, and now I know that you need good tools to achieve that professional look and finish. Yes, I still use my fingers every now and then but I've now binned all of my scratchy and plasticy brushes, and I've managed to accumulate a nice selection of make up brushes from all different price points, that actually do the job that they're supposed to. Based on my experience I don't think that price is a factor when you're buying make up brushes, yes you can pay a lot of money for a good make up brush, but here's the thing, you don't have to! 

One of the newest brush brands that I've came across is L.A.B. 2. Under the tag line "Live And Breathe Beauty", L.A.B. 2 produce a wide range of  "Luxe For Less" individual brushes, brush sets and make up applicators, that are both hypoallergenic and 100% cruelty free.

Embracing some of the most cutting edge technology available to them, all of their products are made to the highest quality standards available. Each brush consists of a titanium plated ferrule which is non corrosive, and double crimped to prevent wear and tear, and hair loss. Attached to the ferrule is a matte black rubberised handle which is easy to grip, looks good and is easy to clean. 

Where these brushes come into their own though, is with the brush hairs and the heads themselves. Every brush from L.A.B. 2 contains their unique Fibre Luxe Technology. All of their brush heads are created from the best quality synthetics fibres, which are specially designed to mimic the cuticles and feel of real hair. They are also designed not to lose the shape, and they're designed to last.

A little while ago now I was sent two brushes from the range to try out for you, and they've been a staple in my beauty routine ever since.

L.A.B. 2 Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt Brush

This quirkly named brush is one of L.A.B.2's eyeshadow brushes, and at just £4.99, it's one of the cheapest brushes in their line.

With a shiny black ferrule, and a matte black rubberised handle with the name and use clearly printed on it, this is a typical slightly stubby, dome shaped eyeshadow brush.

The hairs are very smooth and soft but they're very densely packed, which gives you a nice and firm, and easy to control brush head. The brush is perfectly shaped and it has the perfect texture to pick up any type of product, be it a cream, a pressed powder, or a loose powder, with ease

The brush head is probably a little bit too big for detailed work, but it's perfect for applying eyeshadow all over the lid, and for blending.

L.A.B. 2 Don't Get Mad, Get Even Foundation Brush

I was also lucky enough to be sent L.A.B. 2's classic foundation brush. and I have to say that I've really enjoyed using it. Like so many people I've been experimenting with different brushes, and blending sponges but sometimes you need to revisit the classics.

I say classic but other than the shape of this brush, there is nothing classic about this brush. With the rubberised, easy grip handle, and the synthetic brush hairs. This brush is an updated version of the classic foundation brush that we all know and love.

With a flat head and a slightly tapered edge, this brush is perfect for applying both liquid and cream foundations, and for getting into those tricky areas around the nose and mouth.

Because these brushes are synthetic, you can use them with creams and liquids without damaging the brush. I've washed the foundation brush a couple of times already, and with just a bit of detergent and a bit of water, and a little bit of pressure, it comes up as good as new and I didn't lose a single hair in the process - result! This brush is a little bit more expensive at around £9.99 but in my opinion, it's still excellent value for money.

Although I've only tried a couple of the brushes from the L.A.B. 2 line I have to say I'm impressed. The brush quality is excellent, and I particularly love the rubberised handles, and the synthetic bristles, These brushes are both hypoallergenic and cruelty free and they retail at a really competitive, purse friendly price point. Prices start at around £4.99 for an eyeshadow brush and only go up to around £19.99 for a full brush set. You can find out more about L.A.B. 2 via their own website and you can also buy the brushes from various retailers including Asda, Ocado / Waitrose, Amazon and Superdrug. Have you tried L.A.B. 2 brushes? Let me know your thoughts x

*Samples

EcoTools Skin Perfecting BB / CC Brush - A Review For My Pure*

Over the last week I've spent at least an hour washing all of my make up brushes. Although I don't always buy the most expensive brushes I do have a bit of an obsession with make up brushes and over the years I think I've developed quite a nice little collection.

One of the brush brands that I've became a little bit obsessed with over the last year or so is Ecotools. Created by actress Alicia Silverstone, EcoTools is a range of both environmentally friendly and cruelty free make up brushes and accessories. As you can see from my Beauty Product Directory I've already tried out quite a few brushes from the range but as all good beauty bloggers know, you can't have too many brushes, so for one of August's My Pure reviews I decided to try out one of the brands newest additions.

The EcoTools Skin Perfecting BB / CC Brush is specially designed for applying both BB and CC creams, and tinted moisturisers but I've also been using to apply foundation.

Like the rest of the Ecotools brushes that I've tried this one comes in a reusable, recycled plastic and fabric pouch to protect your brush.

The brush itself has the familiar embossed, sustainable, bamboo handle and it features a recycled bronze tone, aluminium ferrule.The brush head itself if made from soft, but substantial, cruelty free synthetic hairs and it is cut at an angle.

The way the brush is cut enables you to get into all the nooks and crannies of your face. The slanted side and point of the brush fits perfectly around the contours of your eyes and nose, and the flat side of the brush is perfect for larger areas of the face. It doesn't drag and you're left with a smooth finish with minimal brush marks. I did lose a couple of hairs on my first use but it washed and dried well without any further shedding.

Like the rest of the brushes that I've tried in the range this is a decent brush. It's designed for thinner textured products such as BB and CC creams and tinted moisturisers, but it also works equally well with liquid foundations. I've used it with both a BB cream and a foundation (reviews on my both to come) and I've had similar results. It isn't the biggest brush out there but the shape of it means that it's ideal for both the larger areas of your face, and the areas where you need to be a bit more precise. In my opinion the EcoTools brushes are some of the best cruelty free brushes out there. Not only are they brushes with a conscience but the quality is there, and they aren't too expensive. The EcoTools Skin Perfecting BB / CC Brush normally retails at £6.99 from My Pure, but it's currently on special at just £5.94. Have you tried any of the EcoTools brushes? Leave me a comment and let me know your favourites x 

*Sample

Ecotools 6 x Mini Bamboo Brushes - A Review For My Pure*

Over the last few months I've really been loving my Ecotools make up brushes. Thanks to my participation in the My Pure bloggers scheme I've managed to accumulate a nice little collection of their face and eye brushes and I can't recommend them highly enough. If there is one thing that I don't need any more of though it's make up brushes - one day I will get round to showing you my brush collection but for the moment you'll just have to believe. Despite the fact that my brush vases are at bursting point though I couldn't resist getting some more Ecotools brushes as part of my February reviews for My Pure.

To be fair though these brushes are quite different to any of the other Ecotools brushes in my collection. Yes they have the same bamboo handle, recycled aluminium ferrules, and synthetic bristles but you just have to look at them to see the difference, they are tiny!

Measuring just over two inches in length, the brushes in this set of 6 Mini Bamboo Brushes mirror there much bigger cousins not in size but in ethics, construction and quality.

The set comprises of 6 identical brushes. Each brush has soft to the touch, flat bristles with a rounded tip. When used flat, the brush heads are quite firm making the brushes ideal for eyeshadow or concealer application but turn them onto their sides and the thin, precise edge for the brush makes it ideal for eyeliner or even as a lip brush.

I've tried these for both eyes and lips and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Admittedly the short handles do take a bit of getting used to but for travel, your handbag or where space is at a premium, these versatile brushes do a pretty good job. Unlike a lot of mini and short handle brushes the quality is excellent, they wash well and they compare favourably to the full size brushes in the Ecotools range.

I'm not saying that I would choose to use these everyday to do my full make up with but I can definitely see them having a place in my everyday, on the go make up bag and whilst I'm not planning on going on holiday this year, if I was these would be one of the first things that I would pack in my travel make up bag

The Ecotools 6 x Mini Bamboo Brushes usually retail at £4.99 from My Pure but they are currently on special at just £4.49.

(*Sample)

An Introduction To Make Up Revolution Pro Brushes

It's hard to believe that Make Up Revolution have been filling our budget make up fantasies for less than a year but ti's true. The brand have came on leaps and bounds since their launch, and now produce an ever expanding range of eye, lip and face products, as well as skincare items and now make up brushes!

If you're a follower of their instagram page and you've ever read some of the comments on their posts you'll know that what people really wanted to see from the brand was brushes. Well they listened, and after a sneaky peek in some of their Christmas sets, at the end of January they released their range of Pro Brushes.

The line consists of 9, super affordable face and eye brushes which range from £1.50 - £3 each. Despite the low price point these brushes are all made of soft, animal friendly synthetic fibres. They have quite a classic, expensive appearance and they remind me a little bit of the elf Studio brushes. Each brush has a black metal ferrule and a black handle which features the brand name and brush number embossed in gold. Each individual brush also comes in it's own plastic wallet for travel or storage.

Although I have lots and lots of make up brushes already I couldn't resist dipping my toe into the water and on launch day I tried to be restrained and ordered 4 brushes to try

Make Up Revolution Pro F103 Stippling Brush

One of my favourite types of face brush is the stippling brush and although I already have quite a few in my collection from all price points, I couldn't resist picking up another one.

Like the majority of them that I have this one has a flat top,and it has the look of a duo fibre brush with the black and white synthetic hairs.

Coming complete with a plastic brush head cover, this one isn't quite as dense or firm as some of them I own but the fibres are super soft.

Make Up Revolution are marketing this brush as a foundation brush, and whilst I think it it would be good for more prescise application around the eyes, nose and mouth I actually prefer a much bigger brush to apply my foundation. Instead I've been using this mainly with both powder and cream blushers. I also love brushes like this for applying my Chanel Bronze Universal in the summer so I think it's a brush that I will get a lot of use out of all year round. The Make Up Revolution Pro F103 Stippling Brush retails at £3

Make Up Revolution Pro E101 Eyeshadow Brush

.

Ah eyeshadow brushes I have so many yet when I come to get one they're all dirty. I've said it before but I'm very much a use it once and wash it girl, so another eyeshadow brush never comes in wrong.

This is a basic eyeshadow brush, suitable for both cream and powder eyeshadows. It has rounded, slightly tapered black hairs and it is tiny!

It's a full size brush but the brush head on this is very small, I don't have a lot of lid space and even I needed to double and triple dip to cover my eyelid. For me it's small size, and firm bristles mean that for me this probably more of a detail brush. It would be excellent for applying a small amount of colour to the crease or for more detailed work, or even for smudging out liner. It 's a good brush but for me though it's just not big enough to use over the whole lid. This brush retails at £1.95

Make Up Revolution Pro E102 Eyeshadow Contour Brush

Another eyeshadow brush and this time it's the Eyeshadow Contour Brush. Again made of black fibres this brush features an angled.flat top head.

Unlike the last brush, this one is the perfect size. The angle of the brush fits the contours of the eye perfectly, and this brush is great for applying either a singular colour to the eye or for blending out shades or crease work. It doesn't feel quite as dense as the previous brush but the fibres are soft and it's firm enough to the job perfectly. This brush is also £1.95.

Make Up Revolution E103 Eyeshadow Blending Brush

Out of the 3 eyeshadow brushes that I got this is probably my favourite. It's the archetypal fluffy blending brush, but unlike a lot of them on the market the density and texture of this are spot on.

The black bristles are exactly right, it isn't too fluffy, it's evenly formed with very few splayed hairs, and it's solid enough to blend shadows evenly and without too much pressure. 

I particularly liked using this brush with cream shadows, but thinking outside the box I think this brush would also be good for popping a bit of powder under the eyes and even for buffing in a bit of concealer. It's a really versatile brush and I'm not surprised that it's currently sold out on the Make Up Revolution website. Again it's just £1.95 and it's the sort of brush you would use again and again.

My first dabble into Make Up Revolution's Pro Brush has been largely positive. I do have the odd quirk here and there but I can't argue with the quality. All of the brushes feel nice and soft on the skin and they wash like a dream, in fact in two washes I haven't lost a single hair from any of my brushes. 

I also love the fact that they're synthetic, not only does that mean that they're animal friendly but it also means that the brushes are more versatile and that you can use them with both liquids and powders, without damaging either your products or the brush fibres.

At the moment I think the brushes are just available from the Make Up Revolution website but If you're on a budget and you're looking for some new face and eye brushes I think the Make Up Revolution Pro Brushes are definitely worth a try. 

The individual brush prices are excellent but if your buying for a teen or someone who is relatively new to make up then you can also buy a kit, the Full Pro Brush Collection which contains all 9 brushes for £20 or you could buy a face collection, the Full Pro Face Collection which contains all 5 face brushes for just £14. I really hope that this is just the beginning and that we'll hopefully see some more brushes and accessories from the brand in the future. 

Have you tried any of the Make Up Revolution Pro Brushes yet?